Page 19 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

DISC OVERING EST ONIA , LA T VIA AND LITHU ANIA 17

symbol of political will, having
been dismantled by the Soviet’s
numerous times, as it is an
outpouring of deep religious
faith.
Day 10 Palanga
From Šiauliai , head west to
the coastal town of Palanga
(p286) and spend a peaceful
after noon on the sandy beach
before joining locals and
tourists on the pier to watch
the sunset.
Day 11 Klaipėda
Lithuania’s only seaport,
Klaipėda (see pp284–5) is a
Tranquil lake fringed by thick forest and marshy shores, Aukštaitija National Park popular spot with an atmos-
pheric Old Town and a vibrant
wonderful collection of To extend your trip… nightlife scene. Pay a visit to the
traditional buildings from Hire a rowing boat at Palušė Clock Museum to marvel at its
around the country that have and follow the circular water intriguing collection of time-
been meticulously reassembled trail around the lakes. pieces from all over the world
in picturesque surroundings. and consider a visit to the
Picture Gallery and the large
Day 6 Druskininkai Day 9 Šiauliai sculpture park just behind.
Travel south to Druskininkai Head 240 km (150 miles) west
(p259) and spend the rest of the to Šiauliai (pp276–7), historic Day 12 Curonian Spit
day relaxing in this tranquil spa site of the Battle of the Sun in Accessible by ferry from
resort where numerous spa 1236, which saw the defeat of Klaipėda to Smiltynė , the
centres offer massage, mud the Livonian Order at the hands Curonian Spit (pp288–9) is
baths, beauty treatments and of the pagan Samogitians. one of Lithuania’s most
mineral water cures. Today it’s a thriving modern remarkable natural sights.
city with a well-preserved Old No more than 4 km (2 miles)
To extend your trip… Town and numerous museums, wide at any point and as
Spend a day hiking or but it’s probably best-known narrow as 400 m (440 yards)
cycling along well-marked for the incredible Hill of in places, it’s a slender sliver
paths in the forests Crosses (see p277), just a little of land made up of sand dunes,
surrounding Druskininkai. ways north at Jurgaičių. The beaches and woods that
small hill is covered with stretch from Klaipėda to
thousands upon thousands the Sambian Peninsula in
Day 7 Aukštaitija National of crosses and religious sculp- Kaliningrad. Enjoy a peaceful
Park tures from all over the world, stay at one of the many small
From Druskininkai, take the and is almost as much a guesthouses in and around
northeastern road via Vilnius Nida (p306), which can be
to Ignalina, a small rural town reached by minibus.
that lies just outside Aukštaitija
National Park. Day 13 Curonian Spit
Spend the day exploring the
Day 8 Aukštaitija National Curonian Spit on foot or by
Park bicycle. Points of interest
Dotted with glacial lakes, rock include the Hill of Witches
formations, and ancient pine, (p289) created by local sculptors
spruce and birch forests, just outside Juodkrantė , and
Aukštaitija National Park the 52-m (171-ft) Parnidis
(see pp270–71) is a delightful Dune (p288), which offers
area to explore. Worthwhile marvellous views of the area.
sights include Salos II Cultural
Reserve for its exhibition of Day 14 Curonian Spit
traditional thatched houses, to Vilnius
and Ladakalnis Hill for its The journey back to Vilnius by
panoramic view of the The popular 18-km (11-mile) beach at the car, bus or train takes around
national park. resort of Palanga 5 hours.