Nida Travel Guide

 
by djski
  •   Nida
    by djski
  • Nida - quaint houses near the Curonian Lagoon
      Nida - quaint houses near the Curonian...
    by HORSCHECK
  • Nida weathervane
      Nida weathervane
    by HORSCHECK
  • Sign at the Russian border zone
      Sign at the Russian border zone
    by HORSCHECK
  • Memorial to the Lithuanian Gliding School
      Memorial to the Lithuanian Gliding...
    by HORSCHECK

Pro

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 Impressive sand dunes and picturesque cottages. 


Con

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 lots of tour groups on day trips in high season 


In a nutshell

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 Sea and Sand 

 

Explore Nida

Things to Do  

Evangelical-Lutheran Church

Evangelical-Lutheran Church, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  The red brick Evangelical-Lutheran Church was completed in 1888 in Neo-Gothic style. It is a fine example of rustic German architecture of that time. From 1966 until 1988 it was home to the Curonian Spit Historical Museum, but later it was given back to the Protestants.... 

Old Nida Cemetery

Old Nida Cemetery, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Nida's Old Cemetery is under protection and the rest place of people like the local hotelier Herman Blode and the Curonian preacher K. H. Mertikaitis. Apart from that, many traditional grave markers called Krikstas can be seen in the northwestern edge of the graveyard. They... 

Thomas Mann House

Thomas Mann House, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  In 1929 the famous German novelist Thomas Mann visited the Curonian Spit and he was so enthusiastic about it that he decided to build himself a holiday home there. It was financed with the proceeds of the Nobel Prize of Literature which he won in 1929. He spent three summers... 

Parnidis dune

Parnidis dune, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Nida is home to some of the highest sand dunes in Europe. The most famous of them is probably the 52 m high Parnidis dune (Parndzio kopa). From the top of the dune the Baltic Sea, the Curonian lagoon and the Russian excalve Kaliningrad can be seen. Unfortunately, the dunes... 

Nida's Hill of Crosses

Nida's Hill of Crosses, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  One of Lithuania's oddest and also most famous tourist attraction is the Hill of Crosses near Siauliai (please see my Siauliai page for more details). Also Nida seems to have its own little Hill of Crosses which is dominated by one big wooden cross and surrounded by many... 

Hotels  

Villa Banga

 11 Opinions

Jurate Hotel

 3 Opinions

Restaurants  

Kavine Pastoge

Kavine Pastoge, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Kavine Pastoge is a relatively big restaurant which seems to be popular with tourists. The restaurant's rustic wooden interior creates a cosy atmosphere. In summer their nice oudoor terrace is surrounded by flower decorations. Their menu offers a big variety of both local... 

Kavine Laume

Kavine Laume, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Kavine Laume is a lovely summer restaurant which offers nice views of the Curonian Lagoon. They have about 10 tables inside and a large outdoor terrace. We once went there for a late breakfast and I opted for a Caotina cocao and thin pancakes filled with fruits. 

Transportation  

To the Curonian Spit by ferry

To the Curonian Spit by ferry, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  When coming from the Lithuanian mainland, the Curonian Spit can only be reached by ferry. The best connections are from Klaipeda's old and new port. Ferries from the old port leave only in summer and are mainly for pedestrians. They go to Smiltyne, whereas the bigger ferries... 

To Nida by bus

To Nida by bus, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  We arrived in Nida by bus from Kaunas (4,5 h) and left Nida by bus to Klaipeda (2 h). Nida's bus station is situated at Nagliu 18e, right in the heart of the town. It has frequent micro bus services to Smiltyne near the northern end of the Curonian Spit where the ferries to... 

Shopping  

Baltic Amber

Baltic Amber, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  About 80 % of the world's known amber resources are located in the Baltic region. Amber came into being some million years ago from the sap of various pine trees which became fossilized.One of the most popular souvenirs from the Baltic region are therefore all sorts of amber... 

Local Customs  

Lithuanian beer: Svyturys

Lithuanian beer: Svyturys, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Svyturys is a popular beer brand especially on the Curonian Spit as it is brewed in nearby Klaipeda. The brewery was established in 1784 and produces various sorts of beer like wheat beer (Baltas), dark beer (Baltijos) and of course lager beer (Ekstra). Nowadays Svyturys is... 

Lithuanian Currency: Litas

Lithuanian Currency: Litas, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Although Lithuania joined the European Union (EU) on the 1st of May 2004, they don't have the Euro as currency. Lithuania's currency is still the Litas. 1 Litas is divided into 100 Centai. You can get your money with your credit or debit card from cash points or just by... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Parking in Nida

Parking in Nida, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  If you are planning to visit the Curonian Spit by car make sure you park in the designated areas. One of my very first impressions of Nida was the sight of wheel-clamped cars that obviously were parked illegally on the street. 

False parking or what?!

False parking or what?!, Nida

 yumyum Says:  I thought that this car overdid the parking or something and had to pay a fine, so it got locked. But on second thoughts, it may be that the owner is afraid of car kidnapping and looked the car himself. In 2005 I parked a rental car in the public car parking over night and... 

What to Pack  

Lonely Planet Guide: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

Lonely Planet Guide: Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:   The Baltic States are rapidly developing countries, therefore an up to date guidebook is very helpful. I used the Lonely Planet Guide "Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania" which offers information for all budgets on what to see and do, and tips on dining and accomodation. 

In Your Pocket Guide

In Your Pocket Guide, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:   On my travels to East and Central Europe I always try to get myself the latest edition of the "In Your Pocket" guide. These guides are very up to date, provide useful maps and offer all sorts of practical information for independent travels. Most of the tips can also be... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Memorial to the Lithuanian Gliding School

Memorial to the Lithuanian Gliding School, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Between 1933 and 1939 Nida was home to the Lithuanian Gliding School. Later from 1939 until 1943 it was used by German military airforce, as the Klaipeda region was occupied by Germany.Nowadays a symbolic metal hangar which was built in 1979 remind visitors about the former... 

Old Soviet watchtower

Old Soviet watchtower, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  During the Soviet era the Curonian Spit was more or less off limits to foreigners because of its potential military significance.It was mainly only communist officials who were allowed to take their holidays here. The function was probably more for the purposes of observing... 

Favorites  

The harbour

The harbour, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  Nida has got a relatively big harbour which is divided into two sections. Fishing and other commercial boats can be found in the northern part, whereas yachts and pleasure boats lie at anchor in the southern part. The entrance to the yacht harbour is flanked by two... 

Weathervanes

Weathervanes, Nida

 HORSCHECK Says:  The iconic weathervanes were introduced to the Curonian Spit in 1844 by the fishing autorities. They were attached to the mast tops of the local fishing boats to identify them in the assigned fishing areas. It was also possible to learn from them about the owner's family and... 

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Map of Nida