Discover the Curonian Spit slowly and responsibly – by cycling and hiking through a unique two-day ecotourism route along the European Green Belt – the ecological corridor of Europe. This route invites you to explore one of the most sensitive natural areas in Lithuania: breathtaking dunes, ancient forests, lagoon shores, and bird migration sites. The journey starts and ends in Smiltynė and includes visits to natural landmarks – from cormorant colonies to the Grey Dunes. Overnight stay is offered in an authentic fisherman’s house – a rural tourism homestead in Nida. The route includes ecological activities: litter collection, birdwatching, waste sorting. Water refill stations, public fountains, and recycling bins help you travel without leaving a trace. Lunch is offered in local eateries serving traditional fish dishes. The Curonian Spit is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a living part of the Green Belt worth experiencing responsibly.
This two-day cycling route stretches through the territory of the Curonian Spit National Park – from Smiltynė (after ferry crossing from Klaipėda) to Nida and back. The one-way bike path is ~52 km long, but the route includes many interesting nature stops. Along the way, you will visit unique natural sites of the spit (dunes, forests, lagoon shores), observe birds, contribute to environmental cleanliness (by collecting litter found along the route), and taste traditional dishes of the coastal region. Overnight is planned in an authentic rural tourism homestead – a traditional fisherman’s house in Nida. All stops follow the principles of sustainable travel: bicycles are used, water is refilled in personal bottles, waste is sorted and disposed of in designated areas, and visitors are encouraged to stay on marked trails to protect the fragile dune nature.
Day 1: Smiltynė – Juodkrantė – Amber Bay – Grey Dunes – Nida
Start in Smiltynė (accessible by ferry from Klaipėda; bikes can be brought or rented on site).
Cycle (~20 km) toward Juodkrantė through the ancient forest of the Curonian Spit – stops at the cormorant colony and birdwatching point.
In Juodkrantė – an educational walk along the Witch Hill trail or the Lankos nature trail.
Continue cycling to Amber Bay – a short stop for birdwatching.
Cycle onward to the Nagliai Nature Reserve – short hike to the Grey (Dead) Dunes via the nature trail (~2.5 km).
Ecological activity – collect small litter while traveling (bring your own bags), stop at recycling points and water refill stations.
Arrive in Nida (~6:00 PM) – stop by the seaside, dinner with fish dishes.
Overnight in Nida: Nida has several cozy homesteads offering accommodation, as well as many apartments and hotels. For the most unique experience, we recommend staying in rural tourism homesteads or villas on the lagoon shore, which should be booked in advance, especially on summer weekends. Here are some options:
Apartments “Mėlyna Vila”
Address: Skruzdynės g. 8, Nida
Phone number: +370 698 35835
Fisherman's homestead in Nida
Address: Purvynės g. 6–2, Nida
Phone number: +370 680 34775
In the evening – a walk along the Curonian Lagoon shoreline, possibility to watch the sunset from Parnidis Dune or observe local birds from a birdwatching tower.
Day 2: Nida – Parnidis Dune – Vecekrugas Dune – Juodkrantė – Smiltynė
Morning in Nida – breakfast and a short walking trip to Parnidis Dune (Sun Clock, landscape panorama).
Depart north by bicycle – route through the pine forests of the Curonian Spit.
Stop at Vecekrugas Dune (~7 km from Nida) – short hike to one of the highest dunes of the Curonian Spit.
Ecological activity – continue conscious litter collection and sorting during the trip.
Drinking water refill – stations in Juodkrantė, Preila, and Nida.
Lunch in Juodkrantė – recommended traditional coastal cuisine at “Žuvelė” or “Ąžuolynas” restaurants (local fish dishes offered).
After lunch, cycle back to Smiltynė (~20 km), where the route ends.
Detailed route description and service providers.
Full route in PDF format.
This project is implemented with the financial support from the BESTbelt project of the European Union. The contents of this project are the sole responsibility of Lithuanian countryside tourism association and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union.
