SECTION DESCRIPTION:
Once you've rested, continue along the Way of St. James towards the border of the Kretinga district. This will be the final stretch, approximately 11 km long, winding its way through the Plungė district.
From the Church of St. Anthony of Padua, continue along the gravel road on Minijos g. towards the village of Aleksandravas, nestled on the high bank of the Minija River valley. The name of Aleksandravas Manor was first recorded in 1842 in the village’s yearbooks. The history behind the establishment of Aleksandravas Manor, and consequently the village’s name, is quite fascinating. The story goes that the renowned Lithuanian writer, the beautiful Sofia Tiesenhausen-Choiseul was close friends with the Russian Tsar Alexander. She named her only son Alexander, and the Tsar himself became the boy's godfather. In honour of this connection, the newly-built manor house was named Aleksandravas, reflecting this memorable event.
Stock up on water and snacks at a shop in Aleksandravas or at a petrol station a little further along, as the next shop won’t be until you reach Kartena in the Kretinga district.
Continue straight, passing through the entire village of Aleksandravas without turning off. As the footpath ends and you are nearly out of the village, turn left onto Vingio g. After approximately 200 metres, take a right onto a dirt road. Continue straight along this road until you reach Pastauninko g. Once you do, turn left and follow the street onwards. Follow the signs for the Way of St. James until you reach Karkluojos g., then turn left. Walk along Karkluojos g. for about 1.5 km, and then continue your journey through the territory of the Kretinga district.
Take your strength and abilities into account; if you feel like it, we recommend deviating from the route to savour the stunning panorama of the Minija River from the Dyburiai outcrop. Naturally, the view is most spectacular in spring and autumn. At the Aleksandravas petrol station, you will need to cross the Šiauliai-Palanga highway and then walk along Minijos Vingio g. for about 2.5 km in one direction. The Dyburiai outcrop stands as a testament to thousands of years of Earth's history, a place where some glaciers melted while others formed in their wake. The outcrop, recognised as a natural heritage site, stretches approximately 30 metres in width and rises 33 metres upwards.
After taking in the view, you'll need to return to Aleksandravas and head towards Mamiai, marking the border of the Kretinga district.
You'll stroll along winding forest paths and side roads for around 7 km, eventually reaching the town of Kartena, nestled in the scenic valley of the Minija River. Kartena and its expansive surroundings have been documented since 1253, when Kartena Castle was first mentioned. Its grandeur is evident in the towering slopes of the hillfort and the priceless view of the valley, shaped by glaciers thousands of years ago. The town is graced by the Kartena Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which was built in 1875. It's the only neo-baroque basilica in Samogitia. Not far from the Kartena Hillfort, on the left bank of the Minija River and on the outskirts of the Abakai village, is the renowned Lourdes of Abakai. There is a stone-walled Lourdes grotto housing a statue of Our Lady of Lourdes. The spring water in front of it is believed to have healing properties. As you make your way towards the suggested accommodation, you'll pass the St. James' Cross, adorned with the pilgrim's symbol, the shell, and intricately carved with an image of St. James walking towards the 12-gate temple, accompanied by a group of pilgrims. This is the only cross of its kind in the Kretinga district.
In Kartena, you can savour a meal at the Pakalnė café or do some shopping at the Aibė store. Just 3 km from Kartena, you can stay at the agritourism homestead Pas Juozą on the bank of the Minija River, or at the Camp in Kartena campsite, 2 km closer (tent required).
USEFUL LINKS:
- Plungė Tourism Information Centre www.visitplunge.lt
- Kretinga District Tourism Information Centre https://aplankykkretinga.lt/
PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.
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