National park Curonian Spit, Northwestern District, Russia

4burntfalafel 5:00 PM Sep 21, 2020

Worth it if you avoid touristic spots
If you want to visit the Spit, you really have to think through the logistics. If you're staying in Kaliningrad, you have two choices: you can try and catch an early bus straight from Kaliningrad to the Spit (with stops in Zelenogradsk and all three villages in the Spit) or you can go to Zelenogradsk first either by train or by bus and from there take a local bus 210 to the Spit and hop on and hop off where you want. The 210 bus has a fixed schedule but it doesn't run too often so make sure you have a plan (what you want to see, how you're gonna move from one spot to another) and a timing schedule (the Spit is 42 km long and you can't walk it in one day). The bus doesn't run after 6 pm. Taxi one way is about 1000 rubles. Entrance fee is 150 per person and 300 per car (you still have to pay for 150 rubles for each person in the car on top of 300 rubles). If you come by bicycle, make sure you have a lock, you won't be able to take it with you everywhere. It's an amazing place but the most popular spots are crowded with tourists and filled with dubious grill cafes and Amber stores. I didn't enjoy being there and regret wasting my time to get there. If you really want to be alone and enjoy the nature, I suggest you visit the Royal Forest (Korolevsky Bor) at the 6th kilometer and then the Swan Lake (Ozero Lebed) at the 42nd kilometer. These are beautiful, quiet spots with very little to zero people. You can further minimize your chances of being in a crowd by visiting on a weekday.

5romanshorner 5:00 PM Jun 28, 2020

Beautiful Landscape and Beaches
The Curonian Spit is a combination of beautiful beaches and beautiful landsape. The best beaches are just behind Lesnoy (approx. 13 km from Zelenogradsk) or near Vysota Efa (approx. 42 km from Zelenogradsk). There are parking opportunities and public bus services at both places. The beaches are clean and broad. They consist of fine sand and the access to the water is flat, an ideal place to swim. The Entrance is charged and you can find some fast food sellers or restaurants there. I recomend Rybny Dvor in Rybachy. There is also a gas station in Rybachy.