Curonian Spit, Lithuania

Granted World Heritage status in 2000, the Spit is a unique and vulnerable, sandy and wooded cultural landscape, which separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon. It was formed 5,000 years ago by the sea, wind and human activity, and continues to be shaped by them today. 

White towering sand dunes are iconic of the Curonian Spit. Reaching up to 50 metres in height, they are the tallest dunes in Northern Europe. They are not only a natural wonder, but also a reminder of the past, when the shifting sands buried villages and threatened livelihoods. 

Covering around 72% of its land area, the Spit’s lush forests are largely human-made. Only small fragments of primeval forest remain. Once called the Forest Cathedral, these old-growth woods were cherished for their beauty and healing qualities. 

The Spit was also once on a migration route for people. The native Kuršininkai settled here in the 15^th century, while in the 20^th century, World War II forced most of the Spit’s inhabitants to flee, with only 13% returning, leading to major demographic and cultural shifts. 

The Spit’s cultural heritage, however, has been preserved. The sounds of traditional smelt ice fishing can still be heard during the winter fishing season, though, as winters grow warmer, the lagoon's icy cover becomes increasingly rare, threatening this long-standing tradition.

Plants here have adapted to harsh conditions—strong winds, shifting sands, infertile soils and salty water – with most thriving in dry, sandy soils. The shifting dunes host the rare and endemic Baltica toadflax (Linaria loeselii), a protected species growing only in this region.

The Curonian Lagoon is very shallow, with an average depth of just two metres, which explains why only wooden flat-bottomed sailing boats have been used for fishing and trading goods with the mainland. 

The colourful carved weathervanes of traditional sailing boats are a unique ethnographic element of the local fishermen's lifestyle. Introduced in the 19^th century as a method of identification, they became more and more elaborate, rousing the imagination of every fisherman. 

Preserving the cultural memory of the Kuršininkai is vital for today's communities. Various celebrations blend ancient traditions with contemporary arts, forming an inseparable part of this cultural landscape.

The shortest night of the year is marked with the archaic festival of Rasos. Girls weave wreaths and gather herbs to fortune-tell the future. Everyone is on the lookout for a partner, so the singing and dancing goes on until dawn. 

The Curonian Spit is where you can greet the sunrise over the serene lagoon and watch the sunset over the vast sea. Amber fishing traditions thrive here, with secrets passed down through the ages. The time-honoured method of net fishing has remained unchanged for centuries.