Traveling Rockhopper

Curonian Spit (the Baltic Sea area) is also famous from large sand dunes. It says, there are the largest drifting dunes in Europe. Visit one of the places and have some fun with sand. 😉

While being close to the coast, think of the Baltic treasures. 😀
Amber can be still found on the beach. So search for it, while walking along the coast.

When I was a little girl, searching for amber was a must during summer holidays. 🙂

p.s. If you want to learn more about Baltic amber – visit Amber Museum in Palanga.

I didn’t mention before that the Curonian Spit belongs to two countries, Lithuania and Russia. And from Nida, is very nearby to Russia – Kaliningrad (Kaliningrad Oblast).
(If you have a valid Russian visa you can try to cross the boarder, however I heard that a public transport doesn’t cover this path so well.)

p.s. This picture was taken in Nida, Lithuania.

Nida is probably the most known town of the Curonian Spit.
Like other places in the Curonian Spit, Nida offers lots to do in summer, i.e., different outdoor activities and fresh tasty fish for eating. 😉

Of course, Lithuania is not a Mediterranean country, but Baltic Sea is also charming, and here you can really enjoy it! 😉

The Curonian Spit is a 98 km long sandy peninsula.
It’s also quite narrow (ranges from 400 m up to 4 km).

The Curonian Spit is a very nice area, and not without a reason it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For the next few days, I’ll tel lyou more about the Curonian Spit. 🙂

In 1863, people started to bring crosses to the Hill of Crosses. The installation of crosses was forbidden for many years (e.g., during Soviet times) and even destroyed a few times. But people didn’t give up and were bringing crosses secretly at night.
These days, everyone can bring his own cross here.

There is a very unique place in Lithuania – it’s called Hill of Crosses; located nearby Siauliai.
You can find there over 100 thousand crosses!
Crosses are brought by people of different nations and religions.

Apparently, over 70 % of the population of Lithuania is Roman Catholic.
There are also smaller groups of Orthodox Christians, Evangelical Lutherans, members of Reformed churches, etc.

(Today’s picture is not really contacted with religion, but tomorrow’s is going to be. 🙂 )

Lithuania has a humid continental climate, what means cold winters and mild, rainy summers.
I was visiting Lithuania in summer and the weather was just perfect, with no rain.

The country is quite flat, covered by forests and agricultural areas; and there not so many differences in temperatures. However, the coast area has slightly milder winters and colder summers (but you may not really notice any difference).

Trakai Castle is built on the island and to get there you have cross nice wooden bridge.

The surrounded lake makes the castle even more interesting. You can enjoy not only the castle, but also the lake; e.g., rent a boat and have your own peace. 🙂

Trakai Castle is apparently one of the most visited sites in Lithuania.
Well, it’s a very nice castle, but too crowded (or maybe I was a bit unlucky and chose a wrong day for visiting it).

Trakai is a small town in Lithuania, located about 20 km from Vilnius.
Trakai is famous from a lovely castle situated by the lake.

Tomorrow – more about the castle. 🙂

Uzupis is a “country in the country” where everything is acceptable. 😉

Uzupis is a small area in Vilnius with its own constitution, traditions and even president and prime minister! Just visit the place, I’m curious will you like it!

The Old Town in Vilnius is quite big, but it’s still possible to visit it on foot.

If you have to go somewhere farther, you can use a car, taxi, bike, bus or trolleybus.

There are not so many cities with trolleybuses, so I always smile while seeing them. 😉 Do you live in a city with trolleybuses?

In Vilnius, you’ll also find interesting museums, e.g., National Museum of Lithuania, Old Arsenal or Museum of Genocide Victims aka KGB Museum.

Today’s picture presents “street paintings” for sale.

Vilnius University is the largest and oldest university in Lithuania.
It was founded in 1579 by King of Poland Stefan Batory.

Don’t miss the beautiful buildings of the University, while visiting Vilnius!

In Vilnius, besides the obvious attractions, you’ll find lots of interesting places.
Just take a long walk and discover charming streets with colorful houses.
If you get tired, have a brake in one of many parks or gardens. 🙂

Vilnius is known as a Baroque city.
It makes sense, however you’ll find there examples of other styles, like Gothic, Renaissance, and classicism.

I’ll show you a few more pictures from Vilnius to convince you that Lithuanian capital is really worth visiting.

To prove my words, I have to mention that the Old Town of Vilnius is listed as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture in 2009.

The beautiful city of Vilnius is the capital of Lithuania.

For many tourists, Vilnius is an entering place for visiting Lithuania. Well, I can only say it’s a very good choice. 🙂