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Introducing Eastern & Southern Lithuania
The deep, magical forests of Lithuania's eastern and southern corners are a tree-hugger's paradise. Some of the most spectacular scenery in the Baltic region is found in these wildernesses, with a lake district that extends into Belarus and Latvia.
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Aukštaitija National Park is Lithuania's oldest park, framed by the 900-sq-km Laboranas-Pabradė Forest. Exquisitely sweet and tiny wild strawberries are the pick of the abundant berry crop in early summer, while mushrooms of all shapes and guises sprout by the bucketful from early spring until late autumn. Skiing, canoeing, hiking, windsurfing, watching golden eagles and spotting black storks (white ones are everywhere) are the tip of the iceberg as far as outdoor pursuits are concerned.
Dzūkija in the far south is the biggest national park, surrounded by the 1500-sq-km Druskininkai-Varėna Forest. Nearby, on the Nemunas River, is the increasingly hip spa resort of Druskininkai, where Čiurlionis compositions serenade fat-walleted self-pamperers who come here on weekend breaks for warm honey massages. Next door at Grutas sculpture park reside Lenin, Stalin and Co - the main reason most people travel here.
Last updated: Feb 17, 2009
