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{{Short description|Peninsular stretch of land in the Baltic Sea on the border between Russia and Poland}}
]
{{Infobox landform
| name = Vistula Spit
| type = ]
| photo = Vistula Lagoon.jpg
| photo_caption = Landsat photo of the Vistula Spit
| map = Europe#Poland#European Russia#Baltic Sea
| location = ], ]<br />], ]
⚫ | coordinates = {{Coord|54|24|N|19|30|E|region:PL-PR_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| water_bodies = ]<br />]
| length = {{convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| free_label_1 = Largest town
| free_data_1 = ]
}}
⚫ The '''Vistula Spit''' ({{langx|pl|Mierzeja Wiślana}}; {{langx|ru|Балтийская коса|translit=Baltiyskaya kosa}}; {{langx|de|Danziger Nehrung, Frische Nehrung}}; {{langx|nds|Dantzker Nearing}}) is an ] ],<ref>Kramarska, R Uścinowicz, S Zachowicz J and Kawińska M, Origin and evolution of the Puck Lagoon in Journal of Coastal Research Issue 22, 2005, P187</ref> or peninsular stretch of land, separating ] from ], in the ], with its tip separated from the mainland by the ]. The border between ] (]) and ], an ] of ], bisects it, ]. The ] is located on the Vistula Spit. The Polish part contains a number of tourist resorts, incorporated administratively as the town of ].


==Geography==
The '''Vistula Spit''' ({{lang-pl|Mierzeja Wiślana}}; {{lang-ru|Балтийская коса}}; {{lang-de|Frische Nehrung}}) is an ] ],<ref>
]
Kramarska, R Uścinowicz, S Zachowicz J and Kawińska M, Origin and evolution of the Puck Lagoon in
Situated in the ] this narrow headland (spit) is on average only few hundred meters wide (widest point is {{convert|1.8|km|mi|abbr=on}}) and with the total length of {{convert|70|km|mi|abbr=on}} twice as long as the better known and more populous ] in the western part of the ]. The Vistula Spit stretches in a north-easterly direction and separates the ] from the southern ]. It is separated from the ] by the ]. The spit consists of 10 to 12 meter high marine sand, accumulated during three dune generations.<ref name="Bird2010">{{cite book|author=Eric Bird|title=Encyclopedia of the World's Coastal Landforms|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Mfo5TPb7SDsC&pg=PA633|date=25 February 2010|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-1-4020-8638-0|pages=633–}}</ref>
⚫ Journal of Coastal Research Issue 22, 2005, P187</ref> or peninsular stretch of land, which separates ] from ] in the ], with its tip separated from the mainland by the ]. The border between ] (]) and ], an exclave of ], bisects it, ]. The ] is located on the Vistula Spit. The Polish part contains a number of tourist resorts, incorporated administratively as the town of ].
The highest peaks of the Vistula Spit are Wielbłądzi Grzbiet (49.5 m, 162 ft) on the Polish side of the peninsula and the smaller {{convert|25|m|ft|abbr=on}} high shifting sand dune of ] on the Russian side of the border.<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.mdr.de/heute-im-osten/polen-baggert-kanal-an-frischer-nehrung-100.html |title= Wegen Kaliningrad: Polen baggert eigenen Ostseekanal |date= September 11, 2017 |publisher= MDR |access-date =September 19, 2020}}</ref>

The border between Poland (Pomeranian Voivodeship) and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) runs across the spit, with its south-western part in Poland and the north-eastern part in Russia. The Polish part includes, from west to east, the villages of ], ], and the town of ], the largest locality on the Polish side, and a popular tourist destination. Since 1991, Krynica Morska includes in its municipal borders formerly separate villages of ] and ], the latter being the easternmost inhabited locality on the Polish side of the Spit.<ref name="Reichenbach1676">{{cite book|author=Wolfgang Albrecht Stromer von Reichenbach|title=Speculum Germaniae oder ein kurtzer geographischer Bericht von dem gesammaten Teutschland|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EkkAAAAAcAAJ&pg=RA4-PA450|year=1676|pages=4–}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Rozporządzenie Rady Ministrów z dnia 22 grudnia 1990 r. w sprawie utworzenia, zniesienia, zmiany granic, nazw i ustalenia siedzib niektórych gmin w województwach: bielskim, bydgoskim, elbląskim, gdańskim, katowickim, kieleckim, krośnieńskim, nowosądeckim i siedleckim oraz nadania statutu miasta.|url=http://isap.sejm.gov.pl/isap.nsf/DocDetails.xsp?id=WDU19910020008|access-date=2021-06-04|website=isap.sejm.gov.pl}}</ref>

The Russian part of the Vistula Spit is only inhabited in its northernmost part, which belongs to the port town of ] and lies on the southern side of the ]. The Russian airbase Noytif (originally built as a German ] airbase ''Neu Tief'') was located there.<ref name="Schernewski2002">{{cite book|author=Gerald Schernewski|title=Baltic Coastal Ecosystems: Structure, Function and Coastal Zone Management|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yEzq-wTtMs4C&pg=PA134|date=13 May 2002|publisher=Springer Science & Business Media|isbn=978-3-540-42937-1|pages=134–}}</ref>


== History == == History ==
⚫ {{More citations needed|date=August 2010}}
⚫ Until the 13th century, the spit had navigable straits in the middle, which allowed the city of ], part of the ], direct access to the ]. The natural closing of the straits in the late 13th century reduced Elbing's status as an important trading ]. This and the ] and ] in 1308 led to the increased importance of ].


⚫ Until the 13th century, the spit had navigable straits in the middle, which allowed the city of Elbing (]), part of the ], direct access to the ]. The natural closing of the straits in the late 13th century reduced Elbing's status as an important trading ]. This and the ] and ] in 1308 led to the increased importance of ]. In 1454, King ] re-incorporated the region to the ] upon the request of the anti-Teutonic ].<ref>{{Cite book|last=Górski|first=Karol|title=Związek Pruski i poddanie się Prus Polsce: zbiór tekstów źródłowych|year=1949|publisher=Instytut Zachodni|location=Poznań|language=pl|pages=51, 56}}</ref> In 1466, the Teutonic Knights renounced any claims to the region and recognized it as part of Poland.<ref>Górski, pp. 88-90, 206-207</ref>
⚫ During ], it became the last holdout of the remaining German soldiers in East Prussia, although the Soviets simply bypassed the spit after the ] was decisively concluded, training their sights on the more important goal of capturing ]. The last ] soldiers only laid down their arms after the ] was signed.

⚫ During ], ] was the location of a subcamp of the ], in which the Germans imprisoned 200 people as ] at a time.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Gliński|first=Mirosław|title=Podobozy i większe komanda zewnętrzne obozu Stutthof (1939–1945)|journal=Stutthof. Zeszyty Muzeum|language=pl|volume=3|page=166–167|issn=0137-5377}}</ref> There is a monument to the victims at the site. In the final stages of the war, the spit became the last holdout of the remaining German soldiers in the province of ], although the Soviets simply bypassed the spit after the ] was decisively concluded, training their sights on the more important goal of capturing ]. The last ] soldiers laid down their arms after the ] was signed.


===Kursenieki=== ===Kursenieki===
{{details|Kursenieki}} {{Further|Kursenieki}}
]


While today the ], also known as Kuršininkai are a nearly extinct ] ethnic group living along the ], in 1649 Kuršininkai settlement spanned from ] to ]. The Kuršininkai were eventually assimilated by the ], except along the Curonian Spit where some still live. The Kuršininkai were considered ] until after ] when ] gained independence from the ], a consideration based on linguistic arguments. This was the rationale for Latvian claims over the Curonian Spit, ], and other territories of ] which would be later dropped. Historically Vistula Spit was populated by Kursenieki people (also known as Kuršininkai), an Old Prussian tribe, related to modern day Latvians. This nearly extinct ] ethnic group once made Vistula Spit, coastal zone of the Sambia Peninsula, and the ] their home. In 1649 the Kuršininkai zone of settlement still spanned all the way from ] to ] encompassing a narrow littoral strip of territory best suitable for their lifestyle, cultural preferences and dominant economic activity (fishing). The majority of Kuršininkai were eventually assimilated by the ]. Only on the Curonian Spit a few scattered rural settlements survive to the present day. The Kuršininkai were considered ] until after ] when ] gained independence from the ], a consideration based on linguistic arguments. This was also the rationale for Latvian claims over the Curonian Spit, ], and other territories of ] in the aftermath of the WWI. Those claims would later be dropped.


== Transport == == Transport ==
]
The Polish side of the peninsula is accessible using {{ill|Voivodeship road 501|pl|Droga wojewódzka nr 501}}. There is at present (2016) no border crossing between Poland and Russia on the peninsula. The Polish side of the peninsula is accessible using {{ill|Voivodeship road 501|pl|Droga wojewódzka nr 501}}. There is at present (2016) no border crossing between Poland and Russia on the peninsula.


===Vistula Spit canal===
⚫ In 2019, the Polish government started the building of a ship canal across the peninsula, which will allow permit ships to enter the Vistula Lagoon and the port of Elbląg, avoiding transit through the Russian Strait of Baltiysk<ref></ref>.
{{Main|Vistula Spit canal}}
⚫ In 2019, the Polish government started the building of a ] across the peninsula, permitting ships to enter the Vistula Lagoon and the port of Elbląg, bypassing the transit route through the Russian Strait of Baltiysk.<ref></ref> The canal was opened in September 2022.

== See also ==
* ]
* Language: ]


== References == == References ==

⚫ {{Refimprove|date=August 2010}}
{{Reflist}} {{Reflist|2}}


== External links == == External links ==
⚫ {{Commons category|Vistula Peninsula}}
* {{in lang|pl|de}} * {{in lang|pl|de}}
* {{YouTube|id=QnCGaX_esiM|title=Russia's Strategic Strip Of Sand and Sea Faces Tourist Assault}}, ], published on Mar 28, 2019 * {{YouTube|id=QnCGaX_esiM|title=Russia's Strategic Strip Of Sand and Sea Faces Tourist Assault}}, ], published on Mar 28, 2019
⚫ {{commons category|Vistula Peninsula}}


{{Polish coast}} {{Polish coast}}
{{Vistula}}
⚫ {{Coord|54|24|N|19|30|E|region:PL-PR_type:landmark_source:dewiki|display=title}}
{{Authority control}}


] ]
] ]
] ]
] ]
]
] ]

Latest revision as of 22:30, 23 October 2024

Peninsular stretch of land in the Baltic Sea on the border between Russia and Poland
Vistula Spit
Spit
Landsat photo of the Vistula SpitLandsat photo of the Vistula Spit
Vistula Spit is located in EuropeVistula SpitVistula SpitShow map of EuropeVistula Spit is located in PolandVistula SpitVistula SpitShow map of PolandVistula Spit is located in European RussiaVistula SpitVistula SpitShow map of European RussiaVistula Spit is located in Baltic SeaVistula SpitVistula SpitShow map of Baltic Sea
Coordinates: 54°24′N 19°30′E / 54.400°N 19.500°E / 54.400; 19.500
LocationPomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia
Offshore water bodiesGdańsk Bay
Vistula Lagoon
Dimensions
 • Length70 km (43 mi)
Largest townKrynica Morska

The Vistula Spit (Polish: Mierzeja Wiślana; Russian: Балтийская коса, romanized: Baltiyskaya kosa; German: Danziger Nehrung, Frische Nehrung; Low German: Dantzker Nearing) is an aeolian sand spit, or peninsular stretch of land, separating Vistula Lagoon from Gdańsk Bay, in the Baltic Sea, with its tip separated from the mainland by the Strait of Baltiysk. The border between Poland (Pomeranian Voivodeship) and Kaliningrad Oblast, an exclave of Russia, bisects it, politically dividing the spit into two pieces between the two countries. The westernmost geographical point of Russia is located on the Vistula Spit. The Polish part contains a number of tourist resorts, incorporated administratively as the town of Krynica Morska.

Geography

Russian guards at the Poland-Russia border on the Vistula Spit

Situated in the Gdańsk Bay this narrow headland (spit) is on average only few hundred meters wide (widest point is 1.8 km (1.1 mi)) and with the total length of 70 km (43 mi) twice as long as the better known and more populous Hel Peninsula in the western part of the Gdańsk Bay. The Vistula Spit stretches in a north-easterly direction and separates the Vistula Lagoon from the southern Baltic Sea. It is separated from the Sambia Peninsula by the Strait of Baltiysk. The spit consists of 10 to 12 meter high marine sand, accumulated during three dune generations. The highest peaks of the Vistula Spit are Wielbłądzi Grzbiet (49.5 m, 162 ft) on the Polish side of the peninsula and the smaller 25 m (82 ft) high shifting sand dune of Narmeln on the Russian side of the border.

The border between Poland (Pomeranian Voivodeship) and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) runs across the spit, with its south-western part in Poland and the north-eastern part in Russia. The Polish part includes, from west to east, the villages of Kąty Rybackie, Skowronki, and the town of Krynica Morska, the largest locality on the Polish side, and a popular tourist destination. Since 1991, Krynica Morska includes in its municipal borders formerly separate villages of Przebrno and Nowa Karczma, the latter being the easternmost inhabited locality on the Polish side of the Spit.

The Russian part of the Vistula Spit is only inhabited in its northernmost part, which belongs to the port town of Baltiysk and lies on the southern side of the Strait of Baltiysk. The Russian airbase Noytif (originally built as a German Luftwaffe airbase Neu Tief) was located there.

History

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Until the 13th century, the spit had navigable straits in the middle, which allowed the city of Elbing (Elbląg), part of the monastic State of the Teutonic Knights, direct access to the Baltic Sea. The natural closing of the straits in the late 13th century reduced Elbing's status as an important trading seaport. This and the Teutonic takeover of Danzig (Gdańsk) and Polish Pomerania in 1308 led to the increased importance of Gdańsk. In 1454, King Casimir IV Jagiellon re-incorporated the region to the Kingdom of Poland upon the request of the anti-Teutonic Prussian Confederation. In 1466, the Teutonic Knights renounced any claims to the region and recognized it as part of Poland.

During World War II, Przebrno was the location of a subcamp of the Stutthof concentration camp, in which the Germans imprisoned 200 people as forced labour at a time. There is a monument to the victims at the site. In the final stages of the war, the spit became the last holdout of the remaining German soldiers in the province of East Prussia, although the Soviets simply bypassed the spit after the East Prussian Offensive was decisively concluded, training their sights on the more important goal of capturing Berlin. The last Wehrmacht soldiers laid down their arms after the German Instrument of Surrender was signed.

Kursenieki

Further information: Kursenieki

Historically Vistula Spit was populated by Kursenieki people (also known as Kuršininkai), an Old Prussian tribe, related to modern day Latvians. This nearly extinct Baltic ethnic group once made Vistula Spit, coastal zone of the Sambia Peninsula, and the Curonian Spit their home. In 1649 the Kuršininkai zone of settlement still spanned all the way from Memel (Klaipėda) to Gdańsk encompassing a narrow littoral strip of territory best suitable for their lifestyle, cultural preferences and dominant economic activity (fishing). The majority of Kuršininkai were eventually assimilated by the Germans. Only on the Curonian Spit a few scattered rural settlements survive to the present day. The Kuršininkai were considered Latvians until after World War I when Latvia gained independence from the Russian Empire, a consideration based on linguistic arguments. This was also the rationale for Latvian claims over the Curonian Spit, Memel, and other territories of Prussia in the aftermath of the WWI. Those claims would later be dropped.

Transport

Map of Voivodeship road 501

The Polish side of the peninsula is accessible using Voivodeship road 501 [pl]. There is at present (2016) no border crossing between Poland and Russia on the peninsula.

Vistula Spit canal

Main article: Vistula Spit canal

In 2019, the Polish government started the building of a ship canal across the peninsula, permitting ships to enter the Vistula Lagoon and the port of Elbląg, bypassing the transit route through the Russian Strait of Baltiysk. The canal was opened in September 2022.

See also

References

  1. Kramarska, R Uścinowicz, S Zachowicz J and Kawińska M, Origin and evolution of the Puck Lagoon in Journal of Coastal Research Issue 22, 2005, P187
  2. Eric Bird (25 February 2010). Encyclopedia of the World's Coastal Landforms. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 633–. ISBN 978-1-4020-8638-0.
  3. "Wegen Kaliningrad: Polen baggert eigenen Ostseekanal". MDR. September 11, 2017. Retrieved September 19, 2020.
  4. Wolfgang Albrecht Stromer von Reichenbach (1676). Speculum Germaniae oder ein kurtzer geographischer Bericht von dem gesammaten Teutschland. pp. 4–.
  5. "Rozporządzenie Rady Ministrów z dnia 22 grudnia 1990 r. w sprawie utworzenia, zniesienia, zmiany granic, nazw i ustalenia siedzib niektórych gmin w województwach: bielskim, bydgoskim, elbląskim, gdańskim, katowickim, kieleckim, krośnieńskim, nowosądeckim i siedleckim oraz nadania statutu miasta". isap.sejm.gov.pl. Retrieved 2021-06-04.
  6. Gerald Schernewski (13 May 2002). Baltic Coastal Ecosystems: Structure, Function and Coastal Zone Management. Springer Science & Business Media. pp. 134–. ISBN 978-3-540-42937-1.
  7. Górski, Karol (1949). Związek Pruski i poddanie się Prus Polsce: zbiór tekstów źródłowych (in Polish). Poznań: Instytut Zachodni. pp. 51, 56.
  8. Górski, pp. 88-90, 206-207
  9. Gliński, Mirosław. "Podobozy i większe komanda zewnętrzne obozu Stutthof (1939–1945)". Stutthof. Zeszyty Muzeum (in Polish). 3: 166–167. ISSN 0137-5377.
  10. RDLP: wycinka na Mierzei Wiślanej jest zakończona

External links

Places on the Baltic coast of Poland
Vistula River
Tributaries
Cities
Notable crossings
Channels and artificial waterways
Historical and prehistoric inhabitants
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