Travel blogger Diana Gedeikytė-Jakutienė, author of Check In Lithuania, spends a lot of time exploring the country and has walked many of its nature trails. She has selected her ten favourites in a press release.
1. Ščiūris Horn nature trail (Molėtai district)
Ščiūris Horn is a unique place – a peninsula almost three kilometres long, bordered to the north by Lake Baltieji Lakajai and to the south by Lake Juodieji Lakajai. The eight-kilometre trail runs through the beautiful forests of Labanoras, with the rising and falling shores of the lakes opening up stunning views. Along the way, there are plenty of rest stops, benches, and both informational and interactive displays.
2. Punia Forest nature trail (Alytus district)
Most of Punia Forest is a protected reserve, closed to visitors, but its southern edge forms a narrow strip of landscape reserve where the trail winds through. The route offers a special nine-kilometre walk in woodland that was once part of a primeval forest.
The trail allows walkers to experience untouched woodland. There are no artificial surfaces, only the occasional set of steps or crossings over springs and streams. Hikers can enjoy rapids, wild nature, and views of the fast-flowing River Nemunas, with several points of interest along the way.
3. Mūša Swamp nature trail (Joniškis district)
This is the longest boardwalk trail across a bog in Lithuania – and one of the most beautiful. The seven-kilometre walk passes the small Miknaičiai Lake, gives a lasting impression of typical bog scenery, and offers fresh air with the distinctive scent of wild rosemary.
4. Varnikai nature trail (Trakai district)
Close to Trakai, the Varnikai trail winds through the Ilgelis swamp, past small lakes and a forest of old trees. The circuit is just four kilometres long, but it offers a rewarding walk with plenty of scenic views.
5. Jurkiškis Stream nature trail (Molėtai district)
In the Asveja Regional Park, near Dubingiai, the Jurkiškis Stream trail runs through a wooded valley full of boulders. At only 1.5 kilometres long, it is short but challenging. The slopes are steep, with the path climbing and descending high stairways.
6. Sirvėta mythological trail (Švenčionys district)
Almost 20 sculptures created by Lithuanian artists are placed along this approximately one-kilometre circular trail. The mythological path begins in the village of Šventa, near the visitor centre of Sirvėta Regional Park.
7. Žiegždriai geological trail (Kaunas district)
In a special stretch of the Kaunas Reservoir shoreline, the Žiegždriai geological trail climbs and descends steep slopes. The trail is only 1.6 kilometres long, but the sweeping views over the water mean you are constantly stopping to take it all in.
The route passes a clay landslide, the Žiegždriai exposure, an eight-trunked linden tree, a spring and the Kalniškiai conglomerate outcrop. The trail is best seen in late autumn or early spring.
8. Lakeside walking trail in Molėtai
Two lakes – Pastovėlis and Pastovis – lie side by side in the centre of Molėtai, with a nearly six-kilometre trail running around them.
The route is equipped with many rest areas, piers, bridges, viewing platforms, a music space, a large slide, children’s playgrounds, and beaches. Sculptures dot the shoreline.
9. Zackagiris trail (Varėna district)
Known locally as “Bear’s Bottom”, this 11-kilometre route runs through the bright pine forests of Dzūkija. Walkers are promised hours of fresh air, exercise, and views of sand dunes without the sea.
10. Jiesia landscape reserve trail (Kaunas)
At just over two kilometres long, this trail on the outskirts of Kaunas is less about covering distance and more about showcasing a single geological wonder – the Rokai (Jiesia) exposure.
Standing 34 metres high, with eight visible geological layers, it is the jewel of the Jiesia landscape reserve. The cliff is particularly impressive in its autumn colours.
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