Klaipeda: Around the Curonian Spit – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Departing from Klaipėda via a short ferry ride across the Curonian Lagoon, your adventure begins the moment you set foot on this ethereal sliver of land, where each curve of the road reveals landscapes more surreal than the last. The Curonian Spit is home to Europe’s largest moving sand dunes, ancient pine forests, and tiny seaside villages with colorful wooden houses that feel untouched by time.

One of the first stops is Juodkrantė, a peaceful village nestled between forest and lagoon. Here, you’ll visit the Hill of Witches (Raganų Kalnas), a forested trail filled with over 80 wooden sculptures carved by Lithuanian artists—depicting folklore creatures, witches, and devils in a blend of the mystical and whimsical. As you walk among these figures, your guide will bring to life the tales and legends of the region.

Continuing down the Spit, you’ll explore the Dead Dunes near Pervalka, where the silence and shifting sands create a dreamlike atmosphere. These towering dunes—some up to 60 meters high—once buried entire villages and continue to shape the landscape dramatically. Climbing the wooden paths and standing atop the dunes offers panoramic views over the lagoon and sea, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Further along is Nida, the most famous town on the Spit. Known for its serene beauty, Nida offers a blend of artistic heritage and natural splendor. You’ll have time to explore the Thomas Mann Cultural Center, visit the traditional Fisherman’s Ethnographic Homestead, and walk up to the Parnidis Dune with its sun clock—an iconic viewpoint that captures the essence of the Spit.

Lunch is often enjoyed in Nida at a local tavern serving fresh fish dishes and Lithuanian specialties. Your guide will also point out the amber shops and art galleries tucked between the colorful houses with their traditional weathervanes.

Throughout the day, you’ll gain insight into the delicate ecology of this shifting peninsula—how it’s protected from erosion, its significance as a bird migration corridor, and how humans have lived in harmony with nature here for centuries.

Approximately 8 hours

• Discover the magical wooden sculptures on the Hill of Witches in Juodkrantė
• Walk the surreal landscape of the Dead Dunes and admire sweeping lagoon views
• Visit charming Nida: explore the Parnidis Dune, the sun clock, and Thomas Mann’s summer house
• Learn about Curonian culture and ancient legends along the way
• Enjoy traditional Lithuanian cuisine and lagoon specialties in a local seaside eatery

Prices start from 159 EUR (exact pricing may vary based on group size and additional services).

• Round-trip transportation from your accomodation in Klaipeda
• Comfortable transfer in a minivan or an another similar car
• Guide service
• A ferry ticket to the Curonian Spit
• Entrance fee to the Museum Thomas Mann
• Entrance fee  to Dead dunes

• Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing
• The tour involves moderate walking and dune climbs
• Suitable for families, nature lovers, history buffs, and photographers
• Operates from spring through autumn; private tours available year-round