Švenčionys District Municipality: Lakes, forests and culture

Key facts

• There are 289 lakes in Švenčionys District, covering a total area of 5,632.1 ha.
• The trail through Labanoras Forest is 3 km long; the stated duration is about 1.5 hours.
• The Daugava-Nemunas cycling route connects Šventa with Kačėniškės Hill and is 9 km long.
• The Labanoras Visitor Centre can help you plan excursions through the park; park maps and souvenirs are sold there.
• The Centre for Traditional Crafts in Reškutėnai offers a workshop on chest painting.
• Kačėniškės Hill is also known as Pasijų kalnas and is part of Sirvėta Regional Park.

Nature between lake, forest and river

Lino Verdenė Spring is at the foot of the slope of a pine-covered hill, right beside Lake Sėtikis. For visitors interested in nature and local traditions, the site brings together a specific landscape and a distinctive custom: local people regard the spring as special and sacred. It is said that Rasos celebrations, or Midsummer festivities, as well as gatherings marking changes in the cycles of nature and the equinoxes, have been held there for a long time.

Rivers are also part of the district’s landscape. The Žeimena flows through it from north to south, has no dams and is one of Lithuania’s most important salmon spawning grounds. Part of Asveja Regional Park is also within the district. At Kačėniškės Hill, also known as Pasijų kalnas, nature and history come together: the hill is part of Sirvėta Regional Park and dates to the first millennium AD and the beginning of the second millennium. It was an important defensive fortification and belonged to the land of Nalšia.

An educational trail or a cycling route?

The routes mentioned offer specific guidance when planning an activity. The trail through Labanoras Forest is 3 km long and takes about 1.5 hours. Along the way, it provides information about wetland and lake ecosystems, the plants and animals found there that are included on the Lithuanian Red List, and nearby ancient burial mounds. The route thus combines nature topics with a glimpse of the region’s heritage. The duration is an approximate guide; trail conditions can change seasonally.

The Daugava-Nemunas cycling route has a different focus: its 9 km connect Šventa with Kačėniškės Hill. You can weigh up the two sets of route details according to your available time and interests: an approximate duration is given for the forest trail, while the length and endpoints are stated for the cycling route. Surfaces and signage may change; check the latest route information before setting out.

Visitor centre and crafts

The Labanoras Visitor Centre helps plan excursions through the park and sells park maps and souvenirs. Its exhibition introduces the natural and cultural values of Labanoras Forest and offers activities for the whole family. If you would like to include a visit during your stay, check the latest service and visitor information before travelling.

The Centre for Traditional Crafts in Reškutėnai offers another way to engage with regional culture. In its chest-painting workshop, participants learn about the history and purpose of the dowry chest. The workshop also covers its symbolic meaning, ornamentation and painting. Booking and operating details may change; check them in advance if you plan to attend the workshop.

Places to help plan your trip

If you would like to combine your accommodation search with a closer look at the area, you could first consider whether lakes and scenery, an educational trail or a cultural offering is your main interest. The visitor centre in Labanoras is a starting point for planning excursions through the park; the destinations described offer different themes to help you plan your trip. Find more local pages here: Kaltanėnai, Švenčionėliai and Labanoras.

For the broader travel overview: Vilnius District.