Top 20 Lakes in Lithuania

A pleasant circular trail along the lake with many interpretive signs about the natural surroundings. A small parking lot at the beginning. The trail is well-maintained.

Walking across the footbridge to this reconstructed castle complex, we feel like we're at Seeschloß Ort in Gmunden. A very interesting museum.

The first salmonid fish hatcheries were designed and installed in 1880-1885 by the most famous biologist and fishmonger in Lithuania and famous throughout Europe at that time, Mykolas Kazimieras Girdvainis (1841-1924). The Trakai Vokė salmonid fish hatcheries are one of the first objects of this kind in Lithuania. The location for the Trakai Vokė fish hatchery was not chosen by M.K. Girdvainis by chance. The fish hatchery was built on the land belonging to the Trakai Vokė manor, which belonged to the noble marshal of the Vilnius province, Jonas Tiškevičius, at that time, so it can be assumed that its design and installation were financed by the wealthy owner of the manor. A spring-fed depression was selected for the trout incubator and ponds for their cultivation - all the water needed for the fish is obtained from springs. Orders for trout, which were bred in ponds and became famous throughout the country, were received from Warsaw, Vilnius, and St. Petersburg.

Located in the heart of the Ilgelio Swamp, within the Varnikų botanical-zoological reserve, this lake offers unique natural beauty and tranquility. My visit to Piliškių ežeras was an experience of silence and serenity. The lake, with a length of 350 meters and a width of up to 170 meters, is picturesquely nestled at a height of 150.2 meters above sea level. The shores of the lake are low and swampy, surrounded by dense bushes, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility. One of the most fascinating features of the Piliškių ežeras is its connection to local geography and history. It once formed a single lake together with Lake Bevardžio, but today they are separated by a narrow strip of land and are slowly silting up. This change in landscape makes the lake an interesting object of study for nature lovers and geography enthusiasts. A particular highlight is the Varnikų educational trail station on the eastern shore of the lake, which allows visitors to learn more about the local flora and fauna. As a non-draining lake, Piliškių ežeras is part of the Lake Lukos catchment area, which underlines its importance in the local ecosystem. The Piliškių ežeras is a place where one can enjoy untouched nature and experience the peace and beauty of the Lithuanian landscape. A visit here is ideal for hikers who are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and want to relax in the silence of nature. It is a perfect place to enjoy the tranquility, observe nature and breathe the fresh air that surrounds this special place.

As I entered the path along the lake, I was surrounded by a peaceful silence, broken only by the gentle rippling of water and the rustling of leaves in the wind. The path took me through a varied landscape, ranging from lush forests to open, sunny spots on the shore. At various points I was presented with a breathtaking view of the lake, which like a mirror reflected the beauty of the surrounding nature. The change in scenery with the seasons was particularly impressive. My visit in early fall revealed a palette of warm colors reflected in the lake's surface. I could easily imagine how each season had its own charm, from the refreshing vibrancy of spring to the tranquil, snowy landscape of winter. The silence and isolation of the place gave me a perfect opportunity to pause and enjoy nature in its purest form. The simple but impressive path along the lake was like an invitation to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and immerse myself in the peaceful surroundings.

My bike ride to Lake Akmena was on a sunny day in May. The lake, known for its beautiful beach, stretches for 3.2 km in a west-east direction and has a maximum width of 1.3 km. Its banks are lined with high, steep north and southeast banks, densely covered with pine trees from the Rėkalnio forest, while the southwest bank area is flatter and characterized by moors. The landscape was simply breathtaking. It was interesting to learn that Lake Akmena was connected to Lake Galvė via a strait until 1870. After the construction of a canal between Lakes Skaistis and Balčiai, the water level of both lakes fell and the strait disappeared. In spring, water from Lake Akmena flows through a dug ditch into Lake Galvė, which was fascinating for me as a nature lover. The beach at Lake Akmena was particularly appealing. With volleyball courts, a sauna, food and cocktails, it offered everything you need for a relaxing day at the lake. The changing rooms provided additional comfort. The region around the lake is known not only for its natural beauty, but also for its small villages such as Akmenos, Kunigaikštinės and Varatniškių, as well as several rural tourism establishments. The range of recreational activities in the area, including a water park in the summer, made my visit all the more appealing. Lake Akmena is a true paradise for cyclists and nature lovers. The combination of picturesque scenery, historical significance and a variety of recreational opportunities makes it an ideal destination for a day trip or a longer stay. A visit here is a must for anyone who appreciates Lithuania's natural beauty and the opportunity to relax surrounded by nature.

The 1st beach of Valakampii, surrounded by Antakalnis pine forests, is easily accessible by public transport or bicycles. This is one of the largest and most beautiful public beaches in Vilnius with a developed infrastructure for active recreation and picnics: pontoon ramp, changing cabins, fitness equipment, 6 renovated beach volleyball courts, full-sized basketball court, new beach soccer field, 13 picnic tables, 6 free barbecues, children's playground, container toilets, drinking water, bike racks.

The 1st beach of Valakampii has been awarded the international Blue Flag award for its outstanding environmental protection and service quality. It is one of only three freshwater beaches in Lithuania that has received such a high rating.