Visitors to Lithuania's Curonian Spit Warned of Fines Up to 230 Euros for Traffic Violations

Authorities in Lithuania are warning visitors to the popular Curonian Spit national park that they could face fines of up to 230 euros for violating traffic and parking regulations. The park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is known for its fragile ecosystem, and environmental officials are emphasizing the need for strict adherence to park rules.

Motorized vehicles are permitted only on designated roads within the park. Driving on unhardened surfaces, such as meadows or forest floors, is prohibited, as is blocking barriers and forest entrances. Parking is restricted to designated parking lots or the very edge of roads, ensuring that other vehicles can pass freely. Drivers are also cautioned against driving onto mosses, lichens, or berry patches when parking on the roadside.

In addition to general traffic rules, specific natural reserves within the park have stringent access limitations. The Nagliai and Grobšto nature reserves are largely off-limits, with access permitted only along specific parts of the beach between the shoreline and the base of the dune ridge. The Plocis nature reserve within the Pajūris regional park is also completely closed to all activity, including walking, to protect biodiversity and natural habitats.

Violators of these regulations may receive a warning or face financial penalties, depending on the specific location and nature of the offense. Only vehicles belonging to special services, such as police, medical personnel, border guards, firefighters, environmental protection officers, and maintenance staff, are allowed to drive within restricted areas of the Lithuanian coast.