I have been to Lithuania many times, but never got around to writing about my experiences until now. And I have a great reason to do so – I recently went on vacation to Palanga!

I had heard so much about how wonderful it is there – the sea, sandy beach, pine forest, and fresh forest air. So, I decided it was time to go and see for myself.

Palanga is a small town with a population of around 18,000. The first mentions of the town date back to the 12th century, in 1161, but there is not much to do there. The only street of note is Basanavicius Street, which leads to the famous pier in the sea. This street is where all the action takes place, but I have to say it wasn’t my favorite place – it was too crowded and noisy, and it was impossible to make your way through the crowds. So, we tried not to go there too often.

But despite the crowds, Palanga has a certain charm that is hard to resist. The town has a rich history, and you can see evidence of this in the architecture of the buildings, which are mostly from the 19th century. We spent a lot of time exploring the town, walking along the beach, and visiting the many parks and gardens that Palanga has to offer.

One of the highlights of our trip was a visit to the Amber Museum, which is located in a beautiful park near the sea. The museum has a large collection of amber, including some very rare and valuable pieces. We spent several hours there, learning about the history of amber and its importance to the region.

Overall, our trip to Palanga was a wonderful experience, and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a relaxing vacation by the sea. While the town may not have the grandeur of some of Europe’s more famous destinations, it has its own unique charm and beauty that is well worth experiencing.

1. Let’s go to the Botanical Park (Palangos botanikos parkas) and visit the Amber Museum while we’re there. It’ll be great to see all the different plants and learn about the history of amber.

2. There’s a small pond in the park with ducks swimming around. It’s a peaceful spot to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

3. The water may not be the clearest, but the surrounding scenery is quite picturesque and it’s a pleasant place to spend time. There’s something calming about being near the water, even if it’s not crystal clear.

4. The Palanga Amber Museum (Gintaro muziejus) is housed in the Tiskevicius Palace (Palangos Tiskeviciaus dvaras). The palace was built in 1897, and the museum was opened in 1963. It’s fascinating to see all the different amber pieces on display and learn about their history and significance. The palace itself is also quite impressive, with its ornate architecture and rich history.

5. Outside the palace, there’s a lovely park with well-manicured gardens and paths to stroll along. It’s a popular spot for tourists to take photos and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. On a sunny day, it’s a great place to sit and relax, soaking up the beauty of the surroundings.

6. Suddenly, a dense fog rolled into the park, enveloping everything in its path. The mist grew thicker and thicker, obscuring even the closest trees and making it hard to see more than a few feet ahead. Despite the eerie atmosphere, there was something strangely beautiful about the way the fog diffused the light, creating a soft and dreamy effect. As we made our way through the park, we couldn’t help but feel like we were walking through a mystical wonderland.

7. It’s said that the fog in Palanga often occurs due to the warm water of the sea and the cool northern breeze that blows in. These two weather patterns combine to create a significant amount of condensation, which ultimately leads to the dense fog that can sometimes blanket the park. Although it can be a bit disorienting at times, there’s no denying the otherworldly beauty of the mist as it dances among the trees and shrubs. It’s a reminder that nature is always full of surprises, and that sometimes the most unexpected moments can be the most magical.

8. One of the most fascinating things about the Palanga Amber Museum is the ancient insects that are preserved within the amber. These insects, which have been trapped in the resin for millions of years, provide a glimpse into a world long gone, allowing visitors to see creatures that once roamed the earth during prehistoric times. It’s incredible to think that these tiny creatures have been perfectly preserved in the amber, frozen in time for us to marvel at today. The museum’s collection of amber and the prehistoric insects it contains is truly a sight to behold, and a must-see for anyone visiting Palanga.

9. Alongside the ancient amber and prehistoric insects, the Palanga Amber Museum also features contemporary works of art made from this precious material. These modern pieces showcase the versatility of amber and the many ways in which it can be used in artistic expression. From intricate jewelry to stunning sculptures, the museum’s collection of modern amber art is a testament to the enduring beauty and appeal of this unique substance.

10. Palanga is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and refreshing pine forests, but there’s one thing that may come as a surprise to visitors during the summer months – the Baltic Sea is freezing! Even on the hottest days, the water can be shockingly cold to the touch. A quick dip to cool off might be tempting, but be prepared for the chill!

11. The most famous landmark of Palanga is the pier, stretching almost 400 meters into the sea (Palangos tiltas). It’s a popular spot for taking a walk, enjoying the sea views, and watching the sunset. The pier is also used for fishing, and you can often see local fishermen casting their lines. At the end of the pier, there is a small lighthouse that serves as a navigational aid for ships entering the port of Klaipėda. It’s a great place to visit during the day, but also at night when the pier is illuminated, creating a romantic atmosphere.

12. The pier is a great place to watch the sunset, and I highly recommend taking the time to see it.

13. As the sun starts to approach the horizon, everything becomes truly special.

14. The sun was almost gone, it became quite chilly, it was time for us to leave the beach.

R. It was interesting to visit and stay for a couple of days, but staying there for weeks on end would be quite boring.