Palanga

Judy. You know I love the sea and the seashore. And you can’t come to the Baltic countries without spending some time on the Baltic! So Ted made reservations at Palanga, a seaside town two hours away. We got endless amounts of grief from locals who insisted we should have gone to the more charming village of Nida, where you can buy fish right off the boat, and the houses are cute and wooden, but that was much further away, requires taking a ferry, and we didn’t have means to cook that fish anyway! 

Palanga is not only nearby, but it houses the Amber Museum, which fascinated us both, so off we went. 

Park next to the beach and town

Nida may be quaint, but I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a more beautiful seaside town than Palanga. It’s nestled in a forest, and that forest leads right to the dunes. It was 31 August, so we were at the end of tourist season, and there were very few people there. Our hotel, normally way our of our price range, was well within our reach, and I’m only sorry we had just one day, as I’d love to have tried the specials the spa was running. 

A couple of blocks from the hotel is a huge park that the locals walk daily. Turn right at the park and walk for five minutes, and there’s a beautiful white sand beach with a gentle surf. Surprisingly, the water was warm enough for me to wade in it, looking for amber. We’re told that sometimes it washes up on shore, particularly after a storm.

 

Park in front of the Amber Museum

After Ted took his nap, we headed to the Amber Museum, located in a chateau in the middle of the park. The house itself was stunning, and we were surprised that it was “free day”! We headed to the first floor to start looking at the collection of amber. 

Insects trapped and pieces of raw amber

It was a massive collection, of raw amber, pieces with fossils and insects, stunning jewelry from around the world. The monetary value of this gift of nature varies with its popularity year to year, but it always amazes me that resin from an extinct tree can be so very beautiful, and in so many shades of color and transparency.

 

The forest runs right to the dunes

From the museum we walked to the beach and along the almost empty shore, stopping at a bar for a little sparking wine—and potato chips. No judgement, please. 

Time for celebration--always!

Dinner at a Ukranian restaurant, and a quiet walk back to the hotel, ready to crash.

After breakfast the next morning, we walked to the beach again, which was absolutely deserted! In the US, it was Labor Day, and I dare you to find an empty beach on Labor Day! 

A VERY quiet Baltic beach

Then into the town, where we discovered another park, more open, filled with sculptures. Church bells were ringing, and students, who were starting school, were heading with their families to the church for a blessing mass. A short walk to the small market (we’re always up for a market!), and a cafe that served—I kid you not—coffee and cheese! Remarkably tasty! 

Entrance to the downtown area

Great way to hang flowers!

Monument to the first President of Lithuania

Concert Hall

Sculptures in the Rotary Park

It was really tough to leave. The friendly hotel staff offered suggestions and information, and chatted with us about the town. Palanga was lovely, and the beach—well, there are no words.