Historically a forest country, Lithuania has much to offer travellers seeking sustainable, under-the-radar outdoor adventures, from herb picking to forest bathing. Lithuania’s deep, green and magical forest is a gorgeous place to enjoy peace and solitude whether travelling on foot, by bike or by camper.
“We are a forest country,” explains Indrė Trakimaitė-Šeškuvienė, Head of Marketing at Lithuania Travel. “Forest is an important symbol of Lithuanian history and culture. Despite industrial development of the 19-20th centuries, we have preserved large spaces of natural forest. With the rise of eco-tourism these locations are turning into sites of meditation, natural health practice and other ways to achieve the deeper sense of unity with nature.”
Indrė lists seven opportunities to explore Lithuania’s forest green in all its glory. Several sites can be combined into one tour as well.
[Photo by Tikras Alus on Flickr]
Herb Picking
Using herbs and herbal tea as a cure is an established tradition in Lithuania. Most Lithuanians know the basics of herbal medicine: herbs to help digestion, ease coughing or other symptoms of cold and flu. But some go much deeper than that.
In North-Eastern Lithuania, in the forest-surrounded town of Anykščiai, professional herbalist Ramūnas Daugelavičius combines traditional Lithuanian experience with knowledge of other cultures and scientific methods to provide a unique herbal experience. From herb picking for spices to special tea ceremonies, fire rituals and seed-root coffee, you’ll discover and enjoy nature’s gifts here.
Butterfly and Dragonfly Watching
Butterfly and dragonfly watching may be as interesting and rewarding as bird watching. And did you know that Lithuania is the only place in the world where dragonflies are professionally monitored and marked?
Scientists have found that these small animals can travel thousands of kilometres. At the Ventė Ornithology Station, the secrets of dragonfly migration are only now being uncovered.
Not far from the station, in the Western part of Lithuania, ecotourism enthusiast Daiva Stanislovaitienė offers butterfly, dragonfly and bird watching trips combined with a cozy stay in a comfortable villa.
[Photo by Jason Boldero on Flickr]
Forest Bathing
The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) is an ideal way to heal and restore the human spirit in a technology-driven world. The slow immersion into the forest through sight, sound, smell and even taste helps to relax, regain intellectual focus and to strengthen health. A certified guide of shinrin-yoku, Mila Monk offers private and group tours into various Lithuanian forests.
The World’s Largest Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatchers are said to protect us from bad dreams. Serious nightmare sufferers should consider a visit to Eastern Lithuania’s Asveja pine forest. At nearly 13 meters high and 10 meters wide, you’ll find the largest dreamcatcher in the world here, made of over a kilometre of rope, 700 hundred wooden parts and 319 beads. The massive, 156-kilogram dreamcatcher is located inside eco resort Golden Forest.
The Forest Gramophone
A forest sound catcher can be found in the Curonian Spit, a natural seaside reservation in Western Lithuania. This three-meter high, gramophone-like construction enhances the natural sounds of forest. Plan to spend at least half an hour inside to experience the peaceful flow of the forest symphony.
Forest Dunes
Sand dunes are a common sight of the Baltic coast, however some of them are located miles from sea, deep in the forest. In South-Eastern Lithuania’s pine forests, the dunes completely transform the landscape to provide a unique, raw natural experience.
Meteorite Crater
165 million years ago, a huge meteorite landed near Vepriai in Central Lithuania. The explosion and fire extinguished all life in the territory of Lithuania and left behind a 50-square-kilometer crater. The best way to explore the site is via one of the many bicycle routes across the crater.
Have you visited Lithuania’s natural wonders? If so, drop us a comment!
This post produced in partnership with Lithuania Travel.