Anykščiai District Municipality: Nature, Railways and Culture

Key facts

• The Siauruko muziejus showcases the history of narrow-gauge railways and offers an hour-long journey through the history of the century-old railway.
• The Anykščių šilelio kraštovaizdžio draustinis Landscape Reserve preserves a characteristic landscape with natural and cultural heritage sites.
• The Medžių lajų takas is 300 metres long and leads to an observation tower with a platform 34 metres high.
• The Angelų muziejus – Sakralinio meno centras opened in 2010 as Lithuania’s first angel museum; its collection includes more than 100 angels.
• The “Pažintinis maršrutas: Anykščių regioninio parko atodangos” route is designed as a demanding one- or two-day trip.
• The “Lietuviškų gėrimų kelionė” programme explores the history, origins and production of drinks; tastings are also available.

Choose landscapes and trails thoughtfully

The Anykščių šilelio kraštovaizdžio draustinis Landscape Reserve was established to preserve the characteristic landscape of Anykščių šilelis and the Šventoji Valley, with its outcrops and floodplain meadows. Protected natural and cultural heritage sites also include 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 species of higher plants have been recorded in the area; more than 20 of them are listed in Lithuania’s Red Data Book.

For a view from above, the Medžių lajų takas offers a clear point of reference: the path rises steadily 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. The Anykščių šilelio eko basų kojų takas ecological barefoot trail offers a different way to experience the surroundings. It is 1.2 kilometres long, entirely natural, and can only be walked barefoot; along the way, your feet get wet in the lake.

If you are planning a longer excursion, consider the “Pažintinis maršrutas: Anykščių regioninio parko atodangos” route: it is demanding, designed for one or two days, and runs along asphalt roads, gravel tracks, a wooden boardwalk and field paths. The starting point is the Anykščių Regional Park Visitor Centre. The duration and varied character of the routes can help you gauge the scale of an excursion; check current route conditions before setting out.

Narrow-gauge railway, museums and history

The Siauruko muziejus explores technological heritage and the history of narrow-gauge railways in several exhibition buildings, including their historical context in the 20th century. The hour-long journey through the history of the century-old narrow-gauge railway adds an experience of its own to the exhibition. A museum visit and a clearly timed train ride thus offer two different ways to explore railway history.

The Angelų muziejus – Sakralinio meno centras displays a collection of more than 100 angels donated by Beatričė Kleizaitė-Vasaris. The Šeimyniškėliai hillfort complex offers another glimpse into the past: the site is considered a possible location of Mindaugas’s presumed Voruta Castle. In the mid-13th century, a state wooden castle stood on Šeimyniškėliai Hill, protecting the northern border of the Lithuanian state and regarded as the largest castle in eastern Lithuania. Its identification as Voruta remains a hypothesis.

Views, culture and regional flavours

The observation platform in the tower of St. Matthew’s Church in Anykščiai is 33 metres high and can be reached by climbing 186 steps. From the top, visitors can enjoy a panorama of the Anykščiai surroundings. The exhibition at the Anykščių Regional Park Visitor Centre offers another perspective on natural and cultural heritage, exploring it through literary works.

Those interested in local drinks can learn about the history and origins of drinks made by Anykščių vynas, as well as the production process, through the “Lietuviškų gėrimų kelionė” programme. The programme also offers the chance to taste popular products. At the Anykščių menų inkubatorius – menų studija, the visitor offering includes rotating exhibitions, educational activities, creative workshops, virtual reality experiences and cultural events. As the programme may change, check in advance which formats and dates are currently available.

Burbiškis Manor is currently used for tourism and offers accommodation and meals; concerts, seminars and exhibitions are also held there. As operating details may change, it is advisable to confirm current offerings before visiting.

Context within Utena County

In the broader travel destination of Utena County, the Lietuvos etnokosmologijos muziejus offers a distinctive theme, bringing together astronomy, ethnic culture and the relationship between people and the cosmos. Utenos dvaras preserves the manor’s red-brick buildings, outbuildings and gardens. These examples add to the picture of the region; they are distinct subjects within Utena County.

More local pages for reference: Andrioniškis, Svėdasai, Kurkliai, Rubikiai, Skiemonys.

More destinations in Utena County: Utenos rajono savivaldybė, Anykščių rajono savivaldybė, Zarasų rajono savivaldybė.

Back to the overview of the region: Utena County.