Jŭrmala and Nida

Even though I'm speeding through the Baltic countries at high speed, they are definitely worth a longer visit with a great relaxing effect.

My first long stop in Latvia is in Valmiera (German: 'Wolmar'), a town that can look back on a settlement history that goes back over 9,000 years. Unfortunately, due to the destruction caused by many wars, there is no longer much visible of the historic city center.

I still have a nice break, eat a good lunch, climb the church tower and walk through the park next to the old castle complex. The relaxation gained in this way is used up when driving through the city of Riga. But the destination of Jŭrmala, a Baltic Sea seaside resort that doesn't need to hide, is tempting. A tax is collected per vehicle per day at the Jŭrmala city gates. The town itself consists mainly of beach villas and impresses with its long sandy beach. I spend the evening here, enjoy the gentle waves and the sunset and even find a disco 💃

In the morning we continue, Lithuania is calling. In general, you can often find signs in the Baltic countries that point to EU-financed infrastructure projects. However, I also often come across gravel forest paths and roads. It drives well, just a little dusty. In the Latvia-Lithuania border area I still find a ruin of the Protestant church community (Rubas pagasts), which has been in ruins for around 60 years.

Then I have a blood alcohol test for the first time ever, am found to be 'negative' and can continue traveling. I find a good restaurant near the town of Kuliai and get a previously unknown cold fish soup, very delicate!

A short time later I am just a few meters away from the ferry to the Curonian Spit, pay the ticket (6.50 euros for a return journey) and off we go. The 3 ships in use are sailing today on Sunday without a timetable and without stopping. When I arrive on the spit I see why. It's return traffic and the line of cars is still about 5 km long at around 5 p.m. Good thing I want to go the other way. On Lithuanian territory, the Curonian Spit is approximately 50 km long and the road leads through typical dune landscape. I don't stay in the hostel for long. Hildegard gets greased and then I set off to explore Nida and the surrounding area.

The headland has it all.