Ventė Cape (Horn)
Ventė Cape is an idiosyncratic recess in Lithuania located in Šilutė district on a peninsula in the eastern side of Curonian Lagoon. More than 50 thousand visitors come each year there in order to get acquainted with one of the most important spot of birds migration in the world. In addition, visitors are able to admire the beautiful landscape which opens from the top of the unique old lighthouse located there. Visitors are always put in mind that Ventė Cape is more kingdom of birds than of people so they are asked to keep quiet and careful in order not to disturb the quiet birds life.
History
Ventė Cape has a very impressive and long lasting history. Already in 1360 a Vindeburg castle and a church were built there by the Teutonic order. However, the peninsula suffered from natural forces many times so buildings did not survive till nowadays despite the fact that structures were rebuilt several times – it finally appeared that waves and storms are stronger than human creation. The castle was sank in waters while the rubble of church were used for building a new church at a neighbor district Kintai. The new church stands till nowadays and is an architectural monument. In 1975 the spike of Ventė Cape was reconstructed, shored up and paved by boulders. That helped to protect the Ventė Cape from permanent nature force attacks. Also a 250 m long pier was built which helps as an icebreaker in winter.
Ornithological Station
The ornithological station in Ventė Cape was established in 1929 by professor Tadas Ivanauskas as the peninsula was and still is an ideal place for watching and catching birds. One of the biggest bird migration ways extends over the eastern shore of Baltic sea. Sometimes during September and October more than 3 million birds flies over the area per day! More than 70% of them turns to Curonian Lagoon and then about 30% choose the way crossing sky above the Ventė Cape. After establishing the Ventė Cape ornithological station approximately 60000-80000 birds are ringed per year. Some ringed birds were caught again even in Egypt, Iran and South Africa! For educational purposes not only bird watchers and tourists are welcome there but groups of schoolchildren too. In order to understand the mysterious features of birds migration and ringing, a little informative museum has been established there.
The Ventė Cape is worth visiting undoubtedly as it is a unique place where human may approach to nature life so close. Watching wonderful landscape from the 150m height review square and wondering how many birds fly over there such unimaginable long distances leaves a very big impression.
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Šilutė
Self-guided tours
Curonian Spit National Park
Location
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