Page 275 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

LITHU ANIA AREA B Y AREA  273

WESTERN LITHUANIA

Isolated for centuries, the little towns and villages of Žemaitija,
the local name for the low-lying land of Western Lithuania, have
a mystical atmosphere. Rustic wooden farmsteads and
settlements are nestled between knolls and marshes.
Klaipėda and Šiauliai are charming cities with distinct
surroundings characterized by tiny, hidden lanes
with a surfeit of cafés and museums.

Žemaitija is the ancient heartland of Some of the surviving Germanic-style
Samogitia, a medieval pagan duchy that half-timbered houses, once used by
managed to repel the innumerable mer chants, characterize the streets of
incursions of its hostile, mostly Christian the Old Town today.
neighbours. With stubborn determination A short ferry ride from Klaipėda lies the
the Samogitians fought off the crusaders Curonian Spit, with its towering dunes
for more than 250 years, before finally and scenic villages like Nida. Inland,
being absorbed into the Grand Duchy of quaint little towns, such as Šilutė and
Lithuania in 1422. It was the last corner of Kretinga, are easily reachable and a
Europe to be converted to Christianity and delight to stroll around. The quiet village
age-old rituals dedicated to pagan deities of Rusnė and the surrounding Nemunas
continued in more isolated parts until the Delta region attract many rare birds,
20th century. which breed in their lush marshes.
Klaipėda, the country’s only seaport city, Žemaitija National Park, close to Lake
is an ideal base for embarking on day-trips Plateliai, conceals a former Soviet missile
into Western Lithuania. Although the port base. Cycle paths stretch all along the
area was secre tively closed off during the Lithuanian coast from Nida up to the
Soviet era, it has since reopened to cruise Latvian border and pass the coastal
ship and ferry passengers. Originally resorts of Palanga and Šventoji, both
known as Memel, Klaipėda was part of offering beaches, spas and all-night bars
Prussia and Germany for over 500 years. and clubs.

Pretty wooden houses along a street in Nida, a village in the Curonian Spit National Park
Boldly coloured weather vanes, Klaipėda

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