Curonian Spit

Forest and setting sun along path to Smiltynė Beach

Smiltynė Beach and sand dunes near sunset

Curonian Spit sand dunes

Curonian Spit sand dunes and beach

Curonian Spit sand dunes and beach with waves

Rose hip fruit

Sunset along Klaipėda sea gate

Parnidis Dune

Parnidis Dune along water

Valley of Death (Mirties slėnis)

Kaliningrad seen from Lithuania

Wooden sculpture near Neringa

Sunset seen from Smiltynės Paplūdimys beach

What is the Curonian Spit?

The Curonian Spit is a unique and fascinating geographical feature located in the Baltic Sea region. Here's an overview:

1. Description: The Curonian Spit is a long, narrow sand dune peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.

2. Geography: It stretches for about 98 kilometers (60 miles) and varies in width from a minimum of 400 meters (1,300 feet) to a maximum of just under 4 kilometers (2.5 miles).

3. Divided Territories: The northern part belongs to Lithuania, while the southern part is part of Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast.

4. Formation: It's believed that the spit was formed about 5,000 years ago by the combined actions of sea currents, wind, and human activity. Over centuries, the sands shifted, and the present shape of the Curonian Spit has been influenced by human efforts to stabilize the dunes.

5. Cultural Importance: The spit has been inhabited since prehistoric times and has been influenced by various cultures including the Old Prussians, Germans, Lithuanians, and Russians. Due to its unique landscape and cultural significance, several villages and towns on the spit, like Nida and Juodkrantė, have become cultural and tourist hubs.

6. Natural Importance: The Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its unique landscape of forests, dunes, and beaches. It is home to a variety of fauna and flora and is especially known for its migrating birds, making it an essential location for bird watching.

7. Threats: The fragile ecosystem of the Curonian Spit has faced threats from natural processes and human activities over the years. Efforts to stabilize the moving dunes, reforest certain areas, and conserve its natural beauty have been ongoing.

8. Tourism: Besides its natural beauty, the spit offers a mix of cultural and historical sites. The combination of unique landscapes, historical sites, and Baltic Sea beaches makes it a popular tourist destination.

The Curonian Spit stands as a testament to the delicate balance between human activity and nature, showcasing how both can coexist and shape the environment over millennia.

Background

Between July 13th to 19th, 2023, I visited Klaipėda in Lithuania. During this time, I visited and stayed on the Curonian Spit. It's an extended stretch of beach with sand dunes that can be accessed from Lithuania by ferry.

Getting To Klaipėda

There are various ways to get to Klaipėda. The airport is very small so do not expect to fly here. Most people come by car or ferry.

I arrived in Klaipėda after taking an express shuttle/ bus from Riga, Latvia serviced by Ollex.

Another way to get to and from Klaipėda is by ferry. These are overnight cruises from Germany or Sweden.

Getting To The Curonian Spit

There are both passenger and car ferries to the Curonian Spit.

Senoji perkėla (Šiaurinis ragas) - passenger ferry cost € 1.50 in July of 2023 to go both ways.

Things To Do On The Curonian Spit

I visited the Curonian Spit multiple times.

1. The first time was just so use the ferry and see the beach. I took the last ferry back just before sunset.
2. The second time I rented a bike and spent the whole day biking through the forests. I biked for several hours, far down the beach.
3. The third time I stayed in a hotel near the beach and went swimming plus walking on the beach. I was able to stay and see the sunset, which was impressive. During this time, I took a bus near the hotel to the very end of the beach, in Nida. From here I hiked as far as I could in the sand dunes.

There is wildlife on the Curonian Spit as well. While here, I saw a moose, a fox and a deer.

The Curonian Spit has a museum, many restaurants, bars and cafes as well.

In The City of Klaipėda

Cafés

• 10 tiltų - a place to sit, talk and work with WiFi, coffe and pastries

Bars/ Breweries

• Leika - classic dive bar with punk vibes (one of, if not the oldest, bar in the city)
• HOFAS - large outdoor bar with food vendors, stage, warehouse along Danė river
• Švyturys - brewery and bar

On The Curonian Spit

Restaurants Near Old Ferry Terminal, Smiltynė

• Nerija Bbq & grill
• Alynas

Hotel Near Old Ferry Terminal

• Pakrantė