In Smalininkai, the water gauge station features a staircase with 18 steps, measuring devices, and a two-storey observation tower. Together with the harbour and the dam, it forms the architectural ensemble of the Port of Smalininkai, which has been recognised as being of national significance.
When planning a trip to Smalininkai, you may wish to rent a holiday apartment.
Culture
The Old Harbour of Smalininkai is one of the town’s most significant historical sights and can be reached via a stone-paved path. Historically, it was a port in the Baltic Sea drainage basin and an international shipping point from which ships travelled across lagoons, canals, rivers, and along the Baltic coast.
The private Museum of Old Technology in Smalininkai displays old engines, agricultural machinery, equipment for processing metal, wood, and flax, cameras, calculating machines, clocks, old literature, tractors, and cars.
History
The water gauge station was established in 1811 and is considered the oldest in Lithuania. Another historical landmark is the former Smalininkai railway station building: the red-brick building in the German style still bears the German place name “Schmalleningken” on its façade.
The educational programme “Smalininkai – amžinasis pasienis” introduces tourists to the history and way of life of the towns and settlements in the border region of Lithuania Minor and East Prussia. The information is conveyed through staged scenes. As part of the same programme, participants can sample dishes from Smalininkai’s culinary heritage.
Landscape
Just outside Smalininkai lies the oak avenue near Vidkiemis. It is 1.3 km long and has been designated a natural monument of Lithuania.
The tourist circular route “Lidijos takais” is approximately 7.4 km long and leads to nine sites.
Geographical Setting
Pilis Vytenai is a castle in the wider regional surroundings of Smalininkai. Apšriūtų Kalnas, a hill, is also located in these wider regional surroundings.
Further destinations: Pagėgiai, Lumpėnai, Jurbarkas, Pilis I, Margiškiai, Veliuona, Tauroggen.
