Some people were suspicious why the New Left 95 movement had its annual conference in Nida, which is a Lithuanian seaside resort. It was too far to go for one day, and an expensive place to be. But in fact, when the tourist season ends, prices drop in Nida, and even middle class Lithuanians can afford having a conference there 🙂
There is no place this perfect in Lithuania. The whole Curonian Spit (a peninsula that starts in Kaliningrad) is protected by UNESCO and is also a nature reserve, so no developers can crowd it with hotels. This gives towns on the peninsula a cozy feel, but obviously drives the prices over the top. Most of tourists come from Germany. It is typical that all signs are in Lithuanian and German, and only in some places English and Russian are used as well. Many Germans know about the place because Thomas Mann used to live there.
Signs in German
This photo is from a visit 7 years ago.
Germans find some things very recognizable…
Fachwerk
Most tourists go there to benefit from the proximity to the Baltic sea as well as the Curonian lagoon. The sand dunes are very special and strongly protected – they constitute a unique ecosystem.
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The place is perfect for walks and biking.
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Many of the houses are works of art, and they are surrounded with natural treasures.
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Going there off season was perfect – warm enough, but without crowds of tourists and more affordable than usually.
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It is no wonder why this was a place where many German intellectuals looked for inspiration in the past.