Kaliningrad | Curonian Spit 🏞️🌊

A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Curonian Spit (Куршская коса) is a narrow strip of land connecting Russia’s Zelenogradsk and Lithuania’s Smiltyne. Its width ranges from just 400 meters to 3.8 kilometers. Here, you’ll find Europe’s tallest migrating sand dunes (60 meters high!). Must-See Attractions: Wild beaches 🏖️ Dancing Forest 🌲💃 Efa Heights 🏔️ Müller Heights Ecological trails 🥾 Lake Chaika 🦢 Bird-watching station 🦉 Rise early to enjoy the spit all to yourself! Wander through dense forests, breathe the pure Baltic air on untouched beaches, and climb towering dunes for breathtaking views of the sea, wetlands, meadows, and lagoons. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the spit’s wild forest residents! 🦌🐾 Transport Options: Private Car 🚗 Depart from Kaliningrad or Zelenogradsk. A hassle-free option with drivers who know all the best spots – some even double as guides! Ideal for 2-4 people. Group Tours 🚌 Join a day tour booked online or at tourist centers. Tours from Kaliningrad often include visits to coastal towns like Svetlogorsk and Zelenogradsk. Bus tours: ~1,200 RUB Small-group or private tours: up to 13,000 RUB Public Bus 🚏 Eco-friendly option! Buses to the spit depart from Zelenogradsk train station and Svetlogorsk (limited schedules – check the timetable!). Plan your time wisely to avoid missing return buses. Recommended Route: Zelenogradsk → Curonian Spit Efa Peak "Высота Эфа" – Highest point in the reserve, offering stunning views of the dunes and Morskoye village. Efa Dune Viewpoint (Дюна "Ореховая") Dancing Forest "Танцующий лес" 🌲✨ Müller Peak "Высота Мюллера" – Bird’s-eye view of the spit. Lake Chaika "Озеро Чайка" – Orthodox cross in the center, often visited by swans. Fringilla Ornithology Station "Фрингилла" 🐦 Return to Zelenogradsk → Kaliningrad city (or onward to Vilnius, Lithuania!). Note: We skipped the Curonian Spit Visitor Center (museum complex) due to time constraints, but it’s worth a visit if you have time! #Russia #Kaliningrad #HiddenGems #UNESCO #CuronianSpit #TravelGuide #WeekendGetaway ❤️