Anykščiai District Municipality: Nature, Culture and Special Discoveries

Landscapes and nature experiences

The Anykščių šilelio kraštovaizdžio draustinis landscape reserve helps preserve the characteristic landscape of Anykščių šilelis and the Šventoji Valley. Its protected features include outcrops and floodplain meadows, the boulders Puntukas and Puntuko brolis, the “Karalienės liūnas” spring, the Vetygala outcrop, the Peniankai burial mound complex, and other cultural heritage sites. Nature and cultural heritage sit side by side here, allowing you to combine views of the landscape with an interest in traces of its history.

A total of 769 species of higher plants have been recorded in the reserve; more than 20 of them are listed in the Red Data Book of Lithuania. This diversity gives the natural area an additional, distinct significance alongside its striking geological and historical sites.

Trails with different highlights

The Medžių lajų takas is 300 metres long and rises steadily to 21 metres above the ground. At the end is an observation tower with a viewing platform 34 metres high. As the first trail of its kind in the Baltics and across Eastern Europe, it lets visitors walk at treetop level. The short distance and gradual climb show what makes this trail special: the focus is not on a long hike, but on the unique perspective among the treetops.

The challenging “Pažintinis maršrutas: Anykščių regioninio parko atodangos” route is designed differently. Planned as a one- or two-day route, it follows asphalt roads, gravel paths, a wooden boardwalk and field tracks. It starts at the Anykščiai Regional Park Visitor Centre. Those looking for a short, immediate sensory experience will find a different kind of trail on the 1.2-kilometre Anykščių šilelio eko basų kojų takas ecological barefoot trail: it runs entirely through natural terrain, is walked barefoot only, and gets your feet wet in the lake.

The observation point in the tower of St. Matthias Church also offers a distinctive physical challenge: the platform is 33 metres high and reached by climbing 186 steps. From the top, you can enjoy a panorama of the area around Anykščiai. The nature experiences therefore differ not only in their landscapes, but also in how you explore them.

Railway history, art and culture

The Siauruko muziejus is devoted to technical heritage and the history of narrow-gauge railways. Several exhibition buildings present their historical context in the 20th century. The museum also offers a one-hour journey through the history of the hundred-year-old narrow-gauge railway. You can explore the subject both through the exhibitions and during the ride.

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. The Anykščių menų inkubatorius – menų studija focuses on changing exhibitions, educational activities, creative workshops, virtual reality experiences and various cultural events. These venues offer different ways to engage with art and culture: from a clearly defined themed collection to changing creative formats.

Flavours and regional traditions

At Anykščių vynas, the “Lietuviškų gėrimų kelionė” programme introduces the history and origins of the drinks made there. Visitors see the production process and can sample popular products. Another culinary experience is the bread-making programme at the Arklio muziejus: participants shape a loaf, bake it in a freshly heated wood-fired oven and can taste traditional rural dishes. Both experiences focus on production and flavour, but feature different products and activities.

Discover places in the municipality

You can also find the pages for Andrioniškis, Svėdasai, Kurkliai, Rubikiai and Skiemonys.

For the broader travel overview: Utena County.

More destinations

More places in the same destination:

Molėtų rajono savivaldybė, Zarasų rajono savivaldybė, Ignalina District Municipality.