Tuesday, August 31, 2004
The Curonian Spit
The Curonian Spit (a.k.a Neringa) is a half island opposite the port of Klaipeda. The Northern half belongs to Lithuania, and the southern part is Russian. It's impressive dunes and forest landscape is a protected UNESCO world heritage site.
They are 4 fishing villages on the spit. The biggest and most touristic being the pretty Nida, near which are the biggest dunes. A nice day trip from our base in Smyltine, but we wouldn't recommend it for a stay, unless you don't mind hords of german geriatrics (nothing against our german friends :-)).
Smyltine, on the other hand, is empty: a decrepit yachting club, one restaurant and a rather nice hotel (where we stay). During the day, there is some activity due to the delphinarium, aquatic museum (quite ok for a rainy day), reconstructed traditional Lithuanian habitat open-air exhibit and the beautiful long sandy beach on the Baltic sea. It's also just a 7 minute ferry ride away from Klaipeda.
They are 4 fishing villages on the spit. The biggest and most touristic being the pretty Nida, near which are the biggest dunes. A nice day trip from our base in Smyltine, but we wouldn't recommend it for a stay, unless you don't mind hords of german geriatrics (nothing against our german friends :-)).
Smyltine, on the other hand, is empty: a decrepit yachting club, one restaurant and a rather nice hotel (where we stay). During the day, there is some activity due to the delphinarium, aquatic museum (quite ok for a rainy day), reconstructed traditional Lithuanian habitat open-air exhibit and the beautiful long sandy beach on the Baltic sea. It's also just a 7 minute ferry ride away from Klaipeda.
