Parnidis

Parnidis, also known as Parnidžio kopa, is a dune on the Curonian Spit in Lithuania. It is located near the town of Nida, within the Kuršių Nerija National Park in Klaipėda County. It is the highest dune on the Curonian Spit, rising about 52 meters above sea level, and it forms part of the dynamic coastal landscape that runs along the Baltic Sea.

The dune is shaped by wind-blown sand and ongoing coastal processes, making it a moving feature within the dune system of the spit. At its summit, Parnidis Dune features a wooden viewing platform that provides panoramic views of the Baltic Sea, the Curonian Lagoon, and the surrounding pine forests. The site also includes an open-air sundial, a prominent landmark that has become associated with the dune and a popular subject for visitors and photographers.

Parnidis lies within the Curonian Spit National Park, a protected area established to preserve the dune system, local ecosystems, and the cultural landscape of the region. The Curonian Spit itself has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, recognized for its unique coastal morphology and cultural history.

The dune is a popular destination for hiking, nature observation, and photography, accessible by marked trails from Nida and nearby settlements. It serves as a notable example of the Curonian Spit’s natural and cultural heritage and its ongoing coastal dynamics.