Hello. You’re now standing on the historic land of Tauralaukis – a crossroads of ancient roads, a manor, and the meeting place of a king and an emperor. Just imagine, once upon a time, people from different civilisations, warriors, and even noblemen walked this land, and now, we’re following in their footsteps, guided by the threads of history. Isn’t that wonderful?
I must note that the Tauralaukis area has attracted people since ancient times, with lush oak forests thriving along the banks of the Dangė River and the flooded meadows teeming with rich grasslands. The oldest manor in the Klaipėda area mentioned in written records is the Great Tauralaukis Manor, with its name (Tawerlacken) first being mentioned in 1500. It’s believed that the name derives from the words tauras, meaning auchor, and laukas, meaning field, likely referring to the presence of auchors near the large oak trees in the area. However, the name of the area is still debated, with one version even linking it to the surname of Hans Turlak. Historical sources mention two manors in Tauralaukis: the Great Tauralaukis Manor, which was situated on the right bank of the Dangė River, in the area now occupied by the Klaipėda University Botanical Garden; and the Minor Tauralaukis Manor, located on the left bank of the Dangė River, which was established in 1539. The manor’s central palace, a road guard building, four outbuildings, and part of the park have been declared protected. It’s believed that the famous meeting between King Frederick William III of Prussia and his wife Louise, and the Russian Emperor Alexander I, took place in Tauralaukis in 1802.
In 1807–1808, the Prussian royal family, residing in Klaipėda, often visited Minor Tauralaukis Manor. In 1900, a memorial stone was unveiled in the manor’s park to honour Queen Louise and an oak tree was named after her.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Dangė valley was home to a restaurant owned by the manor, where visitors could enjoy a delicious meal and have a great time. In keeping with the times, it offered entertainment such as merry-go-rounds, billiards, and bowling, making it a popular spot for the city’s most distinguished guests. In later years, Memel and Tauralaukis were frequently visited by the descendants and heirs of King Frederick William III of Prussia and Queen Louise. However, that’s another fascinating chapter of the glorious history of these lands, which we invite you to explore on a romantic water bus sightseeing trip along the Dangė River.