SECTION DESCRIPTION:
Once you've soaked in the architecture of Lithuania Minor, you'll continue on your journey. Make sure to stock up on food and water in the local shops, as you'll be surrounded by nature for the next leg of the journey to Švėkšna (approximately 24 km).
The road takes you to Vanagai, the birthplace of I. Simonaitytė, Lithuania Minor's renowned writer, chronicler, and author of autobiographical stories and novels.
Vanagai is a historically significant settlement in the Klaipėda district. The village is home to the neo-Gothic-style Vanagai Evangelical Lutheran Church, built in 1909, which showcases distinct elements of modern and rationalist architecture. Located close to the church is the ethnographic cemetery of Vanagai village. It's the only cemetery in the Vanagai parish that remains in use. It holds significance as the final resting place of notable figures from Lithuania Minor, including priests Kristupas Lokys, Jurgis Sprogys and his wife, Emil Bleiweiss, Ernst Rogga, public figure Jurgis Arnašius, and relatives of writer Ieva Simonaitytė, among others.
Next to the church, you'll find a fantastic campsite where you can unwind and relax. For many years, it has been the venue for a youth camp and various summer events. You can also spend the night at the Vanagai Evangelical Lutheran Church.
From Vanagai to Švėkšna, you'll walk approximately 25 km along dirt roads and through forests. However, you can stop for water and food at the Aibė shop in Inkakliai, roughly 17 km from Vanagai.
By the way, in 1914, farmers in Inkakliai created an imitation of the Lourdes grotto, featuring a statue of Mary and a spring, positioned on a high slope by the road. Near the Lourdes grotto, there is a well that people believe is filled with water from the French Lourdes grotto, said to have miraculous properties. A stone chapel was later built near the grotto. The grotto was renovated in 1989.
The highlight of this section is Švėkšna. It was once a border town between East Prussia and Lithuania Major. The town's urban layout, architecture, and buildings differ from those found in other towns in the Klaipėda Region. Švėkšna remains a remarkable place today, and not only for its rich and fascinating history. In the centre of the town stands the neo-Gothic Church of St. James the Apostle, built in 1905 according to the design of Swedish architect Karl Eduard Strandmann. It is one of the town's key architectural landmarks. This red brick church is the tallest two-domed church in the Šilutė district. Standing at an impressive 65 meters tall, it’s a must-see! The town is also renowned for the 19th-century Plater Park, featuring an impressive linden tree avenue, Genovaitė Villa, picturesque ponds, and captivating sculptures.
The park is home to a branch of the Šilutė Tourism Information Centre, the Traditional Crafts Centre, where you can discover a wealth of useful information about the Šilutė district. Don't miss the chance to savour a delicious meal at the legendary Švėkšna café Viesulas, located in a former dairy building from the early 20th century, right next to one of the most beautiful parks in Lithuania. You are also welcome to spend the night in Švėkšna.
USEFUL LINKS:
- Klaipėda District Tourism Information Centre www.klaipedosrajonas.lt
- Šilutė Tourism Information Centre http://siluteinfo.lt
PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION
Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.
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