Klaipėda – Šilutė – Klaipėda
Days
8
Ø km per day
45
Sun, sand and blue sea on this Baltic Sea cycling tour in Lithuania. Discover the former East Prussian Klaipėda Region and the Curonian Spit, learn more about the shared German and Lithuanian history and get to know the modern, vibrant life in Klaipėda. During the individual cycling stages, you will also have the opportunity to relax on beautiful sandy beaches.
This prettily restored town's landmark is the statue of Annie of Tharaw, the main character of a 17th century love story. In the historic quarter you'll find pretty timber-framed houses and the former sailing school ship Meridianas, which is a restaurant now, on the Dane river. The expansive sandy beaches on the Curonian Spit are easily reached by a 30-minute ferry trip (not included).
Your cycling tour takes you through the Seaside Regional Park to Palanga. Discover the old fishing village of Karklė and the botanical garden and amber museum in the former castle of the Count of Tyszkiewicz. Over 25,000 samples of the so-called Tears of the Gods are on display here. The 470-metre-long pier and the numerous cafés in Palanga are beautiful sights.
You head east by minibus to cross the Memel region almost lengthwise. From Ramučiai, you will always cycle close to the Lithuanian-Russian border. You can take a break in the village of Švėkšna and visit the country estate with its beautiful park and impressive church. The island of Rusnė, which is home to many bird species, is located in the delta of the Memel / Nemunas estuary.
Use the day for a trip to Nemunas Delta, which stretches to the west of the city. The pristine landscape is characterized by small islands, lagoons, waterways, reeds and grasses. In Rusnė, which is located on a diked island, you can visit the local museum. Also worth seeing is the 19th century lighthouse in the harbour of Uostadvaris.
Leaving Šilutė with its surprisingoly large market square behind you, you cycle along secluded paths through the estuary delta. At Ventė Cape headland, you can take a photo of the lighthouse from 1863 and visit the famous bird observatory. Finally, a boat will take you across the Curonian Lagoon to the Nida Spit. Enjoy the view of the impressive sand dunes on the way.
German writer Thomas Mann was so taken with the fresh air and natural beauty that he bought a summer house for himself and his family near Nida. The old wooden fisherman's house is now home to a small museum and cultural center. Enjoy the sun and the sea in the small spa town of Nida. Alternatively cycle to Preila, a tranquil village whose main occupation is still fishing today.
The tour takes you along the best cycle paths along the Baltic Sea. Here you will find one of the largest dunes in Europe. The route continues to Juodkrantė, one of the oldest vacation resorts in the country. It is famous for the Hill of Witches, where wooden figures from Lithuanian fairy tales and legends can be found. Significant amber finds have also been made here. The end of the spit is almost the end of your cycling tour in Lithuania.
Additional fee single room |
339 € |
Room
|
Breakfast
|
Price
|
|
---|---|---|---|
Klaipėda
|
DBL |
|
49 € |
SGL |
|
85 € |
8- / 24-gear rental bike |
79 € |
Days
8
Ø km per day
45