Anykščiai
A charming resort town on the Šventoji River celebrated in Lithuanian literature and surrounded by scenic forest and hills. Its treetop canopy walkway, the towering Church of St. Matthew and nearby Puntukas Stone make it a top regional draw.
Things to do
- Treetop Walking Path — Stroll the 300-meter elevated canopy walkway rising up to 21 meters through the Anykščiai pine forest for panoramic views.
- Church of St. Matthew — Visit Lithuania's tallest church, whose twin neo-Gothic spires reach around 79 meters and offer an observation deck climb.
- Puntukas Stone — See the country's second-largest boulder in the forest, carved with a relief honoring aviators Darius and Girėnas.
- Anykščiai Narrow-Gauge Railway — Ride the historic siaurukas narrow-gauge train and explore its museum celebrating this vanishing form of transport.
- Horse Museum in Niūronys — Discover Lithuanian horse-breeding heritage, wagons, and folk crafts at this open-air museum just outside town.
- Laimės žiburys Observation Tower — Climb this spiraling wooden tower named after a Baranauskas poem for sweeping views over forest and river.
- Šventoji River Boating — Paddle or float down the scenic Šventoji River that winds through the town and surrounding hills.
- Anykščiai Wine Cellars — Tour the famous fruit and berry wine production and sample local vintages at the town's historic winery.
Food to try
- Anykščiai fruit wine — The town is renowned across Lithuania for its berry and apple wines produced at the local Anykščių vynas winery.
- Cepelinai — Try these hefty potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat and topped with sour cream and bacon, a national staple.
- Šakotis — Sample the spiky, tree-shaped layered cake baked over an open flame, popular at regional celebrations.
- Kastinys — Taste this traditional sour-cream and butter spread from the Aukštaitija region, served warm with potatoes.
- Forest mushroom and berry dishes — Seek seasonal wild mushrooms, blueberries, and cranberries gathered from the surrounding pine forests.
Local customs & good to know
- Antanas Baranauskas legacy — Read about the poet whose work 'Anykščių šilelis' (The Forest of Anykščiai) immortalized this landscape, and visit his preserved log barn museum.
- Best in warm seasons — Summer and early autumn are ideal for the treetop path, river activities, and forest walks, while some attractions reduce hours in winter.
- Respect the forest — The pine forest is culturally cherished, so stay on marked trails and follow foraging etiquette when picking mushrooms or berries.
- Combine sights with a car or bike — Puntukas Stone, Niūronys, and outlying attractions are spread out, so plan transport beyond the walkable town center.
Nearby
- Anykščiai Narrow-Gauge Railway — 0 km
- Puntukas Stone — 4 km
- Burbiškis Manor — 32 km
- Molėtai (Utena & Lakes) — 38 km