World Heritage sand dunes in Lithuania
Written by Amanda Kendle
If you’re chasing World Heritage sites or just want to go somewhere peaceful while you’re in the Baltics, I think a trip to the Curonian Spit in Lithuania is a good choice. On a map, you can see the Curonian Spit heading up the south Lithuanian coast, but it actually starts in Kaliningrad (that strangely disconnected part of Russia).
This spit of land is a long, skinny strip of pine forest with fantastic beaches, and you can reach it by ferry from the mainland Lithuanian city of Klaipeda. It was registered on the World Heritage List in 2000 because of the sand dunes which start shortly before the Russian section. The last time I was there, a film crew was on site at the dunes, and I guess they were filming a desert scene in northern Europe – a rare sight.
According to some people, the fantastic beaches are great for swimming at, but I was there in mid-summer and only dipped a toe in – it was freezing. There was an elderly local woman there swimming nude, so obviously it’s warm enough for some, but don’t say I didn’t warn you.
The beach looks beautiful. I would never have thought of Lithuania as a travel destination, but after reading your post, and seeing that photo, I would. Thank you for expanding my world-view.
Gail, happy to hear that you enjoyed the post, written by Amanda Kendle, and it made you think that you’d like to visit somewhere you hadn’t previously considered.
[...] along the coast – often Palanga or Nida, nearby resorts, the latter of which is found on the Curonian Spit – and I have to admit, the only reason I spent a night in Klaipeda was to take the ferry over [...]
:)) Yeah Lithuanians are real Northern Europeans. While some weather might seam too cold for most of us, they say it’s getting too hot already! Water obviously is cold in Baltic Sea. I did get to swim in there and i think it helped me to get immunity for all winter. :) But the smell of pine trees in the air and refreshing breeze as you drive your bike by the beach can be so good to your health and make you sleep like a rock at night. :) Curonian Spit is a top destination for elderly Germans. They know the deal. :) I personally adore Lithuania, it’s no doubt a gem of the Baltics.