The newly opened Visitor Centre in Curonian Spit National Park, located in Juodkrante, Lithuania, offers an immersive experience into the unique landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The exhibition, titled "Created by wind, sand and water," highlights the dynamic interplay of natural forces that have shaped the Curonian Spit.
Lina Dikšaitė, Director of the Curonian Spit National Park, noted that the Centre's establishment marks the culmination of efforts dating back to 2018, when the local government transferred the former Juodkrante school building for the project. The Centre was developed under the EU-funded "Protection and Adaptation of Landscape Values for Cognition (II)" project, which aims to enhance the management of various protected landscapes.
With interactive solutions making the exhibit accessible to people with disabilities, the Centre offers both a visually and emotionally engaging experience. It not only showcases the region's natural and cultural heritage but also highlights environmental concerns, such as the impacts of climate change on the fragile landscape. Minister of the Environment Simonas Gentvilas remarked that the Centre plays a crucial role in promoting awareness and fostering a responsible approach to the conservation of the Curonian Spit.
The Visitor Centre also serves as an educational and community hub, offering spaces for conferences and events, while connecting visitors with local service providers and producers. It is a welcoming space for all, from residents to tourists, providing deeper insight into the protected area's value.
The Centre will be open during October and November, including weekends. It operates on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Wednesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Presentations of the exhibition "Created by wind, sand and water" take place on working days at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. These sessions offer a guided experience, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the natural and cultural significance of the Curonian Spit.
Photo by Danas Macijauskas.
