Curonian Spit National Park, National park on Baltic Sea coast, Lithuania
The park occupies a narrow strip of land separating the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon, dominated by large sand dunes that constantly shift with wind and weather. Two distinct water environments meet here, creating a landscape where sea and lagoon each maintain their own character and ecology.
The park was established in 1991 as a protected area, encompassing traces of four villages that gradually disappeared under moving dunes beginning in the 1600s. These lost settlements reveal how this narrow land has always been a place where human habitation and natural forces have been in constant struggle.
The settlements on the spit are shaped by deep ties to fishing and amber work, traditions still visible in local workshops and daily routines. Life here has always revolved around the narrow strip of land between the sea and the lagoon, and this connection remains central to how people experience the place.
The park is best explored on foot using marked trails that guide you through different sections and ecosystems. Sturdy footwear is essential since sand and dunes demand steady walking, and visiting during fair weather makes the trails easier to navigate and more enjoyable.
The spit is known for constantly shifting dunes shaped by wind and weather, changing their form and position year after year. These living sand hills are a rare sight along the Baltic coast and ensure that each visit offers a slightly different landscape to explore.
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