The route invites to explore the great dune complex of the Curonian Spit.
Nida: the Hill of Urbas
Once a menacing travelling sand dune, now the Hill of Urbas is a tranquil landscape of mature pines and romantic walking paths. Find the informational stands dotted along the forest to learn all about the persistence and wisdom of the local people, who finally curbed and befriended the relentless sand and wind that was about to swallow the third location of the Nida settlement, as well as the importance of the postal road that connected Paris and St Petersburg. The hill’s crowning glory is the legendary lighthouse of Nida that opens up amazing views of the peninsula.
Preila: the Dune of Preila
When you reach the top of this 53 m dune, it is easy to understand why it has always been so popular with artists. Its incredible landscape was immortalised in many paintings, so grab your phone (or a brush!) and make sure to record this one of the most memorable panoramas of the Curonian Spit. Spot the Baltic Sea, the Curonian Lagoon and the Great Curonian Dune complex, or even the Horn of Ventė on the other shore of the lagoon if you are lucky.
Pervalka: the Dune of Skirpstas
The Dune of Skirpstas stands at 51.5 m high near Pervalka, and boasts views of the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. Near the dune visitors can locate the monument to the most famous local resident Martynas Liudvikas Rėza. It is facing the south - the dune itself and the location of a now extinct village of Karvaičiai, the hometown of Rėza, which lies buried under the dune of Karvaičiai. The path to the Dune of Skirpstas is opposite the monument, next to the main road to Pervalka.
Juodkrantė – the Hill of Ram
You will find the Hill of Ram in the nature reserve of Juodkrantė. Almost 36 metres of the Hill of Ram presents visitors with remarkable views of the Horn of Avikalnis, the shores of the lagoon, the Grey Dunes and fragments of the ancient pine forest of Juodkrantė. You can reach the viewpoint when driving from Klaipėda, on the 23rd kilometre of the Smiltynė–Nida road.