Lithuanian Seaside Hike
Lithuania Hiking + Walking Tours
Walk through Curonian Spit National Park, Palanga Resort & Ventė Horn
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€624 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Hiking in Lithuania! Let's set the scene. The sea, white sand beaches, the Dead Dunes landscape dotted with wild flowering plants, wild storks, and numerous varieties of birds, impressive forests and coastal resorts... you get the picture!
On this European hike, you will explore the scenic Baltic Sea Coast including Curonian Spit National Park, the Nemunas River Delta, and Venté Cape.
Traditional Lithuanian country life will come alive, as well as a deep appreciation for its beautiful nature and birdlife. The Nemunas River Delta has one of the largest populations of storks in Europe and more than one million birds pass through Ventė Cape each migratory year.
Your tour begins and ends in the historic coastal town of Klaipeda, Lithuania's third-largest city. Contrasted with its turbulent past, today you find a bustling, modern town, with a distinctive German flare. You can choose to spend extra nights here either at the beginning or end of the tour.
The itinerary features three nights in Nida, the largest settlement on the Curonian Spit, and the most beautiful resort in Lithuania. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing seaside break on the world-famous white-sand beaches or explore on foot its unique surroundings like the 50 m Great Dune of Parnidis. The Dead (Grey) Dunes near Pervalka and grey herons and cormorants in Juodkrantė will also be tour highlights!
Highlights
- Birds! ( Lithuanian skies contain the most active stretch of the Baltic migration flyway, considered among the largest not only in Europe but around the world.)
- Unique coastal scenery
- Blue Ribbon beaches
- Unesco World Heritage Curonian Spit National Park
- Nemunas River Delta
- Forests (33 % of the country is forested)
- Nida
- Nagliai District Nature Reserve
- Dead Dunes landscape
- Hill of Witches
- Unique flora and fauna
Interested in other hiking tours in Europe and beyond? Check them out!
Itinerary
Guided & Self-guided on Saturday or Wednesday
Day 1: Klaipėda
Day 2: Baltic Seacoast - Palanga Resort, 11 mi. (18 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs
Day 3: Curonian Lagoon, 12 mi. (19 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs
Day 4: Minija River, crossing the Curonian Lagoon - Nida, 11 mi. (18 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs + boat trip 1.5 hrs
Day 5: Nida - Leisure time by the Baltic Sea, 6 mi. (10 km) ~ approx. 2 hrs
Day 6: Dead Dunes - Pervalka and Preila, 9 or 17 mi. (15 or 28 km) ~ approx. 3 or 5 hrs
Day 7: Curonian Spit - Juodkrantė, 7 or 9 mi. (11 or 15 km) ~ approx. 2 or 3 hrs + boat trip 1 hr
Day 8: KlaipėdaDay 1: Klaipėda
Check in to your hotel and after resting and refreshing, you can enjoy an optional dinner at the hotel. For those that have booked the guided option, you will meet your tour guide and enjoy a tour informational meeting. Guided guests will meet their tour guide for the week.Overnight in Klaipėda.
Preferred accommodation(s):
Guided tour: 3* Old Mill Hotel (or similar)
Self-guided: 3* Old Mill Hotel (or similar) with possibility to upgrade to 4* National Hotel (or similar)Day 2: Baltic Seacoast - Palanga Resort, 11 mi. (18 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs
A 45 km morning transfer by van transports to the Seaside Regional Park where you start your hiking tour along the Lithuanian Seaside to Palanga Resort. En route, you visit the Dutchman’s Cap, a 24-meter-high coastal cliff famous for its gorgeous panorama of the Baltic Sea. In Palanga, you can visit the Botanical Park and Amber Museum, explore J.Basanavičius pedestrian street with many cafes and restaurants, and the 470 m pier stretching into the Baltic Sea. Transfer by minibus back to Klaipėda. Optional dinner at the hotel.Overnight in Klaipėda.
Preferred accommodation(s):
Guided tour: 3* Old Mill Hotel (or similar)
Self-guided: 3* Old Mill Hotel (or similar) with possibility to upgrade to 4* National Hotel (or similar)Day 3: Curonian Lagoon, 12 mi. (19 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs
This morning, your short transfer takes you inland where you start walking along the Curonian Lagoon on small country roads and forest trails. En route, hiking towards the Nemunas River Delta Regional Park, you pass the most popular kiting spot in Lithuania in the Svencele coastal raised bog. This region has one the largest population of storks in Europe. The White Stork is Lithuanian's national bird. Your final destination is a guesthouse surrounded by Kintai fishponds at the Minija River or a hotel at the Curonian Lagoon in Ventė Cape. Optional dinner at your overnight accommodation.
Overnight in Kintai or Ventė.Preferred accommodation(s), guided and self-guided:
Mėlynasis Karpis, Ventainė or similarDay 4: Minija River, crossing the Curonian Lagoon - Nida, 11 mi. (18 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs + boat trip 1.5 hrs
Hiking to Ventė Cape there is an opportunity to visit the museum of ornithology and one of the first bird ringing stations in Europe. The 19th C lighthouse here has a panoramic view of the unique landscape of the Curonian Lagoon and the great sand dunes. Today, one million birds pass through Ventė Cape each migratory year. The route to Ventė will lead along the Minija River and into Minija (Mingė) village which is Venice of Lithuania with canals for streets. Here residents visit their neighbors by boat. In the evening, you cross the Curonian Lagoon 9 mi. (14 km) by boat. After your arrival in Nida, it is just a short walk through the resort village to the hotel. Check-in and optional dinner at the hotel.Overnight in Nida.
Preferred accommodation(s), guided and self-guided:
3* Nerija or similarDay 5: Nida - Leisure time by the Baltic Sea, 6 mi. (10 km) ~ approx. 2 hrs
Today is a free day to explore Nida. This former fishermen’s village, washed by the Baltic Sea on one side and the Curonian Lagoon on the other, is one of the most beautiful resorts in Lithuania. Walk along impressive sand dunes to the Baltic Sea where you can enjoy white sand beaches and swimming in the sea. The Fisherman’s House, the summer house of famous German writer Thomas Mann, and the Amber Gallery are very interesting sites. Optional dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Nida.Preferred accommodation(s), guided and self-guided:
3* Nerija or similarDay 6: Dead Dunes - Pervalka and Preila, 9 or 17 mi. (15 or 28 km) ~ approx. 3 or 5 hrs
You are transported to the Dead (Grey) Dunes (30 km) to begin your hike on a picturesque trail in the Nagliai District Nature Reserve. It was here that four former villages were buried in the sand a few centuries ago. Strong winds create this unique landscape of steep sand dunes with hollows and washouts. Human activity is limited to a single trail within the Reserve except for scientific observations to preserve its unique beauty. As you continue hiking along the lagoon to Preila, you pass through the most picturesque places in all Curonian spit, Horse Cap, Lighthouse, Pervalka, and Karvaičiai Bays with towers for birdwatching, etc. From Preila, you are transported back to Nida or you can continue walking from Preila to Nida, along the Curonian Lagoon (13 km extra) including a climb up to the highest dune, the 67 m tall Vecekrugas Dune. Optional dinner at the hotel.Overnight in Nida.
Preferred accommodation(s), guided and self-guided:
3* Nerija or similarDay 7: Curonian Spit - Juodkrantė, 7 or 9 mi. (11 or 15 km) ~ approx. 2 or 3 hrs + boat trip 1 hr
The hike today features a circular route with natural and cultural highlights of the Curonian spit. After a transfer, you begin your route at the Amber Bay, continuing into the primeval forest, passing the mythical wooden sculptures of Lithuanian legends scattered along a forest path known as the Hill of Witches. Legend and folklore abound here and your guide will make sure you are fully informed. Approximately 1 km from Juokdranté is one of Europe's largest colonies of cormorants and grey herons amassed in the forest 1km south of Juodkrantė. From a viewing platform, the panorama of thousands of nests amid pine trees stretches out. The afternoon is free so that you can spend more time in one of the many local restaurants, or just relaxing on the white sand beach.You return to Klaipėda either by speed boat (1 hour) or a 30 km minibus transfer. Check-in and optional dinner at the hotel.
Overnight in Klaipėda.
Preferred accommodation(s):
Guided: 3* Old Mill Hotel (or similar)
Self-guided: 3* Old Mill Hotel (or similar) with possibility to upgrade to 4* National Hotel (or similar)Day 8: Klaipėda
Breakfast at the hotel. End of the tour. It is possible to extend your stay in Lithuania.Guided & Self-guided on Sunday or Thursday
Day 1: Klaipèda
Day 2: Hiking the Curonian Lagoon, 12 mi. (19 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs
Day 3: Minija River, Curonian Lagoon - Nida, 11 mi. (18 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs + boat trip 1.5 hrs
Day 4: Nida - Leisure time by the Baltic Sea, 6 mi. (10 km) ~ approx. 2 hrs
Day 5: Dead Dunes - Pervalka and Preila, 9 or 17 mi. (15 or 28 km) ~ approx. 3 or 5 hrs
Day 6: Curonian Spit - Juodkrantė, 7 or 9 mi. (11 or 15 km) ~ approx. 2 or 3 hrs + boat trip 1 hr
Day 7: Baltic Seacoast - Palanga Resort, 11 mi. (18 km) ~ approx. 4 hrs
Day 8: KlaipèdaBe sure to browse our full selection of trips including featured tours and specials!
Map
Accommodation
On each day’s details, you will find the name of the preferred hotels that are generally booked for this tour.
Guided:
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels.
Self-guided:
You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels with the option to upgrade to a 4-star hotel in Klaipėda. Please see pricing.Inclusions
What’s Included
Guided Tour
- Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels/guesthouses
- 7 breakfasts
- English-speaking tour guide services for 5 days
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- All transfers by comfortable air-conditioned minibus as per program
- Boat trip across the Curonian Lagoon to Nida
- Speed boat from Juodkrantė to Klaipėda (or minibus transfer)
- Individual information package (one per room)consisting of a city guide, maps, program, & route description
- GPS Tracks
- Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels/guesthouses
- 7 breakfasts
- Luggage transfer from hotel to hotel
- Minibus transfer from Klaipėda to Seaside Regional Park, from Klaipėda to Dreverna, from Nida to the Dead Dunes, & from Nida to Juodkrantė
- Boat trip across the Curonian Lagoon to Nida
- Speed boat from Juodkrantė to Klaipėda (or minibus transfer)
- Individual information package (one per room) consisting of city guide, maps, program, & route description
- GPS Tracks
- 24 hours service hotline
Self-guided Tour
What’s Not Included
- Lunches & dinners
- Arrival and departure transfers
- Walking sticks rental
- Tips (for guided tour)
- Travel Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Saturday departures
Season 1: June 17, 2023
Season 2: July 1, July 15, August 5, & August 19, 2023Wednesday departures
Season 1: June 21, 2023
Season 2: July 5, July 19, & August 23, 2023The minimum number to confirm a departure is 4!
Season 1 Season 2 Twin/double $ 1295 £ 747 $ 1,229 € 824 ₪ 3195 NZ$ 1421 NOK 9152 kr 9545 $ 926 $ 1430 £ 825 $ 1,357 € 910 ₪ 3529 NZ$ 1569 NOK 10107 kr 10542 $ 1,022 Single $ 1751 £ 1010 $ 1,661 € 1114 ₪ 4320 NZ$ 1921 NOK 12373 kr 12905 $ 1,251 $ 1949 £ 1124 $ 1,849 € 1240 ₪ 4808 NZ$ 2138 NOK 13772 kr 14364 $ 1,393 Any other date/day (May - September) is possible on request with a minimum of 6 people. Please ask us for a price proposal.
The minimum number of people required to confirm a tour date is 2 people.
Saturday departures:
Season 1: June 17, 2023
Season 2: June 24, July 1, July 8, July 15, August 5, August 12, & August 19, 2023Sunday departures*
Season 1: June 18, 2023
Season 2: June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 30, August 6, August 13, & August 20, 2023Wednesday departures
Season 1: June 21, 2023
Season 2: June 28, July 5, July 12, July 19, July 26, August 16, & August 23, 2023Thursday departures*
Season 1: June 22, 2023
Season 2: June 29, July 6, July 13, July 20, July 27, August 17, & August 24, 2023Season 1 Twin/double $ 981 £ 566 $ 930 € 624 ₪ 2420 NZ$ 1076 NOK 6931 kr 7228 $ 701 Single $ 1436 £ 829 $ 1,363 € 914 ₪ 3544 NZ$ 1576 NOK 10152 kr 10588 $ 1,027 Season 2 Twin/double $ 1084 £ 626 $ 1,029 € 690 ₪ 2675 NZ$ 1190 NOK 7664 kr 7993 $ 775 Single $ 1603 £ 925 $ 1,521 € 1020 ₪ 3955 NZ$ 1759 NOK 11329 kr 11816 $ 1,146 *On the Sunday & Thursday departures, the itinerary is just slightly different. Please refer to the day-to-day itinerary.
Any other date/day (May - September) is possible on request with a minimum of 4 people. Please ask us for a price proposal.
Extra Options
Dinners included (7 three-course meals with coffee/tea) $ 244 £ 141 $ 231 € 155 ₪ 601 NZ$ 267 NOK 1722 kr 1796 $ 174
Extra nights in Klaipeda 3-star hotel
Twin/double, per room $ 140 £ 81 $ 133 € 89 ₪ 345 NZ$ 153 NOK 988 kr 1031 $ 100 Single $ 124 £ 72 $ 118 € 79 ₪ 306 NZ$ 136 NOK 877 kr 915 $ 89 4-star hotel upgrade in Klaipeda $ 110 £ 63 $ 104 € 70 ₪ 271 NZ$ 121 NOK 777 kr 811 $ 79
Dinners included without upgrade in Klaipeda (7 three-course meals with coffee/tea) $ 244 £ 141 $ 231 € 155 ₪ 601 NZ$ 267 NOK 1722 kr 1796 $ 174
Dinners included with upgrade in Klaipeda (7 three-course meals with coffee/tea) $ 266 £ 153 $ 252 € 169 ₪ 655 NZ$ 291 NOK 1877 kr 1958 $ 190
Extra nights in Klaipeda 3-star hotel
Twin/double, per room $ 140 £ 81 $ 133 € 89 ₪ 345 NZ$ 153 NOK 988 kr 1031 $ 100 Single $ 124 £ 72 $ 118 € 79 ₪ 306 NZ$ 136 NOK 877 kr 915 $ 89 Extra nights in Klaipeda 4-star hotel
Twin/double, per room $ 156 £ 90 $ 148 € 99 ₪ 384 NZ$ 171 NOK 1100 kr 1147 $ 111 Single $ 140 £ 81 $ 133 € 89 ₪ 345 NZ$ 153 NOK 988 kr 1031 $ 100 Palanga Airport (by car, up to 3 people) $ 86 £ 50 $ 82 € 55 ₪ 213 NZ$ 95 NOK 611 kr 637 $ 62 Palanga Airport (by minibus, up to 7 people) $ 138 £ 80 $ 131 € 88 ₪ 341 NZ$ 152 NOK 977 kr 1019 $ 99 Klaipeda central ferry terminal (by car, up to 3 people) $ 52 £ 30 $ 49 € 33 ₪ 128 NZ$ 57 NOK 367 kr 382 $ 37 Klaipeda central ferry terminal (by minibus, up to 7 people) $ 86 £ 50 $ 82 € 55 ₪ 213 NZ$ 95 NOK 611 kr 637 $ 62 Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy–Moderate
This trip is rated easy to moderate. You will be hiking forest trails, meadows, bike paths along the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, and back roads with little car traffic in the Nemunas River Delta area. Walking on sand beaches at the Baltic Sea will be a highlight. The terrain is quite flat most of the tour, except for the few sand dunes on the Curonian Spit.
Airport Info
If you are traveling from North America, the largest and most practical international airport is Riga Lidosta Airport (RIX). For those that are traveling within Europe, due to good connecting flights (SAS, AirBaltic, and more), it is easy to reach Palanga airport from many cities in Europe via Copenhagen and Riga.
Local Travel
From Riga Lidosta Airport (RIX), you can research connecting flights to Palanga Airport.
Climate
Klaipėda, Lithuania is classified as having a warm and temperate climate, due to its proximity to the Baltic Sea. There can be rain, even the driest month, so it is recommended that you pack rain gear. Please take a look at the monthly weather averages below for a guideline.
Day of Rest
There is a rest day in Nida, one of the most beautiful resorts in Lithuania. You may also want to consider booking an extra night in Klaipėda before or after your tour, or even both!
Important to know
Travel Documents
Before you travel, please check the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have proper identification. For US citizens, the U.S. Passports & International Travel website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. It is important to research before you travel as airlines will not permit boarding if you do not have the required valid documents.
We recommend that you make copies of your important documents and papers (insurance cards, etc.). Leave a copy at home and have a copy with you. In the unfortunate situation that you lose your original documents, having copies facilitates the replacement process.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa
Covid-19 Info
Country Entry Requirements
Due to the changing requirements for entry, it is imperative that you stay up to date on requirements set by the country/countries that you are visiting. Please visit our Travel Restrictions Tool page and the country/countries government webpage for this information.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by Baltic Bike Travel.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
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