Curonian Spit National Park

Curonian Spit Overview

Curonian Spit National Park, known locally as Kuršių Nerijos Nacionalinis Parkas, is a breathtaking stretch of land located in western Lithuania. This UNESCO World Heritage Site encompasses 132 square miles (342 square kilometers) of unique and fragile landscapes, stretching along the Curonian Spit, a thin, 61-mile-long (98 km) sand dune peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.

Shared between Lithuania and Russia’s Kaliningrad region, the park’s portion within Lithuania is celebrated for its otherworldly beauty and ecological significance. The park’s terrain is dominated by shifting sand dunes, lush pine forests, and tranquil beaches.

The dunes, some of which tower over 200 feet (61 meters) high, are among the tallest in Europe and offer spectacular panoramic views of the lagoon and the sea. These formations, like the Parnidis Dune, are shaped continuously by wind and water, creating a dynamic and ever-changing landscape.

Interspersed among the dunes are forested areas of Scots pine and birch trees, while patches of wetland vegetation thrive near the lagoon’s edge. A notable feature of the park is the “Dead Dunes,” where sand has buried entire villages over the centuries, creating an eerie and fascinating historical layer to the region.

Wildlife in Curonian Spit National Park is diverse and includes a mix of European and coastal species. Visitors may encounter red foxes, roe deer, and wild boars roaming the forests, while bird enthusiasts will be delighted by the presence of rare and migratory species.

The park is a vital stopover for millions of birds on the East Atlantic Flyway, with species such as the white-tailed eagle, Eurasian bittern, and common crane frequently sighted. The lagoon also supports a variety of aquatic life, including fish species that are integral to local fisheries.

Popular features of the park include the Hill of Witches (Raganų Kalnas), an open-air gallery of wooden sculptures inspired by Lithuanian folklore. The Parnidis Dune Sundial is another highlight, with its striking granite obelisk marking time against the backdrop of the dunes.

Visitors often explore the charming fishing villages of Nida, Juodkrantė, and Pervalka, where traditional wooden architecture and cultural museums offer a glimpse into the region’s heritage.

Visitors can experience the park through a variety of activities, including hiking, cycling, and birdwatching. The well-maintained trails and boardwalks make it easy to explore the dunes and forests without damaging the fragile environment.

Guided tours provide insights into the area’s unique geology, flora, and fauna, while water-based activities such as kayaking and sailing on the lagoon offer a different perspective of the park’s beauty.

Curonian Spit National Park faces significant conservation challenges, including dune erosion caused by wind, human activity, and climate change. However, extensive efforts to stabilize the dunes through afforestation and other protective measures have been successful, showcasing the importance of collaboration between local communities, governments, and environmental organizations in preserving this natural treasure.

Park Map

Curonian Spit National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Curonian Spit National Park is also a paradise for bird enthusiasts, as its unique coastal and wetland habitats attract a remarkable diversity of bird species, including both resident and migratory birds.

White-Tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla)
This majestic bird of prey is often seen soaring over the coastlines and lagoons, searching for fish and small mammals.

Common Crane (Grus grus)
A migratory species, the common crane is known for its elegant stature and resonant calls. It frequents the wetlands during its seasonal migrations.

Eurasian Bittern (Botaurus stellaris)
A secretive heron, the Eurasian bittern is often heard before it’s seen, producing a distinctive booming call in reed beds.

Northern Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus)
This wader is easily identified by its crested head and acrobatic flight displays over marshy areas.

Great Egret (Ardea alba)
A striking white heron, the great egret is a common sight in the park’s wetlands, feeding on fish and small invertebrates.

Eurasian Spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia)
This unique bird, with its spoon-shaped bill, feeds by sweeping its bill through shallow waters in search of food.

Mute Swan (Cygnus olor)
One of the park’s iconic birds, the mute swan is often seen gliding gracefully across lagoons and lakes.

Barnacle Goose (Branta leucopsis)
A migratory species, barnacle geese flock to the park’s meadows and coastal areas during their seasonal journeys.

Sandwich Tern (Thalasseus sandvicensis)
A coastal bird, the Sandwich tern is recognized by its black cap and sharp, pointed beak. It feeds on fish by diving into the water.

Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo)
This small falcon is known for its incredible speed and agility, often hunting insects and small birds in flight.

Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a unique natural wonder located on a narrow, sandy peninsula shared by Lithuania and Russia. This park is renowned for its vast sand dunes, diverse wildlife, and breathtaking coastal scenery, offering a haven for various species adapted to this distinctive environment.

Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes)
The red fox is a common predator in the park, known for its adaptability and sharp hunting skills. It thrives in the dunes and forested areas, preying on small mammals and birds.

European Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus)
Roe deer are graceful inhabitants of the park’s woodlands and meadows. These herbivores are most active during dawn and dusk, feeding on leaves, twigs, and grasses.

Wild Boar (Sus scrofa)
Wild boars roam the forests and undergrowth, foraging for roots, tubers, and fallen fruit. They are known for their sturdy build and distinctive tusks.

Pine Marten (Martes martes)
The pine marten is a sleek, arboreal mammal commonly found in the park’s coniferous forests. It feeds on small mammals, birds, and berries.

Brown Hare (Lepus europaeus)
The brown hare inhabits the grasslands and open areas of the park, known for its incredible speed and agility in escaping predators.

Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides)
This nocturnal species has a dog-like appearance and is often spotted in the park’s wetlands. It feeds on insects, small animals, and plant material.

European Beaver (Castor fiber)
Beavers play a vital role in shaping the park’s wetland ecosystems by building dams and creating aquatic habitats for other species.

Eurasian Badger (Meles meles)
Badgers are burrowing mammals that create extensive tunnel systems. They are omnivorous, feeding on earthworms, insects, and plants.

European Otter (Lutra lutra)
The otter is a playful and semi-aquatic predator found in the park’s rivers and lakes. It feeds mainly on fish and amphibians.

Elk (Alces alces)
Also known as moose, elk are among the largest mammals in the park. They inhabit forested areas and feed on aquatic plants, shrubs, and tree bark.