Agora_Dunes

natural and cultural heritage touriSm for increaSed Baltic Sea region identity treaSureS 1 of the Baltic Sea Shifting Sand duneS Discover Moving Landscapes StoneS and rockS foreSt red Brick gothic Shifting Sand duneS caStleS and muSeumS

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treaSureS of the Baltic Sea Shifting Sand duneS Discover Moving Landscapes

editorial Historic Konu village at Pape Dear readers, what comes into your mind when you think of the Baltic Sea Region: endless beaches, sand dunes, birch forests, castles and churches or even amber? Countries around the Baltic Sea share a great variety of natural and cultural resources as well as a long common history. The area, however, is still not well recognised as one common region outside its borders. In the framework of the EU-funded project AGORA 2.0 we aim to improve the common identity of the Baltic Sea Region, based on its rich natural and cultural treasures. The fi ve issues of the “Treasures of the Baltic Sea” are our “appetisers” for you – to raise your awareness of the unique beauty of the Baltic Sea Region by telling exciting stories and providing short background information at a glance that make you feel like visiting the region. This issue will bring the fascinating world of shifting sand dunes in the Baltic Sea Region closer to you. Latvia, Cape Kolka Dipl. oec. Betina Meliss Editor University of Greifswald Institute of Geography and Geology Makarenkostraße 22 17487 Greifswald Photos: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs Tel. +49 3834 / 864541 [email protected]

content 5 4 Editorial 5 Content 6 Shifting Dunes in the Baltic Sea Region 12 Map 14 Denmark - Råbjerg Mile 18 Germany - The Peninsula of Fischland-Darß-Zingst 22 Poland - Shifting Sand Dunes in the Country of Lębork 26 Latvia - The Sunset Trail to the White Dune 27 Latvia - The Pūrciems Trail of the White Dune 28 Latvia - The Kolkasrags Pine Trail 29 Latvia - The Grey Dune of Pāvilosta 30 Latvia - The Mouth of River Užava 31 Latvia - The Mouth of River Gauja 32 Latvia - The Nature Trail Of Pape 33 Latvia - The Pūsēnu Hill 34 Latvia - The ”Sedums” of Lapmežciems 35 Estonia - Luitemaa Nature Reserve 36 Russia - The Curonian Spit in the Kaliningrad Region 40 Lithuania - The Curonian Spit in Lithuania at a Glance 44 Touristic information 46 Imprint

Shifting duneS in the Baltic Sea region 6 Preface is a result of the geological development the quartz was stable enough to survive. Shifting dunes at a stormy summer day and especially of the weathering of gran- But more than one million years ago somewhere at the southern coast of the ites, gneisses and older sand stones of the climate became colder. Large ice Baltic Sea: Moving sand is everywhere - the Baltic Shield during millions of years. masses covered the granite landscape, it crunches between the teeth, it burns Sand was transported southward during and the floating glaciers moved material in the eyes, and it itches the skin and the quaternary periods southward southward over distances of thousands in the ears. But most of the tourists are fas- to Middle Europe to be altered and trans- of kilometres, at the glacier surface and at cinated by the beauty of white sand dunes ported there again – and sometimes the bottom. In the summer times the water and the eternal character of the moving to become a shifting dune. in the crevasses moved fine materials sand particles – it is the expression of To understand the processes of the dunes outside of the ice mass. the Greek principle of “Panta rhei”. we should try to follow the life cycle of a single sand grain on its way from nort- Our sand grain was moved to a new land- Shifting dunes with their large dimensions hern Sweden to the coast of Mecklenburg scape at the end of the last ice age (15,000 are important elements of the landscape Western Pomerania. The sand grain was years ago) with melting ice masses, accu- of the Baltic Sea coasts. The dunes play born more than 500 million years ago mulated till, sand, lakes and wild rivers. a manifold role in the system of nature and in a large magma mass in the earth crust. The rising sea level of the Baltic Sea tourism: They are attractions by their own By cooling down the magma different altered the landscape. The sand grain was and destinations for nature tourists, but types of minerals developed: first the dark transported by rivers and waves and finally dunes are also threats for infrastructure minerals of the granite like pyroxene and accumulated at the beach of the Baltic of tourism and traffic. mica, than the different feldspars and at Sea. Due to the transport processes and the end the rest – quartz (silicium dioxide) the mechanical stress our sand grain lost The following paragraphs will focus on – our sand grain was born! In opposite to substance and shrunk to a diameter of less the natural background of the dunes. the other minerals, the quartz developed than 0.5 mm and got a round shape. The endless sand hills along the coasts a very stable three-dimensional framework After drying, the wind could mobilise the are the result of a very complex system of chemical bonds between the oxygen sand grain and accumulate it again after of climate, soil and biosphere and in detail and silicium atoms with an enormous a short or long way. This is how the sand of weathering, transport and accumula- resistance against chemical and physical dune was born. tion processes. This introduction helps to attacks. At the end of the process of understand the existing landscapes, their weathering quartz is often the only relict As a short summary, the sand in shifting beauty and the necessity of protection. of the initial rock type. dunes has the following features: In the following millions of years the material Silicium Dioxide (SiO2); White sand dunes – What is it granite had an easy life nearly without any rarely Feldspar and other minerals Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs and Where does it come from? disturbances. The surface of the granite size between 0.2 and 0.5 mm (well The origin of most of the sand in the Baltic body corroded by chemical weathering sorted grain size) Sea Region is Scandinavia. In fact, the sand in wet and warm geological periods; shaPe nearly round with dull finish

7 7 Latvia, View from the Uzava lighthouse

8 8 Germany, Fischland-Darß-Zingst Germany, Fischland-Darß-Zingst dunes in the system barriers are vulnerable to be blown out. through the impact of the falling of ice age landscaPes The wind can mobilise the sand grains, sand grains which causes them to move Other sand grains went a diff erent way if the wind is strong enough to overcome over smaller distances. Unfortunately, – there are variants of accumulation and the gravity of the sand grains. The coasts the process of saltation is a self-energising transport on the way to dunes. Firstly, of the German Fischland-Darss-Zingst- process. The more the impact of sand (similar to our sand grain above) sand peninsula and in Poland, Russia as well as grains infl uences the surface, the more is transported by the glacier and sorted Lithuania are typical therefore. Sometimes, new particles are divorced from the by running water. The sand grains are there are typical smaller dunes at the up- ground and transported through the air. accumulated near the glacier in various per edge of cliff s. The wind turbulences at Moving sand in the air is aggressive shapes: sandar, outwash plains, kames, and the edge cause local sand accumulations. in itself. A desert storm can cut shapes into esker. The cold wind coming down from solid rocks and smooth and polish surfaces the glacier blows out fi ne material and the Process of the sand of nearly all materials eff ortlessly. The typi- transports and deposits it again to form transPort in detail cal mushroom shaped rocks in arid areas dunes. Secondly, sand is a component Wind erosion is infl uenced by some are witnesses of these types of processes. of other sediments, e.g. moraine till. important factors: erodibility of the That type of sediment contains a broad sediment, vegetation coverage, and the shaPes of dunes spectrum of grain sizes from clay up eff ective wind speed at the earth surface. Generally, dunes show a typical cross to boulders. Due to the sticking elements Only sand grains between 0.1 and 0.5 mm section. The leeward slope has a typical (clay and loam) till is stable and can not in diameter are moved directly; larger slope angle of 34 degrees caused by be eroded by blowing wind. With excep- particles are too heavy for direct transport, the falling sand grains (typical dump angle tions (chalk of Ruegen), nearly all cliff s smaller particles (loam and clay) are bound of sand). The windward slope angle along the costs consists of moraine till. by cohesive forces. Wet sand is more stable is smaller. Internally, the dunes have The rising sea level with the infl uence against wind erosion than dry sand of a typical cross-bedding of the leeward of waves and sea currents erodes the cliff s; the same grain size. slope angle. This asymmetrical shape the material is sorted by the transport The main transport process is the saltation. is typical for underwater current ripple competence of the water. As a result, The sand grain lifted up by the wind with marks, too. the front of the moraine cliff s is covered a minimal speed is speeded up in the by coarse sand and boulders, the fi ner height and falls down after a certain The view from above shows the direct components are taken away and will be distance; the movement is like jumping. infl uence of wind speed, direction and accumulated in shallow water areas with Sand grains of 0.1 – 0.3 mm diameter reach obstacles which can be an “anchor” for decreasing current speed as sand barriers. altitudes of more than 3–5 dm and are the dunes, e.g. trees, houses or others. Sometimes (in case of storms with high transported over distances of more than Dunes of the linear type are typical for water level) the accumulation processes 5 m (it depends on the wind speed). constant wind directions. Star dunes infl uence the hinterland; Barriers of coarse The falling sand grain contains kinetic are the result of altering wind directions Photos: Betina Meliss sand and stones are deposited hundreds energy and thus infl uences the sand and speeds in combination with some of meters inland. In every case, the sand grains of a larger grain size: They roll away obstacles. The parabolic and barchanoid

9 Germany, Northern tip of the Darß Denmark, Rabjerg Mile types need vegetation for anchoring timum). After getting more stability, low the man-made imPact on dunes the edges of the dunes. Reversing dunes growing shrubs like Heather (Calluna vul- Human settlements near the coastline are a result of inverting wind directions garis) and Creeping willow (Salix repens) have their own tradition for hundreds and show the typical cross section with and fi rst trees like Pine (Pinus sylvestris) of years. Fishery and agriculture in the an asymmetry of the main dune body and and shrubs like Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae lowlands had been the reason for pre- the opposite shape at the top. Most of the rhamnoides) settle the dunes. ferred settlement in coastal areas since the types can be observed at the Baltic Sea early Neolithic time, even if the fi rst settlers coast, but obviously not in such dimen- Not only by observing the vegetation, had been forced to choose a dryer ground sions like in the deserts in arid regions but also by investigating the soil de- with the increasing sea level of the Baltic of the world. velopment the stability and the age of Sea during the Littorina transgression a dune complex can be assessed. The phase. Nevertheless, the pine trees were accumulation of organic litter from leafs, interesting for the fi rst settlers: for heating, staBle or unstaBle? Sea Grass and other plants gives the start for construction purposes and for wooden Shifting dunes are an unstable system. point for developing soil horizons by boats. In comparison with other species The free sand surface is permanently vertical transport of material like humic of trees (e.g. oak and beech) the pine tree vulnerable to be blown out. A certain acids and oxides of iron, manganese and was easier to work. There is no doubt, degree of stability can only be reached by alloy. Depending on the progress of soil that the fi st settlers chose the pine trees vegetation. The vegetation can avoid wind development generations of dunes are at the dunes for their purposes, even erosion and transport eff ectively. defi ned: White dunes show only a very thin if the trees in direct neighbourhood to the Wind speed at the surface is decreased coverage of litter; the soil development is coastline were of minor quality (buckled by friction between wind and surface about to start. growth). Unfortunately, they launched structures, and fi nally the sand grains are a vicious circle so: The forest clearance caught by the plants after transport. Grey dunes show a virgin soil with a de- caused the mobility of dunes not only Due to the salty water the development fi nitive horizon of organic matter. Brown in the hinterland, but also in the coastal Photo: 1- Freddie Bijkerk, 2 - kind permission of Skagen Turistforening is the basement for pioneer plants of the and a horizon of accumulated iron and everything: the settlements, the agricultu- of natural dune vegetation is complicat- areas. Some of the fi rst settlements had dunes have a proceeded soil development been given up even since several years (podsol) with a horizon with organic mat- ed Organic litter deposited by storms ter, a horizon with bleached sand grains during the winter period (e.g. seagrass) because of the shifting sand masses buried alloy oxides and humic material. halophyte type like Sea Rocket (Cakile ral grounds and the fi rst harbours. Not only in prehistoric times, but also in mediaeval Brown dunes are the result of a long-term maritima) and Prickly Saltwort (Salsola kali) times the growing population forced to ex- and fi nally Sea Couch (Agropyron junce- soil evolution of some hundred years. Normally, they have a stock of pine trees. um). In the following years the dune body tend the human settlements again in the is desalinated by precipitation and other direct neighbourhood of dunes. Only brown dunes have the stability to ride out extreme climatic events like heavy plant communities start growing, like storms of fl oods. The younger dunes are European Beach Grass (Ammophila are- more or less vulnerable. naria), or the Sea Holly (Eryngium mari-

10 10 Bodden near Fischland-Darß-Zingst

11 Lithuania, Curoninan Spit, Hagenas Hill Lithuania, Curoninan Spit, Vecekrugas Hill Germany, Fischland-Darß-Zingst Germany, Fischland-Darß-Zingst The results of these activities are still has it own impact on navigation. Not only Ps: And the future destiny of our sand shifting dunes with their own specifi c sand transported by coastal current, grain? The dune will be compacted to problems. The unrulable sand masses were but also aeolian sand reduces the depth a solid sand stone, and million years later on of the reasons of the emigration in the of navigation channels. The regular dig- by reaching a subduction zone the sand second half of the 19th century. ging is expensive. Dunes aff ect tourism grain will be molten again, and the circle infrastructure. The uncontrolled accumu- is complete… ProBlems With shifting dunes lation of sand cause problems for beaches; today – and the Benefits of dunes the visibility from the boardwalk to the sea By Dr. Ralf Scheibe Today many shifting dune areas are is reduced or complete impossible. Photo: 1,2 - The Curonian Spit National Park Administration, 3,4 - Betina Meliss the exception; therefore the impact on tion, e.g. of sandy low coasts. There dunes protected by governmental acts e.g. as nature protection areas, national parks etc. On the other hand, dunes have their own In these areas human settlements are position in the system of coastal protec- are the fi rst step of the protection system settlements is low. However, today shifting (beside dykes, groynes and stone walls and sand causes several problems: fi nally the coastal forest), but therefore it is Shifting sand can reduce the visibility necessary to protect the dunes for blowing at highways and other streets within sec- onds seriously; it causes heavy accidents. away by planting European Beach Grass Moreover, the eff ort to remove thousands (and to avoid them for trampling of tons of sand is extensive. Shifting sand by tourists, too).

denmark 1 Råbjerg Mile germany 2 The Peninsula of Fischland-Darß-Zingst Poland 3 Shifting Sand Dunes in the County of Lębork latVia 4 The Sunset Trail to the White Dune 5 The Pūrciems Trail of the White Dune 6 The Kolkasrags Pine Trail 7 The Grey Dune of Pāvilosta 8 The Mouth of River Užava 9 The Mouth of River Gauja 10 The Nature Trail of Pape 1 1 11 The Pūsēnu Hill 12 The ”Sedums” of Lapmežciems estonia 13 Luitemaa Nature Reserve russia 14 The Curonian Spit 2 2 in the Kaliningrad Region lithuania 15 The Curonian Spit in Lithuania at a Glance

13 13 13 13 13 6 5 9 12 4 8 7 11 10 15 15 14 3

rÅBJerg mile 14 Råbjerg Mile Photos: 1,2 - Christoph Schmidt kind, 3 - permission of Skagen Turistforening Grenen, the northernmost point of Denmark Sunset over Råbjerg Mile Visit the largest migrating sand dune in northern europe and experience a variety of unique natural and cultural wonders – all easily accessible. the dune of rÅBJerg mile and desert-like landscapes. It meant that such prominent locals as the author Jeppe Råbjerg Mile is Denmark's largest migrat- the sand drifts destroyed farmland, roads Aakjær. The discussion ended when the ing dune, located at “Bunken Klitplantage” and drove people away from their homes. state bought the area around Råbjerg Mile situated between the cities Skagen and Only when the plantation of fi rs started in in 1900 and preserved it by law so that Frederikshavn in Jutland, in the northern the 1800s the sand drift was brought more it could remain a natural wonder, a monu- part of Denmark. It is the largest mo- under human control. Interestingly, ment and reminder for future generations ving dune in Northern Europe, and over “The Buried Church” (“Den tilsandede of what damage the sand drifts had caused 250,000 people visit the dune annually. kirke” – see picture) still stands as a relic for generations of people in the north of the time when most of the associated of Jutland. origin of the dune houses and farms disappeared. To stop of rÅBJerg mile the sand drifts, the state bought a large the dune itself For hundreds of years big parts of Den- proportion of the surrounding area and The dune covers an area of approximately mark were characterised by the western planted various coniferous trees that were 2 km and is up to 35 m high. Therefore, 2 wind creating the landscapes, and moving able to tackle the diffi cult growing condi- Råbjerg Mile is one of the largest dunes in sand over long stretches while ruining tions. Even though the plantation helped Europe, containing about 3.5 million m 3 villages and cultivated areas. It was the to diminish the sand drifts, it ultimately of sand, thereby forming a 'mini desert'. case especially in Jutland but also in Zeal- meant that some magnifi cent natural areas On a hike through Råbjerg Mile, there and. The sand drifts resulted in big dunes disappeared, which led to protests from might even be the risk of going into quick-

1 denmark COPENHAGEN 15 Photo: Christoph Schmidt Den Tilsandede Kirke sand. Interestingly, on several occasions moves faster in the middle leaving quite it has not yet been taken into account international fi lm companies have actually a spectacular sight from the top. that it will actually bury the main road to used Råbjerg Mile as a setting to shoot Skagen in a 100 years from now. In fact, desert scenes. Notably, dunes in deserts are formed in the all indications are that that the dune will exact opposite way, since they are far away continue its journey towards the Kattegat. rÅBJerg mile is a shifting from groundwater, making the arms come Therefore, if no other measures are taken coastal dune forward instead. it is estimated it will reach the road in The wind moves it about 15 m annually in the year 2200 and end its days in the Katte- the east-north-easterly direction. The dune The top of the dune is a good vantage gat by the year 2230. As aforementioned, thereby leaves a low, moist layer of sand point to enjoy a unique view over the Råbjerg Mile has been preserved to allow behind it, trailing back westwards from beautiful nature surrounding Skagen´s future generations to understand Skagerrak, where the dune originally was top. In fact, more than 6000 acres of dune the problem of sand dune drift, whereas formed more than 300 years ago. and dune heaths are preserved in one of the clear majority of other dunes have Råbjerg Mile has u-shaped mounds of sand Denmark's most distinctive natural areas. been stabilised by planting. with convex noses trailed by elongated Also, behind the dune itself you can see, arms, which make it a parabolic dune. among other things, skeletal pines that The central area of the dune was This is due to the fact that the wind keeps had been covered by the dune for more purchased by the state in 1900 (to secure the sand in the middle of the dune dry than 40 years and have now come into free passage for the dune), and after the because this part the dune has no access view after its passage. Conservation of Nature Act in 1917 further to groundwater, while the sides are wet surrounding areas were purchased. The because they are close to groundwater. conserVation of the dune dune is, however, now drifting out of the Vegetation therefore grows easily along Through conservation the dune´s contin- state-owned area and further conservation the sides, while the dune (made of sand) ued voyage has been secured, although legislation is discussed.

16 actiVities at rÅBJerg mile: ° hiking trails ° Beatiful Beaches ° horse trails ° guided tours ° fishing at lillesØ and BirkesØ Photos: kind permission of Skagen Turistforening facing slopes. The area around Råbjerg ing nature and fi shing in the lakes of Lillesø Plants and Wildlife in the Mile is also known for its migrating birds, and Birkesø. Being a part of nature, Råbjerg area of rÅBJerg mile especially during spring. The huge terrain Mile is open year-round and free of charge. The dune is free of vegetation but the west of the dune is often used as a resting The best months for a visit are June, July area in front of the dune with its many place by migrating eagles and owls, just as and August due to the weather conditions. temporary ponds and wet areas contains roosting cranes can be seen by the small Råbjerg Mile is situated in the top of North a large number of rare plants that have lakes. Rare breeding birds include tawny Jutland with many beautiful sites. For adapted to the particular environment. pipits (Anthus campestris), curlews (Nume- example, Skagen is known as the town Amongst other plants, 10 species of the nius phaeopus) and cranes (Grus grus). with the most sunshine hours in Denmark, genus Juncus and Denmark´s smallest and is surrounded by unique scenery and plant Crassula aquatica can be found here. actiVities at rÅBJerg mile and in many white sand beaches. There are also the area surrounding the dune many exciting museums (especially art On a spring day in Råbjerg Mile, the area In the local tourist shops, in the tourist museums), monuments and castles in the is fi lled with the sound of thousands information offi ces and on the internet it area. In Skagen’s pedestrian street you will of croaking beach toads (Bufo calamita) is possible to get a brochure including a fi nd an exciting choice of specialist shops, Here, you actually fi nd most of this kind map with four diff erent hiking trails in the whilst at the harbour red warehouses are in Denmark. Also, adders (Vipera berus) dune. The longest route is 9,5 km long used as fi shmongers and restaurants.  occur commonly in the terrain. Careful and the shortest 3,5 km. At nearby places For tourists interested in nature, “Grenen“ observation, however, is needed to explore such as Hulsig and Bunken visitors can fi nd is certainly also worthwhile visiting. It is the beautiful snake as it disappears at the beautiful beaches for people of all ages. the most northern part of Denmark, and slightest tremor in the ground. The best The area off ers also a biking route and dif- the two seas Skagerak and Kattegat meet chance of fi nding one is on a sunny spring ferent horse trails. It is possible to arrange at the tip of it. It is a nature preserved area, day, where adders are tanning on south- for guided tours focusing on the surround- but 110.000 ships (those weighing more

1 denmark COPENHAGEN 17 contact skagen turist information Vestre Strandvej 10 DK-9990 Skagen Denmark Tel. +45 98 44 13 77 [email protected] www.skagen-tourist.dk Photo: Christoph Schmidt than 150 ton) pass Grenen every year. In sleep in a shelter or in a tent if visitors 106 km. Ferries from Larvik, Kristiansand, order to get there, the small bus “Sandor- bring one themselves. There is also a small Stavanger, Bergen and Oslo in Norway men” transports visitors from the parking camp for organised groups (with permis- as well as Gothenburg in Sweden can lot next to the Grenen art museum for sion). Moreover, there is a camping site also take you to the region. Coming from 20 DKK for adults and 10 DKK for children. that is well designed and big, suitable for other areas in Denmark, there are several As one can see, that the area surrounding longer stays. Råbjerg Mile is only 16 km options to get to the region by express Råbjerg Mile is also quite interesting for southwest of Skagen. Skagen has plenty of bus. Abildskou operates between Copen- tourists. Over time the sea has deposi- opportunities for accommodation as the hagen and Aalborg, and Thinggaard runs ted huge areas of sand, north of Skagen area off ers seven camping sites, 19 hotels/ between Esbjerg and Frederikshavn, as increasing the size of Jutland considerably. inns, a holiday centre as well as numerous well as Odense, Kolding and Aalborg.   To keep ships from hitting these massive second homes and private homes and fl ats DSB operates train services on the Aalborg deposits of sand new lighthouses have to that can be rented. – Frederikshavn line. The train stops in be built every one hundred years, because Hjørring, Sindal, (Tolne, Kvissel) and the old lighthouses ended up being far transPortation to the dune Frederikshavn, with further connections inland over time. Today, these deposits and the surrounding area to all major cities in Denmark. and lighthouses stand as a testimony There are diff erent busses that take you to of the changes of the landscape of north- Råbjerg Mile from the surrounding cities, By Mads Willemoes Hjardemaal and Lise Lyck ern Jutland. and it is easy to get there by car. Visitors can fl y directly to Aalborg Airport from accommodation in the area Copenhagen, Oslo, Paris, Berlin and Lon- In the area of Råbjerg Mile there are many don and then onwards to Skagen and its possibilities of accommodation. There are surroundings with train, bus or car. two places where it is possible to either The distance from Aalborg to Skagen is

the peninSula of fiSchland-darSS-ZingSt 18 Typical gable signs Photos: Betina Meliss anyone who has ever dreamed of walking along wide beaches with bright sand accompanied by the beauty of unspoiled sand dunes does not need to travel far away to experience just that.the peninsula fischland- darss-Zingst at the Baltic coast of germany is always worth a visit. lasting memories called “Darsser Weststrand”. Between the probably keep in mind are the windswept at the “darsser Weststrand” fi shermen’s village of Wustrow and Darsser trees in the dunes as a result of frequent Fischland-Darss-Zingst is a peninsula Ort visitors can fi nd one of the most beau- strong winds from the sea. The German at the coast of Mecklenburg-West Pomera- tiful beaches of the coast. word for these trees describes their nia between Rostock and the isle of Rügen. The 10 km of beach are part of the National unusual shape very well. It means that It is among the most popular tourist des- Park “Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft”. they fl ee from the wind (“Windfl üchter”). tinations on the German Baltic coast and Accordingly, no maintenance is carried out In the evenings or on misty winter days welcomes its visitors in the famous seaside in this area according to the National Park’s the trees create the mystical atmosphere, resorts Prerow and Zingst. About 60 km offi cial motto “Let nature take its course” which has made the peninsula popular of beaches are waiting to be discovered. (“Natur Natur sein lassen”). with painters and artists for decades. For all visitors who like to experience After storms it might happen that fallen a more quiet part of the peninsula, away trees line the beach. It will look diff erent a look Back in history from the lively tourist centres, there is and new things will catch the walker’s eye After the last Ice Age, Fischland-Darss- the beautiful beach at the western shore at every visit. Things that everybody will Zingst consisted of three separate isles but

2 germany BERLIN 19 Photos: Freddie Bijkerk Darss door (Darsser Haustür) Northern tip of the Darss due to continuing erosion the isles merged coastal protection measures are needed of resting cranes. From the historical point over the centuries forming today’s long along the whole coast of Fischland-Darss- of view, it is also interesting to know that hook-shaped structure. On Fischland, Zingst. the peninsula marks the former border an isthmus between the mainland and between Mecklenburg and Pomerania. the former island Darss, between Wustrow Between the peninsula and the mainland, Fischland in the southwest was part of and Ahrenshoop, it is still possible to fi nd visitors can fi nd a natural feature which is Mecklenburg while Darss and Zingst be- high cliff s from glacial till and sand. unique in the Baltic Sea Region: the “Bod- longed to Pomerania. About 6000 years ago, these cliff s were den”. These former open bays are enclosed at least twice as high as they are today. by peninsulas, spits or islands. Bodden only For centuries, people on Fischland-Darss- The material eroded from the cliff s by the have a narrow connection to the open sea Zingst used to be seafarers, fi shermen, and forces of wind and waves of the Baltic Sea or to adjacent bodden. There is a chain of famers. However, at the end of the 19th has been shifted north-westwards along bodden from Fischland-Darss-Zingst to century Germany’s economic situation the shore for thousands of years. Hiddensee, Rügen and Usedeom along the underwent signifi cant changes and lead This sand forms the wide and unspoiled coast of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. to the development of a small but growing beaches of the “Darsser Weststrand” stret- Due to the fact that bodden-type bays are tourism industry. More people from the ching towards the northern tip at Darsser shallow and contain brackish water, they cities could aff ord to go on holiday. Ort. From there material is re-deposited have a very distinctive fl ora and fauna. This is why inhabitants of Zingst, Prerow, further west resulting in wide beaches They are rich in fi sh and important resting Wustrow und Dierhagen set up the fi rst with fi ne sand along the coast of Darss places for migratory birds like cranes and accommodation for tourists from the cities, and Zingst. geese. East of the seaside resort Zingst, leading to the development of seaside Every year, about half a meter of coast in the “Sundischen Wiesen”, a meadow and resorts on Fischland-Darss-Zingst. At the is carried away from Fischland and the heathland, there are observation platforms same time, Ahrenshoop became popular “Darsser Weststrand”. Therefore, extensive from where visitors can view thousands as a colony for artists.

20 At the beach near Ahrenshoop Photos: 1 - Betina Meliss, 2,3 - Freddie Bijkerk Evening mood Especially painters were fascinated with doors with many diff erent subjects that berms and small lakes cut off from the the picturesque scenery of cliff s, beaches were part of their daily life. They are Baltic Sea. Further inland the landscape and the peacefulness of the bodden as well reminiscent of the peninsula’s maritime turns into dunes of diff erent age followed as the unique lighting conditions throug- past and its history of seafarers. But they by the gradually developing forest. hout the seasons. In 1892, the painter Paul also show pictures that were to protect The Darss forest, in German “Darßwald”, Müller-Kaempff laid the foundations house owners from natural disasters and has a size of about 5,000 ha and is situated for Ahrenshoop’s development as a colony even witchcraft. Suns are shown particu- in the core zone of the National Park. for painters by building the fi rst painter’s larly often on the doors. They symbolise Therefore, there are no settlements or any houses and a guesthouse for art students. a safe return from the sea. Although the other human interference apart from a When visiting Ahrenshoop today, the spe- doors are becoming less, visitors can still lighthouse at “Darsser Ort” and the “Natu- cial atmosphere can still be felt because fi nd them in some places, especially on reum”, a branch of the German Maritime there are many galleries and cultural the Darss. In the Darss-Museum in Prerow Museum in Stralsund displaying fl ora and events that emphasize Ahrenshoop’s there are more information and many fauna of the Darss. Both are only accessible distinctive character. more examples of the Darss door on foot, bike or horse, because cars are (“Darsser Haustür”) to be found. not allowed. floWers on doors Visitors looking for something they cannot dunes and forests While walking through the forest, visitors fi nd somewhere else will defi nitely fi nd Towards the northern tip of the Darss lies can see how the land has developed over what they are looking for on Fischland- a pristine landscape, which is constantly time. As a result of constant growth of Darss-Zingst. Some houses have kept their changing depending on the ocean current the peninsula, the forest shows diff erent traditional colourful front doors. These and the wind. Here, sand is continuous- stages of development. There is a system doors are very characteristic of the region. ly accumulated and re-deposited. The of coastal berms and damp troughs (lo- People used to paint and decorate the resulting landscape comprises sandbanks, cally known as “Reff en” and “Riegen”)

2 germany BERLIN 21 contact tourist information natureum darßer ort Darßer Ort 1-3 18375 Born a. Darß Tel. +49 38233 304 [email protected] www.meeresmuseum.de Wieck, darßer arche, nationalpark- und gästezentrum (National Park Visitor Centre) Bliesenrader Weg 2 18375 Wieck a. Darß running from east to west. The higher use yet. But since it has become a National berms are predominantly covered with Park a lot of eff ort has been put in restor- Tel. +49 38233-7038-0 pine trees, English oaks and beeches. On ing the natural state of the vegetation. the lower-lying troughs you fi nd alders and In many areas the nature is now complete- [email protected]  large brackens. Due to the fact that the ly left to its own devices. www.darsser-arche.de sea level was higher in the past, it is still possible to see the 3 – 6 m high cliff s of the More information on the National Park old coastline within the Darss forest. “Vorpommersche Boddenlandschaft” The best place to observe the characteris- can be obtained from the National Park information centre tic landscape is the top of the lighthouse. Centre “Darßer Arche” in Wieck. Based in It is 35 m high and was built in 1848. a former school building, it features vari- zingst / The lighthouse is open for visitors all year ous exhibitions about the National Park, sundische Wiese and allows wonderful views of the Darss, the bodden, and explains how this unique Rostock and the Danish coastline. landscape was formed. Visitors who are interested in the history of the “Sundi- 100m east of the car park For centuries, Darss forest was deforested schen Wiesen” and, more importantly, its of Hotel “Schlößchen” and used as pastureland. Other parts were avifauna, should not miss the Information also repeatedly used as hunting ground Centre “Zingst / Sundische Wiese”. The Information Centre is only from the middle ages up to GDR times. accessible by bike or on foot For this reason, there is still a high number By Christoph Schmidt via the dyke of red deer causing damage to the vege- tation. Not all areas of the forest have fully recovered from the centuries of extensive

Shifting Sand duneS in the county of lęBork 22 Photos: 1 - Andrzej Dabeks, 2,3 - Tomasz Awdziejczyk The County of Lębork comprises 5 com- Protection of shifting sand a Ramsar site in 1995. Currently, the SPN munes: 2 towns (Lębork and Łeba) and dunes in Poland is also an International Birds Sanctuary. 3 rural areas (Cewice, Nowa Wieś Lęborska The Słovinski National Park (Polish: Furthermore, the SNP forms the core and Wicko). 64,000 residents populate Słowiński Park Narodowy; SPN) is one of of 'Slovinian Sanctuary' and 'Slovinian an area of 707 square kilometres. 23 national parks and one of 2 seaside Sea-Shore' - areas defined according to There are wide sandy beaches to stroll parks in Poland. It is situated on the Baltic the same criteria in all countries of the along. The Słowiński National Park invites coast, between Łeba and Rowy, in Pomera- European Union, following the guidelines guests to walk along shifting sand dunes. nian Voivodeship, northern Poland. of the Birds Directive and the Habitat There visitors can still see wild, quiet spots The park was founded in 1967 to preserve Directive. untouched by human activity and admire the incomparable beauty, the system of Today the park covers 186.18 km , of which 2 the abundance of fauna and flora as well as seaside lakes, bogs, peatbogs, meadows, 102.13 km² consist of waters and 45.99 km² landscapes of great scenic beauty. seaside woods and forests, but first of all, of forests. The northern boundary of the It is recommended to see the sand dunes to maintain a dune belt of spits with shif- park consists of 32.5 km of coastline. The near Łeba. Łeba is a known health and ting dunes, unique in Europe. strictly preserved zone covers 56.19 km². tourist resort as well as a fishing port. The County of Lębork lies in the buffer The town by the mouth of the Łeba River The natural value of the SNP is proven zone of the Slovinski National Park. is situated between two lakes: the Łebsko by the fact of its placement in international However, the easiest way to see shifting and the Sarbsko. One can find the forest- networks of protected areas, such as sand dunes is to go to Łeba and then to dune sanctuary 'Mierzeja Sarbska' in HELCOMBSPA or World Nature Sanctuary. Rąbka to get to the main gate of the park. the east of the town, whereas in the west, In 1977, UNESCO designated the park a there is the Slovinski National Park with biosphere reserve according to its Pro- The park is named after the Slavic (later shifting sand dunes unique on a global gramme on Man and the Biosphere (MaB). Germanized) people known as the Slovin- scale. The Słowiński wetlands were designated cians (Polish: Słowińcy), who used to live in

3 poland WARSAW 23 Photos: 1 - Andrzej Dabeks, 2,3 - Tomasz Awdziejczyk Photo: Tomasz Awdziejczyk this swampy, inaccessible area at the edge 2.9 m). Both Łebsko and Gardno lake were cessible for bicycle tourism. We cordially of Lake Łeba. There is an open-air museum previously bays. There are also 7 rivers invite to take the advantage of using this in the village of Kluki, presenting aspects crossing the park, the largest ones being active form of recreation. In case of not of those people's former life and culture. the Łeba and the Łupawa. having one's own bicycle, the rental shops situated in Rąbka may be helpful. In the In the past, the park’s area was a Baltic Sea The forests in the park are mainly made summer months there is the possibility of bay. The sea’s activity, however, created up of pines. These trees cover 80% of cruising on Łebsko Lake on the passenger sand dunes, which iseparated the bay the wooded areas. There are also several boat 'Ohar' with the itinerary of Łeba- from the Baltic Sea in the course of time. types of peat bogs in the park. Regarding Kluki-Łeba, or taking the boats 'Alka' and As waves and wind carry sand inland, animals, the most numerous are birds with 'Kormoran' on the route Łeba-Rąbka- the dunes slowly move at a speed of 257 species. This is because the park is Wyrzutnia-Łeba.  3 to 10 m per year. Some dunes are quite located on the routes of migrating birds. high - up to 30 m. The highest peak of the They feel safe here because human Practicing water sports is permitted only park – Rowokol (115 m above sea level) – activities are limited. The most interesting in the specially defi ned zones in the lakes is also an excellent observation point. The species are: erne (white-tailed eagle), eagle of Łebsko and Gardno. The same regu- 'moving dunes' are regarded as a curiosity owl, crow, swan and various kinds of ducks. lations apply to angling from the coast of nature. Among mammals, one has to point out or boat. Dog enthusiasts do not have to deer, elk, wild boar and hare. separate from their favourites while being Waters, which occupy 55% of the park’s in the park. However, for the good of the area, are mainly lakes - Łebsko (71.40 km², adVice for Visitors of sloVinski animals and other visitors, the dog owners maximum depth 6.3 m), Gardno national Park are requested to use the lead and muzzle.  (24.68 km², maximum depth 2.6 m) and At present there are over 170 kilometres Horse-riding enthusiasts are recommend- Dolgie Wielkie (1.46 km², maximum depth of routes. Foot tracks are rendered ac- ed to attend horse-riding classes in

24 Photos: Betina Meliss Nowęcin. There is a ban on using wheeled vehicles apart from specially designated areas in the SPN. The number and location of car parks facilitates to plan the sojourn and meet all the 'corners' of the Park. The entry as well as the use of the car park is to be charged“. Unlimited filming and photographing is permitted only on the selected tourist tracks and transit routes.  Information on the rules and regulations of land and water tourism may be obtai- ned from the Head Office of the SPN in Smoldzino. By Katarzyna Dampc

3 poland WARSAW 25 Photo: Tomasz Awdziejczyk contact Gminny Ośrodek Kultury Centrum Informacji Turystycznej Centrum Informacji Turystycznej i Sportu w Wicku ”Brama Kaszubskiego Pierścienia” - ”Brama Kaszubskiego Pierścienia”,  Wicko 39, 84-352 Wicko Al. Niepodległości 6 ul. Kościuszki 121 84-300 Lębork 84-360 Łeba Tel. +48 59  861 11 17 Tel. +48 59 842 01 34 Tel. +48 519 400 701 [email protected]   www.gokis.wicko.eu [email protected] [email protected] www.lck-fregata.pl www.leba.eu Gminny Ośrodek Kultury w Nowej Wsi Lęborskiej Informacja Turystyczna - Gminne Centrum Kultury ul. Lęborska 20, Stowarzyszenie LOT Łeba 84-312 Cewice 84-351 Nowa Wieś ul. 11 listopada 5A ul. Węgrzynowicza 16 Lęborska, 84-360 Łeba Tel. +48 59 861 14 90 Tel. +48 59 8612 253 Tel. +48 59 866 25 65, [email protected] [email protected] www.lotleba.pl www.gck.cewice.pl www.goknwl.pl  [email protected]

latVia the SunSet trail 4 RIGA to the White dune 26 Photos: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs View from the observation platform The Sunset Trail starts in the centre of surface. It has been fi xed with willow-twigs Saulkrasti town and takes you to the White and forest has grown. The largest pines contact Dune. It is situated on the right side of the are more than 170-190 years old. Notable river Inčupe’s mouth. It is covered with old features of the pines are their large trunks pine forest. The white, 18 m high outcrop and branches, the scars obtained during saulkrasti tourism of sand served as a landmark for fi shermen their lifetime and the typical “crocodile information in the past. skin” – the bark forms rhombuses resem- bling those of the reptile’s scales. Scots Pine Ainazu 13b, Saulkrasti, The White Dune formed as winds carried (Pinus Silvestris) is one of the most common LV 2160, Latvia the sand from the beach over clay sedi- tree species in Latvia. It grows in dry, mea- Tel. + 371 67952641 ments of the Baltic Ice Lake. Several layers gre sandy soil, in dunes as well as in marsh. of soil buried within the dune give witness However, it does not stand overshadowing. [email protected] to the drifting of the dune some 150-200 Forest fi res help pines to get rid of compe- www.saulkrasti.lv years ago. titors as pine endures fi re better than other trees because of its thick bark and high Local fi shermen and farmers at Bātciems crown. The wood exudes resin and burn “wake up”. Embryonic dunes, White (yellow) initiated aff orestation of the drifting dunes. wounds close quickly. Fire cleans space for dunes, Grey dunes and Wooded dunes are At that time, the 30 m high dunes, which seedlings of young pines. Pines can live up biotopes protected by the EU. Grey Dunes are are now covered with forest, were bare, to 300-350 years. protected by Latvian law as well. A wooden shifting and even buried a farmstead. To trail with an observation platform was built speed up aff orestation, mountain pines The ground cover in dune forests is very to protect the White Dune and to facilitate were planted. The White Dune was partly sensitive. If the sparse vegetation is de- sightseeing. In winter, a skiing trail in the washed away in a heavy storm in 1969, stroyed, not only the natural biodiversity vicinity of the White Dune is arranged. and a 4-6 m high precipice formed. Today, and landscape is damaged, but also the By Gita Memmēna, wind and sand have levelled out the dune dangerous shifting dunes might possibly Saulkrasti Tourist Information Offi ce

latVia the pŪrciemS 5 RIGA White dune trail 27 Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs The trail winds along the bluff s of the many artefacts found, including fragments lower River Pilsupe and reveals a fascinat- of the so-called Sārnate and pit-comb ing sight of three white dune exposures pottery, as well as some pieces of corded contact (the largest is called the White Dune). pottery. Based on these fi ndings, the The White Dune is ca. 20 m high. settlement is dated back to the beginning It was formed ca. 6000 years ago, in the or middle of the 3rd millenary B.C., and it tourism information period of the Littorina Sea, which was was inhabited until the beginning of the a predecessor of the Baltic Sea. 2nd millenary B.C. Especially remarkable offi ce of roja county are three clay fi gures in human shape The fi rst Stone Age settlement on the which were probably used for religious north-western coast of Latvia was found cult purposes. Roja there in 1934 by geologist S. Burhards. In Elgas 33 the sand, some 500 m from the sea, he Since 1993, archaeologist Ilzes Loze has Tel. +371 63269594 found pottery fragments, a sandstone discovered several pit-comb ware culture hone, a piece of fl int, parts of bones and settlements in the larger area around [email protected] an amber bead. He handed the fi ndings Pūrciems village. They are known as the www.roja.lv/tour over to the National Museum of History. ”the Ģipka settlements” in research litera- In October 1934, the site was checked by ture. archaeologist E. Šturms, who found the archaeological layer, typical for such settle- ments, in the landslides of the Pilsupe Sources: 1. I. Roze, Talsi Tourist Information Offi ce riverbanks. From 1936 to 1938, excavations 2. Guidebook „Talsu rajona pilskalni, kulta vietas un were undertaken. In total, seven settle- senkapi“ (Hillforts, cult sites and burial sites in Talsi district) (J.Asaris) 2005 ments of diff erent age were detected and

latVia 6 the kolkaSragS RIGA pine trail 28 Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs Cape Kolka The Kolkasrags Pine Trail is in Slītere had to be stopped in order to plant new currents during spring and autumn storms. National Park. The trail (partly made of trees. Just 26 km to the south from Kolka, Embryonic dunes develop here with wood) introduces to the habitats of dunes there was one of the largest sand dunes in plants that usually grow in dunes. and century-old pines. Biologists estimate Latvia, 25 km in length. These plants have adapted well to poor that the oldest tree, the “mother of pines”, Every year it devoured 0.3 ha of land. soils, heat, drought, and the saline sea could be around 200 years old. Coastal The sand was stopped by covering it with water. The most common species are pine forests serve as a barrier between heather, twigs and branches of pines and searocket (Cakile baltica), sea sandwort the sea and land protecting inland areas junipers and by planting pine trees. (Honckenia peploides), narrowleaf hawk- from impact of the sea and winds. Felling weed (Hieracium umbellatum), marram coastal forests was forbidden by law Today, the old low pine trees tell about (Ammophila arenaria), lyme-grass (Leymus already back in 1643, during the Duchy of Kolka’s sand that used to drift. After arenarius), sand sedge (Carex arenaria). Courland. Still, due to economic activities, storms, when the water washes the bluff the seashore forests were often felled and tree roots are exposed, one can see and fi res occurred there occasionally. As a that the tree trunks were once covered Sources: 1. Dace Sāmīte, Andra Ratkeviča, Latvian Nature Conserva- result, the sand, which had been stabilised with sand more than 1 m high. The trees tion Agency, Kurzeme Regional Administration by trees for centuries, started drifting on the seacoast usually have crooked 2. Alanda Pūliņa, Dundaga municipality 2. Jānis Dambītis, Kolka municipality at Cape Kolka. In the 1930s, there were trunks and fl ag-shaped crowns formed about 142 ha of sandy areas in the Slītere under the infl uence of persisting sea National Park and 11.5 ha of those were winds. These forests are today a designa- drifting sand. To stop the drifting, the sand ted biotope: “Wooded dunes of the coast”. areas were carefully aff orested. Aff oresta- tion started before World War I and was Stable white dunes cannot form in Cape completed in the 1970s. First, the sand Kolka as they are washed away by sea Please see page 30 for contact details.

latVia the grey dune of pĀViloSta 7 RIGA 29 Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs The Grey Dune of Pāvilosta nature reserve is most beautiful in the second half of ting proposals to achieve the offi cial status covers 42 ha of land and has been desig- July and in August when the blossoming of an especially protected nature site for nated to protect Latvia’s widest dune (1.5 breckland thyme (Thymus serpyllum) and the Grey Dune. They organised seminars, km parallel to the sea coast), and the bioto- narrowleaf hawkweed (Hieracium umbel- concerts, art plein aires and exhibitions, pes and species found there. A two-storied latum) colour the dune in shades of yellow educational excursions, church services, observation platform was built to savour and violet. The most typical species here meetings with high offi cials and on-site the scenery. are pasquefl ower (Pulsatilla pretense), grey visits to the Grey Dune. hair-grass (Corynephorus canescens), blue In 2006, the group received the title In Soviet time, local fi shermen used to hair-grass (Koeleria glauca), and sand pink ”Proudness of Latvia” awarded by the dry seaweed in dunes for the production (Dianthus arenarius). national TV3 broadcasting company and of agar, and thus rich vegetation devel- the daily paper ”Diena”. The nature reserve oped in the dune. The Grey Dune is part The Grey Dune earned wide recognition ”Grey Dune of Pāvilosta” was established of a unique landscape with a stunning when a group of enthusiasts actively cam- on 30 October 2007. It is the most recent sea view, the traditional architecture of paigned for six years to achieve the status Natura2000 site in Latvia. Pāvilosta fi shing town, and biotopes, of a nature reserve. Guna Grimsta, a group including protected areas, which border representative, remembers that they the nature reserve: pine forests, embryonic organised events and activities throughout Sources: 1. Dace Sāmīte, deputy director, Latvian Nature Conserva- dunes and white dunes,occur here. The Latvia involving large parts of the society, tion Agency, Kurzeme Regional Administration Biotope 2130 “Fixed dunes with herbace- prominent personalities, church parishes, 2. Guna Grimsta, the Pāvilosta Grey Dune Protection group ous vegetation (grey dunes)” can be found NGOs, pupils and university students. here. At present pines are taking over the The activists were writing letters, making biotope. Therefore some maintenance videos, doing research articles, composing activities are required. The Grey Dune music, collecting signatures and submit- Please see page 30 for contact details.

latVia the mouth 8 RIGA of riVer uŽaVa 30 Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs View from the Užava lighthouse The trail in the nature reserve ”Užava” the range of grey dunes. Unfortunately, tells about grey dunes which have survived scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) trees start thanks to border restrictions and the taking over the area. contact presence of military. The trail starts at the parking lot at the mouth of the Užava There are three important biotopes ac- River. It is one of the few natural estuaries cording to EU classifi cation: ”Fixed dunes nature conservation in Europe. One can also see the „tacis”, with herbaceous vegetation”, ”Decalcifi ed agency which is an industrial installation for lam- fi xed dunes with Empetrum nigrum” and prey (Lampetra fl uviatilis) fi shing during ”Dunes with Salix arenaria”, forming a kurzeme regional their spawning migration period. unique mosaic. Because the area is a administration former military site, some military con- The circular trail winds from the mouth structions can still be seen like horseshoe- of the Užava to the north along the coast- shaped sand ramparts by the road in the “Šlīteres mežniecība”, line (the beach is covered with sand and grey dunes. They were built to disguise Dundaga district, LV-3270 pebbles) and returns to the starting point military vehicles in case of a sea attack. Tel. + 371 632 860 00 through grey dunes. Along the trail, one By the Kangroti graveyard, towards the can observe a distinct white dune with Užava River, there is an underground [email protected] the rare plant species Linaria loeselii, pillbox. www.daba.gov.lv Lathyrus maritimus, Anthyllis arenaria, Tragopogon heterospermus. About 1 km from the mouth of the river, in the sea, Source: Dace Sāmīte, Latvian Nature Conservation Agency, Kurzeme Regional Administration one can see the wreck of a sailing ship. The way back opens a beautiful view of

latVia the mouth 9 RIGA of riVer gauJa 31 Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs Gauja is the most beautiful river of the river Lielupe to the mouth of the river Vidzeme. On the seashore between the Gauja forming a part of the Daugavgrīva mouths of river Gauja and river Daugava, Fortress fortifi cations. The pillboxes are contact one of the largest dune ranges in Latvia is made of concrete, about 1.5 m thick. situated, with distinctive parabolic dunes Every year, on the 3rd Sunday in August, covered with forest (wooded dunes). a lamprey festival takes place in Carnikava nature conservation agency town by the Gauja river mouth. Carnikava Vidzeme regional The mouth of the river Gauja is unique as is called the Lamprey Capital as it is famous administration it is one of the few major rivers in Latvia for its lamprey fi shing tradition and gen- and in the EU countries to fl ow into the sea erous catches. [email protected] naturally. There is no harbour or any other www.daba.gov.lv hydro-engineering construction. The mouth of the River Gauja is a good bird-watching area, especially in spring carnikava tourism It is a popular recreation area in the vicinity and autumn when one can observe the information centre of Riga and Saulkrasti, while, unfortunately, highest variety of species. It is part of the lack of infrastructure makes it suff er Piejūras (seashore) Nature Park. Stacijas 2A, Carnikava, from anthropogenic load. Carnikava district, LV-2163 Tel. +371 67708443 Not far from the river mouth, hidden in By Agnese Balandiņa, dunes, there are pillboxes which were Latvian Nature Conservation Agency [email protected] built in the 1920s or 1930s as anti-airborne www.tourism.carnikava.lv barriers. There was a whole range of them along the coastline from the mouth of

latVia the nature RIGA trail of pape 10 32 Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs Historic Konu Village at Pape The nature trail was built in 2003, sup- landscapes and related biotopes – dunes, ported by the WWF, the Latvian Environ- forest, grasslands and bogs – as well as ment Protection Fund, the International bird and animal species found there. On contact volunteering organization supporting the trail there is a bird watching tower and conservation initiatives in the United King- two birdwatcher hides. You can see the dom (BTCV) involving volunteers from the rivers Paurupe and Līgupe, beaver activity Pape nature Park municipal parishes Nīca and Rucava. areas, grasslands, a black alder forest, fondation a spruce forest, fl oodland, wild horses, Pape was one of the largest fi shing villages aurochs, the Šķilu lime tree, the Holy in the Kurzeme region after World War I. Grove, the Ezerskolas sacrifi cial stone, Tel. + 371 29224331 For generations, fi shing was the main the Pape ornithological fi eld station, means of subsistence for the local inhabi- the Papes polder grasslands and the Pape [email protected] tants. They built their homes from natural lighthouse. There are resting places en www.pdf-pape.lv materials – wood, reed, straw and boul- route. The trail leads through the historical ders. Most of the buildings have reed roofs. Ķoņu village with the traditional coastal rucava tourism fi shing village architecture of buildings The Pape Nature Park was established and yards. information centre in 1993 to protect the biological diversity in the Nida marsh, the Lake Pape, the Baltic The trail in the Pape Nature Park is 9.1 km Tel. + 371 29134903 Sea coast, and migrating as well as nesting long (5.1 km in one direction on an unpa- birds as Pape is one of the most important ved road, 4 km back along the seashore). [email protected] and largest bird migration sites in the www.rucava.lv Baltics. The trail exposes the surrounding

latVia the pŪSĒnu hill 11 RIGA 33 Photo: kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs The Pusenu Hill is one of the highest dunes fi rm. But in Swedish times (around 1650), in Latvia, located between the villages the Swedes built a large kiln for charcoal Bernāti and Jūrmalciems. It is 37 m high and tar. Pine wood and stumps provided contact and off ers a magnifi cent view of the sea an excellent material for this. Once a big and natural pine forests. The highest dunes fi re rose, and the charcoal kiln burned in Latvia stand to the south of Jūrmalciems down as well as the whole pine forest. nica tourism village: the Pūsēnu hill, the Ķupu hill, the The remaining stumps and bare trunks in information Mietragkalns or Tiesas hill, the Pāļu hill, the vast burnout could not hold the storm- the Garais hill, the Ātrais hill, the Lāvas hill. driven sand; it fl ew further and further Bārtas 6 The Pūsēnu dune is the highest of these burying not only the burned-out forest, Nīca, Nīcas county dunes, which are all called hills by the local but also the nearest fi elds. In wintertime, LV – 3473, Latvia people. The Pūsēnu hill evolved between when the vast, low marshy grasslands Tel. + 371 63489501 1785 and 1835, when shifting sand became were covered with ice, jets of sand drifted extremely dangerous. Several homesteads further over its surface, and soon most of [email protected] were buried in sand, among them ”Pūsēni”, the grasslands and large meadows turned where a forester’s family lived. The family is into sandy heath-land and dunes.” said to have moved to Bārta. The dune was and the White Dune, later also the Pūsēnu named after the buried homestead. To reconstruct Liepāja, severely damag- hill. The excavators used to work day and ed during World War II, a silicate brick night, in three shifts. The work stopped Jēkabs Janševskis, a Latvian writer, wrote in factory was built in the town. The main raw around 1980 as there was no more sand his book ”Nīca”: “In olden times, large pine material was white sand and it was taken suitable for the production of brick. Today, trees were growing in the dunes on the from the Bernātu forest. In the 1960s the a trail facilitates walking in the Pūsēnu coast of Nīca and they stood steady and workers started to dig off the Green Dune dune in the Bernātu Nature Park.

latVia the ”SedumS” 12 RIGA of lapmeŽciemS 34 Photos: 1,2 - kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs, 3 - Daniel Engert At the beach in Lapmežciems In the dunes of Lapmežciems, one can In the nearby Ragaciems village the local still fi nd interesting historical monuments fi shermen have reconstructed, with their of fi shermen life, for example “sedums”, own labour and money, some old net huts contact former fi shing boat piers, where fi shermen in memory of their grandfathers. Recon- built their net huts and kept inventory. struction is still going on, and the already From there they went to the sea and came rebuilt net huts have been put in active the lapmezciems back, and, while the fi shing nets where use. museum drying on the poles, the fi shermen were talking. Lapmežciems is also a promising bird watching site because migrating birds Lapmežciems The “sedums” of Lapmežciems are under are attracted by seaweed cast ashore. Engure county the status of architectural heritage of local The “sedums” in the villages of Liepu 4, Latvia importance and are waiting for reconstruc- Lapmežciems and Ragaciems are part of tion. Today, there are three huts, well visib- the Ķemeri National Park. Tel. + 371 631 632 40 le from the sea. If you look for them driving on the the main road, there is a landmark [email protected] – a metal bull installed to advertise a local Sources: 1. Agnese Balandiņa, Latvian Nature Conservation Agency, metal working company. The road passing Pierīga regional administration it leads straight to the “sedums” and to 2. Ingrīda Smuškova, Tukums Tourist information the beach.

eStonia luitemaa TALLINN 13 nature reSerVe 35 Photos: 1 - Liis Talv, 2 - Tõiv Jõul, 3 - kind permission of Lauku ceļotājs Rannametsa-Tolkuse viewing tower A bog lake in Luitemaa Luitemaa Nature Reserve includes the most beautiful nature areas in south- western Estonia. “Luitemaa” means “ contact the land of dunes” in Estonian. It is a 13km long stretch along the luitemaa nature Pärnu Bay shoreline between Vöiste guide and Häädemeeste villages, with shallow waters, vast coastal grasslands, the highest dune range in Estonia and the Marika Kose Tolkuse bog (“Tolkuse raba”). There is + 372 565 61373 the Tolkuse bog trail (2.2 km) leading to the largest lake in the bog (approx. 96 [email protected] x 210 m) and to Tornimägi, the highest dune in Estonia with a viewing platform at a heigth of 18 m. The visitors rise 50 m above sea level and can see the Kihnu Island from there. The area is popular for hiking as well as mushroom and berry picking.

the curonian Spit in the kaliningrad region 36 Photo: National Park 'Curonian Spit' (RUS) Only a few countries can offer beautiful it is one of the oldest national and wooded. The contrasting colours of dunes, among them are Germany, Poland, Parks in the country white and “green” dunes will leave a lasting Lithuania, Denmark and the Kaliningrad Total area of the Curonian Spit National impression on every visitor. The open sand region. The dunes of the Curonian Spit Park: 66.21 km² dunes of the Curonian Spit of the Kali- are rightly considered as pearl of the region ningrad region are called the Great Dune which attracts tourists from different coun- Dune types: shifting and fixed Ridge. tries because the Russian part of the dunes is included in the national park and regis- Functional zones: National park: 7.83 km² The Curonian Spit dunes can be divided tered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tourism zone: 3.88 km² into two types: fixed and mobile (so-called The sand dunes of the Kaliningrad region living or shifting dunes). Fixed dunes are are a significant feature of the identity Recreational zone: 16.35 km² (including represented by a single front-dune stret- of the Baltic Sea Region. Furthermore, zone of services for visitors: 3.51 km²) ching along the coast of the Curonian Spit the dunes aare a very attractive destination Specially protected zone: 38.15 km² and coastal sand bars which are running for tourists of the Baltic Sea Region. parallel to the front-dune on the lee-side. Settlements (Lesnoy, Rybachiy, Morskoe): Mobile dunes that are like giant barchans Resolution No 423 of the Council of Minis- Area of the settlements: 4.61 km² are situated on the coast of the Curonian ters of the RSFSR of 6 November 1987 set Population: 1 558 Spit and consist of separate tracts. up the Curonian Spit National Park on the southern part of the Curonian Spit Number of tourists: 1500 cars and 4000 Currently about 70% of sand is fixed by which belongs to the Zelenogradsk district visitors daily from May to November. shrubbery (i.e. overgrown dunes) and by of the Kaliningrad region according grass (i.e. partly overgrown dunes) and only to administrative division. The picturesque landscape of the Curonian 30% of the dunes are lacking vegetation Spit comprises high sand dunes, both open and represent mobile barchans.

MOSCOW ruSSia 37 14 Photo: National Park 'Curonian Spit' (RUS) They usually have steep lee slopes and are long and fl at while eastern leeward horsemen used this road. Even, the Russian approach the coast. Mobile dunes al- slopes are short and steep towards a plain Emperor Peter I and the Prussian Queen ternate with overgrown fi xed dunes, i.e. called “palve” or towards the Curonian Louise took this road on their journeys. dunes covered with planted shrubbery. Lagoon. The tops of the dunes are broad, In the 14th century, the fi rst settlements The Curonian Spit dunes are asymmetric sometimes fl attened. Their surface appeared near the road and postal stations with precipices towards the lagoon and is covered with small and large aeolian opened. relatively gentle slopes towards the sea. forms like ripple marks or wind-blown When people cut down the forests nothing Mobile dunes are currently moving towards mounds. prevented the free movement of sand, the lagoon. Mobile dunes occupy less than half the which began to cover roads, houses and length of the Dune Ridge. Perpetual mo- even entire villages. Sand, not fi xed by It is possible to determine the age of tion is their normal state. Driven by west vegetation, was a disaster for locals. a dune by its colour. New dunes, in contrast winds they are moving towards the Curoni- People had to leave their homes and seek to old ones, consist of light silica sand. That an Lagoon. Thus, the size and the height of new places to live, where sand and wind is why they are called “white” dunes. Old the dunes are constantly shrinking. could not reach them. The sand approach- dunes are called “black” or “brown” due to It is hard to believe that the high dunes of ed so quickly that even the doors their dark colour. They are preserved near the Curonian Spit as well as the whole land- of the houses had to be built in two parts the town Nida. scape have been created by humans. Du- so that a person could get out of the house The Great Dune Ridge was formed ring the time of crusaders the Curonian Spit through the upper part of the door. 150–200 years ago on the site of former was an important road connecting Prussia, Only when sand began to cover the road parabolic dunes that were irretrievably lost the Baltic States and the Russian Empire. and the Curonian Lagoon shallowed, the due to the destruction of ancient forests, For fi ve centuries this road was used by government decided to step in to save deeply buried under a thick layer of sand. the army. It was used for the transporta- the unique Curonian Spit by elaborating Western windward slopes of white dunes tion of goods; carriages, stagecoaches and a conservation project for the duration

38 Photo: Christoph Schmidt View from Epha‘s Height to Morskoye of nearly 200 years. In terms of measures ching along the Curonian Spit appeared. wonderful view to the mobile dune Staro- taken, labour and expenditures this project A large part of the Great Dune Ridge does derevenskaya (Altdorferberg) in the South. is unique in the history of mankind. not move. It is covered with grass and The Great Dune Ridge, which can be view- In the 18th century, a special contest for forest. First, the sand-fi lled cavities and slo- ed from the observation deck, its a symbol the best idea to save the road and people pes are stabilised temporarily. Afterwards, of the Curonian Spit. Its width ranges from from mobile dunes was announced. The sand traps (fascines) are made of branches. 100 to 800 m. The dune stretches 16 km project of Johann Titius, a professor from When they fi ll up with sand, beach grass is from the south-west to the north-east, Wittenberg, won. He proposed to divide planted. It prevents sand from moving and from low white dunes on the Curonian the peninsula into two zones - protected therefore hinders sand drifts. A dense net- Spit to the Lithuanian border and further green and living areas. work of roots prevents sand from vanishing along the coast of the Curonian Lagoon. Its The green zone was to consist of a bank and contributes to the accumulation and average height is 30-40 m with a maximum along the Baltic Sea. In order to stop dunes formation of soil. Subsequently trees and height of 67 m (Ventsekrugas – a forested from moving, Titius proposed to plant shrubs are planted where it is necessary. dune on the Lithuanian side of the Spit). various kinds of vegetation so that it would create a stepped barrier against west wind ePha’s height muller's height blowing from the sea. A narrow strip of The most beautiful and enchanting place The area near Rybachiy is the most ancient lowland near the dune was to become the for tourists of the Russian part of the Curo- part of the Curonian Spit. Here, the front- living area. The fi rst work to set the bank up nian Spit is the route “Epha’s Height”. dune divides into separate dunes. started in 1803. The route runs along the south-western The highest and the most beautiful dune is Separate dunes from the side of the sea slope of Orekhovaya dune (Petsh). It was Bolotnaya dune near lake Chaika. The route were united with wicker fences. The wind wooded in the late 19th century under the (1.5 km long) will take wanderers along the began to blow sand into hollow spaces, direction of the forester Franz Epha. slope of Bolotnaya dune. It is hard to imag- and eventually a wall, the front-dune, stret- From the observation deck tourists enjoy a ine that the dune, which is stable and fi xed

MOSCOW ruSSia 39 14 Photo: Christoph Schmidt On the Curonian Spit today, was swiftly moving towards the to 1258. Every spring and autumn from settlement Rossitten (Rybachiy) in the 19th 10 million to 20 million birds fl y over the contact century. Fortunately, the movement of the spit. Most of them stop here to rest and dune was stopped. There is evidence from feed. In 1901, Johann Tinnemann founded the age-old pines and spruces at its foot the world's fi rst ringing station in the settle- Visitor Centre of and the mountain pines planted on both ment Rossitten on the Curonian Spit. the National Park „Curonian Spit“ sides of the clearing, leading to the highest His work was continued by Russian scien- of the Kaliningrad Region peak of Bolotnaya dune – Muller’s Height. tists from the Zoological Institute of the The height is named after Konigsberg‘s Russian Academy of Sciences. Today, two- Lesnoye Museum Chief Forester who got 5 years of public thirds of all the birds, which are ringed in Tel. + 7 40150 4-51-19  funding for the expensive tree-planting Russia, have “bird passports” of the station activities. On the fi nal point of the route 'Fringilla' on the Curonian Spit. The biggest near the observation deck there is a traps in the world are used for this purpose. Kaliningrad Region Tourism granite with the phrase “Muller’s Height” Scientists working at the station from early Information Centre and the date of the fi nal planting. The ob- spring to late autumn, will gladly tell you г. Калининград, servation deck off ers stunning views over about their work and even show you how ул. Театральная, 28 the Baltic Sea, the Curonian Lagoon as well to catch, ring and then release the birds. as amazing views of the Swan Lake and It is possible to speak endlessly about the Tel.  +7 4012 555-200 the Rybachiy settlement.Not only open enchanting beauty of the sand dunes of dunes have brought world fame to the the Curonian Spit, but it is better to see it [email protected] Curonian Spit for more than a century, with your own eyes. www.visit-kaliningrad.ru but also migratory birds. “Nestland” is the old name of the spit which dates back By Anna Belova

the curonian Spit in lithuania at a glance 40 The Gliders Dune The cognitive path to the grey dunes Photos: 1 - The Curonian Spit National Park Administration, 2 - Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre Kuršių nerija, the Curonian Spit, is a narrow cultural and natural heritage In order to preserve the valuable land- strip of sand stretching 97 kilometres of international significance scape complex, the Curonian Spit National (180 km ) along the western coast of the In 2000, the Curonian Spit was inscribed Park was established in 1991. The area 2 Baltic Sea in Lithuania and Kaliningrad on the UNESCO World Heritage List as of the park comprises 26,464 hectares: (Russia). The Lithuanian side, which is 50 a “cultural landscape” with signifi cant 9,764 ha are covered by land and 16,700 kilometres long, is divided into two parts natural and cultural heritage value. ha by water. The park includes two nature – Klaipėda city municipality and Neringa The Curonian Spit is part of “Natura 2000”, reserves: Grobštas Reserve near the Rus- municipality. According to the legend, a network of protected territories in Eu- sian border (northern slope of the Gliders the spit was formed a long time ago by rope connecting its most valuable natural Dune) and Nagliai Reserve (Dead or Grey Neringa, a girl giant who poured the sandy habitats. It also belongs to HELCOM, dunes between Juodkrantė and Pervalka). peninsula into the Baltic Sea to protect the which seeks to protect the marine Furthermore, there are four landscape peaceful bay from the stormy sea and to environment of the Baltic Sea through reserves: Parnidis, Karvaičiai, Juodkrantė create an embankment for fi shermen to intergovernmental cooperation. and Lapnugaris. live. Today the Curonian Lagoon washes the eastern shore of the Curonian Spit, natural Value sand dunes in the curonian sPit while the Baltic Sea washes the western The dunes are an outstanding element Your journey through the Curonian Spit shore. With its still drifting sand dunes, of the Curonian Spit landscape. Here visi- and its dunes starts in Smiltynė (Klaipėda). seaside forests consisting of hundred-year- tors can explore all stages of dune forma- Here, visitors will be able to admire the old pine trees, dunes covered by mountain tion. There are embryonic shifting dunes, diversity of the forests. The most common pines planted by hand, white sand beaches humid dune slacks, decalcifi ed fi xed dunes sight is the dwarf mountain overgrown and old fi shermen villages, the Curonian and wooded dunes, white and grey dunes, with pines. However, it is very susceptible Spit is truly unique! The annual number of which are famous for their exceptional to fi res. Visitors must be very careful with visitors is approximately 400,000. beauty. open fi re in these forests. The scorched

lithuania 15 VILNIUS 41 Photo: The Curonian Spit National Park Administration Parnidis Dune area, caused by the fi re of 4 May 2006, It stretches 8 km from the north to the Parnidis landscaPe reserVe is a very touching lesson. Further towards south with an average width of 2 km. This reserve is a buff er zone of the Nida, there are pine plantings at “Bear The highest dunes are Vingkopė (51 m) Grobštas Strict Nature Reserve towards Head”, “Bear Ravine” or Hagenas Dune. and Nagliai (53 m). Along the entire length the Nida settlement. of the dunes there are ravines of the most It features landscapes of great aesthetic the great dune ridge intricate patterns blown by the wind and value. Particularly interesting is the dune The Great Dune Ridge is the largest relief sand hills covered with grass. This reserve ridge, which is covered with mountain pine formation on the Curonian Spit, stretching is a sanctuary for a number of species, on the northern end and moving sand along its eastern side from the north to which are included in the Red List. The in the south. This is the only place in the south. Most of the Great Ridge is white-tailed eagle is a frequent visitor the national park where drifting dunes covered with trees. It is the most beautiful there, too. remain active. Drifting dunes are very sen- forest on the Curonian Spit. sitive to any disturbance by visitors. In the south of Preila settlement is the An observation point was set up on the One of the oldest and most wonderful highest dune (67.2 m) of the Curonian Spit top of Parnidis Dune. It is one of the most parabolic dunes in Neringa (Juodkrantė Park called Vecekrugas Dune or the Old Inn popular tourist sites in Nida and off ers a settlement) is the Hill of Witches. Hill. The name of the dune originates from spectacular view of the Curonian Lagoon The slopes of the hill are covered with the Curonian vece (= old) and kruogs and the Baltic Sea. In 1995, architect centuries-old pine trees. Through the (= inn), reminiscent of the inn that used to R. Kristapavičius, sculptor K. Pudymas and shady woods, the path rises to 42 m. be at the foot of the dune. The entire dune astronomer R. Klimka built a solar clock From the Grey (Dead) Dunes visitors can is covered with dwarf mountain pines there. This place was chosen not by chance enjoy the most beautiful panorama (Pinus mugo Turra). – the Curonian Spit is the only place in of the Spit. It is the area of the Nagliai Na- Lithuania where the sun rises and sets ture Strict Reserve with an area of 1,680 ha. in the water. On the left half of the clock,

42 Photos: Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre The Hill of witches Moviemaking in the sand dunes one can see signs and symbols of calendar nian regions and other countries, get-to- in a fi lm presenting the region’s traditions, celebrations, which were copied from the gethers and marches, craft fairs, where you dances and songs. Many parts of the fi lm ancient wooden runes calendar.  can purchase original and authentic wares, were produced in the sand dunes or near- presentations of culinary heritage, by. The fi lm was made to present Neringa’s At Urbas Hill, one of the fi rst dunes forest- educational workshops for the disper- region and its culture to a national and ed by local inhabitants, planting of trees sion of folk traditions, dance and song international audience. and shrubs has been carried out since teachings – all of this has become an The dunes of the Curonian Spit can also 1874. At the same time, upon the initiative integral part of Neringa's cultural life. be seen in a few other Lithuanian movies: of Koenigsberg’s authorities, the construc- Each year the festival has its own theme “A woman and her four men”, “Elze of tion of Nida’s lighthouse began. The pres- based on diff erent traditions. Because this Gilija” and others. ent lighthouse is a 29.3 m high reinforced festival takes place at the end of June, concrete tower. the tradition of St John’s day has become a very important part of the festival and is Author of the article: Klaudija Kionies Article based on The Curonian Spit National Park traditional festiVals in neringa celebrated mostly either in Nida, with sand Administration and Neringa Culture and Tourism Centre Nowadays, a variety of diff erent kinds of dunes in the background, or on the dunes. “Agila” information. cultural events, plein-airs, exhibitions and There is nothing more beautiful and more Photos by: The Curonian Spit National Park Administration, Neringa Culture and Tourism Centre “Agila” sport events takes place on the Curonian impressive than traditional clothing, songs Spit. and dances of the locals together with the boundless background of sand dunes. An international folk festival, called “Tek saulužė ant maračių” in Lithuanian lan- In the summer of 2011, the folklore en- guage, takes place once a year since 1999. semble “Giedruze” of Nida’s Cultural and Concerts by guests from diff erent Lithua- Tourism Information Centre “Agila” starred

lithuania 15 VILNIUS 43 Photo: Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre Urbas Hill contact Tel. + 370 469 53 490 Curonian Spit National Park Mobile + 370 618 62 447 Visitor Centre Nida Cultural in Nida  Tourism Information Centre “Agila” [email protected] Naglių str.8 Taikos str. 4 www.visitneringa.com LT-93123 Neringa, Nida LT -93121, Neringa, Nida Tel. + 370 469 51256, Tel. + 370 469 52 345, Mobile + 370 682 19 473 Curonian Spit National Park [email protected] Visitor Centre www.nerija.lt [email protected] in Smiltyne (n the summer season only) www.visitneringa.com Smiltynės str.11 LT-93100 Klaipeda Tel. + 370 46 402 256, Tourism Information Centre [email protected] In Juodkrantė www.nerija.lt L. Rėzos str. 8 LT-93101, Juodkrantė, Neringa

touriStic information 44 more travel information about the countries participating in agora 2.0: Belarus finland Visit Belarus The Official Travel Site of Finland www.belarus.by/en/travel www.visitfinland.com Visit Helsinki www.visithelsinki.fi denmark Visit Denmark www.visitdenmark.com germany Visit Copenhagen German National Tourist Board www.visitcopenhagen.com www.germany.travel Official Tourism Portal for Visitors to the German Capital estonia www.visitberlin.com Visit Estonia Tourist Board Mecklenburg- www.visitestonia.com West Pomerania – Tourismusverband Mecklenburg-Vorpommern The Official Website of www.auf-nach-mv.de the Tallinn City Tourist Office www.tourism.tallinn.ee Tourism Marketing Brandenburg – Tourismus Marketing Brandenburg Visit Tartu (in German) www.visittartu.com www.reiseland-brandenburg.de Tourism Agency Schleswig-Holstein – Tourismus-Agentur Schleswig-Holstein www.sh-tourismus.de

45 latvia russia / kaliningrad region Official Latvian Tourism Portal Regional Tourism Information www.latvia.travel Center Kaliningrad www.visit-kaliningrad.ru Visit Riga www.liveriga.com Latvian Rural Tourism Association Sweden www.countryholidays.lv Sweden's Official Website for Tourism and Travel Information www.visitsweden.com lithuania Stockholm’s Official Visitors Guide Visit Lithuania www.visitstockholm.com www.visitlithuania.net Visit Vilnius www.vilnius-tourism.lt poland Poland’s Official Travel Website www.poland.travel Official Tourist Website of Warsaw www.warsawtour.pl

imprint ISSN 2194 - 8224 All rights reserved © 2012 University of Greifswald SERIES EDITOR Dipl. oec. Betina Meliss Tel. +49 3834 / 864541 [email protected] ISSUE EDITOR Christoph Schmidt [email protected] PRODUCED IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE PROJECT AGORA 2.0 Project leader: Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Steingrube Tel. +49 3834 / 864540 [email protected] Project coordinator: Betina Meliss University of Greifswald Institute of Geography and Geology Makarenkostrase 22 17487 Greifswald COVER PICTURE Curonian Spit (Photo by kind permission of the Nida Culture and Tourism Information Centre) ENVELOPE PICTURES 1,2,5 - Freddie Bijkerk, 3,6 - Betina Meliss, 4 - Lauku ceļotājs, 7 - Tomasz Awdziejczyk ARTWORK GRAF FISCH DESIGN, Greifswald PRINTING Hoff mann-Druck GmbH, Wolgast

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