Things to Do in Curonian Spit

A narrow strip of sand separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon, creating one of Europe's strangest landscapes. This 98-kilometer UNESCO World Heritage peninsula stretches between Lithuania and Russia—the Lithuanian side offers clean beaches, towering dunes, and fishing villages locked in time. The landscape feels alien. Massive dunes shift with wind, creating an ever-changing desert just steps from dense pine forests and wooden cottages. What makes this place special is how it balances wild nature with human touches that don't get in the way. You'll walk through Sahara-like dunes one minute, then find villages where elk-shaped weathervanes top fishermen's houses the next. Wind, sand, water, and forest create constant change.

The food focuses on fresh fish and traditional Lithuanian coastal dishes. Smoked fish is the specialty here, reflecting centuries of local fishing tradition—the technique hasn't changed much. Nida has the best restaurants, from upscale spots serving modern Baltic cuisine to casual places for kibinai (traditional pastries) and freshly caught perch. Sea buckthorn and amber-colored honey appear on most menus. Dining options thin out fast outside Nida.

Late spring through early fall gives you comfortable weather and long daylight hours. July and August are warmest for beaches and swimming but bring the biggest crowds and highest prices—expect to pay double for rooms. June and September balance pleasant weather with fewer tourists and lower costs. You might hit unpredictable weather though. Winter visits show you a stark landscape, but many facilities close and ferry schedules become weather-dependent.