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 Nemirseta-Giruliai section of the Curonian Path cycling route winds through stunning natural landscapes – along the sea with its rolling dunes and through lush forests teeming with birds and wildflowers. Most of the route runs through the Seaside Regional Park. The park was founded in 1992 to protect the coastal landscape, preserve the natural and cultural heritage, and maintain the biodiversity of the Baltic Sea. The park is home to several protected areas, including the Plocis Nature Reserve, Dutchman's Cap Landscape Reserve, Nemirseta and Šaipiai reserves, Kalotė Botanical-Zoological Reserve, as well as the Karklė seaside, botanical, and ethnocultural reserves.
On this route, you will pass through Šaipiai. Šaipiai is unique because it lies along the most important bird migration route in Europe, which follows the Baltic Sea coast. The coastline of Šaipiai is therefore internationally recognised as a vital habitat for bird conservation.
Another must-see along the route is Lake Plocis. Lake Plocis serves as a resting spot for migratory birds, and for the convenience of park visitors, a birdwatching hut has been built, allowing you to observe the birds even on rainy days. On a clear day, you can even catch a glimpse of the shimmering Baltic Sea on the horizon from the shores of Lake Plocis.
As you continue your journey, you'll come across the site of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Karklė (Karklininkai), which once stood in this area. The Evangelical Lutheran parish of Karklė (Karklininkai) was established in 1904, and the first church was built in 1910. However, after World War II, the parish was closed, and the church was destroyed, leaving behind only a small hill as a reminder of its past. A cross now stands at the site of the former church.
As you continue, the route will take you through Karklė, the only fishing village in Lithuania along the Baltic Sea that has maintained its ethnographic identity.
While travelling along the seaside and through the coastal forests, we highly recommend visiting one of the most popular attractions of the Lithuanian seaside – the Dutchman's Cap. To reach it, simply turn off the route and follow the marked forest path. This stunning natural heritage site was formed by a retreating glacier. The 24.4 metres-high cliff is the highest point on the Lithuanian seaside. The hill is thought to have earned its name due to its resemblance to a Dutch cap when seen from the sea. The Dutchman's Cap has long been a landmark for sailors and fishermen, as its towering pine and oak trees make it easily visible against the sandy plain. The cliff offers a stunning view of the sea, featuring steep shores and rugged, rocky beaches. It's the perfect spot for watching birds soaring over the sea.
As you continue along the route, you will arrive at the village of Kukuliškiai. The village is unique, as it lies right next to the Baltic Sea and is home to the Kukuliškiai Hillfort, discovered in 2016. This hillfort is the earliest hillfort found along the Lithuanian seaside. Also nearby are the remains of the Fortification Battery of Kukuliškiai.
After taking in the breathtaking natural views, continue your journey towards Klaipėda.
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