The Curonian Path cycling route winds through three municipalities in western Lithuania, namely Palanga, the Klaipėda district, and Klaipėda.
The name Curonian Path honours the Curonian tribe, an ancient ethnos that inhabited the eastern Baltic Sea coast since prehistoric times. First mentioned in written sources in the 9th century, the Curonians ultimately lost their language and did not evolve into a distinct Baltic nation due to the Crusades and other pivotal historical events. However, the Curonians left behind more than just their name in geographical and historical records – their legacy lives on through their descendants in the Latvian and Lithuanian nations.
The Curonian Path cycling route's Klaipėda-Dreverna-Svencelė section meanders through stunning natural landscapes.
Gravel roads, lush forests, and the cheerful chirping of birds will provide a peaceful beginning to this section. Follow the wooded path along the Kairiai military training area until you reach the King Wilhelm Canal. The King Wilhelm Canal, named after King Frederick William I of Prussia, was built between 1863 and 1873. Its primary purpose was to protect ships and their crews from the dangerous storms that frequently occurred in the Curonian Lagoon. The canal was initially dug by the local population, and only in the later years were French prisoners of war brought in to accelerate the construction process. There were originally 10 metal bridges across the canal, but only two have survived to this day. Along the canal, you'll find the remains of one of the original metal bridges. Along this stretch of the route, you'll find several rest areas where you can relax and take a break.
On both sides of the King Wilhelm Canal lie the Tyrai Marsh, covering an area of 1,130 hectares. Tyrai formed 4,000 to 6,000 years ago on two ancient sea terraces at different elevations. The marsh is home to rare plant species native to the Lithuanian coast.
The route continues towards the village of Dreverna, but we recommend a slight detour to visit the charming seaside town of Priekulė, nestled next to a scenic bend of the Minija River. Since 1540, Priekulė has been the largest settlement in the Klaipėda Region. At the end of the 16th century, Priekulė became home to the oldest Evangelical Lutheran parish in the Klaipėda Region. The town centre of Priekulė, formed in the 19th century, reflects the characteristic style of a larger town in Lithuania Minor. Today, Priekulė is considered valuable from an architectural and urbanistic perspective.
After exploring the town of Priekulė, you can return to the route at the King Wilhelm Canal and continue your journey towards the settlement of Dreverna. Dreverna is an ancient fishing village, first mentioned in 1253, situated on the shores of the Curonian Lagoon at the mouth of the Dreverna River. If one could travel back in time to Dreverna as it once was, the air would be thick with the smell of fish, and the sheer number of people would be striking. Today, Dreverna is an increasingly growing and modern village that has preserved the traditional structure of a fishing village along the coast, allowing visitors to still feel its authentic spirit. Jonas Gižas, one of the most renowned shipbuilders of the early 20th century, lived in Dreverna. Today, the Opening the Shipwright's Chest museum exhibit, located in the restored ethnographic homestead of Jonas Gižas, invites visitors to embark on a journey through time, exploring the rich traditions of shipbuilding and fishing in the region.
The modern small boat harbour in Dreverna, located on the shores of the lagoon, offers a variety of services to ensure your holiday or stay is as enjoyable and memorable as possible. The harbour features a 4-star campsite, Avilys modular rooms, and a Dreverna restaurant offering European cuisine. You can also rent boats, pedal boats, and rowing boats and enjoy spa services. Seasonal heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, children's playgrounds, and many other amenities make it an ideal destination for relaxation and recreation. Many visitors are also captivated by the stunning views of the Nagliai Nature Reserve, the Curonian Lagoon, and the sight of numerous kites from the 15-metre-high observation tower.
As you continue along the route, you'll arrive at Svencelė. Svencelė is a haven for kitesurfers, nestled on the shores of the Curonian Lagoon and surrounded by beautiful nature reserves. Svencelė is a unique water sports oasis, offering everyone the chance to learn to ‘control the wind’ while enjoying a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Nestled among gently rolling landscapes and nature reserves, Svencelė is one of the few newly developed recreational areas in the Klaipėda district. Svencelė has emerged as a new tourist hub, offering stunning views of the Curonian Lagoon and the seaside sand dunes. It is also conveniently located just a short distance from Klaipėda and the villages in the region. The area is unique due to the linear arrangement of various landscape features, including lagoons, dunes, reed beds, open meadows, forests, and the local towns and villages that make it so visually and ecologically rich.
After passing Svencelė and following the forest path, you'll arrive at the Svencelė-Kintai border, where a romantic retreat awaits, nestled among the towering pines. This marks the end of this section of the Curonian Path and the entire route. If you wish, you can extend your journey by continuing along the road, taking in the magnificent views of the foreshore, and reaching the charming town of Ventė.
Aplinka tai labai graži, bet kai drėgna per pelkes/tešlas su dviračiu normaliai nepavažiuosi, o kai sausa - turėkit omenį kad automobiliai irgi maršuruoja, tai dėl dulkių nežinau ar pavyks visą maršrutą pravažiuot, gal oro filtrą su savimi vežtis, kažkiek padės.