Curonian Spit National Park

Curonian Spit National Park stretches along a narrow peninsula on Lithuania's Baltic Sea coast. This UNESCO World Heritage site encompasses the 52-meter Parnidis Dune, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views. Explore the Dead Dunes trail, cycle through pine forests, or observe millions of migratory birds at one of Europe's largest cormorant colonies near Juodkrantė. The park's unique landscape includes long sandy beaches, towering dunes, and small fishing villages with colorful wooden houses.

Geography and Landscape of Curonian Spit National Park

Curonian Spit National Park covers 273.89 square kilometers (105.75 square miles) of a narrow peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. The park extends for 98 kilometers, with about half belonging to Lithuania and the other half to Russia's Kaliningrad region. Large sand dunes, some reaching heights of up to 60 meters, dominate the landscape. Pine forests grow between these dunes, and long stretches of sandy beaches line both the sea and lagoon shores.

Sand Dunes and Forests

The park's most striking feature is its system of moving sand dunes. The Nagliai Nature Reserve, also known as the Dead Dunes, contains some of the largest examples of these mobile sands. You can explore this ecosystem on a cognitive trail while helping to protect the fragile environment. The park also includes extensive pine forests, with some trees over a hundred years old, and beaches along both the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon shores.

Wildlife and Bird Migration

Curonian Spit National Park serves as a crucial stopover point on the East Atlantic Flyway, a major bird migration route. Each year, millions of birds pass through the area, making it an excellent location for birdwatching. You can observe one of Europe's largest cormorant and heron colonies in a forest near Juodkrantė. The varied habitats within the park support numerous rare plant and animal species, many of which are included in Lithuania's Red Book of endangered species.

Cultural Heritage

People have inhabited the Curonian Spit since prehistoric times. Today, the park includes several small towns and villages that maintain their architectural styles and fishing practices. In Nida, the largest settlement, you'll see colorful wooden houses and old fishing boats. The park also contains several culturally important sites, such as the Hill of Witches in Juodkrantė, an outdoor sculpture park featuring wooden carvings of characters from Lithuanian folklore.

Main Points of Interest

Near Nida, you can climb the Parnidis Dune for views of the surrounding dunes, forests, and sea. A large sundial sits at its summit. The Nagliai Nature Reserve and its associated hiking trail allow you to experience the ecosystem of the moving dunes. In Juodkrantė, visit the Hill of Witches to see a collection of wooden sculptures depicting characters from Lithuanian myths and legends. While technically outside the national park boundaries, the Lithuanian Sea Museum in Smiltynė presents the region's maritime history.

Activities in the Park

You can participate in various activities within Curonian Spit National Park. Hike the trails, including the 1,200-kilometer Baltic Coastal Hiking Route that starts in the park, to explore the varied landscapes. Cycle between the park's settlements and points of interest on dedicated bike paths. In summer, swim and sunbathe on the beaches. Watch birds year-round, with peak migration periods in spring and autumn. Take boat trips on the Curonian Lagoon for a different perspective on the park's geography.

Visiting Curonian Spit National Park

To reach the Curonian Spit, take a 10-minute ferry ride from Klaipėda, Lithuania's third-largest city. Once on the spit, public buses connect the main settlements, or you can rent a bicycle for more flexible transportation. Visit between June and September for the warmest weather and most available activities. However, you can appreciate the park's natural beauty year-round. You can choose from various accommodation options, including campsites and hotels, with the town of Nida offering the widest selection of lodging.