As the winter season came to an end in Lithuania's coastal areas, the harvesting of ice from frozen water bodies became an essential practice. This article dives into the tradition of cutting and transporting ice to special storage facilities that allowed for its use throughout the sweltering summer months in coastal towns like Klaipėda, Palanga, and Juodkrantė. Despite limited historical documentation about the 'ice harvest', existing accounts reveal unique methods—such as deliberately submerging the first frozen layer of ice in the Curonian Lagoon.

Historians note that almost every aristocratic estate had a semi-underground ice house, which were distinctive red-brick structures still visible today from Palanga to Darbėnai in the Kretinga district. These ice houses played a crucial role in ensuring that ice was available when the temperature rose, allowing local residents and visitors to enjoy refreshing ice cubes in their drinks or edible ice treats during the hot summers. The preservation of such places reflects the historical significance and cultural practices of the region relating to winter storage and summer leisure.

In addition to the practical aspects, the story of ice harvesting also showcases a glimpse into social life among the Lithuanian nobility and how these practices shaped interactions during summer months at resorts. As this unique aspect of history gains attention, it highlights themes of climate adaptation, cultural heritage, and the ingenuity of past communities in preserving and utilizing natural resources.