Curonian Spit Traditional Fishermen's Houses

The traditional fishermen's houses of the Curonian Spit represent one of the most distinctive vernacular architectural traditions in Europe. These wooden buildings — typically painted in characteristic combinations of blue and brown — were designed to withstand the extreme conditions of life on a narrow sand spit between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. The houses feature low profiles to resist wind, large fish-drying racks, distinctive carved wooden weathervanes (unique to each household), and small gardens protected by woven fences. The best-preserved examples are found in Nida, Juodkrantė, and Pervalka. Many have been restored and some now serve as museums or guest houses, allowing visitors to experience the authentic atmosphere of a Curonian Spit fishing village.