Lake Širvėna

Širvėnos ežeras

An artificial lake in Biržai crossed by a long wooden pedestrian footbridge, one of the longest in Lithuania. It provides scenic walks with views of the castle and the town's leafy shores.

Things to do

• Walk the wooden footbridge — Cross one of Lithuania's longest pedestrian footbridges, stretching about 525 meters over Lake Širvėna toward the manor side.
• Visit Biržai Castle — Explore the reconstructed Radvila (Radziwiłł) bastion castle housing the Sėla Regional Museum on the lake's shore.
• Stroll the Astravas manor grounds — Reach the elegant Astravas Manor across the bridge and enjoy its parkland views over the water.
• Rent a boat or paddle on the lake — Take a rowboat, pedalo, or small excursion boat onto Lithuania's oldest surviving artificial lake, created by damming in 1575.
• Cycle or walk the shoreline paths — Follow the leafy tree-lined promenades around the lake for panoramic views of castle and town.
• See the Kirkilai karst lakes and viewing tower — A short trip northwest brings you to a cluster of sinkhole lakes and a wooden observation tower.
• Ice fishing or winter walks — In winter locals fish on the frozen lake and stroll the snowy bridge under bare trees.

Food to try

• Biržai beer (Biržų alus) — Biržai is Lithuania's traditional brewing capital, so sample local craft beers from breweries like Rinkuškiai or Biržų alus.
• Kepta duona — Deep-fried dark rye bread sticks rubbed with garlic, the classic Lithuanian beer snack served in local pubs.
• Cepelinai — Potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat and topped with sour cream and bacon, a regional staple.
• Skilandis and smoked meats — Cold-smoked sausage and cured pork are northern Lithuanian farmhouse specialties often paired with beer.
• Šaltibarščiai — Chilled pink beetroot soup with kefir, dill and boiled potatoes, refreshing on a summer lakeside day.
• Beer-hall snacks at a local aludė — Order fried cheese, pickles and rye crisps to accompany the town's famous brews.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the historic bridge — The wooden footbridge is a beloved landmark, so walk it slowly and avoid cycling where signs prohibit it.
• Time a beer festival visit — Biržai celebrates its brewing heritage with beer events, so check local calendars for tastings and festivals.
• Learn the lake's history — Širvėna dates to 1575 when Duke Krištupas Radvila dammed the rivers, making it one of Lithuania's oldest artificial lakes.
• Bring cash for small vendors — Boat rentals and small kiosks near the shore may not accept cards, so carry some euros.

Nearby

• Biržai — 0 km
• Panevėžys — 58 km
• Burbiškis Manor — 67 km
• Anykščiai — 78 km