Bear's Head Dune (Meškos Galva)

On the Curonian Spit rises the Bear's Head Dune, more than 35 metres high. It offers an impressive view of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, so romantically minded travellers often come here to greet the sunrise or watch the sunset. The name Bear's Head Dune was first mentioned in sources at the end of the 19th century. Local people gave the hill this name because its silhouette resembles a bear's head. The dune is one of the highest peaks in the area, so from the viewing platform on the Bear's Head Dune visitors can admire an impressive panorama of the Curonian Spit. Next to the dune lies the Meškaduobė hollow. In 1892 temporary barracks were built here for the forest planters, who finished planting the dunes in 1895. Later a forest management service and a border guard post operated here, and workers lived here. The viewpoint at the top of the dune, which is easy to reach by car, offers a view of the water and of the forest landscape recovering after the fire of 2006. From the Bear's Head Dune you can see how the Scots pines replanted with the help of volunteers are growing, and information boards tell you more about the treasures of the Curonian Spit National Park. A panorama of the city of Klaipėda also opens up from here. Looking from the height towards the horizon, you are filled with a special mood, as the vast horizon and the panorama of distant places unfold. It is said that the desire to gaze into the distance goes back to the days of primitive people: looking into the distance and seeing nothing dangerous, they could fall asleep in peace.