The main highlights in Nida include the Parnidis Dune and its solar clock (see below), the Thomas Mann house-museum, Nida Fisherman’s Ethnographic Homestead, and the Amber Gallery. Don’t miss the old part of town with colorful fishermen’s houses and the waterfront promenade along the Curonian Lagoon!

1. Parnidis Dune & Sundial

With its 52 meters, Parnidžio Dune is one of Europe’s highest shifting dunes. The views from the top of the hill are simply amazing! The scenery is stunning as you are surrounded by endless white sand dunes on one side and pine forests on the other. Furthermore, you can see both, the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea from here.

On top of Parnidis Dune, there are also a couple of statues and a big sundial. If it’s sunny, see if you can try to figure out how it works.

TIP: If you are staying in Nida, try to come here early in the morning or at sunset (my favorite time). Since it’s one of the most popular places to see on the Curonian Spit, it tends to be quite busy during the day (in summer).

How to visit: You can reach Parnidzio Dune by car, but the best way to get here is by taking the Parnidis Cognitive Path from Nida.

2. Nagliai Nature Reserve

The biggest attraction of the Curonian Spit is its dunes and another great place to see the dunes is the Nagliai Nature Reserve. Located right next to the main road between Juodkrante and Pervalaka towns, this place should also be included in any Curonian Spit itinerary.

Lithuanians call these dunes the Grey Dunes (Pilkosios Kopos) or the Dead Dunes (Mirusios Kopos), but if you look for them on the map, you’ll find this place mentioned as the Cognitive Trail in Nagliai Nature Reserve.

Nagliai Nature Reserve is huge, but the biggest part of it is protected and you are not allowed to just walk where you please anymore. The best way to explore this area is by taking a wooden boardwalk, followed by a short climb on the dune.

How to visit: You can only come here by car or with a tour. The place is popular with groups and the small car parking next to the road tends to fill up quickly. So ideally, you come here in the morning or in the late afternoon. In high season, you have to pay a small fee to enter the nature reserve.

3. Juodkrantė

Juodkrantė is the second biggest town on the Curonian Spit. Popular with Lithuanians who choose to spend their summer vacations here, it’s however just a quick stop for most tourists.

Most people come here only for the Hill of Witches (LT: Raganų kalnas) : it is the most popular place to visit in Juodkrantė. It’s a sort of outdoor gallery, a folk art sculpture park. Opened in 1979, it started out as a sort of creative camp for local craftsmen, it now contains over 80 pieces of art.

As you walk through the forest, you pass various wooden sculptures that portray Lithuanian fairytale characters. Most sculptures depict witches and devils, but there are also some demons and dragons.

The devilish theme of the sculptures is not a coincidence. There are lots of folk stories and legends connected to this hill. According to some legends, witches and devils used to organize parties here long before people did.

How to visit: The Hill of Witches is always open and you can visit free of charge. Count 20-40 minutes for a visit. There is a small car parking area with souvenir shops and bathroom facilities right next to the Hill of Witches.

However, if you have some time to spare, you’ll enjoy a walk along the beautiful promenade along the Curonian Lagoon. You can take a peek at the outdoor Stone Sculpture Park or the small Amber Bay north of town. In summer, there is usually also a nice outdoor exhibition of sand sculptures.

4. Lithuanian Sea Museum

Lithuanian Sea Museum is the only place on this list that is located outside the Curonian Spit National Park. It is located in Smiltynė.

The Lithuanian Sea Museum have a nice selection of marine animals, big aquariums, an aquarium tunnel, and also a dolphin show and a seal show.

The museum is located at an old historic fort. On-site, there are also several old fishing vessels on display. In addition, you can visit the fishermen’s house-museum. It is a nice place to visit if you want to get a better idea of what life was like for people in this area at the beginning of the 20th century.

This part of the exhibition is free of charge. So even if you are not interested in fish, penguins, and dolphins, you may want to at least visit the fisherman’s homestead.

Beaches & Water Sports

The Curonian Spit is known for its long untouched beaches of white sand and pine trees. When the weather is sunny and warm, beaches around bigger towns tend to get quite busy. But it’s nothing compared to Spain or France. If you don’t mind walking a bit further, chances are you’ll have the whole beach all to yourselves. If you come on a cold windy summer day or off-season, you’ll probably be here all alone. Magical!

If you are visiting the Curonian Spit in summer, you’ll find boat rentals and possibilities for water sports as well.

In summer, you can take various boat trips in the area. Most of them depart from Nida. The most popular day trip is to Ventė Cape (LT: Ventės Ragas), located on the other side of the Curonian Lagoon, at the delta of Nemunas, the biggest river in Lithuania. It’s a popular place to see migrating birds.

Longer tours also stop at Mingės village, aka the ‘Venice of Lithuania’, and include a 1-hr bus trip to Vente Cape itself, followed by traditional fish soup lunch or dinner.

There are also shorter boat trips available from Nida – along the coast to see the sand dunes from the water. Fishing trips are also possible.

Local Food, Amber & More

Once you explore all the beautiful places of the Curonian Spit, don’t forget to also taste some of the local Lithuanian food, visit a local gallery or museum, or check out some typical Lithuanian souvenirs.

One of the specialties of the Curonian Spit is smoked fish. No trip here would be complete without tasting it. There are many places selling smoked fish in Nida and in Juodkrante. Look for signs of ‘Rūkyta žuvis‘ or ‘Rūkytos žuvys‘ .

Amber is also a popular product that’s typical to Lithuania and particularly to this region. Most souvenir shops have all kinds of amber products – from simple jewelry to more sophisticated pieces of art. If you are interested to learn more about amber, you can also visit the Amber Galler – Museum in Nida.

1. Explore the Old Town

During WWII, Klaipeda lost a big chunk of its heritage. Before then, the old town flourished as one of the most beautiful places in Northern Europe.

The old town is the most historic part of the city housing one-of-a-kind fachwerk architecture. Some of the best examples visitors can find in the 'Art Yard' - an arts and crafts space in Klaipeda (daržų g.10/ Bažnyčių g. 4, Klaipėda).

Start your visit in the heart of the city, at the beautifully restored Theatre Square. You will instantly notice the glorious Drama Theatre. Look up to the balcony. Hitler stood here when he was joyfully announcing Klaipeda's annexation to Germany. It wasn't a voluntary merger. Führer threatened to occupy the whole country have the Lithuanian government declined the ultimatum.

Ann from Tharau statue in the theatre square, dedicated to Simon Dach, a German poet who was born in Klaipėda, adorns the square. Rumor has it that Hitler ordered to removal of this statue from its original place. It was too obstructing, apparently.

Discover Friedricho Pasažas (Friedrich Arcade), another tranquil and beautifully restored place. Once dull Soviet-era offices, the historic buildings are back to life. The Arcade is now a wonderful chill-out spot for both locals and visitors. In summer months, live local music shows often take place in the courtyard. Stop there for a cup of coffee or to have some meal.

2. Walk along the Dane river

Have a relaxing walk along the river Dane. Stroll either south towards the Old Ferry Port or north towards the Botanical Gardens. A good starting point is the old Biržos Bridge.

Whichever direction you choose, firstly check out the wonderful Meridianas ship moored on the river bank.

The Botanical Garden belongs to Klaipeda University and is open for visitors from 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on weekends. If you have green fingers, you will love the space. There are around 250 species of plants naturally growing in the garden.

Check out the 'Little Mermaid' beneath the bridge, on the right bank of the river. It's a fairly recent addition to the sisterhood of all the other mermaids scattered across Europe.

This Mermaid is unique. Look at the tail, but really close. Crafted from the pre-Euro Lithuanian coin the tail looks very exclusive. Such a clever way to commemorate the national currency which sadly, no longer exists.

Top Tip: Download this article as a self-guided walking tour on your smartphone. Check out our Klaipeda City walk on gpsmycity.com

3. Explore the Seaside of Klaipėda

Dutchman's Cap (Olando Kepurė)- Located in the Seaside Regional Park, the Dutchman's Cap (Olando Kepurė) is another cool sight to discover. The formation of Olando Kepurė started 12,000–15,000 years ago during the last Baltic glaciation.

It's an impressive 24.4-meter tall sandy cliff overlooking the Baltic coast and pebble beaches.

The cliff is in constant battle with the tall sea waves threatening to disassemble the sand bluff. This section of the regional park is included on the protected objects list of Lithuania due to the naturally fragile landscape.

Klaipėda pier- the gate of Klaipėda port, which consists of the southern and northern piers, which protect the port from waves, ice pack and drift. It is not just a functional port building, but also a favorite place for residents and tourists of the port city. The North Pier is a highly regarded area for seaside walks, sunsets and ships arriving and departing among the residents of the port city and visitors to the city. Training or day camps for water sports such as surfing, paddleboarding, kitesurfing and sea kayaking are also held here, so this place will appeal to both those who appreciate quiet walks and fans of active leisure. It is a place where you can feel the power of the sea waves and the real atmosphere of the port city.

Address: Vētros st. 9, Klaipėda (northern Melnragė pier)

4. Restaurants and food experience

- Monai is the top spot for good food in Klaipeda. Last year it got to a Micheline guided places.

- Alba Bistro- a modern Italian taste restaurant in the heart of the city.

- Baltas ruonis- situated in Melnrage beach in Klaipeda. Offerinf a spacious sea view terrace.

- Toli nuo klasikos- situated in Melnaragė, close to the beach. A unique place offereing not only food but also an experience.

- Klaipėdos Senamiestis- there you should try a legendary cheese fingers.

- Švyturys Bhouse- a place for beer lovers. Beer brewery offering beer tasting and foods.

- Pepper grey- out of the city, but everyone who loves a good food, knows the place and goes there.

- Viva La Vita- a panoramic sky bar. Best for the view and some cocktail.

Traditional food restaurants:

Friedrich passage ( Friedricho smuklė)

Etno dvaras

The traditional food you must try:

- Šaltibarščiai ( Lithuanian cold beetroot soup)

- Sour cabage soup

- Cepelinai ( potatoe dumplings with meat)

- Kepta duona ( fried bread sticks with melted cheese)

- Rye bread ( black bread)

- Potatoe pancakes

- “Kūgelis”

- “Žemaitiškas kąstinys” with potatoes

- “Šakotis”( a tree cake)

- Šimtalapis (one hundred sheets cake with poppy seeds)

1. Palanga Amber Museum & Pier of Palanga

Palanga is the most popular Lithuanian seaside town. Thousands of Lithuanians spend their summer holidays at Palanga beach.

The town is a mix of beautiful nature, forests, and stunning white-sand beaches, but also the crazy busy and loud pedestrian Basanavičiaus Street that reminds you of a huge country fair. But if you can ignore this noisy crowded street, you will find that Palanga is actually a very pleasant little town that is worth visiting.

Palangos gintaro muziejus (Palanga Amber Museum) is located inside the restored 19th-century Tiškevičiai Palace and surrounded by the beautiful Palanga Botanical Garden (Birutes park). The museum features a really nice collection of Lithuanian gold – amber.

Another reason to visit Palanga is the Pier of Palanga or Palangos tiltas (Palanga Bridge) as locals call it. It is a perfect place to see a sunset from this wooden pier that stretches far into the sea.

2. The Most Holy Virgin Mary’s Ascension Church in Palanga is also worth a visit. It was built more than hundred years ago and attracts almost every gaze of the passers-by with its neo-gothic beauty and greatness.

3. Entertainment & food

Atostogu parkas "Holiday Park" is the largest recreation and wellness complex in Western Lithuania, with 16 swimming pools for your relaxation and health. After relaxation in Holiday Park you can visit HBH Palanga for hearty lunch or dinner. It is a traditional Lithuanian kitchen restaurant/bar and entertainment park for the family.

Places for a good food:

Vila Komoda- European kitchen. Last year it got to a Micheline guided places.

Toda- middle eastern restaurant.

Pušų paunksmėje restaurnat- European, seafood restaurant. This restaurant belongs to famous Lithuanian basketball player A. Sabonis.

Onore restaurant- international, European kitchen.

Selfish Palanga- seafood restaurant.

Old man- cozy place with live bands music in the evenings.