Lithuanian State Department of Tourism under The Ministry of Economy Gedimino pr. 38, LT-01104 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel.: + 8 706 64 976, fax: 8 706 64 988 Let’s take it slow E-mail: [email protected] www.tourism.lt www.Lithuania.travel

Published by PLC “VIP Viešosios informacijos partneriai“.

Cover photo (Author) Monika Požerskytė. Photos in the publication are used with the permission of Jonas Kazlauskas, Renatas Jakaitis, Ramunė Mikitiejeva, Ronny Lepp, Mindaugas Lapelė, Kristina Stalnionytė, Laimonas Ciūnys, Vilius Lunevičius, Vytautas Kandrotas, Andrius Repšys, Arūnas Pranaitis, Sias van Schalkwyk and VTD archive.

Printed by Design and Publishing UAB KOPA.

Not for sale. Žalieji lietuvos turtai

Can you imagine the feeling of walking barefoot on dewy grass and then on a paved road?

Like a walk in the morning grass, barefoot – this is how nature lovers describe their impressions of trips to Lithuania. Lithuanians really love and respect nature. After all, Lithuania was the last pagan country in Europe! Since time immemorial, Lithuanians have worshipped and even prayed to fire, water, stone and trees. Even after being baptised, many Lithuanians continued to think of nature as almost a second mother. So, those looking for pure nature, authenticity and harmony will definitely find here. Ecotourism enthusiasts can find hotels and rural homesteads with “Green Key” certification, beaches with the Blue Flag eco-label, organic products, farmers’ markets, sightseeing tours on ecological trails of national parks and reserves, as well as opportunities to observe migra- ting birds or pasturing wisents. • Protected sites cover 15.3 per cent of Lithuania. cities in Europe. • One third of Lithuanian territory is covered by forests. • The Blue Flag is an international symbol of • There are about 6,000 lakes of natural origin in Lithuania. beach quality. In 2012, it was awarded to three beaches in Lithuania: Nida beach, Juodkrantė • Lithuania has over 800 mounds, which are considered to be a beach and Birutės Parkas beach (in ). distinctive feature of the country’s landscape. • Lithuania also has an ongoing Green Key Programme which as- • Lithuania has some of the largest underground fresh water sesses the implementation of environmental requirements reserves in the world. by companies in the hospitality industry. The list of Lithu- • Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, is one of the greenest cities anian participants and their contacts is available at the website: in the world and in terms of air quality surpasses all other capital http://www.green-key.org/Menu/Awarded+sites/Lithuania. WILDERNESS AT THE EDGE OF LITHUANIA

56.250022, www.kamanos.lt Pušų St 2, Akmenės II Vlg, Akmenė District, Tel. +370 425 59 285. E-mail: [email protected] 22.731541

Did you know that HIKING TRAIL IN Kamanos State Nature Reserve there are 19 species of peat moss in Kamanos Swamp? In one year, the Feel the spirit of the wilderness in Akmenė district, which lies in northwestern Lithuania. Explore plants of the swamp form the biggest and the most beloved swamp of the region and the forests surrounding it. The reserve a one mm layer of peat. In an acidic includes Kamanos Lake, which to this day retains features from the time of the last Ice Age! and oxygen-free environment no putrefaction processes are pos- The reserve is home to 102 endangered animal species, 76 of which are included in the Red List sible. Therefore, if something sinks of Lithuania. Moreover, 73 species are of pan-European significance. The reserve has ten differ- into a swamp, it will be preserved… ent habitat types of pan-European significance such as: natural dystrophic lakes, an active raised forever! swamp, intermediate swamp and mires, sedges growing in bare peat, marsh and alluvial forests as Attention! Sightseeing tours in well as swampy deciduous forests. There are also 45 plant species that are included in the Red List Kamanos State Natural Reserve of Lithuania. Two of these species, the Yellow Lady‘s Slipper and the Slender Green Feather Moss, are only allowed on the hiking trail are of pan-European significance. and together with a member of While walking on Kamanos hiking trail, not only can you discover the natural treasures of this reserve, but directorate staff. You can sign up you can also enjoy nature in its purest form, untouched by human hands. Here, nature is in control. One can for a tour and a visit to the natural only look on in wonder, listen to the silence, and feel how wisely Mother Nature has arranged everything… exhibits by phone +370 425 59 285 2 or by e-mail: [email protected]. The Kamanos visitor centre has an open, hands-on nature exhibit which lets you experience nature by listening to its sounds, watching video of its wildlife, and viewing picturesque images of its landscapes. TYROSan OASIS GAMTOS OF PURE OAZĖ NATURE

54.843443, www.kaunomarios.lt Miškininkų St 2, Vaišvydava, Kaunas District. Tel. +370 37 383 070. E-mail: [email protected] 24.042145

HIKING TRAIL IN ARLAVIŠKĖS BOTANICAL RESERVE

Juniper is an indicator of a pollutant-free environment. It is a highly valued plant which has medici- nal properties. Air in juniper groves is fresher. As a matter of fact, time spent here helps you regain your strength. See it for yourself! Visit the Arlaviškės botanical reserve of Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park; take in the majestic natural beauty. This oasis of untouched nature is rich in slopes and water-carved draws, small boggy dells and steep outcrops. “Hanging” slope swamps are a truly distinctive feature of this area. The main accent of Arlaviškės botanical reserve is a unique juniper valley, which is decorated with plants of different shapes, colours and smells. Most of this greenery is quite rare. Along a ridge overlooking the Nemunas valley, there is the 1.3-km-long Arlaviškės hiking trail (suitable for people with disabilities), the boardwalk part of which winds above a juniper grove. From an observa- tion deck, take in a spectacular view of the junipers hugging the slope, and, in the distance, the curved tip of the Kaunas Reservoir and its island. If you sign up for a tour at the park headquarters, you’ll find out who benefits when trees are left to rot Arlaviškės hiking trail is about a in the forest, what kind of rare plants hide amongst the junipers, why lilacs are unwelcome in this park, 30 km drive southeast of Kaunas. 3 what “soil wounds” look like, and many, many other things! THE KINGDOM OF WILD NATURE

www.cepkeliai-dzukija.lt Vilniaus St 3, Merkinė, Varėna District. Tel. +370 310 44 641. E-mail: [email protected]

Attention! Čepkeliai state nature reserve can ČEPKELIAI STATE NATURE RESERVE AND DZŪKIJA be visited only for non-commercial purposes NATIONAL PARK, PART OF THE PAN PARKS NETWORK and visitor access is restricted to an educa- tional nature trail. From 1st April to 1st July, visitors may walk along the nature trail only Yes, even in Europe you can experience the spirit of unspoiled nature! Visit Čepkeliai when accompanied by a park staff member state nature reserve and Dzūkija National Park in southeastern Lithuania. or a licenced nature guide, in a group with no Dzūkija National Park is the biggest protected territory in Lithuania (an area of 58,519 more than 20 people. hectares) with 250 species included in the Red List of Lithuania, 30 murmuring streams and rivers (from the smallest of rivulets to the Nemunas River), 18 natural monuments Čepkeliai–Dzūkija PAN Park is one of the and 27 objects of natural heritage. thirteen PAN parks in Europe. Members of the international PAN park network aim to The park territory is home to 54 mammal species, at least 198 bird species, seven reptile protect Europe’s most precious wilderness species, nine amphibian species, 38 fish species and even 760 butterfly species! 4 areas and to develop sustainable tourism. The national park also has a rich cultural heritage – Dzūkian villages that retain their traditional architecture, unique local lifestyle and customs. This land has preserved the 54.163304, 24.186178 features of communal living. Here one can still see women cutting rye with sickles, and one can still learn the ancient tradition of tree-hollow bee-keeping. Moreover, in early autumn, Musteika village Each and every year, Dzūkija celebrates its traditional “Medkopis” (honey gathering time). National Park invites everyone In the visitor centres of the park, non-traditional lessons in nature, various ancient craft training, na- to celebrate one of the merriest ture camps and other events are organized. These centres also have interactive exhibits, provide infor- and liveliest Lithuanian summer mation to fishermen, mushroom and berry pickers. One can get to know the park by travelling on foot, festivals, to mark the summer and via cycle and water routes. solstice: St John’s Day. Traditions include making flower wreaths, Čepkeliai does not only refer to the biggest Lithuanian raised swamp, but also includes valley-swamp buying herbs at a fair, telling the sedge fields, black alder forests, dry lichen, swamp islands and lakes. This state nature reserve has future based on herbs, singing more than 4,000 different plant and animal species. Wolves and lynxes, black grouse and wood grouse songs alongside bonfires while (Western Capercaillie), smooth snakes and European tree frogs are just a small part of the entire popu- awaiting midnight, and then lation of this nature reserve. searching for the fern flower be- One can enjoy the vastness of the raised swamp from the observation tower located at the edge of fore the sun rises. 5 the swamp. For a closer look at the swamp, one can walk along the 1.5-km-long Čepkeliai hiking trail. AT THE BOTTOM OF THE OLD SEA

55.807201, www.pajuris.info Placio St 54, Karklė Vlg, Kretingalė Ward, Klaipėda District. Tel. +370 46 412 483. E-mail: [email protected] 21.072558

ECOLOGICAL HIKING TRAIL “LITORINA” IN THE

In western Lithuania, 2 km north of Giruliai, near the village of Karklė, the ecological hik- ing trail “Litorina” begins. The journey on this trail is a unique opportunity to walk on the bottom of the Litorina Sea that existed around 7500 BP (Before Present). The trail runs through a forest planted by the Klaipėda merchant guild at the beginning of the 20th century. When travelling on this trail, one should note the distinctive forest and the variety of its plants, as well as the ornamental trees which are believed to have been brought from all over central and eastern Europe and planted here by a Dutch landowner residing in Lithuania. For those interested in history, the old trenches are worth noting. A segment of the trail coincides with the old post road, which used to connect Konigs- berg, Klaipėda and Riga. Do not miss the chance to see an excellent exhibit in the Karklė 6 visitor centre of Seaside Regional Park. Here you can learn what life was like where the land met the sea. WESTERN TAIGA

56.042436, www.zemaitijosnp.lt Didžioji St 8, Plateliai, Plungė District. Tel. +370 448 49 231. E-mail: [email protected] 21.815089

ROUTES OF DIFFERENT LENGTH AND DURATION Plateliai visitor cen- tre organizes tours IN ŽEMAITIJA NATIONAL PARK which have to be booked by phone: Žemaitija national park may be said to be the most intriguing, perhaps even mystical, national park in Lithuania. +370 448 49 231 Its dense spruce forests are home to a great number of plant and animal species. In addition, some Ice Age plant relics have also been found here. The park has 26 natural lakes formed in deep hollows and biodiversity-rich swamps, which are breeding habitat for birds included in the Red List of Lithuania, and for those that are protected throughout Europe, for example, Hazel Grouse, Corn Crakes and Whooper Swans, the voice of which reminds one of the sound made by a trumpet. You can choose routes according to the length or duration you want, or even to fit your mood, and you may travel around the park on foot, by bicycle, by human-powered watercraft, and by car. Routes vary in length from 3 to 66 km, and vary in duration from 1 to 8 hours. The park’s crown jewel is the largest and the deepest of Žemaitija’s lakes, Plateliai, and its seven islands, which play a role in a great number of sto- ries. In this clear lake, underwater tours are organised for diving enthusiasts, and a swimming marathon and a sailing regatta take place each year. Žemaitija National Park is particularly proud of the annual Fat Tuesday (or Pancake Day) pre-Lent celebration, with its many traditional folk 7 elements. Come and visit the newly opened and unique Cold War Museum, located in a former underground missile launch site. SECRET PATHS A PLACE WHERE OF ANCESTORS OAKS RUSTLE 55.732357, 22.384243 www.varniuparkas.lt Dumbrių St 3, Ožtakių Vlg, Varnių Ward, Telšiai www.neriesparkas.lt Vilniaus St 3, Dūkštos, Vilnius District. District. Tel. +370 444 47 415. E-mail: [email protected] Tel. +370 5 259 9234. E-mail: [email protected]

KŪLGRINDA (STONE PAVEMENT) OF SIETUVA DŪKŠTAS HIKING 54.820826, IN VARNIAI REGIONAL PARK TRAIL IN NERIS 24.974351 Can you imagine a road built on the bottom of a swamp? If you want to REGIONAL PARK experience what it feels like to wade through a swamp along a secret Right next to Vilnius, the capital city, only 25 km to the west, stone road, visit a part of the road called the kūlgrinda of Sietuva, which there is a hiking trail. Here you can visit three mounds and is located in the western part of Lithuania, about 100 km from Klaipėda. It enjoy the spectacular outcrops and huge boulders. A dis- is believed to have taken many years to carry the stones of the kūlgrinda tinctive site near the trail is the Dūkštos oak forest, which to the winter ice of the swamp, where they sank in spring. In this way, the is considered to be one of the oldest natural oak forests underwater pavement of the road was formed. In all likelihood, the stone in Lithuania. Dūkštos oak forest has a 2.2-km-long hiking pavement was built during the period of the Samogitians’ battles against trail that will also acquaint you with figures from pagan the Teutonic Knights and the Livonian Brothers of the Sword (during the mythology. th th 13 and 14 centuries). In order to finish the entire circular route, Dūkšta stream Near the kūlgrinda, on the right bank of Sietuva River, a gentle stream has to be crossed twice. At one point (by the Bradeliškiai called Milžinų maudykla (Giants Bath) trickles. According to local people, its mound) there is a bridge, but at the second point (near the bottom is paved with oak logs. To the northwest of kūlgrinda is Paršpilis outcrop) there is no bridge; therefore, you will (Burbiškiai mound), which is not only the subject of many stories and le- have to wade across Dūkšta stream (its depth, depending gends, was also mentioned by many chroniclers of the Teutonic Knights. on the season of the year, varies from 15 to 60 cm). In ad- dition, the administration of invites you Tours in the Lithuanian language can be booked by phone: +370 612 66 133, +370 to experience a different sort of water journey, an intriguing, 444 47 415 or by e-mail: [email protected]. The route through the forest and entertaining and mysterious night-time trip with a guide 8 the swamp is taken barefoot, and it is recommended to have a swimming-suit. along Dūkšta stream. A LAND OF LAKES

55.329079, www.anp.lt Lūšių St 16, Palūšė, Ignalina District. Tel. +370 386 53 135. E-mail: [email protected] 26.102253

AUKŠTAITIJA NATIONAL PARK – GINUČIAI AND ITS SURROUNDINGS

Visit Aukštaitija National Park, famous for its forested landscapes and sand-bottom lakes. You can wander undisturbed through the woods, enjoying the fresh air and the peace and quiet. In the middle of August, Aukštaitija National Park You should definitely visit Ginučiai village, famous for its water mill invites you to visit Stri- and the authentic 19th century equipment. The mill is considered to be peikiai “Ulioja bitela” honey th a fine example of 19 century technology. gathering festival, which hon- Right next to the village, there is Papiliakalnė and Ginučiai mound ours the pagan goddess Austėja and that is thought to have been the site of the 13th–14th century Link- the god Bubilas. During this celebra- menys castle – a part of the central Lithuanian defence system. Le- tion, the collection of honey using a dakalnis is no less interesting a site. It is 175 meters above sea level honey extractor with glass windows and stands between Ūkojas and Linkmenas lakes, in the village of is demonstrated and fresh honey Papiliakalnė. A breath-taking view of six legendary lakes opens up may be sampled. In addition, a fair is from atop the hill. It is believed that before the arrival of Christianity, held, in which various bee products, Lithuanians used the hilltop as a place to give sacrifice to Lada, the tasty culinary heritage treats, and Baltic goddess of life. folk art are available for purchase, and other sweet forms of entertain- A distinctive feature of this region is the large number of lakes, tempt- ment are organised. ing travellers into the water and onto the sandy beaches. You simply 9 can’t pass up the chance to enjoy the water on a hot summer day! CHECK OUT THE WILDLIFE POPULATION Do you enjoy observing wild nature? Then you will de- finitely have much to do in Lithuania! Watching wild animals and birds is great fun for everyone who loves spending time outdoors. Just don’t forget to bring your binoculars and a healthy supply of patience with you! THE STRONGEST ONES IN THE FOREST

55.543586, www.panmu.lt Petriškių Vlg, Krekenava, Panevėžio District . Tel. +370 455 93 339. E-mail: [email protected] 24.125422

PAŠILIAI BISON PADDOCK IN KREKENAVA REGIONAL PARK

Bison paddock of Krekenava Regional Park offers a unique opportunity to see the biggest wild Eu- Did you know that the European ropean animals that are included not only in the Red List of Lithuania, but also in the IUCN Red List bison herd living at the preserve is of Threatened Species. Wisent (European Bison) is the largest wild animal in Europe and is related unique for all its members being th to the American bison, although there are significant differences. In the 14 century, the wisent listed in the International flock-book population was widely spread throughout Europe. However, the development of agriculture and and having names starting with GI? indiscriminate hunting led to the complete disappearance of these animals in the wild, leaving the The first bison at the preserve was only survivors in zoos. In Lithuania, wisents were gone by 1854. born in 1971 and was named Girinis. Visitors are able to admire the wisents from a covered platform. This is a unique opportunity to We leave the task of discovering the names of the other bison to you… watch wisents at close range, to observe them feeding, scratching their large backs on trees and resting in the sunshine. You can visit the Bison paddock of An entire day can be spent at the bison preserve, since the largest European animals don’t let you Pašiliai for free. Wisents are fed from 10 to 11 am. A tour can be get bored and the tour guide will tell you many interesting stories about the life of these wild wi- booked by phone: +370 455 93 339, sents. Despite the fact that there is no café at the bison preserve, for your convenience, there is a or by e-mail: [email protected]. 11 gazebo with a fireplace, benches and a paved area. All you have to bring are some snacks and drinks. 54.459336, www.zuvintas.lt Aleknonių Vlg, Alytus District. Tel. +370 315 49 540. E-mail: [email protected] 23.662042

THE KINGDOM OF BIRDS

BIRD WATCHING at ŽUVINTAS BIOSPHERE RESERVE

Join fellow birdwatchers at the Žuvintas Žuvintas is called the Kingdom of Birds. The lake, overgrown with reed and bulrush, as well as Biosphere Reserve for a celebration to wel- wet meadows and flood-meadows is home to many water and swamp birds. Žuvintas Bio- come returning birds during the first ten sphere Reserve is home to one of the largest populations of Great Bittern, Common Moor- days of April, and for the EuroBirdwatch hen and Greylag Goose. One of the rarest migrating wet meadow songbirds is the Aquatic event to bid a temporary farewell to mi- Warbler. You can still hear its simple song after sunset… Lithuania is one of just eight coun- grating birds during the first ten days of tries where this bird still lays eggs. October. Accompanied by ornithologists, you will be able to see the migrating birds. If you want to become better acquainted with the pride of southern Lithuania’s nature, It is necessary to register by phone: +370 Žuvintas Lake, take a walk along the Žuvintas hiking trail. A 350-meter-long boardwalk with 12 315 49 540, or by e-mail: [email protected]. an observation tower allows one to observe the shores of Žuvintas Lake, and to study the great world of birds and various plant species. 55.341185, Ventė, Kintų Ward, Šilutė District. Tel.: +370 441 68 516, +370 638 90 619 21.190344

SAYING GOODBYE TO MIGRATING BIRDS

ORNITHOLOGICAL STATION AT CAPE VENTĖ

One of the busiest bird migration routes stretches along the . Therefore, Cape Ventė, a small peninsula on the eastern shore of the Curonian Lagoon, is a perfect location for placing rings (or bands) on birds. Each year, from 60 to 80 thousand birds are caught and ringed here (in most cases, Common Starlings, European Robins, Great Tits, Blue Tits, Black Tits, Long-tailed Tits and so on). Every year Cape Ventė receives from 30 to 50 thousand visitors not only from all over Lithuania, but also from abroad. There are exhibits illustrating the history of bird ringing (or bird banding), surveys on bird migration and the wonderful world of the birds which live in or pass through the vicinity. Do not miss the opportunity to climb to the observation platform atop the Cape Ventė lighthouse, now more than 150 years old, and to admire the vastness of the lagoon, the white dunes on the other shore of 13 the lagoon, and the large flocks of birds that migrate or simply live here. www.pajuris.info Placio St 54, Karklės Vlg, Klaipėda District. 55.807201, www.anp.lt Lūšių St 16, Palūšė, Ignalina District. 55.329079, Tel. +370 464 12 483. E-mail: [email protected] 21.072558 Tel. +370 386 53 135. E-mail: [email protected] 26.102253

WATCHING BIRDS UP CLOSE gansers, Red-breasted Mergansers, Smews, Greater Scaups, Po- BIRD WATCHING AT SEASIDE chards, Northern Shovelers and Tufted Ducks. REGIONAL PARK

Bird watching tower in Šaipiai BIRD WATCHING AT AUKŠTAITIJA When driving from Klaipėda to Palanga, after approximately NATIONAL PARK 17 km you will reach the village of Šaipiai. In autumn and in spring, an observation tower built in Šaipiai Swamp gives you About ten kilometres from the city of Ignalina, the Žemaitiškės an opportunity to see many water birds, such as Whooper flood-meadows stretch along the eastern shore of Kretuonas Swans, Garganey Ducks, Common Teals, Eurasian Wigeons, Lake. Therefore, each year these meadows become home to and Common Goldeneye and Tufted Ducks. On spring mornings, nesting habitat for various protected bird species such as: Gad- common cranes pause here, and common snipes are known walls, Spotted Crakes, Corn Crakes, Black-tailed Godwits, Common to nest here. Cranes and so on. Currently, there are at least 209 bird species at Aukštaitija National Park. The park is rightly proud of its 51 Bird watching hut by Plocis Lake resident species included in the Red List of Lithuania. Bird habi- Plocis Lake lies several kilometres north of the village of Karklė. tat has come into being where land reclamation projects were 14 On the shore of this lake there is a bird watching hut. If you have once carried out. An observation tower located near the village of sufficiently powerful binoculars, you can watch Common Mer- Reškutėnai ensures the best view of the territory. Neris Regional Park photo

Slow travelling

Meaningful journeys take time – to stay in a favourite place for a while, to chat with a local person, or, in general, simply to get to know the landscape. It is not enough to spend only several minutes by the information stand near a hiking trail or in the observation tower. It is espe- cially worth reducing the tempo when visiting areas which protect the most valuable natural and cultural heritage. Considering slowness to be of value in and of itself, the Baltic Environmental Forum (NGO) together with the State Service for Protected Areas under the Ministry of Environment, national parks and the company Hnit-Baltic have produced the interactive tool “Keliaujantiems lėtai” (for slow travellers) at the website www.maps.lt. www.maps.lt/keliaujantiemsletai This interactive tool helps visitors to find hundreds of sights and dozens of route descriptions with photos and detailed maps, which can be downloaded, printed and taken on a trip. Product label for the protected areas of Lithuania Products which are made with consideration for authenticity, cultural heritage and traditions have been given a special product label since 2012. The same applies to services which do not harm wildlife, biodiver- sity and human health. By purchasing products made in Lithuanian protected areas and marked with this label, you will not only help preserve natural and cultural values, but also will contribute to the develop- ment of local community. “For slow travellers” is a part of the project ”Sustainable Tourism in Protected Areas of Lithuania”. THE PRODUCT The project is financed by the European Regional Development Fund, the Lithuanian government and OF AUKŠTAITIJA 15 partner funds. For more information: www.bef.lt NATIONAL PARK FEEL THE SPIRIT OF THE PAST

www.llbm.lt L. Lekavičiaus St 2, Rumšiškės, Kaišiadorių District. www.arkliomuziejus.lt Niūronių Vlg, Anykščiai District. Tel. +370 346 47 392. E-mail: [email protected] Tel.: +370 381 51 722, +370 623 70 629. E-mail: [email protected]

When travelling in Lithuania, do not miss the opportunity to get acquainted with long-cherished traditions and customs. Since Lithuania was a pagan country for a very long time, all traditional crafts are closely related to pagan traditions. You should not miss the chance to make a clay pot, a candle or to carve a wooden sculpture – you will see just how fun it is!

OPEN-AIR MUSEUM 54.866477, EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES 55.575797, 24.201129 25.086556 OF LITHUANIA AT THE HORSE MUSEUM

Lithuania is a small country; it consists of five ethnic regions Visit the old farmhouses of Aukštaitija at the which took shape as long ago as the thirteenth century: Horse Museum, where you can sit by a brick Aukštaitija, Žemaitija, Suvalkija, Dzūkija and Lithuania Minor. In hearth oven and learn of the customs surround- Rumšiškės (on the shores of the Kaunas Reservoir), there is an ing various festivities: Christmas Eve, Christmas, open-air museum of Lithuania. You can see all of Lithuania in Easter and so on. You will learn how the bread is just one day, to discover how ancient Lithuanians lived, to learn baked and candles are made. You may also sam- about their daily life and work, to get acquainted with traditional ple some rustic treats: bread, honey, cheese, lard; customs, to learn how to bake and decorate festive gingerbread and learn a lot about our past! and to take part in the so-called first-steam ritual in the es- tate bath-house. The most important element of the bath is Please call in advance to find out about event schedules. the massage using fragrant birch branches with leaves. During Striukų homestead: Nijolė Kačkuvienė, tel. +370 616 25 124 16 Legų homestead: Rita Vasiliauskienė, tel. +370 612 69 545 breaks, you will get the chance to taste herbal tea. www.vivasol.lt/surininkunamai.lt Dargužių Vlg, Valkininkai Ward, www.perkunonamas.lt Aleksoto St. 6, Kaunas. 54.895704, Varėna District. Tel. +370 655 29 171. E-mail: [email protected] Tel. +370 641 44 614. E-mail: [email protected] 23.886339

SŪRININKŲ NAMAI 54.387708, HOUSE 24.883221 (CHEESEMAKERS’ HOUSE) OF PERKŪNAS

Visit Dargužiai Sūrininkų namai (Cheesemakers’ House of Perkūnas is an original house) in summer. Here you can always get a cup Gothic secular building of the 15th of hot herbal tea, and wonderful cheeses made century. Here you can find tradi- from sheep’s, goat’s or cow’s milk. The owners of tional craft workshops and learn all this house promote slow food culture and, therefore, the secrets of wicker weaving, the make food in our mothers’ and grandmothers’ way. major clay-working techniques, the The process of cheese making, start to finish, is car- art of paper cutting, candle making ried out by hand. What is more, only milk from sheep, and wood carving traditions. goats and cows grazing in Lithuanian pastures is used. After trying some local delicacies, look around An amazing panorama of Dargužiai and the surrounding villages, enjoy the beau- Kaunas Town Hall Square tiful natural environment. Each summer, Sūrininkų na- and the Old Town opens up mai invites you to discover Dzūkija’s most amazing from the observation deck– views, with three canoe, three walking and six cycling terrace of the Kaunas Jesuit routes in Dargužiai and surrounding villages. Monastery (Rotušės Sq 7 / Aleksoto St 2). 17 Please note: only during the summer season. Lithuanian State Department of Tourism under The Ministry of Economy Lithuania Gedimino pr. 38, LT-01104 Vilnius, Lithuania Tel.: + 8 706 64 976, fax: 8 706 64 988 Let’s take it slow E-mail: [email protected] www.tourism.lt www.Lithuania.travel

Published by PLC “VIP Viešosios informacijos partneriai“.

Cover photo (Author) Monika Požerskytė. Photos in the publication are used with

the permission of Jonas Kazlauskas, Renatas Jakaitis, Ramunė Mikitiejeva, Ronny Lepp, Mindaugas Lapelė, Kristina Stalnionytė, Laimonas Ciūnys, Vilius Lunevičius, Vytautas Kandrotas, Andrius Repšys, Arūnas Pranaitis, Sias van Schalkwyk and VTD archive.

Printed by Design and Publishing UAB KOPA.

Not for sale.