A one-hour journey through the history of a century-old narrow-gauge railway, a walk at treetop level and a landscape reserve featuring boulders, a spring and a river valley: Anykščiai District Municipality offers a variety of reasons to explore. When planning your trip, it is worth considering culture, views and nature as separate highlights.
Narrow-Gauge Railway and Technical History
The Siauruko muziejus showcases technical heritage and the history of narrow-gauge railways in several exhibition buildings. This also includes their historical context in the 20th century. A one-hour journey traces the history of the century-old narrow-gauge railway. You can learn about railway history through the exhibitions and as a one-hour experience in its own right.
Landscapes and Views
The Anykščių šilelio kraštovaizdžio draustinis landscape reserve was established to protect the characteristic landscape of Anykščių šilelis and the Šventoji Valley. Protected features include outcrops and floodplain meadows, the Puntukas and Puntuko brolis boulders, the Karalienės liūnas spring, the Vetygala outcrop, the Peniankai burial mound complex and other cultural heritage sites. A total of 769 higher plant species have been recorded in the area; more than 20 of them are listed in the Red Data Book of Lithuania.
The Medžių lajų takas is 300 metres long and rises gradually to 21 metres above the ground. At the end is an observation tower with a viewing platform 34 metres high. It is said to be the first path in the Baltics and all of Eastern Europe where visitors can walk at treetop level. For a different kind of viewpoint, visit the tower of Anykščiai’s St. Matthias Church: its platform is 33 metres high and accessible by 186 steps, offering views across the surroundings of Anykščiai.
History, Museums and Culture
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. A state-owned wooden castle stood on Šeimyniškėliai Hill in the mid-13th century. It protected the northern border of the Lithuanian state and was considered the largest castle in eastern Lithuania. The Šeimyniškėliai Hillfort Complex is also considered the site of the presumed Voruta Castle of Mindaugas.
The Anykščių menų inkubatorius – menų studija offers changing exhibitions, educational activities, creative workshops, virtual reality experiences and cultural events. As the programme may change, check the current offerings if you are planning around a specific date. An exhibition at the Anykščiai Regional Park Visitor Centre presents the park’s natural and cultural heritage through literary works.
Routes and Outdoor Activities
The challenging “Pažintinis maršrutas: Anykščių regioninio parko atodangos” route is designed as a one- or two-day trip. It follows paved roads, gravel roads, a wooden boardwalk and field paths; the starting point is the Anykščiai Regional Park Visitor Centre. Check current conditions before setting out. Another way to experience the area is the 1.2-kilometre Anykščių šilelio eko basų kojų takas ecological barefoot trail. It follows a completely natural path, and your feet get wet in the lake.
Drinks, Bread and Accommodation
The “Lietuviškų gėrimų kelionė” programme at Anykščių vynas presents the history and origins of the drinks produced there, shows how they are made and offers the opportunity to taste the products. A bread-making programme is among the activities described at the Arklio muziejus: participants shape a loaf, bake it in a freshly heated wood-fired oven and can sample country-style dishes. Check in advance whether the activity is currently available.
Burbiškis Manor is currently used for tourism and offers accommodation and meals. Concerts, seminars and exhibitions are also held there. If you are considering staying there, check current availability when planning your overnight stay.
Discover more destinations: Andrioniškis, Svėdasai, Kurkliai, Rubikiai, Skiemonys.
Discover more destinations: Zarasų rajono savivaldybė, Molėtų rajono savivaldybė, Ignalina District Municipality.
Return to the broader travel overview: Utena County.
