How many centuries has this lush forest been thoughtfully observing the changing sea from above?
The impressive Dutchman’s Hat cliff is one of the most striking places in the entire seaside region. The cliff, located between Giruliai and Karklė settlements, is the highest point on the Lithuanian coast (24.4m) dating back thousands of years. It is a parabolic dune formed by glaciers and rising on a moraine ridge, which is constantly eroded by waves, causing landslides and exposing ancient boulders.
This steep cliff, covered with pine and oak trees, has long been a maritime landmark: navigational signs were installed on it already in the 19th century, and since then, Dutchman’s Hat has been marked on nautical charts as well. It is believed that the cliff got its name due to its shape, which resembles a Dutchman’s hat when viewed from the sea.
The cliff offers stunning views: a rocky shore, soaring birds and a horizon melting in the distance. At the top, a park for walking and a dendrological collection invites you to stop and briefly immerse yourself in the depths of nature and history. Dutchman’s Hat is not only a landscape but also a state that is difficult to forget.