Riverside Setting and Landscape

Butėnai lies at the confluence of the Šventoji River and the Narantis stream. The Šventoji also defines a longer landscape feature: it flows along the southern edge of the lands of Butėnai for about six to seven kilometres. Together, these details describe two scales: the confluence as the location of the village and the river’s course along the southern edge of its lands. If you are considering the landscape when planning your trip, you can take both the precise location by the waterways and the longer stretch of river into account.

Klyviu is a narrow, deep, stony ravine with a small stream at its bottom, in the riverside landscape near Butėnai. It adds another type of terrain to the riverside setting: while the Šventoji runs along the southern edge of the lands for a longer stretch, Klyviu refers to a single ravine with a stream at its bottom. The landscape descriptions therefore distinguish between a longer stretch of river and a clearly defined landform.

Cultural Heritage and Local History

The Butėnai burial mound cemetery, also known as Milžinų kapai, is a state-protected archaeological heritage site in Butėnai. The Butėnai manor stood on Bobakalnis and belonged to the Komaras family on 13 May 1671. Remains of old tiles, bricks, clay pans and small coins were found on the same Bobakalnis. The date anchors the manor’s history to a precise moment, while the finds add an archaeological perspective. Together, a protected heritage site, specific finds and a dated record of ownership offer distinct perspectives on the history of Butėnai.

The Šv. Jono Krikštytojo wayside shrine stands by the Naruntis stream in Butėnai; it was restored at its historic location. Its position by the stream and its restoration at the historic site give the shrine two concrete connections to the place. The riverside landscape, archaeological heritage and manor history are complemented by a restored wayside shrine.

To mark the 350th anniversary of Butėnai, a historical walk through the old village and a prayer at the cemetery were held. A bench for Augustinas, Vaižgantas’s godfather, and a memorial stone were also unveiled. The anniversary brought together the walk and prayer with tributes: a bench for Augustinas and a memorial stone.

Accommodation and Activities

Barono Vila offers guests a boat, a canoe and recreational fishing. Barono Vila also serves traditional northeastern Lithuanian dishes, with Baron’s pilau as its speciality. Catering must be arranged in advance. When planning, the advance enquiries differ: for activities, check availability and booking conditions; for catering, make arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Andrioniškio seniūnija, Šventupys, Zaviesiškis.

Go to the main travel overview: Anykščių rajono savivaldybė.