The Baltic, Sand Reservation

The hotel, where I am staying, is quite small and very cozy. In general, they name such place as a family-run hotel. Usually it is not crowded by the numerous tourists and the service is exceptionally warm.

The breakfast, served at my hotel, is diverse and very delicious. And, what is more important, they offer the freshly grounded coffee. It is a very good start of the day, indeed.

Looking out of the window I detected the dark clouds hovering over the sea. And the forecast was not comforting neither. So, I was tempted to spend some hours in the bed. However, I found some strength to go to the beach for taking sunbath, because after all I am at the beach resort. I also tried to calm myself with the fact that the tan is much healthier in the cloudy weather.

There is almost nobody on the beach, but I am happy to place myself in this solitude and to get some relaxation.

Eventually, I got up some courage and tried to step into the water of the Baltic sea. Still, it was extremely cold, and my braveness was not enough to take even a single dip.

The weather is very changeable on the seashore. So, very soon the sky was cleared of the heavy clouds and I continued my strolling along the picturesque promenade.

For today I have planned an excursion to the unique national park called The Curonian Spit, which is located nearby. Usually the excursion from Zelenogradsk takes about 5 hours with a big group, but I did not want to spend so much time, because I thought it would be quite boring and tiresome for me. So, I decided to hire a taxi driver, who would deliver me from one place to another.

In general, this reservation is the longest sand spit in the world, and with the length of 98 kilometers it has the width from 350 meters to 3.8 kilometers. In fact, the spit body is coated with a thin topsoil, which is extremely essential for strengthening the sands. Without the forests this place would disappear, and this could happen if in the middle of the 19th century people had not started planting the pine trees.

So, the charm of the peninsula lies in its unique and varied landscape, which still inspires many poets and artists. In this way the remarkable sights here are natural. However, due to the limit of time I have visited only a few of them, which were recommended to me by the inhabitants.

We have started with the Mueller Height, which is the highest point of the Bolotnaya dune located near Rybachi village. To the height leads a pictorial 2 kilometers route, which is surrounded by the old fir trees. At the end of the path I found a viewing platform located at an altitude of 44.4 meters above sea level. From that viewing point a beautiful panorama and the views of the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon opened before my eyes.

The next point of destination was the Epha's Height, which is located in the 42 kilometer of the spit. The route of 2.8 kilometers goes along the border of two types of dunes. The first type of dune is open, and it continues to move in the direction of the Curonian Lagoon, but the second one is green, and it fixed by the forest plantings. This route is the real jewel of the peninsula, and its majestic sandy mountains can amaze even a sophisticated tourist.

While standing on one of the wooden platforms you have a feeling of standing in the middle of the real desert. And this is inimitable experience.

Unfortunately, it is not allowed to go off the path, because you may trigger the sands movement, and all this beauty may vanish very quickly.

However, on the opposite side of the peninsula, where the view to the Baltic sea is opening, you are able to walk freely in the same white sand. Never before had I seen such a beautiful beach.

Regrettably, my time was running out and I had to go further.

Now we are in the "Dancing Forest". The famous place is supposed to surprise the visitors by the bizarrely twisted, inclined and curved in zigzags pine trees. Still, it has not surprised me that much, because I have already seen this type of "anomalous" phenomenon even in my home city of Novosibirsk. However, another inexperienced visitor would be amazed by this nature's wonder.

I should admit, that my idea of hiring a taxi driver was not the best option, because it turned out to be the costly venture. The trip should last minimum 3 hours because of the long distances, but for more or less comfortable experience you may need up to 6 hours. So, I paid 2800 rubles for my "quick" private trip, but at the same time the regular group excursion with more experienced guide would cost me only 1200 rubles. Nevertheless, I was absolutely satisfied with that aesthetic pleasure, which I took while observing the outstanding sights.

The next excursion happened unintentionally and it was performed by my new acquaintance from Kaliningrad. After the quick supper I headed for the bus station and took a minibus to the region's capital, which is located only 35 kilometres away from Zelenogradsk.

Well, the former name of Kaliningrad is Königsberg. The city was severely damaged during the second world war. One thing, which could not be destroyed while bombing, is the cobbled streets. At present, the citizens are really proud of having this stones in the streets, and they start protesting each time when the local government tries to get rid of it.  

Not many buildings have survived from the time of the old city of Königsberg, but even those a few houses are considered to be the best ones. The local people love to say that nowadays we lost the art of building, so we should keep what was left.

The Kaliningrad Cathedral is the most significant preserved building of the former City of Königsberg. Another remarkable sight is also located next to the Cathedral, where you can find the tomb of the famous German philosopher Immanuel Kant.

In fact, it was a very quick introduction of the city. Still, I have the common idea of the city now, and I would like to come here again.

I returned home late at night. And I could not fell asleep for a long time, because it was the eventful day, and the emotions were overwhelming me. In the meantime, the storm started raving and the rain drops began tapping the roof melodically.

I was dropping off with the thought that tomorrow morning the lavish sea will spill amber, which I will be able to collect and bring home.