Smilgynai: Hotels and Accommodation

Culture and History

The Antkalnio hillfort in the Dauparų–Kvietinių eldership dates from the period between the 1st millennium and the 13th century. It is located on a highland spur on the right bank of the Minija and can be reached from the Gargždai–Jokūbavas road via Gribžiniai.

Routes and Regional Connections

Road 2219 connects Kretingalė, Plikiai and Smilgynai; the route is 11.761 kilometres long.

Water and Activities

In Kvietiniai, Rūgpienių kaimas has an artificial pond with water bicycles and boats. There are universally usable sports courts with artificial surfaces for football, basketball and tennis. The facilities also include children's playgrounds and visits to the Mini Zoo; horse riding and a swimming pool are also available.

The Minija water tourism route is considered a moderately difficult, 64-kilometre-long route with an estimated duration of 13 hours. It is recommended for paddling in May and June, and visitors can choose their preferred section. The section in Klaipėda District begins in Raguviškiai and ends in Lankupiai.

Landscape and Park

Gargždai City Park was laid out in the first half of the 19th century on the slope of the Minija. A stepped path leads down to the river and offers views of the Minija Valley; the park also provides views of the winding Minija.

Culture and Regional Routes

The Baltic Way comprises three circular routes based on the distribution of the ancient Curonian lands. They connect sites of Baltic culture with educational programmes, entertainment and activities for active leisure in the wider regional surroundings of Klaipėda.

Local Life

Smilgynai is home to the local community association “Smilgynai ir kaimynai”. The association identifies culture and social activities as areas of public interest. The community has organised Užgavėnės celebrations, including the seventh edition of the festival for driving out winter. One celebration associated with “Smilgynai ir kaimynai” included the burning of Morė, the Lašininis–Kanapinis contest, pancake baking and cooking šiupinė.

Other places at this regional level include Žemaičių Naumiesčio Seniūnija, Liaunai, Dituva, Vydmantai, Dreverna, Priekulė, Žibininkai and Gargždai.

For the higher-level travel overview: Klaipėda District.