The rays of dawn awaken the Nida marina from its sleep. The boats sway like cradles, and the Curonian Lagoon glistens like melted amber. As we board the boat, we feel the butterflies of anticipation fluttering in our chests - soon we will set off in search of the secrets of the Nemunas Delta.
In the captain's hands, the ship's helm comes to life. Slowly, we cast off from the shore, the Nida lighthouse waves us goodbye, and the silhouette of the town turns into a distant mirage line. The boat picks up speed, and the breath of the Curonian Lagoon becomes the rhythm of our journey.
The Curonian Spit accompanies us like a faithful guard. To the left, golden dunes rise to the sky like sand cathedrals, and to the right, the Curonian Lagoon stretches like liquid sapphire. In the sky, gulls and terns draw complex shapes, occasionally diving down like silver arrows.
The wind caresses our faces like a gentle mother's hand, and the waves created by the boat dance water droplets in crystal sprays. The village of Pervalka flickers on the horizon like a mirage in the desert and quickly disappears behind us. Our boat cuts through the waters of the Curonian Lagoon like a silver knife through blue butter. Its hull splashes the lagoon's waters and creaks, singing an old sailor's song, as if telling centuries-old legends of brave fishermen and mysterious sea monsters.
Suddenly, like Poseidon's finger, the Ventės Ragas lighthouse emerges. This lighthouse is like a bridge of time, connecting the past and the present, ancient traditions and the modern world.
But your eyes are drawn further, where another natural wonder unfolds - the Nemunas Delta, branching out like a giant tree whose branches are rivers and streams, and its leaves are islands and floodplains. This delta is like a labyrinth created by nature, inviting you to an unforgettable adventure.
Entering the Nemunas Delta, we enter a completely different world. Here, water and land intertwine into a complex knot that even time fears to untie. The Nemunas Delta, like a vast green carpet adorned with blue veins, stretches as far as the eye can see.
The delta reveals all its beauty - it's not just a landscape, but a living, breathing organism. Its greenish-blue waters and lush vegetation create a symphony of colors that change with every ray of sunlight.
The main artery of the delta - the Atmata River, flows from the heart of the Nemunas and into the Curonian Lagoon. It is like the main storyteller, whispering a tale of the eternal dance between man and nature. Around it extends a network of water routes over a hundred kilometers long - like a giant blue web, capturing impressions and memories.
Sailing deeper into the delta, the Uostadvaris lighthouse appears before us - like an old sage, observing the flow of time. Its light is like an tireless guard, guiding ships through dangerous shoals and intricate water paths.
Inhaling deeply, you feel your lungs fill with the essence of the Nemunas Delta - the fresh aroma of water plants mixed with the scent of fish and the freshness of damp earth. This smell is like a time capsule, preserving thousands of stories about ancient fishermen, villages devastated by floods, and the tireless human spirit.
The boat glides over the waters like a dancer on a parquet floor. An unparalleled panorama unfolds around us: reeds sway in the wind like green orchestra conductors, water lilies adorn the calm inlets like white crowns.
The water of the delta is like a clear mirror, reflecting the blue of the sky and the caravans of clouds. Its depth here is small, only a few meters, as if nature wanted to create a huge natural pool. The boat's captain must be vigilant, as beneath this calm surface lie numerous shoals - like underwater traps for unwary travelers.
The Nemunas Delta is a true bird paradise, a living ornithological textbook. Here you can see up to 330 bird species - like a colorful, living stained glass against the sky. Among the reeds, rare birds flit: the great eagles - like flying kings, the aquatic warblers - small green fairies, and the snipes - the sorcerers of the marshes. In the evenings, the air is filled with the voices of birds - like a nature-created opera, where each bird performs its part.
In spring and autumn, the delta turns into a huge airport for birds. Millions of birds pass through here, like a colorful storm flooding the sky. This sight is like a living painting, which nature paints every year.
Approaching Rusnė, the town rises on the horizon like an ancient painting, painted with gentle strokes. Its houses and church tower are reflected in the water, creating perfect symmetry between sky and earth.
Upon reaching Rusnė, we disembark to enjoy a short break on land. In Rusnė, there is an impressive Lutheran church and a monument dedicated to the hero of India's independence Mahatma Gandhi and his friend, the Jewish architect Hermann Kallenbach, who was born in this town.
There is also an exhibition of antique cars, cars that used to travel through the flooded roads of Rusnė, as well as other unique exhibits characteristic only of Rusnė Island, which is the only inhabited island in Lithuania.
Reaching the confluence, our boat turns into the Skirvytė River - a natural border between Lithuania and Russia. Here, passengers instinctively search for their personal documents - we remind you that it is necessary to have them in this border zone. The Skirvytė flows calmly, as if not wanting to disturb the tranquility of this sensitive area.
Sailing along the Skirvytė River feels like traveling between two worlds - one shore belongs to Lithuania, the other to Russia. It reminds us that nature does not recognize man-made borders, and the river continues its journey regardless of geopolitical realities.
We enter the Pakalnė River, which winds like a green snake through Rusnė Island. On the left side, we pass the small Rusnė marina - a modest but cozy corner where a few local fishing boats quietly rock alongside a few tourist boats.
Soon, the hanging bridge of Rusnė appears before us (also known as the Monkey Bridge) - connecting the island with the mainland. The bridge, like a giant spider, stretches its legs over the river, standing as a symbol of modern civilization in this natural refuge.
Continuing to sail, we occasionally notice individual private piers. Although few, each has its own character. From them, winding paths lead to neat homesteads - like small paradises nestled in the delta's landscape. These rare piers and homesteads are like jewels adorning the banks of the Pakalnė River, each with its unique history and charm.
At the travelers' request, we stop at the "Rusne Villa" restaurant - a true culinary treasure chest in this remote corner. On the restaurant's terrace, with a view of the calmly flowing river, we enjoy gourmet dishes. The chef, like an alchemist, transforms local products into top-notch delicacies - reminiscent of the very taste of the delta.
Satisfied and rested, we return to the boat and continue our odyssey.
Finally, the river leads us to the Curonian Lagoon - like giant blue gates to a broader world. The lagoon opens before us in all its grandeur - the horizon here seems even further, and the sky even wider.
We turn the boat's bow back to Nida, leaving behind the Nemunas Delta with its secrets and wonders. On the return journey, the sun is already setting, painting the sky and water in golden and red hues. This sight is like the delta's final painting, which it gifts to us. The Nemunas Delta is a living, breathing open-air museum of Lithuanian history. It reminds us of the eternal dialogue between nature and humans, of the need to protect and cherish these unique natural wonders. Each visit here is an opportunity to become part of this history, to feel the majesty and fragility of nature, to understand why it is so important to preserve this unique landscape for future generations.
We feel how this journey has changed us. The Nemunas Delta and Rusnė Island have left their mark on our souls - their tranquility, beauty, and mystery have become part of our spirit. We return enriched with new impressions, stories, and experiences, with the hope of someday returning to this magical water world.