Tasting tour: Secrets and dishes of Lithuania Minor
During this two-day trip, we will be accompanied by the great Lithuanian waters – the longest river in Lithuania, the Nemunas, and the largest body of water – the Curonian Lagoon.
We will head towards the coastal edge on the picturesque Panemunė road. On the one hand, we will see the bends of the Nemunas and its fertile arc, and on the other hand, the areas covered with legends and history. We will visit the Lithuanian Switzerland called Vilkija, which is proud of its church towers. We will see the only cable ferry in Lithuania that lifts passengers across the Nemunas River without using a motor, but using the current of the river. We will climb to the mound of Seredžius, reminiscent of the times of Duke Palemonas, who came from Rome. From here we will take a look at the foothills of the Nemunas.
In Panemunė Castle we will take a walk in its park, famous for its terrace ponds. In the castle, reminiscent of the 16th century, we will hear its history, take a walk in the rooms, the walls of which are decorated with frescoes, climb to one of the castle towers and see the cell where the perpetrators were Christmas.
From the territory of Greater Lithuania we will go to the fifth region of Lithuania – Lithuania Minor. In the small but cozy town of Smalininkai we will visit the oldest water measuring station in Lithuania and the first near the Nemunasit was recognized as the most beautiful in Europe in 19 centrury. In the Museum of Ancient Technology we will see over 7,000 exhibits reflecting the development of agriculture, household, crafts and technology. These include various ancient internal combustion engines, tractors and transport equipment, electrical, radio, film, photo and other antique equipment. At the same time, other antiques are exhibited: from meat mincers to calculating machines.
Admiring the views and architecture of the towns of Lithuania Minor, we will go to the most famous mountain of this region – Rambynas. It is the most mystical place in Lithuania Minor, about which many legends are intertwined. It offers a view of the Nemunas, a neighboring Russian (Kaliningrad region), and in the distance you can see the former city of Tilsit. We will try to go down the stairs and count them, but it is said that Rambynas fairies confuse thoughts and no one counts correctly.
In the authentic Šilutė Hugo Šojus manor-museum we will learn about the dishes of Lithuanians or so-called ššioniškės. During the session, unique fragments of everyday life and life of Klaipėda region will be presented, the main attention will be paid to the culinary heritage of Lithuania Minor. The life of the residents of Klaipėda region, which determined the eating habits of the residents and formed a culinary heritage, is briefly presented. We will introduce cooking tools in more detail. During the session we will enjoy the culinary heritage of the Lithuanian region. We will taste the feast of the bun, the coffee (coffee), the tea (tea) and the cake or donuts (donuts). Or, during the session, we will be introduced to unique fragments of the East Prussian manor, focusing on the culinary heritage of Lithuania Minor. The life of the manor is different, it is mysterious… The lady will tell intriguing stories and teach the secrets of the manor etiquette. Of course, you will be invited to the dining room, where you will be offered to serve the side dishes prepared by the maid – aunt’s cake and coffee.
We will see the Šilutė Lutheran Church, which boasts a 50-meter-high belfry tower decorated with the largest tower clock in Lithuania. The interior of the church is decorated with columns and balconies, stained glass and paintings. A fresco with images of 104 people is painted at the central altar. This fresco depicts Catholic saints, Reformation and Evangelical church figures, scholars, artists, members of the church council, church builders and masters. Šilutė Church was considered one of the most beautiful Evangelical Lutheran churches in East Prussia.
We will also visit the largest and only island inhabited in Lithuania – Rusnė. At Rusne, the Nemunas River divides into two large branches, and these further into smaller ones – forming the Nemunas Delta. On Rusnė Island we will visit an ethnographic fisherman’s homestead, learn about the life of the fishermen who lived here, what tools they used and why there is a boat in the yard of almost every house, even though there is no water nearby.
The next day we will go to Ventė cape, where the oldest Ornithological Station in Lithuania is established, to observe the migration of birds. We will see the bird traps, find out why it rings and climb the old lighthouse here.
We will visit the village of Minija called Venice in Lithuania. In this village, a river flows instead of the main street, and the most beautiful facades of the buildings face the river. From here we will take a boat trip to see the natural beauty of the Nemunas delta and the expanses of the Curonian Lagoon.
