Legends Of The Witches Hill

Klaipeda's world of fairy tales and legends awaits your arrival during this scenic visit to the Black Shore, and Witches Hill.

A short drive through Klaipeda, then a 10-minute ferry ride across the Curonian lagoon takes you to the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which captivates visitors with its unique natural beauty. Your destination is the Black Shore, or Juodkrante, the oldest fishing village on the Curonian Spit. This picturesque village, now a resort, still retains its Old World charm. Drive by Amber Bay, a 19th-century amber-mining site, along with traditional fishermen's houses typically decorated.

The highlight of your visit to Juodkrante is Witches Hill, which features 80 sculptures carved from oak along the edge of a forest path. See the giant Neringa and Egle, the queen of grass-snakes, a dragon slain by the prince, the thunder, poacher and many witches performing their devilry. You will also hear some of the stories and legends related to them, and understand why Lithuania is renowned as Europe's last pagan state.

The stop in the town of Joudkrante, will also give you a chance to walk on the quay of the lagoon, decorated with modern sculptures or stop to see the Evangelical Lutheran Church and visit the gallery of weather vanes. In the 19th century, weather vanes were used as a special marking system on the top of the flat fishing boats, or kurenas. Later, they became particularly colorful and artistic symbols of the Curonian Spit.

On your return drive, stop for photos at the long honey colored shores which have been awarded the Blue Flag and are considered one of the best beaches of the Baltic Sea.