Lithuania Minor
ethnographic region in Lithuania and Poland
Lithuania Minor is a region in Lithuania.
Towns
Other destinations
- š Curonian Spit ā unique sand dunes with rare flora, seaboard forest, white sand beaches and old ethnic villages
- š RusnÄ (German: RuĆ) ā town in Å ilutÄ district, on the RusnÄ Island in the Nemunas Delta, angling, birdwatching, ethnographic museum, polders
- š VentÄs Cape ā a cape pointing down into the Curonian Lagoon. It is along a migration highway, making it a popular spot for birdwatching; has an ornithology station, lighthouse, and pretty vista on the lagoon.
Understand
Lithuania Minor is culturally and scenically very distinct from the rest of Lithuania. Until the 20th Century, the region was controlled by Prussia, leaving a German influence on the language (the word "biŔki", meaning "little" and only used in the region, comes from the German "bisschen") and architecture (red brick and tile roofs is common on older buildings).
The region contains the Curonian Spit, which makes up about half of Lithuania's coastline, and the Curonian Lagoon.
Get in
By bus
The only major city in the region is KlaipÄda, which has frequent bus connections with Kaunas and Vilnius, along with other cities. Nida and Å ilutÄ may also be serviced by buses from outside the region.
By train
KlaipÄda is similarly connected to Kaunas and Vilnius by rail. As of 2024, the line goes through the north of the country, making train and bus travel from Vilnius take roughly the same amount of time.
Get around
By bus
Several towns are serviced by buses from KlaipÄda.
KlaipÄda has a decent city bus system, but the network is mostly contained to city limits.
By train
As of 2024, a daily train does travel to Å ilute from KlaipÄda. Since most locals own cars, it does not see much use, and often only runs with a single passenger car.
By car
Wanting to see smaller towns, the best method would be by car. There are several rental services in KlaipÄda.
By ferry
KlaipÄda City runs a mixed vehicle/pedestrian ferry from the city to the north end of the Curonian Spit. It runs every half-hour, and is very popular.
Private companies and individuals offer passenger service to towns on both sides of the lagoon.