GAIDŽIAI DUNE OF KLONIAI HILL

Kloniai Hill, also known as Gaidžiai dune, is a unique, living inland dune located in the heart of Dzūkija, in Marcinkonys village. Unlike other inland dunes in this region, this one is still shifting, changing, and fighting against vegetation, with wind-blown sand filling in the plants. Here, ryegrass grows, and among the sand waves, tufts of sandbrush appear, reminding one of the seashore, but without the sound of the sea. Around 7,000 years ago, the wind-formed dune still captivates travelers with its white sand. Locals call it Kloniai Hill because, in the valleys stretching behind the dune, the people of Marcinkonys once grew buckwheat, rye, and potatoes. It is sometimes called Gaidžiai dune because this part of the village is named Gaidžiai. A part of the dune was planted with forest, but this open section remains wild and constantly changing. Walking through it, you can feel the wind whistling over the sand ridges and carrying small grains of sand. The convenient access allows you to drive here and take a walk on the sandy path. Nearby, it's also worth visiting other interesting sites, such as the cheerfully named “Bear's Butt”.