Discover Utena County: culture, trails and special places

• The Lietuvos etnokosmologijos muziejus brings together astronomy, ethnic culture and the relationship between humans and the cosmos.
• At the Utenos kraštotyros muziejus, explore Utena’s past and present; two halls host changing exhibitions.
• The treetop path in Anykščiai Regional Park runs 20 metres above the ground.
• The Šventosios source trail is 10 kilometres long and ends with a self-operated pontoon crossing.
• The observation wheel at Lake Zarasas offers panoramic views from a height of 17 metres.
• Dauniškis Park in Utena has walking paths, benches and a fountain that operates seasonally.
• At the Gaidelių homestead, you can watch a demonstration of how traditional Aukštaitian fish soup is prepared.

Culture between the cosmos and regional history

In Visaginas, the exhibition at the Visagino miesto muziejus tells the story of the city’s identity, shaped by nuclear energy. Visitors can also try operating a scale-model simulator of the control room at the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant. The ethnographic village of Vaišnoriškės offers another perspective on regional history: two residential houses rebuilt in the old style, a barn, two stables and saunas are open to visitors.

Utenos dvaras also offers a striking glimpse of history, with its preserved red-brick manor buildings, outbuildings and gardens. If you are interested in architectural and everyday history, you can visit these sites as separate stops alongside the museums.

Trails, views and time outdoors

The attractions vary in length and perspective. The 10-kilometre Šventosios source trail ends with a self-operated pontoon crossing at the narrowest point of the Antalieptė Reservoir. The treetop path in Anykščiai Regional Park runs 20 metres above the ground and is considered the first path of its kind in the Baltics. These details can help you choose different experiences for your trip without assuming a walking time for the trail.

The observation wheel is a distinctive feature of the view at Lake Zarasas: its ring-shaped design has a diameter of 34 metres, and the panoramic view opens up from a height of 17 metres. Nearby, you can walk along the lakeside path or explore the area by boat or bicycle. These are other options by the lake, not features of the wheel itself.

Dauniškis Park in Utena has numerous walking paths and benches. Its facilities also include a pontoon bridge, several playgrounds, beaches and free Wi-Fi. The fountain operates from late spring to early autumn, with daytime and evening programmes. If you plan to visit specifically for this seasonal attraction, check the times before you go.

Regional cuisine and practical planning

At the Gaidelių homestead, you can take part in an educational demonstration of how traditional Aukštaitian fish soup is prepared. It draws on the long-standing fishing traditions of East Aukštaitija. This adds a culinary theme to the museum and nature experiences without assuming that any one cuisine is typical of the entire county.

The municipal timetable is also useful for getting around Visaginas: it lists city bus route 8 as valid from 14 December 2025. Check the timetable for your travel date if you want to include this route in your plans. When choosing where to stay, you can first consider which of the themes described is most important for your trip; then check the specific connections and programme details for your planned visits.

Places in Utena County

Discover more places: Utena, Anykščiai, Ignalina, Visaginas, Zarasai, Sudeikiai, Dubingiai, Salakas, Balninkai, Molėtai, Kirdeikiai, Alanta, Giedraičiai, Dubingių Seniūnija, Girsteitiškis, Serapiniškė, Šilinė, Antazavės Seniūnija, Užpaliai, Videniškiai, Antalgė, Leliūnai, Bičionys, Anykščiai District Municipality, Utena District Municipality, Zarasai District Municipality, Anykščiai District Municipality, Rimšė, Ignalina District Municipality, Molėtai District Municipality.