The amber coast

The Lithuanian Baltic seacoast is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. White sand beaches are followed by

dunes, while fresh pinewoods separate beaches from settlements. It is on our country’s coast that the Baltic Sea washes ashore the most beautiful am-ber in the world. The sea resorts of Lithuania themselves can be compared to an amber necklace, where every town or settlement, just like the “sun stone” itself, has its own characteristic glow.

Klaipėda is the country’s sea gateway – it is the largest centre of industry and culture in western Lithuania. It is also one of the

most rapidly developing cities in the country. During the warmer months, Palanga becomes the summer capital of Lithuania – its pedestrian walk-ways, beaches, restaurants, bars, and clubs are alive with a variety of enter-tainment and cultural events. When it is cold outside, this seaside resort in the pinewoods is an excellent place for conferences, seminars, or much-de-served relaxation in the warmth of a health spa.

The Curonian Spit has been declared a UNESCO world heritage site – a real miracle created by sand, wind and people between

two bodies of water. It includes an impressive panorama of dunes – the white Volant sand beauties playing with the wind; the still, Gray (Dead) Dunes that once covered over several villages; and green, sandy hills over-grown with old woods. Romantic settlements that have preserved a tradi-tional fishermen’s architectural style harmoniously match the surrounding nature.

The eastern coasts of the Curonian Bay are completely different. The fishing delta of the Nemunas fascinates visitors with the

beauty of its lush wild nature, fauna, and abundance of birds. The old fishingvillages – Rusnė, Mingė, Kintai and Dreverna – smell of freshly smoked fish. The Ventės ragas lighthouse looks like a beacon for migrating birds; it seems to welcome the winged travellers to the nearby bird tagging station – one of the oldest in Europe.

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Klaipėda – sea gateway to Lithuania

Klaipėda, the only seaport in Lithuania, is also the most northern ice-free port in the Baltic Sea. The seaport, located on a sea strait and the Curonian Bay, is the industrial and cultural centre of Lithuania’s seacoast and the third largest town in the country.

Klaipėda was already known as a trade centre in the 13th century when it was visited by merchants from the North and West that crossed the Baltic Sea. The city was officially founded on August 1, 1252; it was established on the old lands of the Curonians and belonged to the ethnographic region of Samogitia. The Germans controlled this strategic port for 500 years (until 1923) during which time it was called Memel. We are reminded of this period by a whole block of fachwerk style buildings located in Klaipėda’s old town; stone

houses with Jugendstil (modern) elements from the mid-19th century are located nearby.

The music scene really heats up on the coast in the summer – there are many music fes-tivals and concerts to be enjoyed. Jazz aficionados shouldn’t miss the international Pilies Jazz Festival at the beginning of June. But it is the famous Sea Festival which has been held in Klaipėda since 1934 that blows all other festivals out of the wa-ter. Sport dancing anyone? Klaipėda’s Žuvėdra ensemble – European and world champions on multiple occasions – is a must-see for anyone who loves dance.

Klaipėda attracts visitors with its excellent recreational possibilities: its old town, the spacious white sand beaches of Smiltynė separated from

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the town by a strip of pinewoods, as well as the easy to reach beaches of Melnragė or Giruliai are but a few examples of the outdoor places that can be enjoyed here. The city has a wide selection of cafes, restaurants, and nightclubs – many different cuisines and styles to choose from. Almost 40 hotels, guesthouses, and rentable cottages are located in the city.

Klaipėda is part of the Baltic Sea cruise ship route. The cruise ship terminal and Pilies yacht port are located in the very centre of the city. There are 5 international ferry routes, excellent roads leading to the seaport, and a small international airport in nearby Palanga. Therefore, we can say that all roads lead to Klaipėda – to the centre of the Lithuania’s seacoast.

Places to visit

Theatre square – the heart of the port and a favourite place for cultural events. Its colourful history dates back to the 17th century. Its focus: the Klaipėda drama theatre building built in 1819 – the oldest theatre building in Lithuania, and a sculpture of poet Simon Dach’s well known charac ter Tarava Anikė, erected in the poet’s memory in 1912. The square is surrounded by various folk art workshops, souvenir shops, and cafes. The history of Klaipėda city and region is de-picted in the Pilies and Mažoji Lietuva museums; many original heritage exhibits are also displayed in the Smithery (Kalvystės) Museum.

Klaipėda old town fachwerk block represents a whole “art island”: this ensemble of 7 buildings includes the Klaipėda Art Exhibition Hall; Barotti gallery is nearby; the whole pallet of seaport artists’ creations can be found in the Klaipėda Gallery. Also close by, are several very original art galleries. It soon becomes apparent that residents of Klaipėda have a sense of hu-mour. Just have a look at the snappy sculptures scattered about town: a village resident guiding a little child across a street, a happy cat, or the restored informational pillar at Birža bridge are all good examples.

Liepų Street, rich in neogothic and mo-dern buildings, is another art zone: in the gallery

of Pranas Domšaitis you will find the exhibits of this artist and other old Lithuanian art. Listen to the music of 48 bells from the beautiful neogothic Old Post Office Tower built at the end of the 19th

century – they chime every Sunday at noon; or witness one of the biggest clock exhibitions in Eu-rope at the Clock Museum. Nearby, you can find

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a monument to the author of the first Lithuanian fiction book Kristijonas Donelaitis. A sculpture in memory of Lithuanian writing pioneer Marty-nas Mažvydas adorns the beautiful Lietuvninkai Square. The Mažvydas Sculpture Park, created by the Soviet government, is located on the site of the old Klaipėda cemetery. Over 100 modern artists’ works are displayed there.

When you cross the narrow strait sepa-rating Klaipeda from the Neringa peninsula, you arrive in Smiltynė – the spearhead of the Curonian Spit. Here you will find the popular Lithuanian Maritime Museum, Aquarium and Dolphinarium – annually visited by over 0.5 million people. The museum complex, located in the former Kopgalis castle, includes a rich and attractive marine life exhibition; dolphin and California sea lion perfor-

Klaipėda – sea gateway to Lithuania

mances attract many spectators and are organized in the Dolphinarium. Other interesting activities of the museum include dolphin therapy for children with disabilities. You can familiarize yourself with the history of Lithuanian sea navigation by visiting the exhibition in the former castle’s dungeons. The Curonian Spit National Park Nature Museum is also located in Smiltynė. Interesting and diverse

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expositions of the nature found on this peninsula are displayed in three ancient buildings.

The most beautiful pano-rama of Klaipėda, Smiltynė’s pinewoods and the sea can be enjoyed from the 50 metre high tower of St. Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Church. But the best way to see the most picturesque views of the national park’s dunes, the Curonian Spit, and coastal areas is to travel by ship in the Curonian Bay.

If you want a wilder natural setting, go to the Seacoast Regional Park between Klaipėda and Palanga which is located on a 30 km strip. Karklė village, a settlement of amber collectors and fishermen, is a haven for holidaymakers searching for tranquillity. The historically interesting Black Castle (a seacoast castle used during World War II) – can also be found in the park. It is now an informational exposition featuring places to visit in the park.

Beer from the 220 year old Švyturys bre-wery is also considered a calling card of Klaipėda. The brewery organizes excursions where visitors can experience several varieties of the famous brew firsthand to determine for themselves whether it really deserves the title of being best in the world…difficult research, but somebody has to do it!

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Klaipėda – sea gateway to Lithuania

KLAIPĖDA TOURISM AND CULTURE INFORMATION CENTRE 7 Turgaus StreetTel. +370 46 412 186, fax +370 46 412 185tic@klaipedainfo.lt; www.klaipedainfo.lt

GARGŽDAI TOURISM INFORMATION CENTREKlaipėda region15 Klaipėdos Street, GargždaiTel.: +370 46 473 416, +370 682 338 72tourgargzdai@delfi.lt; www.klaipedos-r.lt/turizmas

PILIES MUSEUM4 Pilies Street, tel. +370 46 410 524info@mlimuziejus.lt; www.mlimuziejus.lt

MAŽOJI LIETUVOS HISTORY MUSEUM6 Didžioji Vandens Street, tel. +370 46 410 524info@mlimuziejus.lt; www.mlimuziejus.lt

SMITHERY MUSEUM 2 Šaltkalvių Street, tel. +370 46 410 526kalvyste@mlimuziejus.lt; www.mlimuziejus.lt

CLOCK MUSEUM 12 Liepų Street, tel.: +370 46 410 414, 410 413 klm@takas.lt; www.muziejus.cjb.net

LITHUANIA SEA MUSEUM AND DOLPHINARIUMDOLPHINARIUM3 Smiltynės Street, tel.: +370 46 490 751, 490 754 3 Smiltynės Street, tel.: +370 46 490 751, 490 754 3 Smiltynės Street, tel.: +370 46 490 751, 490 754 olga@juru.muziejus.lt; www.juru.muziejus.lt olga@juru.muziejus.lt; www.juru.muziejus.lt olga@juru.muziejus.lt; www.juru.muziejus.lt

Lithuanian art museumLithuanian art museumPRANAS DOMŠAITIS GALLERY PRANAS DOMŠAITIS GALLERY 33 Liepų Street, tel.: +370 46 410 416, 410 412 33 Liepų Street, tel.: +370 46 410 416, 410 412 kpgdomsaitis@takas.ltkpgdomsaitis@takas.ltwww.muziejai.lt/panorama.htmwww.muziejai.lt/panorama.htm(museums in the region and towns – Klaipėda)(museums in the region and towns – Klaipėda)

KLAIPĖDA ART EXHIBITION HALLKLAIPĖDA ART EXHIBITION HALL3 Aukštoji Street, tel. + 370 46 314 4433 Aukštoji Street, tel. + 370 46 314 443Tel./fax +370 46 313 691Tel./fax +370 46 313 691info@parodurumai.lt; www.parodurumai.lt info@parodurumai.lt; www.parodurumai.lt

Klaipėda artists’ unionKlaipėda artists’ unionKLAIPĖDA GALLERY KLAIPĖDA GALLERY 4 Bažnyčių Street/10 Daržų Street4 Bažnyčių Street/10 Daržų StreetTel. +370 46 410 401Tel. +370 46 410 401violetaj@takas.ltvioletaj@takas.lt

KLAIPĖDA DRAMA THEATRE2 Teatro StreetTel. +370 46 314 464, fax +370 46 314 460klaipdramteatr@takas.lt; www.kldteatras.lt/

KLAIPĖDA MUSIC THEATRE19 Danės StreetTel.: +370 46 397 402, 397 407teatras@klaipedosmuzikinis.lt; www.muzikinis-teatras.lt/

KLAIPĖDA JAZZ CLUB ”KURPIAI”1a Kurpių StreetTel.: + 370 46 410 555, 410 333, +370 682 322 20 kongas@takas.lt; www.jazz.lt

Klaipėda German community SIMONAS DACHAS HOME7 Jūros Street, tel. +370 46 311 481sdh@klaipeda.omnitel.net; www.vdd.lt

SEACOAST REGIONAL PARK6 Vilties StreetTel./fax +370 46 412 483parkas@gmf.ku.lt; www.pajuris.info/lt

CURONIAN SPIT NATIONAL PARKCURONIAN SPIT NATIONAL PARKSMILTYNĖ VISITOR CENTERSMILTYNĖ VISITOR CENTER18 Smiltynės Street, tel./fax +370 46 402 25618 Smiltynės Street, tel./fax +370 46 402 256knnp@is.lt; www.nerija.lt knnp@is.lt; www.nerija.lt

Klaipėda ship repair companyKlaipėda ship repair company4 Pilies Street4 Pilies StreetTel. on call: +370 650 204 50, +370 618 346 40kastytis@ports.lt, info@ports.ltwww.ports.lt/jacht.php?www.ports.lt/jacht.php?

KLAIPĖDA YACHTING CENTREKLAIPĖDA YACHTING CENTRE25 Smiltynės Street, tel./fax: +370 46 391 131, 391 107 25 Smiltynės Street, tel./fax: +370 46 391 131, 391 107 jachtklubas@takas.lt; http://jachtklubas.w3.ltjachtklubas@takas.lt; http://jachtklubas.w3.lt

SMILTYNĖ FERRYI ferry – 8 Žvejų Street(in the old town – for pedestrians)(in the old town – for pedestrians)II ferry – 8 Nemuno StreetII ferry – 8 Nemuno StreetTel. on call: +370 46 311 117; www.keltas.ltTel. on call: +370 46 311 117; www.keltas.lt

INTERNATIONAL FERRY TERMINAL (ferries)INTERNATIONAL FERRY TERMINAL (ferries)10 Perkėlos Street, tel. +370 46 310 56110 Perkėlos Street, tel. +370 46 310 561www.scandlines.lt,www.scandlines.lt,Tel.: +370 46 395 111, +370 5 231 33 14www.lisco.lt/lisco/lines/lines.html

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Accommodation in KlaipėdaKlaipėdaK

Hotels

EUROPA ROYALE (4 star)21 Žvejų Street, tel. +370 46 404 444klaipeda@europaroyale.com; www.hoteleuropa.lt

KLAIPĖDA (4 star)1 N. Sodo Street, tel. +370 46 404 372hotel@klaipedahotel.lt; www.klaipedahotel.lt

NAVALIS (4 star)23 H.Manto Street, tel./fax +370 46 404 200info@navalis.lt; www.navalis.lt

RADISSON SAS (4 star)28 Šaulių Street, tel. +370 46 490 800 info.Klaipeda@RadissonSAS.com www.Radisson.com/klaipedalt

VECEKRUG (4 star)23 Jūros Street, tel. +370 46 301 002info@vecekrug.lt; www.vecekrug.lt

ARIBĖ (3 star)17 a Bangų Street, tel. +370 46 490 940hotel@aribe.lt; www.aribe.lt

BALTPARK (3 star)119 Minijos Street, tel. +370 46 380 803klaipeda@baltpark.com; www.baltpark.com

LŪGNĖ (3 star)16 Galinio pylimo StreetTel./faxTel./faxT +370 46 411 884el./fax +370 46 411 884el./faxlugne@pajuris.lt; www.lugne.com

MAGNISIMA (3 star)11 J. Janonio StreetTel./faxTel./faxT +370 46 310 901el./fax +370 46 310 901el./faxmagnisima@klaipeda.omnitel.net

MORENA (3 star)8a Audros Street, tel. +370 46 351 314admin@morenahotel.lt; www.morenahotel.lt

NESĖ (3 star)46 Sportininkų Street, tel. +370 46 410 077hotel@nese.lt, www.nese.lt

PALVA (3 star)19 Smiltynės StreetTel./faxTel./faxT +370 46 391 155el./fax +370 46 391 155el./faxhotel@palva.lt, www.palva.lt

PARKAS (3 star)3 Liepojos Street, tel. +370 46 385 283hotelparkas@takas.lt; www.hotelparkas.com

PROMENADA (3 star)41 Šaulių Street, tel. +370 46 403 020hotel@promenada.lt; www.promenada.lt

VĖTRA (3 star)80a Taikos Avenue, tel. +370 46 348 002vetra.klaipeda@hotel.lt; www.infogidas.lt

PAJŪRIS (2 star)18 Šlaito Street, GiruliaiTel. +370 46 490 154info@pajurishotel.lt; www.pajurishotel.lt

PRŪSIJA PRŪSIJA (2 star)6 S. Šimkaus Street, tel. +370 46 412 0816 S. Šimkaus Street, tel. +370 46 412 081prusija@prusijahotel.lt; www.prusijahotel.lt prusija@prusijahotel.lt; www.prusijahotel.lt prusija@prusijahotel.lt; www.prusijahotel.lt

Guesthouses Guesthouses

LITINTERP LITINTERP (2 star)17 Puodžių Street, tel. +370 46 410 64417 Puodžių Street, tel. +370 46 410 644klaipeda@litinterp.lt; www.litinterp.ltklaipeda@litinterp.lt; www.litinterp.lt

SEACOAST REGIONAL PARKSEACOAST REGIONAL PARKKlaipėda regionKlaipėda region

Rest house KARKLYNĖ Rest house KARKLYNĖ (1 star)(1 star)Karklė village,Karklė village,Tel.: +370 683 916 81, +370 671 062 39 Tel.: +370 683 916 81, +370 671 062 39 info@karklyne.lt, www.karklyne.lt

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Palanga – Lithuania’s summer capital

Palanga is the country’s biggest, most cosmopolitan, and often noisiest summer fun destination by the sea. It is especially liked by young people who come here in droves. Here, as is typical of the whole Lithuanian Baltic coast, white sand beaches are complemented by lovely dunes which keep the wind at bay and offer warm, shel-tered places for sunbathing even in early spring. Palan ga’s Botanical Park/Beach is Blue Flag comp-liant – the resort and developed areas are separated from the beach by a fresh strip of pines.

The first references to Palanga appeared in 1253. For centuries, the residents of this settle-ment were engaged in fishery and collecting amber washed out from the sea. Palanga as a resort started to form in the 19th century thanks to the Tiškevičiai dynasty of counts, and in the beginning of the 20th

century its villas, its entertainment infrastructure, and beach equipment matched those of the best resorts in Germany and other countries.

Currently in Palanga, there are over 60 different accommodation establishments to suit any budget – from luxurious hotels to modest

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guesthouses. In addition, there are also over 10 rehabilitation and health centres. As in many re-sorts, accommodation services are also provided by residents which offer cottages, apartments, and rooms to visitors. Palanga is a favourite place for international political meetings; during the cold season it is a place for conferences and seminars.

The main artery of the resort is Basanavičius street, sometimes also called the Broadway of Palan ga. Here, from the early morning, visitors are welcomed by a good selection of restaurants offering different types of cuisine. Funseekers don’t have to look very far for cafés, bars, and clubs in a variety of styles – there’s something for everyone. Basanavičius street spills out onto a pier which ex-tends nearly half a kilometre over the sea. The pier, as well as the large Botanical Park, are often a haven for the more romantically inclined, a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the main street.

There are many concerts and festivals in Palanga in the summer. The most interesting musi-cal and theatrical events and shows take place in clubs such as Ramybė, Vandenis, and Kupeta.

It is easy to reach Palanga – several airlines take holidaymakers to the resort and the roads to the city are good. Visitors who take the little extra time to come here will be rewarded: the sea is fascinating any time of the year.

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Šventoji

Šventoji, situated 12 km north of Palanga at the mouth of the Šventoji River, was a port in the 17th century which was destroyed by the Swedes in 1701 during the Northern War. After restoration of the state of Lithuania, the port was revived, but later attention was concentrated on the development of Klaipėda port. The embankment remaining from that period is a favourite place for walking. The sculpture of a fisherman’s three daughters standing on a dune reminds us that long ago Šventoji was just a fishing village.

There are over 20 hotels and health spas located in Šventoji; there are many wooden houses for 3 – 4 persons, which are perfect for vacationing families with small children. The spacious beaches are especially beautiful here. There are several very interesting cafes and entertainment spots in the resort.

Šventoji Beach for the Disabled. The Lithuanian Paraplegics Association Landscape Therapy Centre is located in Monciškė and is equipped for people with disabilities. Wooden paths lead through a strip of pines to the sea, where disabled visitors can enjoy the water with the help of a special lowering device. The Šventoji Beach for the Disabled is the only beach equipped for the disabled in all of the Baltic States.

Palanga – Lithuania’s summer capital

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One of the most beautiful places in Palan-ga is the Tiškevičiai Palace and the surroun ding large Botanical Park designed by the famous landscape architect Eduard Andre. The Amber Museum is located in the palace; here visitors can see amber – a symbol of Lithuania – in all its diversity. The Museum’s collection of amber inclusions is the biggest in the world (an inclu-sion is anything that is naturally “embalmed” in amber, such as an insect or a feather). Concerts and poetry readings take place on the palace terrace on August evenings.

Birutė Hill – which was home to a paleo-astronomical “observatory” (a pagan shrine used by fishermen and farmers) until the end of the 14th century - is located in the Botanical Park. Today on this site visitors will find a 19th century neogothic chapel.

Two memorial museums are located in the centre of the city: the Jonas Šliūpas (1861–1944), memorial homestead displays fragments of the his-tory of the city and the life of this famous political activist who struggled for Lithuanian nationhood; the Antanas Montis (1921–1993) house familia-rizes visitors with the life of this famous sculptor and the works he presented to the city of Palanga.

A bicycle path joins Palanga and Šventoji (12 km) as well as Klaipėda (25 km); the same path also goes to Vidmantai (4 km). Two cultural routes go through Palanga: the Curonian Roadand the Road of Amber.

The only Winter garden in Eastern Euro-pe is located in Kretinga town – it was established 130 years ago. This glass house belongs to the palace complex, in which Kretinga Museum is located. Visitors can also find an ancient Balticastronomical calendar and sundial on the pala-ce grounds. On the Plungė – Skuodas road in Gargždelė village you will find a museum full of philosophical stone and wood sculptures. Nearby Orvydai Homestead is the only Lithua-nian museum to be included on the list of the most unique world objects by London’s Royal Geographical Society.

Very close to Palanga, in a beautiful natural setting, tourists can find two very inte-resting village-style entertainment complexes (and hotels) – Pas Juozą and Virkštininkų dvaro užeiga. Here guests can enjoy many active leisure activities, excellent national cuisine, and “live” (and unfiltered) domestic beer.

Places to visit

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PALANGA TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE1 Kretingos Street, LT-00132 PalangaTel. +370 460 488 11, fax +370 460 488 22palangaturinfo@is.lt; www.palangatic.lt

EstoniaTIIT REISID OY6 Tartu Road, 10145 TallinnTel. +372 66 237 62, fax +372 66 237 61tallinn@tiitreisid.ee; www.tiitreisid.ee

PALANGA AMBER MUSEUM17 Vytauto Street 17, tel. +370 460 535 01pgm@takas.lt; www.pgm.lt

Dr. JONAS ŠLIŪPAS MEMORIAL HOMESTEAD 23a Vytauto Street, tel. +370 460 545 59www.muziejai.lt/Palanga/Sliupas_memorial_farmstead.en.htm

SCULPTOR ANTANAS MONTISHOUSE-MUSEUM16 S. Daukanto StreetTel.: +370 460 493 66, 493 67, 766 68muzmoncio@is.ltwww.muziejai.lt/Palanga/moncio_namai_muziejus.en.htm

KRETINGA KRETINGA MUSEUM20 Vilniaus Street, LT-97104, Kretinga20 Vilniaus Street, LT-97104, Kretinga20 Vilniaus Street, LT-97104, KretingaTel. +370 445 776 12Tel. +370 445 776 12Tel./fax +370 445 773 23 Tel./fax +370 445 773 23 kretingosmuziejus@takas.ltkretingosmuziejus@takas.lttickretinga@takas.lttickretinga@takas.ltwww.kretingosmuziejus.lt www.kretingosmuziejus.lt

ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX andENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX andHOTEL “JUOZO ALUS”HOTEL “JUOZO ALUS”Žibininkų village, LT-97230: Kretinga regionŽibininkų village, LT-97230: Kretinga regionTel.: +370 445 446 78, +370 655 377 77Tel.: +370 445 446 78, +370 655 377 77info@hbhjuozas.ltinfo@hbhjuozas.ltwww.hbh.lt; www.juozoalus.lt www.hbh.lt; www.juozoalus.lt

ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX “VIRKŠTININKŲ DVARO UŽEIGA“VIRKŠTININKŲ DVARO UŽEIGA”“VIRKŠTININKŲ DVARO UŽEIGA”“VIRKŠTININKŲ DVARO UŽEIGA6 Liepų Street, Vydmantai6 Liepų Street, VydmantaiTel.: +370 445 721 33, +370 600 232 35Tel.: +370 445 721 33, +370 600 232 35www.virkstininkudvaras.ltwww.virkstininkudvaras.lt

ORVIDAI HOMESTEAD-MUSEUMGargždelė, Kretinga region On the Plungė-Skuodas highway Tel. +370 613 286 24www.muziejai.lt/Kretinga/orvidu_muz.en.htm

RARE STONE MUSEUM IN MOSĖDIS2 Salantų Street, Mosėdis LT-98271, Skuodas regionTel. +370 440 762 91, fax +370 440 763 52akmenu-muziejus@skuodas.omnitel.net www.muziejai.lt/Skuodas/Akmenu_muziejus.en.htmwww.muziejai.lt/Skuodas/Akmenu_muziejus.en.htm

Accommodation in Accommodation in Palanga Palanga P

Hotels Hotels

AUSKA AUSKA (5 star)11 Vytauto Street 11 Vytauto Street Tel.: +370 460 490 83, 490 84Tel.: +370 460 490 83, 490 84Fax +370 460 490 87 Fax +370 460 490 87 auska@is.lt, www.baltijahotel.lt

PALANGA (5 star) PALANGA (5 star) 60 Birutės Avenue60 Birutės AvenueTel.: +370 460 414 14, 414 15Tel.: +370 460 414 14, 414 15info@palangahotel.ltinfo@palangahotel.ltwww.palangahotel.ltwww.palangahotel.lt

VANAGUPĖ VANAGUPĖ (5 star)31 Vanagupės StreetTel. +370 460 411 99Fax +370 460 311 99 hotel@vanagupe.lt; www.vanagupe.lt

Palanga – Lithuania’s summer capital

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ALKA (4 star)21 S. Daukanto Street Tel. +370 460 414 33Fax +370 460 414 34 info@alka.lt, www.alka.lt

GABIJA (4 star)40 Vytauto Street /2 S. Dariaus S. Girėno Street Tel. +370 460 482 51, fax +370 460 575 91info@gabija.lt, www.gabija.lt

GAMANTA (4 star)7 Plytų Street Tel. +370 460 488 85, 400 00Fax +370 460 488 89 info@gamanta.lt; www.gamanta.lt

PALANGOS VĖTRA (4 star)35 S. Daukanto StreetTel. +370 460 535 79, 530 32Fax +370 460 572 31hotel@vetra.lt, www.vetra.lt

PUŠŲ PAUNKSNĖJE, (4 star)25 S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno Street Tel. +370 460 490 80, fax +370 460 490 81 pusupaunksneje@takas.lt www.pusupaunksneje.lt

ALANGA (3 star)14 S. Nėries Street, tel. +370 460 492 15 info@alanga.lt, www.alanga.lt

AUSTĖJA (3 star)31 Smilčių Street, tel./fax +370 460 543 50 austeja@vetra.lt

DU BROLIAI (3 star)36 Kretingos Street Tel.: +370 460 481 08, 540 28info@dubroliai.lt

KERPĖ (3 star)76 Vytauto StreetTel. +370 460 523 79, fax +370 460 523 49Tel. +370 460 523 79, fax +370 460 523 49info@kerpehotel.lt; www.kerpehotel.lt

LIUKRENA (3 star)93a Vytauto StreetTel. +370 460 525 21Fax +370 460 480 53 hotelliukrena@gmail.com, www.feliksas.lt

MEDŪZA (3 star)9a Kontininkų StreetTel. +370 460 564 50, fax +370 460 481 48 info@pkmeduza.lt, www.pkmeduza.lt

RĄŽĖ (3 star)74 Vytauto StreetTel. +370 460 484 62, fax +370 460 484 61 palturas@is.lt

ŠACHMATINĖ (3 star)45 J. Basanavičiaus Street, tel./fax +370 460 516 55sachmatine@cili.lt; www.sachmatine.lt

TAURAS (3 star) 116 Vytauto StreetTel. +370 460 491 11, fax +370 460 544 37 agentura@feliksas.lt; www.feliksas.lt

TULPE (3 star)11 S.Dariaus ir S.Girėno StreetTel./fax +370 460 511 75 kopuzaismas@one.lt;www.tulpehotel.lt

VANDENIS (3 star)47 Birutės AvenueTel. +370 460 535 30, fax +370 460 535 84 Tel. +370 460 535 30, fax +370 460 535 84 info@vandenis.lt; www.vandenis.ltinfo@vandenis.lt; www.vandenis.lt

ŽALIAS NAMAS ŽALIAS NAMAS (3 star)(3 star)97 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 512 3197 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 512 3197 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 512 31info@zaliasnamas.lt; www.zaliasnamas.ltinfo@zaliasnamas.lt; www.zaliasnamas.ltinfo@zaliasnamas.lt; www.zaliasnamas.lt

ŽILVINAS ŽILVINAS (3 star)26 Kęstučio Street26 Kęstučio StreetTel. +370 360 491 36, fax +370 460 491 97 Tel. +370 360 491 36, fax +370 460 491 97 Tel. +370 360 491 36, fax +370 460 491 97 zilvinas@is.lt; www.baltijahotel.ltzilvinas@is.lt; www.baltijahotel.ltzilvinas@is.lt; www.baltijahotel.lt

ŽYDROJI LIEPSNA (3 star)(3 star)36 Gintaro StreetTel. +370 460 524 41, fax +370 460 482 50 Tel. +370 460 524 41, fax +370 460 482 50 zydroji_liepsna@is.lt; www.hotelzliepsna. zydroji_liepsna@is.lt; www.hotelzliepsna.

VILIJA(1 star)(1 star)24 Birutės AvenueTel. +370 460 400 38, fax +370 460 400 39Tel. +370 460 400 38, fax +370 460 400 39administracija@vilijahotel.lt; www.vilijahotel.ltadministracija@vilijahotel.lt; www.vilijahotel.lt

MĖGUVAMĖGUVA(1 star)(1 star)1 Valančiaus StreetTel. +370 460 488 39, fax +370 460 488 19Tel. +370 460 488 39, fax +370 460 488 19meguva@is.lt, www.is.lt/meguva

1414

Guesthouses

COMFORT INN (4 star)40 Smilčių StreetTel. +370 460 481 09, mob. +370 615 169 94reservation@etb.lt; www.comfort-inn.lt

DU BROLIAI (4 star)160 Vytauto Street Tel. 370 460 400 40, fax +370 460 528 89 info@dubroliai.lt; www.dubroliai.lt

MAMA ROSA (4 star)28a Jūratės StreetTel. +370 460 485 81, fax +370 460 485 80 vila@mamarosa.lt; www.mamarosa.lt

RIVASTAR (4 star)13 Simpsono StreetTel. +370 460 522 38, fax +370 460 483 56 info@rivastar.lt; www.rivastar.lt

EGLIŲ PAUKSMĖ (3 star)31 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 481 86egliupauksme@grudoteka.ltwww.grudoteka.lt/egliu.html

PO KAŠTONU (3 star)34 Maironio Street34 Maironio StreetTel.: +370 460 494 84, 494 89Tel.: +370 460 494 84, 494 89po.kastonu@ palanga.omnitel.netpo.kastonu@ palanga.omnitel.netpo.kastonu@ palanga.omnitel.netwww.po.kastonu.ltwww.po.kastonu.lt

RAMYBĖ RAMYBĖ (3 star)(3 star)54 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 541 24 54 Vytauto Street, tel./fax +370 460 541 24 palanga@vilaramybe.lt; www.vilaramybe.ltpalanga@vilaramybe.lt; www.vilaramybe.lt

SIMRIS SIMRIS (3 star)(3 star)29 Žvejų Street29 Žvejų StreetTel. +370 460 540 64, fax +370 460 545 65 Tel. +370 460 540 64, fax +370 460 545 65 simris@ palanga.omnitel.netsimris@ palanga.omnitel.net

ALITA (4 star)(4 star)4 Kretingos Street4 Kretingos StreetTel. +370 460 400 11, fax + 370 460 400 12Tel. +370 460 400 11, fax + 370 460 400 12agentura@feliksas.lt; www.feliksas.ltagentura@feliksas.lt; www.feliksas.lt

TENISAS TENISAS (2 star)(2 star)1 Gėlių Avenue1 Gėlių AvenueTel. +370 460 528 28Tel. +370 460 528 28Tel. /fax +370 460 512 90Tel. /fax +370 460 512 90

Resthouses

POLITECHNIKA (3 star)37 S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno StreetTel.: +370 460 512 58, 535 58

AUKSINĖS KOPOS (2 star)30 Jūros Street, Šventoji Tel. +370 460 453 65, fax +370 460 451 92 akopos@takas.lt; www.akopos.lt

PALANGOS ŽUVĖDRA (2 star)11 Meilės AvenueTel. +370 460 532 53, fax +370 460 538 52 info@palangos-zuvedra.lt; www.palangos-zuvedra.lt

BALTOJI ŽUVĖDRA (2 star)1 S. Dariaus ir S. Girėno StreetTel. +370 460 540 82, tel./fax +370 460 538 52info@palangos-zuvedra.lt; www.palangos-zuvedra.lt

EGLĖ (2 star)15 Kęstučio StreetTel./fax +370 460 514 66info@eglehotel.lt; www.eglehotel.lt info@eglehotel.lt; www.eglehotel.lt

Hotels – sanatoriumsHotels – sanatoriums

PALANGOS LINAS PALANGOS LINAS (3 star)155 Vytauto Street155 Vytauto StreetTel.: +370 460 562 04, 543 59Tel.: +370 460 562 04, 543 59Fax +370 460 529 50rezervacija@palangoslinas.comrezervacija@palangoslinas.comwww.palangoslinas.comwww.palangoslinas.com

PUŠYNAS PUŠYNAS (3 star)1 Žvejų Street1 Žvejų StreetTel. +370 460 413 71, fax +370 460 413 74Tel. +370 460 413 71, fax +370 460 413 74registratura@palangapusynas.ltwww.palangapusynas.lt

VYTURYS VYTURYS (2 star)20 S.Dariaus ir S. Girėno Street20 S.Dariaus ir S. Girėno StreetTel.: +370 460 491 37, 491 47 Tel.: +370 460 491 37, 491 47 vyturys@is.lt; www.baltijahotel.ltvyturys@is.lt; www.baltijahotel.lt

ENERGETIKASENERGETIKAS1 Kuršių Road, Šventoji Tel. +370 460 455 11, fax +370 460 482 51 sc.energetikas@takas.lt; www.energetikas.lt

Palanga – Lithuania’s summer capital

151515

The Curonian Spit – a natural wonder

The Curonian Spit is a narrow 97 km long peninsula between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Bay, the northern 52 km of which belong to Lithuania. It is one of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe. This natural miracle created by wind, sand, water, and man – the Curonian Spit National Park - was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites in 2000. The Spit can be reached only by crossing the Bay by ferry from Klaipėda or by seawater routes.

It is said that a good-hearted giant named Neringa that lived by the sea built this beautiful stretch of sand. She watched for a long time how the evil sea god Bangpūtys sent winds and storms that ripped the nets of fishermen and sank their ships in the sea. Moved by this, Neringa decided to help the fishermen, protect them, by separating a part

of the sea by a sand strip where they would be able to fish peacefully. To this effect, the giant poured sand from her apron causing the sand hills and dunes to appear. The thankful fishermen named this strip of sand after her – Neringa.

The Curonian Spit has a dramatic history: a few hundred years ago the woods of the Spit collapsed and deserts of drifting sand appeared. Sand driven by the western winds drifted across the peninsula towards the Curonian Bay. Huge drifting dunes buried 14 fishing villages in their path. At the beginning of the 19th century, the people of the peninsula, led by the Kuvertai father and son team, Ludwig Hagen, and others formed a protective dune on the seaside and started to plant trees on the drifting sand dunes. This work is continued up until now.

16

The Curonian Spit – a natural wonder

Neringa city-resort consists of four seaside settlements: the larger Nida and Juodkrantė, and the smaller Preila and Pervalka. There are about 50 hotels and guesthouses in Neringa, half of which operate the whole year round. Besides such official accommodation, local residents offer cottages, apartments, or rooms.

People who want quiet, rest, and leisure time spent in nature choose Neringa; after the summer tourists are gone, businesspeople and politicians organize seminars, symposiums, and meetings here.

17

Nida is the largest settlement in Neringa, known from 1437. The old Nida was buried by sand in the 18th century and it became the Parnidis dune. The current Nida is the administrative centre of the Neringa resort area, and a showcase for traditional Lithuanian seaside architecture. The settlement is reminiscent of a neat fishing village surrounded by flowers and pines. The town’s spacious beach has had international Blue Flag status for many years now.

The main cultural events in the Neringa resort take place in Nida: a festive season opening celebration, traditional international folklore and chamber music festivals, the opera and symphonic music concert At the Seaside in Musical August, and numerous jazz performances. The most famous event in Nida is the international Thomas Mann festival, centered around the celebrated writer’s villa. Thomas Mann visited Nida in 1929 and was fascinated by it; he built a villa here, where he spent the summers of 1930 -1932 with his family.

Nida is a favourite port for yachting enthusiasts: the Curonian Bay is excellent for sailing and windsurfing. Guests can also sail in

Nida – centre of the Neringa peninsula resort areaNeringa peninsula resort areaN

kurėnas, or ancient fishing boats, while kite lovers can simply ride the sea breeze without leaving the shore. Coastal walks past Nida’s historic houses topped by traditional Lithuanian weathervanes are also a favourite pastime for visitors to the area. Bicyclists can choose among Nida’s local paths as well as a special path that runs along the whole Curonian Spit through all the settlements of Neringa to Klaipėda – about 50 km.

There are more sunny days in Nida per year than in any other place in Lithuania.

18

Juodkrantė

Preila Preila is one of the smallest settlements

on Neringa. The residents of the buried villages of Nagliai and Karvaičiai established it in the 19th

century. As are all the settlements of the Spit, Preila is sheltered from the wind by the dunes. Here visitors can still find the remains of several ancient fishermen’s homesteads, as well as origi-nal tombstones characteristic only to this region in the town’s cemetery.

Nearly halfway between Preila and Nida we find the highest dune of the Spit – Vecekrug hill, which is 67.2 m high and overgrown with pines.

Pervalka

This is the smallest settlement on Nerin-ga, established almost halfway between Nida and Juodkrantė. The name of this fishing village is associated with an action – the towing of boats. Just as Preila, it was established by Nagliai and Karvaičiai village residents who sought to escape the shifting sand. Several typical fishermen’s homesteads built in the 19th and 20th centuries can still be found in the settlement.

Juodkrantė was first mentioned in writ-ten sources in 1429. As a resort, the settlement became famous circa 1840, and in the second half of the 19th century it started to grow rapidly when amber was found on the coast of the Bay. Valuable pre-war amber works were also found here. These historic pieces can be found in the V. and K. Mizgiriai gallery-museum in Nida, and in Vilnius in the Baltic Amber Museum. Several restored hundred-year-old beautiful villas hark back to the old majestic beauty of the resort.

Extended by the Bay, Juodkrantė is the second largest settlement in Neringa. You can smell smoked fish here... In July, a merry, tradi-tional two-day fishermen’s festival called Amber Hook rocks the settlement. The Weathervane Museum has a fascinating array of decorative and unique weathervanes typical only the residents of Lithuania’s seaside – they cannot be found any-where else in Europe. Along a sunny esplanade on the Bay, visitors can find a gallery of interesting outdoor sculptures.

The Curonian Spit – a natural wonder

19

The special beauty of the Spit manifests itself from the Parnidis Dune: on one side dunes reined in by pines, on the other the only chain of drifting dunes in the whole park – a real Northern Sahara. The glow of white sand is accentuated from both sides by the waters of the sea and the Bay. The foot of the sun clock is a favourite place for watching the sunset. In the southern hollow of the turn of the dunes is Death Valley. From 1870-1872 there was a French prisoner of war camp located here. North of the dune is Silence Valleywhich can be reached by a special educational path; rare local fauna and flora are described along the way. In the old Nida cemetery (by the Evangelist Lutheran church) ancient Curonian tombstones can still be seen.

A lighthouse built at the end of the 19th

century towers above Nida. Upon ascending 200 stone steps to Urbas Hill, you will find yourselves at its foot: wide horizons of the Spit open up before you from this vantage point. Film screenings are organized here on summer evenings; in Nida, the Feast of St. John starts here.

Places to visit

Witch Hill, on the southern side of Juodkrantė, is home to a large company of wooden creatures – witches, devils, pagan gods, and heroes of seaside legends. It is an exposition of almost 100 fabulous (and sometimes frightening) sculptures created during several summers by national artists visiting Juodkrantė.

When you leave Juodkrantė towards Nida, and are going up Garniai Hill, look to the right side of the road in the woods and you may catch a glimpse of a colony of herons or cormorants, which are some of the largest in Europe. You can also observe them from a viewing tower.

Juodkrantė and its surroundings

There is one more viewing tower a little further on. From here you can observe picturesque views of the sea, woods, parabolic dunes, and one of the most beautiful panoramas of the Spit – the Gray (Dead) Dunes, stretching out for several kilometres between Juodkrantė and Pervalka. Several car parking areas can be found nearby (Nagliai Nature Reserve); from them wooden paths lead to an array of dunes which is constantly being reshaped by the strong winds. From the tops of the dunes you can enjoy more breathtaking views.

2020

NIDA CULTURE AND TOURISM INFORMATION CENTRE “AGILA” 4 Taikos Street, LT-93121 NidaTel. +370 469 523 45, tel./fax +370 469 520 15

Tourism information terminal (24 hours)info@visitneringa.lt; www.visitneringa.com/lt

Tourism information terminal (24 hours)Neringa city public library 53 Pamario Street, Nida

PREILA Tourism information terminal (24 hours)27 Preilos Street, Preila-Pervalka neighbourhood

JUODKRANTĖ TIC 54 L. Rėzos Street, LT- 93101 JuodkrantėTel./fax +370 469 534 90Tourism information terminal (24 hours)8 L. Rėzos Street, Juodkrantės Exhibit House

CURONIAN SPIT NATIONAL PARK (KNNP)VISITORS CENTRE IN SMILTYNĖ11 Smiltynės Street, KlaipėdaTel. +370 46 402 256kinfo@takas.lt; www.nerija.lt

KNNP VISITORKNNP VISITORS CENTRE IN NIDA CENTRE IN NIDA8 Naglių Street, Nida, tel./fax +370 469 512 568 Naglių Street, Nida, tel./fax +370 469 512 568 Naglių Street, Nida, tel./fax +370 469 512 56kinfo@takas.lt, www.nerija.ltkinfo@takas.lt, www.nerija.ltkinfo@takas.lt, www.nerija.lt

THOMTHOMAS MANN MEMORIAL MUSEUM MANN MEMORIAL MUSEUM MANN MEMORIAL MUSEUM 17 Skruzdynės Street, Nida17 Skruzdynės Street, NidaTel./fax +370 469 522 60Tel./fax +370 469 522 60mann@nida.omnitel.netmann@nida.omnitel.netwww.mann.ltwww.mann.lt

NERINGA HISTORY MUSEUM53 Pamario Street, Nida Tel. +370 469 511 62neringosmuz@is.lt

FISHERMEN’S ETHNOGRAPHIC HOMESTEAD4 Naglių Street, Nida Tel./fax (370 469) 523 72neringosmuz@is.lt

V. AND K. MIZGIRIAI AMBER GALLERY-MUSEUM20 Pamario Street, NidaTel.: +370 469 525 73, 521 41info@ambergallery.lt, www.ambergallery.lt

HERMAN BLODE MUSEUM2 Skruzdynės Street, NidaTel. +370 469 522 21

ART GALLERY (NIDA)3 Pamario Street, NidaTel. +370 612 466 57

JUODKRANTĖ EXHIBITION HALL8 L. Rėzos Street, Juodkrantė8 L. Rėzos Street, JuodkrantėTel./fax +370 469 534 48Tel./fax +370 469 534 48jparodunam @hotmail.com jparodunam @hotmail.com

WEATHERVANE GALLERYWEATHERVANE GALLERY13 L. Rėzos Street, Juodkrantė13 L. Rėzos Street, JuodkrantėTel. +370 469 533 57Tel. +370 469 533 57remis@nida.omnitel.net

NIDA PORT (Neringa)NIDA PORT (Neringa)14 Naglių Street, Nida 14 Naglių Street, Nida Tel. +370 469 511 01Tel. +370 469 511 01www.lbs.lt - Vandens keliai/Kuršių marios/www.lbs.lt - Vandens keliai/Kuršių marios/www.visitneringa.comwww.visitneringa.com

The Curonian Spit – a natural wonder

2121

NIDAHotels

PARNIDŽIO KOPA (3 star)26 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 526 31Fax +370 469 527 94, parnidis@kds.lt

NIDOS SMILTĖ (3 star)2 Skruzdynės Street, tel./fax +370 469 522 21info@smilte.lt, www.smilte.lt

NIDUS (3 star)15 G. D. Kuverto Street, tel. +370 469 520 01 info@nidus.lt, www.nidus.lt

NERIJA (3 star)13 Pamario Street, tel./fax +370 469 527 77info@neringahotels.lt; www.neringahotels.lt

VILA JELITA (3 star)7 G. D. Kuverto Street, tel. +370 469 511 50jelita@jelita.lt, www.jelita.lt

LINĖJA (3 star)18 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 523 90info@lineja-hotel.lt; www.lineja-hotel.lt

JŪRATĖ (2 star)3 Pamario Street, tel. +370 469 523 00Fax +370 469 511 18, jurate-nida@takas.lt

Guesthouses

NIDOS PUŠYNAS (3 star)3 Purvynės StreetTel. +370 469 522 21, fax +370 469 527 62info@smilte.lt, www.smilte.lt/lt/05_pushynas.htminfo@smilte.lt, www.smilte.lt/lt/05_pushynas.htm

PALVĖ (3 star)15 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 527 02palve@lucanica.lt; www.lucanica.lt

URBO KALNAS (2 star)32 Taikos Street, tel. +370 469 524 28info@urbokalnas.lt; www.urbokalnas.lt

Rest houses

LITORINA (4 star)19 Nidos-Smiltynės Road, tel. +370 469 525 28litorina@litorina-dubingiai.lt, www.litorina-dubingiai.lt

Accommodation in Neringa Neringa N

AUKSINĖS KOPOS (2 star)17 G. D. Kuverto Street Tel.: +370 469 523 87, 522 12info@auksineskopos.com, www.auksineskopos.com

NIDOS SKALVA (3 star)19 Purvynės Street, tel. +370 469 523 46 skalva@skalva-nida.lt; www.skalva-nida.lt

Camping

NIDA CAMPING (3 star)45A Naglių Street, tel. +370 469 520 45info@kempingas.lt; www.kempingas.lt

JUODKRANTĖHotels

EGLIŲ SLĖNIS (3 star)28 Ievos kalno Street, tel./fax +370 469 531 70reception@egliuslenis.lt; www.egliuslenis.lt

Guesthouses

Vila VITA (4 star)25 L. Rėzos Street, tel./fax +370 469 530 0925 L. Rėzos Street, tel./fax +370 469 530 09vilavita@alternet.lt; www.vilavita.ltvilavita@alternet.lt; www.vilavita.lt

KURĖNAS KURĖNAS (3 star) (3 star) 10 L. Rėzos Street, tel./fax +370 469 531 0110 L. Rėzos Street, tel./fax +370 469 531 0110 L. Rėzos Street, tel./fax +370 469 531 01kurenas@gmail.comkurenas@gmail.com

Rest housesRest houses

ĄŽUOLYNAS ĄŽUOLYNAS (4 star)4 L. Rėzos Street4 L. Rėzos StreetTel. +370 469 533 10, tel./fax +370 469 533 16 Tel. +370 469 533 10, tel./fax +370 469 533 16 hotelazuolynas@takas.lt, www.hotelazuolynas.lthotelazuolynas@takas.lt, www.hotelazuolynas.lt

SMILGA SMILGA (2 star)(2 star)18 Kalno Street18 Kalno StreetTel. +370 686 316 98, fx +370 37 224 400Tel. +370 686 316 98, fx +370 37 224 400info@neringahotels.lt; www.neringahotels.ltinfo@neringahotels.lt; www.neringahotels.lt

PREILAPREILA

Rest houses

VĖTRA (2 star)97 Preilos Street, tel. +370 526 206 7597 Preilos Street, tel. +370 526 206 75Fax +370 526 188 71, projektservisas@iti.ltFax +370 526 188 71, projektservisas@iti.lt

22

The bird migration route

On the eastern coast of the Curonian Bay, the most spectacular places are the Nemunas Delta and the coast close to Ventė Horn. Nemunas Delta Regional Park (NDRP) is the largest gathering place of migrating water birds in the whole region of the Baltic Sea; they frequent this cobweb of canals, unique islands, water meadows, seacoast swamps and forests. The delta is flooded every spring, and sometimes even in mid winter. At this time, tens of thousands hectares of meadows and fields find themselves under water, and the scattered homesteads can be reached only by boats. According to the RAMSAR convention, the Nemunas Delta is included on the list of territories of international

importance. In the Nemunas Delta Regional Park and its surrounding areas there are several interesting places and settlements –Ventė, Kintai, Šilutė, Rusnė, Minija (Mingė), and Uostadvaris.

23

Ventė Horn

A lighthouse has been operating on the narrow part of Ventė Horn since 1863. From here, visitors can catch excellent views of the Curonian Spit. A large bird migration route goes through Ventė, so from August to October huge flocks of birds gather here before their big trip. In 1929, Professor Tadas Ivanauskas established a bird tagging station on Ventė Horn (the Ventė Horn Ornithological Station), where several thousands of birds are tagged during the season. Huge bird catching traps can be seen at the station; it is here that the birds receive their Ventė horn passport – an almost weightless ring on the leg.

There is also an old fishing village on Ventė Horn which offers several leisure time opportunities.

Kintai

Kintai is a fishermen’s settlement by the Curonian Bay and the forest. In the 18th and 19th

centuries, the large fish markets here were even visited by the fishermen of the Curonian Spit. An Evangelist church and a former school built in 1705 still stands in the settlement.

The beautiful nature of Kintai attracts many holidaymakers in the summer. Artists are especially fond of this region, and a hippodrome has been established here for lovers of equestrian sports.

There are several hotels, tourism entertain-ment centres, camps in the region of Ventė and Kintai.

24

The bird migration route

This is the second largest town on the coast after Klaipėda. It dates back to a 15th century settlement that was centered around an inn called Šilokarčiama. Many old buildings are still standing in Šilutė: the old post office, fire station, court and prison, the bridge over the Šyša river, the old marketplace, port, and railway station. It was here that actor and cultural figure Hugh Scheu erected his palace, which now is part of a beautifully restored ensemble which in the 19th

century held the first regional museum in the Klaipėda region.

Šilutė was once home to the famous German writer Herman Zudermann (1857–1928); there is a monument dedicated to him here, and his house is now a museum.

This fishing settlement (not far from Ventė – about 5 km) is the Venice of Lithuania, mentioned as far back as the 17th century. Houses are situated on both sides of the Minija River, which acts as one of the town’s main streets. The Lithuanian coastal architecture of the settlement is characteristic to the region, but it is the river which makes this town different. Houses here are arranged neatly in such a way that only their facades and gardens face the river. The village of Minija is a fine example of local architecture. The best way to reach the village is by one of its canals; if you do arrive by water, there is a small yacht port where you can park your boat.

Minija (MMinija (MMinija ( ingė) –Mingė) –Mthe Vthe Vthe enice of Venice of V Lithuania

ŠilutėRusnė is the only Lithuanian town on

an island. It is situated between two branches of the Nemunas River called Skirvytė and Atmata. It dates back to the end of the 14th century as a settlement of Lithuanian and Curonian fishermen. Skirvytėlė street is a fine example of the old architecture of the settlement. The buildings and houses here date back to the end of

the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century and are characteristic only to the coast. On the island tourists can visit an old post office, a restored church, a beautiful fisherman’s homestead, the first water transportation station in Lithuania, and Uostadvaris lighthouse.

The island offers opportunities for water activities, hiking, and cycling as part of the Nemunas Delta Regional Park, and there are also rural homesteads which accommodate overnight visitors. Three educational trails – Pakalnė, Aukštumala and Žalgiriai – familiarize hikers with the uniqueness of the area’s upland moors, water meadow landscapes and forests unspoiled by man.

Rusnė – an island town