Welcome to an unforgettable journey through the Curonian Lagoon and the Nemunas Delta region! Our destination is the famous "Blue Carp" restaurant, but along the way, you'll experience incredible natural wonders and a touch of history.
Our journey begins at the Nida port, where a comfortable boat awaits to take you on this wonderful adventure. As soon as we depart from the shore, you'll see the impressive Great Dune on your right, standing 52 meters tall. Its slopes rise into the sky like a giant sand wave, and in the distance, you can spot Grobštas Cape.
Sailing further, the horizon reveals Vecekrugas Dune, the highest in the Curonian Spit. This sand hill, over 67 meters high, is also known as the Old Tavern Dune. Imagine that centuries ago, a cozy tavern stood at the foot of this dune, where local fishermen and travelers could rest after a long day. The name "Vecekrugas" comes from the Curonian words "vece" (old) and "kruogs" (tavern), whispering the secrets of old times.
Our journey continues to the stretch of Grey Dunes - an incredibly beautiful and unique landscape. These dunes, reminiscent of the moon's surface, are a masterpiece of nature. Grey sand waves, occasionally adorned with rare plant thickets, create a mystical and serene atmosphere. As the sun plays on the sand's surface, wonderful shadows and light patterns emerge, changing the landscape every moment.
Approaching the eastern shore, the ensemble of red brick buildings on the horizon is Ventės Ragas (Ventė Cape). This place is renowned not only for its historic lighthouse but also for its large bird traps. Ventės Ragas is one of the most important bird migration observation points in Europe. Scientists here study and band thousands of birds making their annual journeys. Imagine the sky over Ventės Ragas filled with thousands of birds during the autumn and spring seasons, performing their impressive migration.
At the Ventės Ragas Ornithological Station, you'll find Europe's largest bird trap, also known as the "zigzag." This impressive structure is 70 meters wide and 25 meters high, made of a large net stretched between tall poles arranged in a zigzag shape, hence its name.
The trap operates on a simple yet effective principle. Migrating birds, flying along the Curonian Lagoon, notice the net and try to bypass it. Following the net's bends, they end up in a narrowing part that leads to a closed cage, where ornithologists can then handle them.
It's important to note that this trap is not meant to harm or kill the birds. On the contrary, it serves scientific purposes. The captured birds are carefully examined, weighed, measured, banded, and released. This process allows scientists to collect valuable data on bird migration, population dynamics, and overall ecological changes.
Ventės Ragas is especially significant during bird migration seasons. Every year, millions of birds pass through here, and around 60-80 thousand birds are banded at the station, making it one of the most productive bird-banding stations in Europe.
Interestingly, the trap catches not only common migratory birds but also rare, unexpected visitors. Ornithologists have recorded rare species here that are not usually seen in Lithuania.
Sailing past Ventės Ragas and observing this impressive structure, one cannot help but feel respect and admiration for both the wonders of nature and human efforts to understand and preserve them.
After passing Ventės Ragas, we enter the Atmata River, one of the main rivers in the Nemunas Delta.
On the left side, you will see Kniaupo Bay, a true natural wonder and bird paradise. This shallow bay is of great importance to many water bird species. Here you can spot swans, ducks, geese, plovers, and many other birds that nest, feed, and rest in this oasis of tranquility.
Further along, on the left, we notice an unusual sight - whitened trees with seemingly dead branches. This is the result of cormorant colonies. These birds, though impressive, are true "tree killers." Their droppings, rich in nitrogen and phosphorus, eventually damage the trees' bark and roots, causing them to dry out and whiten. This is a perfect example of nature's forces and their consequences, reminding us of the delicate balance of ecosystems.
Continuing our journey on the Atmata River, on the left, we spot a narrow waterway known as the Hunter's Path. This natural waterway connects the Atmata and Minija rivers, creating a unique labyrinth used by local fishermen and nature lovers, as well as wild animals.
Soon, the elegant Uostadvaris Lighthouse appears on the horizon. Built in 1876, this 18-meter-high lighthouse still stands as a faithful guardian of maritime traditions. Interestingly, this lighthouse is one of the few in Lithuania that you can climb. From its top, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Nemunas Delta landscape - endless green fields, winding rivers, and unique polders.
Imagine that in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these lowlands constantly suffered from floods. However, human ingenuity and technological advancements brought a solution - polders. These complex hydrotechnical installations became a real salvation for local farmers and the entire region.
The Uostadvaris polder, built in 1907, was one of the first such installations in Lithuania. Its heart was a powerful steam engine that drove pumps regulating the water level. Imagine that time: the rumble of steam machines, spinning wheels, and smoke rising from the chimneys. It was a true demonstration of technology, attracting attention from all over Europe.
The polder system encompassed much more than just pumps. High embankments were built around the protected area to prevent flooding. A complex network of underground drainage canals collected water from every corner of the fields. This entire system allowed for controlling the water level over almost 1700 hectares - imagine what that meant for local farmers!
Today, as we sail by, we can see the heritage of this system. Although the old steam machines no longer work, their historical significance remains. The Uostadvaris polder steam engine, preserved to this day, is one of the oldest of its kind in Europe - a true monument to technological history.
Leaving Uostadvaris, we turn into the Trumpikė River. This is not just any river but a hand-dug canal connecting the Atmata and Minija rivers. The history of this canal is closely linked to Lithuania's timber export past. In the 19th century, Lithuanians used this canal to transport large timber rafts for export.
Previously, timber was transported via the Curonian Lagoon, but this route was dangerous and inefficient. The lagoon is quite shallow, and strong winds and waves often scattered the carefully formed rafts. To solve this problem, it was decided to dig the Wilhelm Canal (now known as the King Wilhelm Canal). This 27 km long canal, completed in 1873, connected the Minija River to the Klaipėda port, providing a safer and more efficient route for timber transportation.
This new transport artery not only improved timber export conditions but also contributed to the economic development of the entire region. Timber trade became one of the main economic drivers for the Klaipėda port and the entire region, shaping the unique cultural and economic landscape of the Nemunas Delta that we can still observe and admire today.
We continue our impressive journey on the Trumpikė River until we reach the Minija River. In the distance, we can already see the famous Mingė Village, also known as the "Venice of Lithuania" because of its unique structure, where the main "street" is a river.
On the left side, we see the yacht club "Marių Burės" - a true sailor's paradise, whose history began in 1998 when the club leased a 0.2474 ha land plot in the southern part of Minija Village. This club, strategically located on the Minija River, attracts water enthusiasts from all over Lithuania.
The "Marių Burės" yacht club stands out for its unique geographical location. The Minija River up to Mingė Village has a depth of 2.4 - 3.0 meters, which is sufficient and safe for various sized yachts. Additionally, this stretch has no obstacles - no power lines or bridges, making it ideal for sailors.
Since 2004, the pier has been able to accommodate up to 24 yachts. The depths at the floating docks range from 1.6 to 2.2 meters, allowing vessels of various sizes to moor, from small sailboats to impressive cruise yachts.
The yacht club offers excellent facilities not only for passing sailors but also for those wishing to spend more time here. You'll find all necessary infrastructure: water and electricity supply to yachts, showers, toilets, washing machines, and even a kitchenette.
A particularly charming aspect of this place is the early mornings when the entire environment fills with melodic bird songs, creating an unparalleled atmosphere. The yacht club not only provides technical services but has also become an important water tourism information center, hosting various events and meetings. "Marių Burės" is not just a marina but an essential part of Lithuania's sailing community, fostering maritime traditions and promoting a love for water sports and tourism.
On the right side, we see "Mingės Egzotika" - a popular cafe that attracts large crowds on weekends. This place is known not only for its delicious food but also for its unique atmosphere, allowing visitors to enjoy views of the river and watch passing boats.
Just beyond the yacht club, the river branches off - this is the entrance to Krokų Bay. This place is special because it is home to white water lilies listed in Lithuania's Red Book. It's important to note that picking these rare plants is subject to a substantial fine - from 60 to 300 euros for each plant picked.
Sailing further along the
Minija River, we can already see the majestic "Blue Carp" restaurant on the horizon - our ultimate destination. Here, we will enjoy not only delicious food but also a cozy and pleasant atmosphere, perfectly complementing our incredible journey.
Welcome to an unforgettable experience of nature, history, and culinary pleasures!