Rybachy on the Curonian Spit - Birds Paradise of Russia
On the Curonian Spit - interesting things to see and know
Rybachy is a village on the Russian side of the Curonian Spit alongside the Courland Lagoon and also located not far from the Baltic Sea. The unique landscape, the spit's impressive flora and fauna and the warm-hearted local people provide a memorable holiday experience for nature lovers and for those seeking rest and relaxation. On this homepage you will find helpful information about sights, walking trails, accommodation and links to other web sites about the Curonian Spit. Especially bird lovers will benefit from our service.
Rolling hills
Gigantic dune formations, long sandy beaches and beautiful forests will await you when visiting the Russian part of the Curonian Spit. The ever-changing landscape will always give you a new impression. The spit is a strip of sandy terrain, 97 km in length and 0.4 to 3.6 km in width separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It was formed thousands of years ago due to the strength of the wind, waves and water currents. One quarter of the peninsula is covered with sand dunes. The mobile dunes are steadily moving (some of them up to 6m a year), swallowing up everything that gets in their way. Fourteen villages are already buried underneath sand hills, which are up to 60 m in height.
Animal paradise
Today the Curonian Spit is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site Russian part has been protected as a National Park since 1987, which makes it one of the oldest National Parks of Russia. Today it is also the smallest of the country`s National Parks. Here you find old pine and birch forests where elks, deer and wild pigs live. Also protected bird species such as sea eagles and cranes breed on the Spit. But the Curonian Spit has not only great importance for its breeding bird population. It has been known since the end of the last century for its large concentration of migrating birds, unique in Europe.
Discover the beauty
Walking or cycling are the best ways to discover the beauty of the area. From lookouts you have wonderful views over the spit and during the bird migration in spring and autumn you can experience wonderful moments observing millions of birds. Interpretive walks with excellent viewing platforms and displays lead you to the most beautiful places in the National Park. Rowing or canoeing in the lagoon will give you wonderful impressions of idyllic old fishermen´s houses. For your orientation there are distance markers located along the main road. Point Zero is found at the beginning of the Curonian Spit in Selenogradsk.
