Nida is the most important and southernmost settlement on the Lithuanian side of the UNESCO-protected sand strip Curonian Spit. In Nida, tradition and tourism are in perfect harmony. The small fishing village is nestled on the edge of the Curonian Lagoon and lies just 50 km south of Klaipėda. It is an excellent day trip destination with just enough to see and do before it is time to leave.
A settlement area of the Baltic Curonians, the original place called Nida was first mentioned in 1385 in documents of the Teutonic Knights who ruled the land within their monastic state. The original settlement on the road along the Curonian Spit was located about 5 km south of its present position near the High Dune at Cape Grobštas (from Old Prussian: grabis, "hill").
The fishing village became part of the Duchy of Prussia in 1525 and of the Kingdom of Prussia in 1701. In 1709, almost the entire population died of a bubonic plague epidemic. Constantly threatened by sand drifts, the village was moved away from the approaching dune to its present location in the 1730s.
Incorporated into the Prussian Province of East Prussia in 1773, it became part of the German Empire after the German reunification in 1871. In 1874, a lighthouse was erected on Urbas Hill. It was later destroyed in the war and rebuilt in 1945 and 1953.
Nida is located on the Curonian Spit between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. It is the westernmost point of Lithuania and the Baltic States and is near the border with the exclave Russian Kaliningrad Oblast.
You can reach Nida by water from Klaipėda either by the New Ferry or the Old Ferry or go there directly from the bus station. Nida is located in a protected national park and visitors who do not use public transport must pay an entrance fee. In the summer, an occasional ferry runs between Klaipėda, Juodkrantė, and Nida.
See www.keltas.lt for more information.
Parnidis Dune
The 52-meter-high Parnidis Dune has been swallowed up by the shifting sand dune, but it is a delicate landscape of mountain pines, meadows and fine blond sand, dotted with purple water lily blossoms. A 1,700-meter-long path makes its way to a grandiose panorama at the height of the dune where you will find a sundial with a granite obelisk.
The three defining traditional trades of the Curonian Spit – fishing, crow-catching and amber-gathering – are explained in this small regional museum.
Nida Beach is spotless and safe and the lifeguards are alert and prompt. The view is beautiful, and if you are looking for a place to relax and rejuvenate you should definitely visit this beach!
There are some fine examples of wooden gravestones in this charming forest cemetery. These wooden gravestones are decorated with symmetrical carvings of plants, birds and other motifs. They have traditionally been placed at the foot of a grave for centuries and have their origins in Lithuania's pagan roots. The cross motif has also appeared since the 19th century.
This museum and shop devoted to amber is in an old fisherman's cottage on the northern edge of town. Staff explain the mythical and supposedly health-giving properties of this fossilized resin. Visitors can look through magnifying glasses at insects trapped in the amber and explore the amber-decorated garden. The museum also houses a boutique selling truly unusual jewelry made with amber.
Senasis Uostas ("The Old Port") is one of the oldest and most popular restaurants in Nida among tourists. There is a wide selection of dishes such as BBQ ribs, burgers, pizzas and fish, so everyone will find what they are looking for.
Prieplaukos Vyninė is located right on the harbor with a beautiful view of the Curonian Spit. During the summer, the most popular Lithuanian musicians, have their acoustic concerts in Prieplaukos Vyninė, so you can enjoy good music, food and wine at the same time in one place!
Tik Pas Joną is one of the best places to try fresh seafood straight from the Baltic Sea. You can't miss the opportunity to eat smoked fish with beer at Tik Pas Joną while staying in Nida.
Zuikio Daržas is a hipster place with one of the most delicious pizzas in Nida and all of Neringa. The pizzas are baked in wood-fired ovens and prepared with love by the owners. It has a very hipster atmosphere and is located near the main entrance to the beach.
Nerija Hotel Restaurant is considered to be the fanciest restaurant in Nida. The prices are high, but you get what you pay for and even more – the food is innovative, delicious and the atmosphere is just great.
Hotel Nerija
Hotel Nerija is a 3-star hotel located in a quiet area surrounded by forests, so you can be sure to get a pleasant and comfortable sleep and breathe the fresh air of Curonian Spit National Park. Nerija is not the newest hotel in Nida, but it is the locals' favorite because of its long traditions, reasonable price and exceptional restaurant.
Guboja Hotel
With a stay at Guboja in Nida, you'll be a 10-minute walk from Kursiu Nerija National Park. This guesthouse is 1 km from Curonian Lagoon and 6 km from the Curonian Spit.
Hotel Nidus
Hotel Nidus is a perfect place to relax during your stay in Nida. Located between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, Nidus creates a cozy, quiet and relaxing atmosphere, making it a perfect place for romantic couples.
Naglis
The charming guesthouse is located in a building near the main harbor. The double rooms consist of two rooms, and some have a door leading out into the tree-shaded garden dotted with tables. There's a dining room and kitchen that guests share.
Miško namas
This peaceful guest house is decorated in Curonian blue and white and filled with elegant furniture, ornaments and lace. Each room has a fridge and kettle and some have full kitchens and balconies. Guests can browse in the small library or lounge in the garden.
