A Perfect Weekend in Juodkrantė: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Juodkrantė is the perfect place for a peaceful weekend getaway. Located on the Curonian Spit, this small coastal town is full of nature, history, and local charm. Whether you want to explore the dunes, relax by the water, or try delicious local food, Juodkrantė has something for everyone. Here’s the perfect 2-day itinerary to make the most of your weekend.

Day 1: Explore Nature and Culture

Morning: Walk Through the Hill of Witches

Start your day with a relaxing walk through The Hill of Witches (Raganų Kalnas). This famous forest trail is filled with wooden sculptures inspired by Lithuanian myths and legends. It’s a magical place to enjoy nature and learn about the country’s folklore.

📍 Location: L. Rėzos g., Juodkrantė
⏳ Time needed: 1 hour

Late Morning: Visit the Heron and Cormorant Colony

Take a short walk to one of the largest bird colonies in Europe. Here, you can see great cormorants and grey herons nesting high in the trees. It’s a peaceful spot for birdwatching and taking in the beauty of Juodkrantė’s unique ecosystem.

📍 Location: West of Juodkrantė, near the forest
⏳ Time needed: 30 minutes

Lunch: Enjoy Fresh Seafood by the Lagoon

Juodkrantė is known for its fresh, smoked fish. Head to a local restaurant and try smoked eel, flounder, or pike, served with traditional rye bread and butter. For something lighter, a bowl of Curonian fish soup is a great choice.

🍽️ Recommended restaurants:

• Žvejonė – Known for fresh seafood and local specialties.

• Senis ir Jūra – A cozy spot with great fish dishes.

Afternoon: Walk Along the Amber Bay

After lunch, take a slow walk along Amber Bay (Gintaro Įlanka). This peaceful spot by the Curonian Lagoon is perfect for watching boats, taking photos, or even searching for small pieces of amber.

📍 Location: Curonian Lagoon shore
⏳ Time needed: 1 hour

Evening: Sunset by the Dunes

End your first day by watching the sunset over the sand dunes. Take a walk to the Dune Ridge Trail, where you can see both the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon from one spot. The golden evening light makes this one of the best photo locations in Juodkrantė.

📍 Location: Near Nagliai Nature Reserve
⏳ Time needed: 1–1.5 hours

Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation

Morning: Cycle or Walk the Forest Trails

Start your second day by exploring Juodkrantė’s cycling and walking trails. The Curonian Spit National Park is full of pine forests, wooden paths, and hidden nature spots. You can rent a bike or simply enjoy a long morning walk.

Bike rental spots: Available in the town center

Late Morning: Visit Juodkrantė’s Old Fishermen’s Village

Wander through Juodkrantė’s historic fishermen’s houses. These colorful wooden homes are part of the town’s history and culture. Many have beautiful gardens and old fishing boats outside, giving you a glimpse of Juodkrantė’s past as a fishing village.

📍 Location: Old town area
⏳ Time needed: 30–45 minutes

Lunch: Taste Local Lithuanian Dishes

For your last meal in Juodkrantė, try traditional Lithuanian food like cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), or kugelis (potato bake). Pair it with a glass of local beer or mead for a true Lithuanian experience.

Recommended restaurants:

Juodasis Kalnas – A great place for Lithuanian cuisine.
Mėmelis – Offers a mix of Lithuanian and European dishes.

Afternoon: Relax by the Beach

Before heading home, spend some quiet time by the Baltic Sea. Juodkrantė’s wide, sandy beach is perfect for a final walk, sunbathing, or dipping your feet in the cool water. It’s a great way to end your weekend on a peaceful note.

📍 Location: Juodkrantė Beach
⏳ Time needed: 1–2 hours