Visitors to the Curonian Spit and Kursiu Nerija National Park can choose from a myriad of outdoor activities and cultural attractions. Many travelers visit the park on a day trip from Vilnius, Klaipeda, or Smiltyne, with tours including highlights such as the Parnidis Dunes, Amber Museum, and the Hill of Witches. You can also visit the Curonian Spit as part of a multi-day tour of Lithuania’s top attractions.
The Curonian Spit can be reached via ferry from the port city of Klaipeda, which is 186 miles (300 kilometers) from Vilnius. Direct bus service runs between Klaipeda and Vilnius, and a pedestrian-only ferry runs from Klaipeda to Smiltyne. If you have a car, you can transport your vehicle to the Spit via the vehicle ferry port. There is also a cycling route that traverses the entire Spit from Smiltyne to Nida.
With mild weather, summer is the peak time for visiting Curonian Spit and Kursiu Nerija National Park. Accommodations are limited in the park, so book well in advance if you wish to stay there, especially in July and August. Many shops, restaurants, and attractions are closed for the winter months, when snow and freezing temperatures are common.
Just outside Nida, the Parnidis Dune is one of the highest dunes on the Curonian Spit. Several walking paths wind through the dunes, and a viewing platform features a granite sundial built atop the dune. Just make sure to respect the signs and stay off the no-access areas to protect the natural landscape.
