Discover Joniškėlis

Joniškėlis combines the history of a large estate with an expansive park and the heritage of the narrow-gauge railway. Church architecture and a nighttime manor-house visit are also among the town’s attractions. If you’re looking for a hotel in Joniškėlis, you can plan your stay around whether you’re especially interested in estate history, landscapes or historic infrastructure.

Manor House and Estate History

From 1723 to 1940, the Joniškėlis manor belonged to the Karpiai family. They made the estate one of the largest in the Žiemgala region. The surviving buildings of the former estate include old and new manor houses, an office building, a watermill, a cowshed, granaries and workers’ houses. There is also a carriage house, a blacksmith’s shop, a smokehouse, the gardener’s house and the remains of an orangery. The different residential, administrative and agricultural buildings show that the history of the place is not limited to a single manor house.

Education and healthcare were also part of the estate’s history: Vilnius University established a university primary school and a hospital at the estate. This use adds to the picture of a site that was associated with a range of functions over a long period.

Park, Paths and Vegetation

Joniškėlis Manor Park covers 27 hectares within the 34.1-hectare estate grounds. The landscaped park was created in the late 18th century and expanded toward the end of the 19th century. Its features include three ponds, more than 20 native tree and shrub species, and over 30 introduced plant species. These figures give an impression of the park’s diversity; later inventories may change the species counts.

The park has almost three kilometres of walking paths, as well as benches and bridges. This makes it possible to explore the park both through its landscape and its design, without assuming a particular walking pace or duration. The park is a nationally significant, state-protected area. Its protected features include the landscape and vegetation. It also provides a habitat for four bat species; the presence of wildlife may vary seasonally.

Churches and the Narrow-Gauge Railway

Joniškėlis Holy Trinity Church was built in 1792. It is considered an early Neoclassical architectural monument and has a Baroque and Neo-Baroque interior. Its distinctive tower is considered rare in Lithuanian ecclesiastical architecture. Architecture enthusiasts will find a different historical perspective here than at the estate: the focus is on the building’s form, interior and distinctive tower.

The narrow-gauge railway is also part of the town’s history. The old Biržai–Panevėžys line passes through Joniškėlis. The Joniškėlis–Linkuva section is part of a state-protected narrow-gauge railway complex, which also includes stations, industrial buildings and track infrastructure. This distinguishes the historic route from the built elements of the protected complex.

Nighttime Manor-House Tour

The Joniškėlis Regional Museum offers a tour of the manor house after dark. Whether it takes place depends on the program’s operational availability. Participants must bring a flashlight and wear comfortable, waterproof shoes and warm clothing. As the organizer may change the requirements, check the date and current equipment guidance in advance.

Sigutės Koldūninė is a Lithuanian restaurant at Vytauto gatvė 50 in Joniškėlis. Before visiting, check whether the address and offering are still current. The estate, park, churches and railway heritage each offer a different focus, providing a concrete basis for deciding which side of Joniškėlis will shape your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Pasvalys District Municipality.