Top 20 Natural Monuments in Vilnius County

Impressive place

Beautiful view of the old town

The view from here is just as amazing as that from Gediminas Tower. Not quite as crowded!

The mound is located in a beautiful location on a separate hill, approximately 130 m to the northeast of Lake Nerespinka, 170 m to the south of Lake Galvė. Archaeologists excavated this mound and found molded striped pottery. Such ceramics are characteristic of the period from the 1st millennium. BC to the first centuries AD. This allows us to assume that the Varniki mound was inhabited quite a long time ago. Varnikai is a mound with a very small square, so it could not serve as an important defensive castle, but it perfectly performed the functions of a hideout or reconnaissance. Unfortunately, however, there is a lack of written sources that would shed light on the significance and functions of this mound in this historical area of Trakai near the important old trade route to Vilnius.

Hidden in a forest gorge, this spring has long been known to the residents of the surrounding villages. The spring's water, known for its clear and clean properties, was traditionally valued for its healing powers. It was used to treat sore eyes and girls washed their faces with it to preserve the beauty of youth. In addition, the spring water was used by village magicians for their rituals in the past.

The hill, known for its collection of wooden angels carved in the local style, offers a fascinating insight into Lithuanian folk art. Each sculpture is unique and embodies the deep cultural and spiritual meaning that angels have in Lithuanian culture. An interesting aspect of Engelsberg is its geographical shape, which from a bird's eye view resembles an angel with wings. The lakes of Galvė, Totoriškės and Luka form the body and feet of the angel, while the lakes of Skaistis and Akmena represent the outstretched wings and the hill itself is the head of the angel. This natural formation gives the place an almost mystical aura. In addition to its artistic and natural beauty, Engelsberg is also a popular location for wedding ceremonies.

This staircase, which leads to a hill, is not only a practical element, but also an architectural highlight that enriches the path to viewing the Velnio duobė. As I climbed the stairs, I felt like I was penetrating the mysteries of the earth. With every step I took, I was offered a new perspective on the impressive geological formation. The staircase, artfully integrated into the natural landscape, almost looked like a portal into another world. Once at the top, the view of the Velnio duobė was breathtaking. The pit itself, with a diameter of 60 to 65 meters and a depth of 30 to 40 meters, is an impressive natural phenomenon. The sight of the deep hole covered with a layer of peat was a moment of wonder and admiration for the forces of nature. The stairs allowed me to view the pit from different perspectives and fully appreciate its size and depth. It added a physical and symbolic dimension to the experience, as if I were traveling through time and the mysteries of the earth.

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.