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Curonian Spit

Nida, Lithuania
17.07.2016

Kurische Nehrung, located in the picturesque town of Nida in Lithuania, is a unique natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors every year. This narrow strip of land, stretching 98 kilometers along the coast of the Baltic Sea, consists of a series of sand dunes, lush forests, and pristine beaches.

The history of Kurische Nehrung can be traced back to the Ice Age, when glaciers deposited sand and sediment along the coastline. Over time, the shifting winds and currents shaped the landscape into a series of dunes, with some reaching heights of up to 60 meters. Today, these dunes are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and serve as a natural barrier against the sea.

One of the most striking features of Kurische Nehrung is the contrast between its two sides. The western side faces the calm waters of the Curonian Lagoon, while the eastern side is constantly battered by the wild waves of the Baltic Sea. This creates a diverse ecosystem, home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare migratory birds, wild horses, and unique flora.

Visitors to Nida can explore Kurische Nehrung through various activities such as hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. The Nida-Kurische Nehrung National Park offers well-maintained trails that lead to scenic viewpoints and hidden beaches. For a more leisurely experience, visitors can take a boat tour on the Curonian Lagoon and admire the stunning views of the dunes from the water.

In addition to its natural beauty, Kurische Nehrung also has a rich cultural heritage. Nida was once a popular destination for artists, writers, and intellectuals, who were drawn to its serene atmosphere and stunning landscapes. Today, visitors can still visit the former summer houses of famous artists, such as Thomas Mann and Hermann Sudermann, and learn about the area's cultural significance.

Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat in nature or a chance to explore unique landscapes, Kurische Nehrung in Nida, Lithuania is a must-visit destination. Its breathtaking beauty, rich history, and diverse activities make it a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and culture enthusiasts alike.


Human habitation of this elongated sand dune peninsula, 98 km long and 0.4-4 km wide, dates back to prehistoric times. Throughout this period it has been threatened by the natural forces of wind and waves. Its survival to the present day has been made possible only as a result of ceaseless human efforts to combat the erosion of the Spit, dramatically illustrated by continuing stabilisation and reforestation projects.

The Curonian (Courish) Spit (Lithuanian: Kuršių nerija; Russian: Ку́ршская коса́; German: Kurische Nehrung; Latvian: Kuršu kāpas) is a 98-kilometre (61 mi) long, thin, curved sand-dune spit that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared by Lithuania and Russia. Its southern portion lies within Kaliningrad Oblast of Russia, and its northern within southwestern Klaipėda County of Lithuania.

wikipedia.org