Along the paths of „Forest Cathedral"
3.2 km · ~90 min · 8 stops · free
The old promenades will take you through parabolic dunes covered with old forests. These dunes — like the Curonian Spit itself — are 4–5 thousand years old. Their natural amphitheaters and ancient trees provide shelter from wind and heat. The trail passes by the tallest fir tree in the area, the magical Hill of Witches and the mythical Blocksberg with the lighthouse on top.
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Stairs — start of route
Starting point. From here you climb up to the network of old promenades and the Juodkrantė forest.
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Blonde Eva
Every Juodkrantė holidaymaker knew this hill. The white sand dune of Eva was the brightest spot in the dark, ancient forest-covered panorama of Juodkrantė, visible from afar when arriving by steamboat. It may have been named after the dune planter Epha — Ephaberg (Epha's hill), later called Ewaberg (Eva's hill).
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Forester sculpture
The monument to Paul Bock — the chief forester of East Prussia and main initiator of forming forest trails — once stood here. Two beech trees were symbolically planted beside him and still grow today. The monument was destroyed in early Soviet times; in 1979, the "Forester" sculpture was erected here — an anonymous tribute to all the foresters who cared for the Curonian Spit forests.
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Secret paths
Paths winding along the ridges and slopes of parabolic dunes — the legacy of the long old promenade network. The most interesting and challenging was the Mountain Promenade, stretching along steep slopes and deep gullies.
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Tallest fir tree of the Curonian Spit
The Juodkrantė forest is famous for its naturally formed amphitheaters of old parabolic dunes. Even during the biggest storms, not even the slightest breeze penetrates here. Century-old firs grow here. Next to the historical path leading to the sea, you can see the tallest fir tree in the Juodkrantė forest — reaching 32 meters.
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Dune Promenade
The wide Dune Promenade winding parallel to the coast — a favorite walking spot for late 19th-century holidaymakers.
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Blocksberg
The highest dune in the Juodkrantė area — 53 m above sea level. German landscape architects named it Blocksberg after the mythical mountain in Germany where the witches' Walpurgis Night was celebrated. In the late 19th century, this was the most beautiful spot in Juodkrantė — a panorama from Klaipėda to Rositten unfolded, crowned by a rotunda.
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Sound trap
Stop for a moment and listen to the murmur of the forest and the singing of the birds... a sound trap installed next to one of the most beautiful forest paths will help you. Here you can escape the everyday noise, rest or simply enjoy the silence.