This winter's cold is just a glimpse: what winters have frozen Lithuania for centuries
The article discusses historical winters in Lithuania, highlighting their intensity compared to the current winter.
The article explores the history of severe winters in Lithuania, particularly along the Baltic Sea, illustrating how past winters were far harsher than the recent ones. It mentions various activities that took place during these frosty seasons, such as the transformation of maritime objects into ice sculptures and the use of ice sailing vessels in Klaipėda. The winters of 1322-1323 and 1398-1399 are specifically noted for their extreme cold, with waterways like the Baltic and the Adriatic freezing over, allowing travel across the ice.
Additionally, the piece reflects on the current winter of 2025-2026, suggesting that it is relatively mild in comparison. Historical records from regional archives in Klaipėda show that community sentiment about the severity of winter may be skewed by a lack of familiarity with prior extreme winters. The article includes references to prominent photographers who documented these freeze events, providing a vivid connection to Lithuania's cultural and environmental history.
This piece serves not only as a reminder of the historical climate realities faced by the region but also contributes to ongoing discussions about climate change and how contemporary experiences differ from historical weather patterns. It contextualizes current temperatures against a backdrop of past extremes, urging readers to consider the long-term implications of climate variability and its social memory.