Between the Russian city of Zelenogradsk and the Lithuanian settlement of Klaipeda is the Curonian Spit. This is a narrow and long part of the land, which is washed on one side by a freshwater bay, and on the other by the salty waters of the Baltic Sea. The diversity of the natural landscape, the amazing aroma of plants and a meaningful walk through the bewitching corners of the spit will leave a lot of pleasant impressions. The picturesque Curonian Spit National Park is famous for its unique landscapes and ecosystems. The richness of flora and fauna is amazing. The territory of the reserve is included in the list of the world heritage of South Africa, which is of interest to numerous tourists from all over the world.

Story

A thorough study of the territory of the Curonian Spit began only at the turn of the XIX-XX centuries. During large-scale archaeological excavations, scientists concluded that the indigenous people of this wonderful corner were the pagan tribes of the Curonians. They lived in harmony with nature, deified its objects, worshiped trees and considered the forest to be their inviolable abode. Later, the Vikings settled on the spit, who used the forest resources to build high-speed drakkars.

Beginning in the 16th century, the narrow sandy stretch of land became the hunting ground of the Prussian kings. A few centuries later, the massive cutting down of trees led to catastrophic environmental consequences. For many kilometers, the spit began to turn into a desert with high dunes. The East Prussian authorities decided to restore the vegetation cover. After World War II, the territory of the Curonian Spit became part of the USSR. In the 80s of the XX century, a protected park complex was founded to preserve the picturesque area of the Kaliningrad region.

Description

The Curonian Spit is a unique natural formation and an object for ecological tourism. This is the largest sand bar in the world. Its length is about 100 kilometers. A piece of land with a width of 350 meters to 4 kilometers stretches in a slightly concave arc between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. Expressive and diverse landscapes are of exceptional beauty. Sand dunes give the impression of a cosmic landscape.

Snow-white beaches are closely adjacent to the emerald bays. In the national park, special wooden floorings have been laid for pedestrians. The main part of the territory is covered with massive dense forests, consisting of more than 600 species of woody and shrubby vegetation. Among them, such species of trees as pine, spruce, birch, aspen and alder are especially distinguished. There are truly amazing specimens of flora and fauna here. Many wild animals and birds living in the reserve are listed in the Red Book.

Outstanding Value

The park complex is of great value, both for Russia and the whole world. This is an ideal embodiment of the harmonious coexistence of nature and man. A small piece of land, formed as a result of the interaction of wind and sea, is famous for its amazing landscapes. Majestic sandy ridges of dunes and even green meadows, coniferous forests and broad-leaved groves, lakes and swamps harmoniously combine with each other in this wonderful region.

The status of the protected area provides for the preservation of amazing wonderful places. The alternation of desert steppe sandy terrain with pine, spruce and birch thickets causes delight. Here you can see wooded and constantly moving dunes, the height of which reaches about 70 meters. Researchers are engaged in strengthening the sand ridges. On the surface of the dunes, seedlings of trees and plants with a powerful root system are planted.

landscapes

The landscape structure of the spit consists of several relief elements, successively changing from the sea bay to the fresh lagoon. Aesthetic pleasure is delivered by wide sandy beaches, dune ridges and forests. The coastline of the spit from the side of the freshwater bay has complex profile outlines. This is facilitated by the alternation of hills with open bays. Separate sections of the beach are covered with boulders and large accumulations of pebbles.

The value of the natural heritage of the Curonian Spit lies in the enchanting variety of landscapes. The continuous sand dunes rising around, covered with a thin layer of vegetation, are replaced by mysterious and mysterious forests, terraced plains and lakes, emerald lagoons and snow-white beaches. The life cycle of the unique landscape of the region is subject to two main elements – wind and water. The wind carries the sand along the spit, forming a special ecosystem.

Animal world

Quite a diverse fauna of the natural reserve is amazing. There is a significant number of mammals, birds, insects and fish. Many of them are listed in the Red Books of Russia and the Kaliningrad region. There are no representatives of large predators on the spit. Here you can see such land vertebrates as wild boar, deer, badger, otter, beaver, roe deer, hare, marten, fox, squirrel and many others. The main representative of the kingdom of animals is the elk, whose weight reaches up to 500 kilograms.

Bream, salmon, pike perch, lamprey and trout are found in the coastal waters of the spit. Every year in spring and autumn, a migratory route of birds passes over the Curonian Spit, connecting Russia with Southern Europe and Africa. A significant part of feathered individuals stops in the reserve to spend the winter, rest and refresh themselves before a long journey to warmer climes. Finches, starlings, siskins, tits, storks, cranes, hawks and other birds migrate through the spit.

Vegetable world

Despite its small size, the area is rich in flora. The main difference of the area from similar natural formations is that a layer of fertile soil has formed over the sand over time. The special microclimate favors the amazing biodiversity of the local flora. More than 800 species of woody, herbaceous and shrubby vegetation grow in the reserve. Trees and low shrubs with their roots prevent the mass movement of sand dunes.

Mixed forests and taiga spruce forests harmoniously coexist here. Deciduous forests are represented by groves of birch, alder, willow and aspen. Pine, arborvitae, bird cherry, white locust are the most stable and significant in the composition of plant communities. Separate corners of the spit are covered with moss, lichen, ferns, berries and mushrooms. Of interest are such tree species as Japanese larch, Sitka spruce and hard pine.

What to see

The Curonian Spit annually receives a considerable number of tourists from all over the world. The nature reserve is famous for its extraordinary sights, the contemplation of which leaves vivid and unforgettable impressions. The area is over six hectares. Tourist hiking trails run along ecological forest and sand paths. Visitors to the protected area are expected to travel to the kingdom of animals and birds, centuries-old trees and majestic sand dunes.

Swamp Pig

As a result of filling with sand a wide strait that connected the sea and the Curonian Lagoon more than 1000 years ago, the Pig Bog was formed. The presence of many fragments of mollusk shells, which can be found in peat deposits, is evidence of the existence of the ancient Brokist Strait. The uniqueness of this site lies in the fact that the swamp is covered with a thick layer of various types of moss.

The local flora is widely represented by herbs, shrubs, swamp pines, young birches. This is the only place in the reserve where the relic lunar grows, preferring soil rich in calcium. With the help of ditches, the swamp was repeatedly drained, as a result of which it was reduced several times.

Korolevskiy Bor (ecological trail)

A fascinating ecological route through the magnificent corners of the park is organized for visitors. The path runs through Korolevskii Bor, located between the shore of the Curonian Lagoon and the modern highway. This is a centuries-old forest that has retained its original appearance. It served as a natural reserve for hunting fun of the Prussian kings. The place was famous for the abundance of wild animals and birds, many species of which live here to this day. Throughout its history, majestic coniferous trees have never been cut down and destroyed.

An amazing landscape is created by gigantic arborvitae with their dark brown trunks and evergreen crowns, the lush vaults of which do not let in sunlight. The fragrant aromas of resins and peaceful silence, only occasionally interrupted by the singing of birds, delight the guests of Korolevskiy Bor. Following the forest path, tourists can get acquainted with the lagoon of the freshwater bay. Grassy meadows and reed-reed thickets adjoin the coast of the reservoir. In summer, a large family of waterfowl lives here: mallard, coot, swan.

Chapel in the village of Lesnoy

In one of the narrowest places is the cozy village of Lesnoy. It is literally sandwiched between the sea and the bay. A calm and secluded atmosphere prevails here. The Orthodox chapel of the Great Martyr Panteleimon deserves special attention. A small brick church was erected in memory of the fishermen and sailors who died during a storm in the waters of the bay. The shrine is an octagonal plan with an altar apse. The structure is crowned with a two-tiered drum, on top of which there is an onion dome with a cross. The interior of the chapel is decorated with colorful icons depicting the faces of saints.

Lighthouse in the village Forest

On the coast of the village of Lesnoy, an unusual structure rises, outwardly resembling a barrel. This is a lighthouse mounted on four iron legs. Its height is 50 meters. The navigation structure is equipped with light signals and radio transmitters. Access to the lighthouse for tourists is closed. On moonless nights, the structure is the only source of light on the beach, which gives the area a romantic entourage. Only the rays of the lighthouse illuminate the silhouettes of people who decide to take a walk along the coast at night.

Lake Chaika

Lake Chaika is the largest body of water on the peninsula, as well as one of the favorite places for fishing and recreation for tourists. A picturesque freshwater pond is located in the widest part of the Curonian Spit near the village of Rybachy. The length of the reservoir reaches more than 1000 meters. The lake got its name in honor of the colonies of gulls that have long nested on its banks, covered with green meadows. Carp, perch and pike live in the local waters.

Reed thickets are chosen by families of ducks. Swans gracefully and majestically swim on the water surface. Guests of the reserve are allowed to stay near the coast of the reservoir. On the expanded and improved area, tourists can set up tents and have a picnic. At the disposal of vacationers there are specially designated places with tables and benches, barbecues and dry closets, as well as garbage containers.

Muller Height

To enjoy the enchanting natural scenery of the reserve, tourists are advised to climb the dune of Müller. This is the highest point of the spit, named after the German scientist of the Königsberg forest management Müller. He devoted his research activity to the study of moving sand dunes. Thanks to the work of the forester, it was possible to preserve the unique dunes. The scientist introduced a technique to strengthen the soil of sand hills by planting vegetation.

The tourist route to the height of Müller runs through forests. Climbing the hillside is equipped with a wooden staircase with railings. The trail is framed by centuries-old spruces and mountain pines. At a height of more than 40 meters, there is an observation deck with amazing panoramic views. In all its glory, the endless expanses of the sea, the bay and the lake, as well as the evergreen thickets of numerous plantings, will appear.

Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh in the village. Fishing

One of the expressive sights of the village of Rybachy is the Church of St. Sergius of Radonezh. This object of cultural and religious significance attracts attention with its architecture. The construction of the temple began in 1872. A small building made of red brick with a semicircular apse and a bell tower was originally a Lutheran church. The shrine has retained its original appearance.

The facade of the temple is crowned with small turrets and decorated with arched window openings. After World War II, the basilica housed a flour mill. In the 90s of the XX century, the building was transferred to the Orthodox community. In the interior of the church, a magnificent iconostasis, made by masters of the Tver school, stands out. Christian services are regularly held here, as well as a church school.

Rossitten Forest (environmental trail)

Tourists of the national reserve are invited to take a fascinating walk through the picturesque Rossitten Forest. This is one of the popular ecological trails of the Curonian Spit. The route, the length of which is about two kilometers, originates from the bus stop in the village of Rybachy and passes through a mixed forest to the sea coast. Pine, birch, oak, spruce and rowan groves stretch along the path.

A lot of wild animals live in the forest: elks, wild boars, roe deer and foxes. Vacationers can see the German quarter posts, as well as information stands about the local flora and fauna. Of interest is a section of forest that was damaged by the hurricane and then naturally re-vegetated. For convenience and relaxation, benches are installed along the route.

Fringilla Ornithological Station

The spring and autumn migratory bird path passes through the national reserve. About one million different feathered individuals fly over a narrow and long strip. Birds leave the northern lands for the warm regions of Southern Europe and Africa, and then return back. Finches, nightingales, blackbirds, tits, siskins, starlings and many other birds stop to rest and feed in the forests of the pearl of the Kaliningrad region.

The ornithological station “Fringilla”, created at the beginning of the 20th century by German scientists, is located in a separate forest area. This place serves to study the physiological state of birds. Here birds are ringed, weighed, measured and registered. Tourists can get acquainted with bird traps, which are a structure made of a frame and a nylon mesh.

Myths and legends

There are many legends about the mysterious and enigmatic Curonian Spit. For many centuries, the unique natural corner has inspired local residents to create legends and fairy tales. In mythological texts, the presence of pagan Curonians, Vikings and Prussians can be traced. Many fictional stories are dedicated to giants who are able to protect settlements from natural disasters. You can also hear interesting tales about the dancing forest, the cat from the tavern and black sails.

The main character of the myths is the beautiful giantess Neringa. She possessed powerful power: she saved ships sinking in the depths of the sea, removed fishing ships from the shallows. Neringa did not always have time to help those who needed help out of trouble. It happened that the boats died during storms, and the majestic waves destroyed the coast with the villages. Then Neringa decided to erect a barrier in the way of the raging waves. The giantess took the sand with her huge hand and poured it into the sea. The result of the work was a sandy strip of land, which later became a national reserve.

Visiting Rules

Visitors should follow some simple rules. Their observance ensures the preservation of the natural value of amazingly beautiful landscapes and their inhabitants. On the territory it is allowed to make a fire, have a picnic and set up tents only in specially designated places. The Baltic weather is quite changeable and capricious, so guests are advised to take warm clothes with them. You should also take care of insect and tick repellents.

It is strictly forbidden for vacationers to pick berries, mushrooms and medicinal plants, as well as leave garbage, hunt animals and birds, contact with wild animals, walk independently along the dunes in unspecified places, stop their own vehicle outside the parking lot. Violators will face significant fines and expulsion from the territory of the reserve. The order in the reserve is monitored by inspectors.

Excursions

Professional guides invite tourists to make an unforgettable journey through the reserve. This is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the fascinating natural sights of the pearl of the Kaliningrad region. The rich itinerary programs provide for a review of the amazing corners of the park, the contemplation of which will leave an indelible impression. The narrow stretch of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon attracts with its variety of picturesque landscapes.

Forests and lakes, sand dunes and swamps, wide beaches and original villages – all this will be encountered on the way of expedition members. Guides with encyclopedic knowledge will lead the guests of the reserve along the famous trails of the spit, where a peaceful atmosphere and amazing energy reign. Excursion walk is accompanied with fascinating stories about the history of the region. Tourists will meet with the “Dancing Forest” and Lake Chaika, climb to the height of Muller and the dune of Efa, visit the ornithological station.

Where to stay

For tourists, all the necessary conditions for an acceptable and good rest have been created. Here, each tourist, depending on his preferences, will be offered the appropriate apartments for every taste and budget. The protected area with forests and majestic dunes has a wide selection of guest houses, camp sites and hotels of various categories of comfort. Unpretentious travelers can stay in tents in the bosom of pristine nature. For this, there are specially equipped campsites.

Hotel complexes or cozy cottages are located both on the coast and in the middle of forest thickets. The villages of Lesnoy, Rybachy and Morskoye are popular. These settlements have a developed tourist infrastructure. History buffs will appreciate the old fishermen's houses adjacent to new buildings.

Where is it located and how to get there

The reserve is a natural heritage of the Kaliningrad region. The land area belongs to two states – Russia and Lithuania. The Russian half of the spit is especially attractive for tourists due to the variety of picturesque landscapes. It is located 90 kilometers from Kaliningrad and 50 kilometers from the resort town of Zelenogradsk. Travelers can get to the spit from these settlements. They have several types of public transport at their disposal.

There are three villages on the territory, where bus transportation is carried out regularly. Bus number 593 runs four times a day in the direction of Kaliningrad – the village of Morskoye. Travel time is about two hours. Bus number 210 departs from Zelenogradsk, which will take passengers to the reserve in one hour. Independent tourists can get there by their own car. Parking areas are provided in the reserve.