Crafts and Forest Beekeeping in Marcinkonys

The “Nuog dravės lig dravės” hiking trail follows paths that recall the historical practice of forest beekeeping and leads to tree hollows where you may still find buzzing bees. The route thus combines a cultural connection with the chance to observe nature: the paths tell the story of forest beekeeping, while bees may still be found in the tree hollows.

Ethnocultural activities are nurtured in the village of Marcinkonys. Popular folk crafts there include weaving, willow, root and bast weaving, candle-making and decorating Easter eggs. The different materials and techniques give these traditions a wide range—from woven and plaited pieces to waxwork and egg decoration.

At the Ethnographic Farmstead in Marcinkonys, schoolchildren and adults learn how to make wax candles and make candles themselves. Another educational activity is for students in grades 5 to 12: they learn about the tradition and materials of straw garden making and create a small straw garden. The two activities have different focuses and target groups. If you are planning to take part, check the options in advance.

The “Bobos daržas” spring offers another connection with nature. It is one of the Skroblus springs, which are designated hydrogeological natural monuments. While the hiking trail evokes forest beekeeping, the spring’s designation identifies it as part of a group of protected springs. In Marcinkonys, a culturally significant forest history and a named natural monument thus stand side by side.

A Closer Look at Alytus County

The Nemunas flows through Alytus County, where Lake Žuvintas covers 970 hectares. Alytus is home to the White Rose Bridge, Lithuania’s highest pedestrian and cycle bridge. It connects the cycling paths on both banks of the Nemunas. Check the latest access information before visiting the bridge, as access conditions may change.

The landscapes and routes can also be viewed at different scales. A 19 km loop of the Nemunas encircles Punios šilas. The Vidzgiris Botanical Reserve has a marked 9 km walking trail. The 52 km St. James Way in the Alytus area passes through Punia and includes the Church of St. James in Punia. The figures describe different things: 19 km for the river loop, 9 km for the walking trail and 52 km for the pilgrimage route. Trail conditions and signage on the St. James Way may change; check the latest information before setting out.

Visitors are free to enter the Punios šilas Landscape Reserve. This access information does not apply to the separately restricted nature reserve zone; check its rules in advance.

At Pivašiūnų amatų centras, visitors can make butter themselves and taste it with the Dzūkija pastry “buikelė”. The programme also includes preparing and sampling various Dzūkija baked goods, including potato bandos, buckwheat babkas, cakes, small pastries and kūčiukai. At Dapiškis Manor in Dapkiškiai, the programme includes educational activities for children and guided tours for adults. Check in advance which activities will be available during your visit.

Discover more destinations: Kibyšiai, Roduka, Merkinė, Marcinkonių Eldership, Vilkiautinis, Viršurodukis, Genionys, Pamusiai.

For the broader travel overview: Alytus County.