Discover Švenčionys District Municipality: Lakes, Forests and Tradition

Švenčionys District Municipality reveals itself through its lakes, river landscapes, forest trails and local traditions. Švenčionys District has 289 lakes with a total area of 5,632.1 ha. The Žeimena flows through the area from north to south; in Labanoras Forest, a nature trail combines nature-related themes with archaeological traces. Other features include the Lino Verdenė spring, which has special significance for local residents, and Kačėniškės Hill, a cycling destination that is also of historical interest. Here, you can encounter different facets of the landscape and culture, which you can explore individually as you plan your trip.

Lakes, Rivers and Protected Areas

The 289 lakes cover a total of 5,632.1 ha. The Žeimena also shapes the district’s waterways: it flows from north to south, has no dams, and is one of Lithuania’s most important salmon spawning grounds. In addition to these waterways, two regional parks provide further points of reference. Part of Asveja Regional Park lies within Švenčionys District. Kačėniškės Hill, also known as Pasijų kalnas, is also in the district, but belongs to Sirvėta Regional Park. These details illustrate the different protected-area designations within the district.

Forest Trails and Excursions

The Labanoras Visitor Centre can help you plan excursions around the park and sells park maps and souvenirs. Its exhibition introduces the natural and cultural values of Labanoras Forest. The visitor centre also offers activities for the whole family. Check the latest visitor information before your trip.

The nature trail through Labanoras Forest starts near Labanoras, is 3 km long and takes about 1.5 hours to complete. It leads through the ecosystems of bogs and lakes and provides information about the plants and animals found there that are included on Lithuania’s Red List. Nearby ancient burial mounds are also among the trail’s themes. Trail conditions may change seasonally. If you plan to follow this nature trail, take both into account when planning your visit.

The 9 km Daugava–Nemunas cycling route offers a different perspective, connecting Šventa with Kačėniškės Hill. The nature trail focuses on the habitats, species and archaeological traces of Labanoras Forest; the cycling route, by contrast, centres on the connection between the two places and the hill as a destination. Surfaces and signage may change, so it is advisable to check current route conditions before setting out.

Local Traditions and History

The Lino Verdenė spring lies right beside Lake Sėtikis, at the bottom of the slope of a pine-covered hill. Local residents consider it special and sacred. It is said that Rasos celebrations—that is, Midsummer celebrations—as well as gatherings associated with the changes in natural cycles and the equinoxes have been held there for a long time. The spring is thus defined both by its location beside the lake and by the local traditions associated with it.

Kačėniškės Hill dates to the first millennium AD and the beginning of the second millennium. It was an important defensive fortification and belonged to the land of Nalšia. Along with its location in Sirvėta Regional Park, this gives the cycling route to Kačėniškės a historical dimension.

A workshop on painting dowry chests is offered at the Traditional Crafts Centre in Reškutėnai. Participants learn about the history of the chests, their purpose and symbolic meaning, as well as their decoration and painting. Check in advance for the current workshop schedule and how to take part.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Kaltanėnai, Švenčionėliai, Labanoras, Vilnius District Municipality, Elektrėnai Municipality, Ukmergė District Municipality, Trakai District Municipality, Vilnius District Municipality.

Back to the overview of destinations: Vilnius County.