Dancing Forest, Pine forest in Zelenogradsky District, Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia.

The Dancing Forest is a stand of pines planted in 1961 on the Round Dune near Rybachy, at the 37th kilometre of the Curonian Spit. Many trunks bend low and twist into rings, hearts and spirals; one trunk in the photograph curves sharply near its base before rising. The trees grow close together on sandy soil strewn with pine needles, dry leaves and patches of moss and grass.

The pines were planted in 1961 on the Kruglaya dune near Rybachy to stabilize the sands of the Curonian Spit. Before World War II the site held a German gliding school. The planting turned the former aviation ground into the forest that stands today.

The name Tantsuyushchiy les, "Dancing Forest", comes from the twisted pines, which form rings, hearts and spirals bending to the ground. A folk story says the forest follows the movement of the sands. Trees of such unusual shapes also grow elsewhere on the Curonian Spit.

The forest is accessible year-round and works well for walks and photography, with the best light for photos usually in early morning or late afternoon. The trails are relatively flat and easy to walk, but visitors should wear proper footwear and bring protection against insects.

Scientific studies suggest the twisted growth patterns might be caused by caterpillar activity from the moth species Rhyacionia buoliana or by sand dune movement itself. Despite decades of research, the exact cause of the contorted trunks remains unsolved, making the forest feel like a genuine mystery.