Discover Anykščiai District Municipality

The Medžių lajų takas runs at treetop level; the Siauruko muziejus presents the history of the narrow-gauge railway in exhibitions and on a one-hour ride. In Anykščiai District Municipality, nature experiences meet cultural heritage and regional attractions.

Landscape and trails

The Anykščių šilelio kraštovaizdžio draustinis Landscape Reserve was established to preserve the characteristic landscape of Anykščių šilelis and the Šventoji Valley, with its outcrops and floodplain meadows. The reserve also includes the boulders Puntukas and Puntuko brolis, the “Karalienės liūnas” spring, the Vetygala outcrop, the Peniankai burial mound complex and other cultural heritage sites. A total of 769 species of higher plants have been recorded in the area; more than 20 are listed in Lithuania’s Red Data Book.

The Medžių lajų takas is 300 metres long and rises gradually to 21 metres above the ground. At its end is an observation tower with a viewing platform 34 metres high. As the first walkway of its kind in the Baltics and across Eastern Europe, it allows visitors to walk at treetop level.

The Anykščių šilelio eko basų kojų takas barefoot trail is 1.2 kilometres long and runs through the surrounding area as a completely natural path. It can only be walked barefoot; along the way, you can get your feet wet in the lake. The challenging route “Pažintinis maršrutas: Anykščių regioninio parko atodangos” is different: it takes one or two days, follows asphalt roads, gravel paths, a wooden boardwalk and field tracks, and starts at the Anykščiai Regional Park Visitor Centre. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Railways, museums and history

Across several exhibition buildings, the Siauruko muziejus presents technical heritage and the history of narrow-gauge railways, along with their historical context in the 20th century. A one-hour ride takes visitors through the history of the century-old narrow-gauge railway. The subject can therefore be explored both in the exhibitions and through a dedicated experience.

The Angelų muziejus – Sakralinio meno centras opened in 2010 as Lithuania’s first angel museum. It displays a collection of more than 100 angels donated by Beatričė Kleizaitė-Vasaris. Another historical trail leads to the Šeimyniškėliai Hillfort Complex, considered the site of Mindaugas’s presumed Voruta Castle. In the mid-13th century, a state-owned wooden castle stood on Šeimyniškėliai Hill. It protected the northern border of the Lithuanian state and was considered the largest castle in eastern Lithuania.

For a view across the surroundings of Anykščiai, the viewing platform in the tower of St. Matthew’s Church offers another vantage point: it is 33 metres high and reached by 186 steps. An exhibition at the Anykščiai Regional Park Visitor Centre presents the park’s natural and cultural heritage through literary works.

Creative and culinary experiences

The “Lietuviškų gėrimų kelionė” programme at Anykščių vynas explores the history and origins of the drinks made there, demonstrates the production process and offers the chance to taste popular products. The Anykščių menų inkubatorius – menų studija invites visitors to enjoy changing exhibitions, educational activities, creative workshops, virtual reality experiences and a range of cultural events. As the programme may change, check the current offerings before your trip.

As part of the bread-making programme at the Arklio muziejus, participants shape a loaf, bake it in a freshly heated wood-fired oven and can sample country dishes. If you would like to include this experience in your plans, check in advance whether it will be offered during your trip.

Burbiškis Manor is currently used for tourism and offers accommodation and meals. Concerts, seminars and exhibitions are also held there. Check the estate’s current offerings before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Rubikiai, Skiemonys, Kurkliai, Andrioniškis, Svėdasai, Molėtų rajono savivaldybė, Zarasų rajono savivaldybė, Ignalina District Municipality

For the overview of the wider area: Utena County.