Klaipėda District Municipality: Coast, History and Experiences

The coastal cliff known as Olandų Kepurė is one of the geological natural heritage sites in Klaipėda District Municipality. In Gargždai, Dreverna and other places, historical connections, boatbuilding, hiking and cycling trails, and water-based experiences add to the picture. This lets you choose different focuses for your trip: landscapes, culture, or activities on foot, by bike and by boat.

History and views in Gargždai

The restored Kalniškės (Gargždų) piliakalnis is a tourist destination with views of Gargždai. The hill is associated with the Curonian castle of Garisda, mentioned in a document dated 4 April 1253. This document is the first written record of Gargždai. The view over the town is therefore linked to a specific historical reference. The Gargždų krašto muziejus introduces visitors to the history of Klaipėda District and the town of Gargždai, and also presents works by various artists. The hill offers a way to experience the landscape and history, while the museum presents the history and art of the town and district.

Boatbuilding and coastal culture in Dreverna

The permanent interactive exhibition “J. Gižas. Laivadirbio skrynią atvėrus...” in Dreverna provides insight into the craft of shipbuilding, the tradition of building Curonian Lagoon boats, and life in the lagoon region. Its scope therefore ranges from the craft itself to life by the lagoon. If you are interested in traditional boatbuilding and the culture of the lagoon region, the exhibition offers a focused introduction.

On foot, by bike and on the water

The “Paukščių takai” hiking trail runs for 14 kilometres there and back, from the small marina in Dreverna to the birdwatching tower in Tyrų Bog. The stated distance therefore includes both the outward and return journeys. Two sections of the “Kuršių kelias” are named as cycling routes in Klaipėda District: Nemirseta–Giruliai and Dreverna–Svencelė.

On the water, the “Žuvies kelias” culinary cruise travels along the Curonian Spit, the Nemunas Delta, the Minija and the King Wilhelm Canal. The offer includes dishes from the fish culinary heritage. For leisure trips on the Curonian Spit, the “Dreverna” ship can also be rented by groups of up to 30 people. If you are planning a group trip, check the current rental information in advance.

Experiences in Radailiai and Lankupiai

At Dinozaurų parkas in Radailiai, there are more than 52 life-size dinosaurs that hiss, spray water and roar. Educational activities are organised for schoolchildren, preschoolers and groups of children. One of the attractions in Radailiai is also an upside-down house, which stands on its roof and has everything turned upside down inside.

In Lankupiai, a 130-metre suspension bridge connects two parts of the village across the boundary between Klaipėda and Šilutė districts. The Camino de Santiago route in western Lithuania passes through Klaipėda District and is described as a marked international pilgrimage, educational and cultural route. Alongside individual attractions, there is therefore also a structure with a specific location on a district boundary and a themed route to serve as points of reference.

The wider travel area: Klaipėda District

In the wider travel destination of Klaipėda District, two other hiking trails start at clearly named locations: “Miško Katedros Takais” in Juodkrantė is 6 kilometres long, while “Kuršių Niūrija” starts in Preila and measures 5 kilometres. When comparing these with “Paukščių takai” in Dreverna, note the distance given: its 14 kilometres explicitly include the return journey.

The Nemunas Delta Regional Park in Klaipėda District includes shallow bays of the Curonian Lagoon, wetlands, Rusnė Island and the Ventė Cape peninsula. The biological diversity of the delta’s rivers can be explored by boat from Šilutė, Rusnė, Minija or Ventė. Availability and departure arrangements may vary seasonally.

Discover more destinations

Discover more places: Dovilai, Agluonėnai, Baubliai, Svencelė, Medsėdžiai, Venckai, Baukštininkai, Toleikiai, Ginduliai.

For the wider travel overview: Klaipėda District.