Kintai is a charming settlement located by the Curonian Lagoon, surrounded by the stunning Kintai Forest, a 600-hectare pine woodland. At the heart of the town stands the Evangelical Lutheran Church, dating back to the 18th century. In recent years, the grand Kintai Church has been gradually transforming into a cultural hub, hosting concerts of the Kintai Summer Festival. This festival has gained recognition as a significant cultural event on a European scale. Kintai is also famous for Wilhelm Berbomas, an English-born merchant and fisheries inspector who lived here. In 1844, he introduced the unique tradition of marking fishing boats on the Curonian Lagoon with intricately designed weather vanes. Nowhere else in Europe could such ornate and distinctive weather vanes be found. Another prominent figure associated with Kintai is the renowned Lithuanian writer and philosopher Vydūnas, who lived and worked here between 1888 and 1892. His legacy is preserved in the Vydūnas Memorial Museum, where visitors can explore the history of Lithuania Minor and view a rare exhibit – Vydūnas’ harp. Kintai is also home to Lithuania’s largest thuja tree, standing approximately 18 meters tall with a canopy spanning 12 meters. In Europe, only Switzerland boasts a taller one.
Fishing traditions are deeply rooted in Kintai’s history, with the profession remaining vital to this day. For centuries, the fishermen of Kintai have competed with those from Rusnė to create the finest smoked fish recipes. The coastline stretching from Kintai to Ventė has also become a favorite destination for artists’ summer plein air painting retreats.
Not far from Kintai, in the lower reaches of the Minija River, lies the picturesque village of Minija, better known as Mingė. First mentioned in written records in 1540, this unique village, located within the Nemunas Delta Regional Park, is remarkable for its river, which serves as the main thoroughfare, uniting the local fishing community. Unlike a typical street, however, the river cannot be crossed on foot – there is no bridge. Instead, residents row across in boats or use water bicycles. Due to this distinctive feature and its scenic beauty, Mingė is often called the “Little Venice of Lithuania”. The village boasts a well-equipped yacht marina with modern infrastructure, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.
If you have ever visited the Pamarys region, you know the mesmerizing beauty of its nature. The enchanting landscapes, bird colonies, lush forests, winding rivers, and breathtaking sunrises offer the perfect retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life.