When planning a trip, you can consider the search for a holiday apartment in Šilinė separately from the choice of regional destinations. As regional destinations, Utena and the wider Utena area offer different ways to explore nature and culture: a lake with a range of waterside activities, nature trails, museums and urban places. This selection can help you sort through your interests without combining the destinations into a fixed day-by-day itinerary.
Lakes and nature trails
Lake Tauragnas is Lithuania’s deepest lake and is located in Aukštaitija National Park, near Utena. Along its shore are walking paths and pontoon piers with viewing platforms. Boating, volleyball and swimming add to the activities available by the water. There is a range of things to do here, from walking along the shore to spending time on the lake. Aukštaitija has more than 1,000 lakes, making Lake Tauragnas part of a region particularly rich in lakes. Before visiting, check which lakeside facilities are currently available, as amenities and activities may change.
The Ąžuolija educational trail is located in the wider Utena area. It is about 1.6 kilometres long and follows a linear route. As an alternative return route, there is the 2.4-kilometre Silence Trail. The difference to consider when choosing your route is the layout: the educational trail is linear, while the Silence Trail serves as an alternative return route. Species that are particularly sensitive to human visits live in the Ąžuolija area, including some considered endangered in Lithuania. Visitors are asked to behave responsibly, especially during the bird nesting season.
Culture and history in Utena
The Utenos kraštotyros muziejus uses smart technologies to present Utena’s past and present. It is housed in one of the city’s oldest buildings and has an extensive collection of exhibits. What it offers visitors includes exhibitions, educational activities and cultural events. The programme may change, so it is worth checking the current schedule before visiting.
Utenio Square offers a different way to engage with the city’s heritage: it marks the site of old Utena. Its features include an illuminated fountain, a glass gallery, benches and flower beds. The museum and the square have different focuses: the museum connects past and present through exhibitions and events, while the square, with its listed features, helps shape the public urban space.
Šilinė Forest is also associated with a grave historical subject. An open-air camp was located there, where Utena’s Jewish residents were imprisoned after 14 July 1941. This historical context is a distinct point of interest alongside the city’s cultural offerings.
More regional places to visit
A cycling route from Utena leads to Prieškario ūkininko sodyba in Sirutėnai, which has a large collection of exhibits. Other visitor routes in the Utena region include “Žavus Sudeikių kelias” and “Darnoje su gamta.” The latter route can also be completed on foot. If you would like to include one of these routes in your plans, check the current route conditions before setting out.
Another regional attraction is Triušiukų slėnis, around 23 kilometres from Utena. It is home to more than 50 different rabbit breeds, as well as peacocks, pheasants, ostriches, deer, fallow deer, nutria, alpacas and squirrels. Visitors can pet and feed the rabbits and learn about the different breeds. The animals and activities may change, so check what is currently offered before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Bičionys, Anykščiai, Molėtai, Dubingiai, Zarasai, Videniškiai, Dubingių Seniūnija, Antalgė.
For the broader travel overview: Utena District.
