Situated amidst the 1002 lakes in Lithuania are the popular tourist destinations of Anykščiai, Ignalina, Molėtai, Utena and Zarasai. They share similarities in their beautiful nature, wide range of attractions and rural tourist homesteads, whilst maintaining their unique landmarks.
From the Latvian coast to the Lithuanian lakes If you are travelling from the Latvian seaside, the first destination is Anykščiai, captivating not only with its natural scenery and historical heritage, but also with a great variety of active leisure options: a labyrinth park, kart racing, an adventure train, canoeing on the Šventoji River, and admiring the beautiful exposures. Perhaps the most popular attractions can be found on the Kalita Hill. Winter or summer, the hill brings together thrill-seekers and high-altitude enthusiasts. There is a year-round 500 m toboggan run full of surprises – with 5 turns, a springboard and a loop. In summer, there is a tubing track and amusement rides for children. In winter, there are several downhill skiing tracks of varying difficulty and 2 lifts.
A walk through the treetops of Anykščiai Šilelis is sure to delight everyone. 21 metres high and 300 metres long, the Treetop Trail is unique not just in Lithuania, but throughout the Baltic region. The experience of height, the wonderful views, the panoramic scenery unfolding from the 34-metre tall observation tower, with the eye reaching the spires of the St. Matthew’s Church, the tallest church in Lithuania, all offer a unique chance to enjoy the serenity of the surrounding forest.
After enjoying Anykščiai, it is time to head to Utena or Molėtai – the land of stars and lakes. The Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology, the only museum of its kind in Europe, sheds light on our ancestors’ perception of the world and the secrets of the Universe. A modern seven-stage cosmic time travel in interactive halls is an unparalleled experience that can answer questions, inspire reflection, and make you think and ask questions all over again. The tour finishes at the observation deck – a glass dome at 30 metres high, overlooking the 6 lakes of Molėtai.
Lithuanian families love Molėtai. You should take a chance on Molėtai, too! A pedestrian walkway stretches around the town’s two lakes, which are surrounded by the Molėtai Sculpture Park, wish-granting ducklings, a giant slide, which is a favourite of children, swings, and benches for relaxing. As you walk along the path, you can try on the fisherman’s boots that bring good luck, catch your big fish, ride a pedalo, or simply go for a swim.
Or perhaps you would prefer to visit Utena first – one of the oldest towns in Lithuania, mentioned in King Mindaugas’ letters dating back to 1261. It has become the home of the first pottery king of independent Lithuania, the ceramicist Vytautas Valiušis. The museum, which he founded in 2001, displays around 700 authentic pieces of early ceramics, differing in form, purpose, production technique and decoration. Alongside them, you will find contemporary pottery and ethnographic exhibits. The Ceramics Museum’s workshops are equipped with three modern rooms: one of them is dedicated to the study of moulded ceramics, another to the practice of ceramics using a potter’s wheel, and the third one houses the pottery kiln. The shop sells souvenirs for happy reminiscing.
If you are not frightened of witches, now is the time to visit Lithuania’s one and only Witch Museum. Judita Krutoguz, a resident of the Pačkėnai community, who has been crafting witches for 30 years, donated a collection of her witches to the museum. The welcoming Witch (a character) explains that witches are not to be feared – just get to know them, as she tells their most interesting and adventurous stories.
From Latgale to Aukštaitija If you are travelling from Daugavpils in Latvia, make a stop at the town of Zarasai and take a stroll around the observation wheel – an impressive structure with a stunning panoramic view of Lake Zarasas. After climbing 34 metres, at a height of 17 metres, you can start descending to the waterfront, where a 1.5 km walking trail will take you to the Big Island (Didžioji sala). Boredom is not an option as the path is adorned with sculptures.
The Big Island has become a venue for outstanding events and festivals, and is an attractive destination for active holiday makers. It features not only a large and a small stage, but also a dome-shaped underground mini-amphitheatre – Kupolė – built into the landscape of the island. The beach infrastructure has been upgraded, with the longest wakeboard course in the Baltic States and a trampoline park. The island is also appealing to outdoor enthusiasts and fishermen.
Ignalina welcomes you to visit the only Beekeeping Museum in Lithuania and learn who is more industrious: bees or people. Interactive exhibitions allow you to visit the beekeeper’s cottage, workshop and even the beehive itself. You can explore 12 educational programmes at the museum. So when you walk through the doors of the museum, let the bees guide you through their blooming, buzzing, and vibrant world.
‘Enter a good man, leave a better one’, reads the inscription above the door of the unique Palūšė St Joseph’s Church. St. Joseph’s Church was built in 1754-1757 – it is a small wooden church, distinctive from other wooden churches of the 18th century that have survived in Lithuania, because it has remained unchanged in size and has not been reconstructed. Together with the bell tower, it is one of the most precious and earliest timber assemblies of folk architecture in a place of exceptional beauty – on a tall hill by the Lūšiai Lake. The church is famous not only for the fact that it once graced the Lithuanian litas banknote, but also for having been built without a single saw or nail.
If just one sentence has sparked your curiosity, then it is time to plan your trip to Lithuania, to the land of 1002 lakes, where we will rise and fall, marvel and delight, drive and walk together – simply enjoying the experience of travelling and exploring. The Tourist Information Centres are ready to guide you, right here in Riga, at the Balttour Travel Trade Fair.
