Chernyakhovsk is a town in Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia, which before 1945 was known by its German name, Insterburg and was in East Prussia. It was captured by the Soviet Union and renamed Chernyakhovsk, after a Soviet general of WWII, later marshal Ivan Chernyakhovsky.

Insterburg was founded by the Teutonic Knights as a castle in 1336. The settlement came into existence nearby, this settlement was also called Insterburg after the castle. Town privileges were given to the settlement on 10 October 1583.

During the Second World War, the town was heavily damaged by British bombing on 27 July 1944. Insterburg was stormed by Soviet troops during 21 and 22 January 1945.

In 1946 the town name was changed into Chernyakhovsk, after a Soviet general.

Following its takeover, the Soviet Union removed East Prussians and replaced by population from the Soviet Union. Now the majority of population is Russians.

After the fall of the Iron Curtain a group of people introduced the Akhal-Teke horse breed to the area and opened an Akhal-Teke breeding stable.

Related article

• List of cities of Kaliningrad Oblast
• Ivan Chernyakhovsky

External link

• Akhal-Teke breeding farm and dressage club "Insterburg"