Kupiškis: Culture, Ritinis and the Musical Fountain

Kupiškis brings together city history, public art and the sport of Ritinis. The wider destination of Kupiškio rajono savivaldybė adds its own landscape and cultural themes.

Museum, Library and City History

The Kupiškis Museum is housed in a former parish school building dating from 1823. Its permanent exhibitions focus on peasant households of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as Kupiškis wedding traditions. The collection also includes traditional Lithuanian clothing and accessories from the 19th century through the first half of the 20th century. Stefanija, Mikalina and Elvyra Glemžaitė assembled the collection. The museum also preserves aurochs horns almost 4,000 years old, considered the largest found in Lithuania.

Since 1950, Kupiškis Public Library has been housed in a former Jewish synagogue. Its holdings include local history materials, manuscripts and photographs. If you are looking for specific collections, it is best to check the library’s services before your trip.

Public Art, Music and Ritinis

Kupiškis’ street art includes Henrikas Orakauskas’ works “Kupiškėnai wedding” and “Rainbow horse.” An open-air sculpture trail by the sculptor features more than two dozen of his sculptures; as the trail’s presentation may change, check its current route in advance. In addition, the owner of the Stone Sculpture Park of Vytautas Jasinskas invites visitors to view the sculptures in his yard. Check access before visiting.

At Laurynas Gucevičius Square, a musical fountain combines water, light and music. During a show, the jets of water rise up to eight metres. The fountain was created in 2019 when the square was redeveloped, replacing its previous fountain. There is no fixed show schedule, so check for current performances in advance.

Another theme is Ritinis, a Lithuanian ring-throwing game. The permanent exhibition at the Kupiškis District Sports and Physical Culture Centre displays awards and other exhibits. Visits are possible on weekdays; an advance appointment is required on weekends. Check visitor access before you arrive. A seasonal activity is also planned: playing Ripka together in summer with Vidmantas Liubomirskas, president of the Kupiškis Ritinis Sports Club and an educator. Ask the venue whether the activity is available during your trip.

Landscape and Culture in the Wider Destination

In the wider destination of Kupiškio rajono savivaldybė, Kupiškis Lagoon was created in 1984 by damming the Lėvuo River. The artificial reservoir covers 828 hectares and is about 25 kilometres long. A variety of events are held there every year, including the Kupiškis Lagoon Regatta, international hydroplane races, Lithuanian and international triathlon competitions, and the Lithuanian Beach Soccer Championship. There are also ice-fishing competitions and summer festivals. If you want to plan your trip around a particular event, check its dates separately.

The dendrological park on Uošvės Liežuvis Island covers 8.97 hectares and is home to more than 50 tree species. Its facilities include educational trails, recreation areas with shelters, toilets and an event area. The park can be reached by a bridge from the village of Pajuodupė or by a pontoon bridge from the Aukštupėnai recreation area. A 225-metre wakeboarding course with ramps runs between the recreation area and the island. Check the current condition of the facilities and the operating status of the wakeboarding facility in advance.

Adomynė Manor is also among the cultural highlights of the wider destination of Kupiškio rajono savivaldybė. It is a rare monument of Romantic Classicist wooden architecture and is listed in Lithuania’s Register of Cultural Property. Features that have been preserved include tiled stoves, a bread oven, frescoes, decorated doors with metal fittings and ornamental parquet floors. Adomynė is also known for its certified Lithuanian cultural heritage pastries, “Pagrabinės,” which are baked exclusively there.

Discover more destinations: Panevėžys, Krekenavos Seniūnija, Biržai, Naujamiestis, Rokiškis, Naciūnai, Puožas, Šilagalys

Go to the wider travel overview: Panevėžys District.