Black Ghost - Svajunas Jurkus — Attraction in Klaipėda

I had the pleasure of visiting Klaipėda while on a cruise, and the Black Ghost sculpture was the very first thing that caught my eye as we docked—it’s impossible to miss and much larger than I expected! Towering at 7.8 feet, this eerie and captivating bronze figure makes an immediate impression.

Emerging dramatically from beneath the walkway, the ghostly figure appears to be rising straight out of the water. Cloaked in a hooded robe and faceless, it manages to feel both mysterious and oddly expressive. The craftsmanship by artists Svajunas Jurkus and Sergejus Plotnikovas is truly remarkable—it’s not just a sculpture, it tells a story.

The legend behind it dates back to 1595 and adds so much intrigue to the piece. Knowing that it represents a ghost who once warned a castle guard about the city's resources gives the sculpture an added layer of meaning and spookiness. It’s like a piece of local folklore brought to life in the most artistic and haunting way.

If you’re stopping in Klaipėda, don’t just walk past—take a moment to appreciate this amazing work of art. It’s one of the most unique sculptures I’ve seen on my travels and an iconic photo spot that perfectly blends history, myth, and creativity....

The bronze sculpture, known as “Juodasis Vaiduoklis” (“The Black Ghost”) has been terrifying children since 2010. Sculpted by Svajunas Jurkus and Sergejus Plotnikovas, the figure is 7.8 feet in height, with about half below the level of the waterfront walkway and half above. Apart from the ghost’s hands, the hooded robe is empty inside, creating a strangely expressive spectral appearance despite the lack of any facial features. For many new arrivals, the main question regarding this creepy sculpture is: Why? Well, it’s all tied to a local legend that isn’t quite as terrifying as you would imagine. The legend dates back to 1595, when Hans von Heidi, one of the guards at Klaipėda Castle, was doing his nightly rounds near the harbor. From out of nowhere, a hooded figure appeared near the water’s edge. Rather than attack the startled guard, it asked him how the city’s supplies of grain and timber were holding out. Von Heidi informed the ghost that the city had sufficient supplies, but the ghost warned him it would not be enough. At that point, the...

Straightforward picture location just outside the old Mill hotel in Klaipeda.

Has the ability to provide audio and is a frequent stop for schools, tour groups etc along the many sculptures scattered across Klaipeda.

Looks especially amazing in the snow and on Halloween.

Very fast stop for a quick photo but...