The northern part, about 50 km long, belongs to Lithuania and the southern part to Russia, where it defines the border between Lithuania and the Kaliningrad Region.
- Lithuania 1999. Europa Stamp. The National Park of Kursiu Nerijos.
Curonian Spit (2000)
Lithuania
Human habitation of this elongated sand dune peninsula on the Baltic Sea, 98 km long and 0.4-4 km wide, dates back to prehistoric times.
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Throughout this period it has been threatened by the natural
forces of wind and waves. Its survival to the present day has been made possible only as a result
of ceaseless human efforts to combat the erosion of the Spit, dramatically
illustrated by continuing stabilisation and reforestation projects.
The northern part, about 50 km long, belongs to Lithuania and the southern part to Russia, where it defines the border between Lithuania and the Kaliningrad Region.
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The Curonian Spit is an outstanding example of a landscape of sand dunes that is under constant threat from natural forces (wind and tide). After disastrous human interventions that menaced its survival the Spit was reclaimed by massive protection; stabilization works begun in the 19th century and still continuing to the present day. Car driving is prohibited in the area, only bicycling and walking is permitted. From the Lithuanian side a ferry boat will take you from Klaipeda to Nida, where you can rent a bike, or simply walk around in the area.
Curonian Spit is a transboundary property that stretches into Russia in the Kaliningrad Region.
Sources and links:
Other World Heritage Sites in Lithuania (on this website). Inactive links are not described on stamps. Please refer to the UNESCO-listing, Lithuania-section, for further information about the individual properties.
Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė)
Revised 03 jan 2007 |
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