Klaipėda District Municipality: Nature, Culture and Excursions

• Olandų Kepurė is a geological natural heritage site in Klaipėda District Municipality.
• In Dreverna, a permanent interactive exhibition explores boatbuilding and life in the lagoon region.
• The “Paukščių takai” hiking trail is 14 kilometres long, round trip.
• The “Kuršių kelias” cycling route runs through Klaipėda District on the Nemirseta–Giruliai and Dreverna–Svencelė sections.
• In Gargždai, a museum and Kalniškės (Gargždų) hill fort tell stories of history and culture.
• Radailiai is home to a dinosaur park with more than 52 life-size dinosaurs.

Coastal landscapes and routes

The “Paukščių takai” trail runs from the small marina in Dreverna to the birdwatching tower in the Tyrų Bog and covers 14 kilometres round trip. Its total length helps you gauge the scale of the hike. The “Kuršių kelias” cycling route has two sections in Klaipėda District: Nemirseta–Giruliai and Dreverna–Svencelė. Another option is the Way of St James in western Lithuania, a marked international pilgrimage, educational and cultural route that passes through Klaipėda District. The routes cater to different interests: hiking, cycling, or a pilgrimage and cultural trip.

Dreverna: boatbuilding, the lagoon and fish culture

The permanent interactive exhibition “J. Gižas. Laivadirbio skrynią atvėrus...” introduces visitors to the craft of boatbuilding, the tradition of building boats for the Curonian Lagoon, and the way of life in the lagoon region. It offers a cultural perspective on themes that also feature in Dreverna’s activities on the water.

The “Žuvies kelias” culinary cruise travels across the Curonian Spit, the Nemunas Delta, the Minija River and the King Wilhelm Canal. It features dishes from the fish culinary heritage. Groups of up to 30 people can also rent the “Dreverna” boat for a leisure trip on the Curonian Lagoon. These are different ways to discover the region’s boatbuilding and fish culture. In the wider destination of Klaipėda District, the 15-metre-high observation tower in Dreverna also offers views of the Nagliai Nature Reserve and the Curonian Lagoon.

Gargždai and Radailiai: history and experiences

In Gargždai, Gargždų krašto muziejus focuses on the history of Klaipėda District and the town of Gargždai, and presents works by various artists. Another historical landmark is the restored Kalniškės (Gargždų) hill fort, a tourist attraction with views of Gargždai. The hill fort is associated with the Curonian castle of Garisda. The castle is mentioned in a document dated 4 April 1253; the document also marks the first written record of Gargždai.

In Radailiai, Dinozaurų parkas caters to visitors looking for an eye-catching attraction, with more than 52 life-size dinosaurs that hiss, spray water and roar. Educational activities are organised there for schoolchildren, preschoolers and children’s groups. The Radailiai attraction also includes an upside-down house, which stands on its roof and where everything is turned upside down. The area offers different kinds of visits, from history and art in Gargždai to dinosaurs and the upside-down house in Radailiai.

Planning your trip

The Lankupiai suspension bridge is 130 metres long and connects two parts of the village across the boundary between Klaipėda and Šilutė districts. This example shows that a place to visit can also be interesting for getting your bearings beyond municipal boundaries. When looking for accommodation, you can first consider whether your trip will focus more on landscapes and routes, Dreverna’s lagoon and boatbuilding themes, or the history of Gargždai and attractions in Radailiai. The places and activities mentioned offer different starting points for planning.

Places in Klaipėda District

Svencelė, Dovilai, Agluonėnai, Baubliai, Medsėdžiai, Venckai, Toleikiai, Baukštininkai, Ginduliai.

For the broader travel overview: Klaipėda District.