Labanoras Regional Park

Labanoro regioninis parkas

One of Lithuania's largest forested parks, filled with pine woods, bogs, and scattered lakes ideal for berry-picking, cycling and quiet nature retreats. The wooden church of Labanoras is a notable cultural highlight.

Things to do

• Visit Labanoras Wooden Church — Admire the rebuilt wooden Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, an iconic symbol of the region's timber architecture.
• Berry and mushroom picking — Forage for bilberries, cranberries, and boletus mushrooms in the vast pine forests, a beloved late-summer and autumn tradition.
• Cycle the forest trails — Ride marked cycling routes winding through pine woods and past scattered lakes on quiet gravel and sandy paths.
• Swim or fish in the lakes — Relax at clear lakes like Baltieji Lakajai and Kertuojai, popular for swimming, angling, and lakeside camping.
• Explore Girutiškis bog — Walk the reserve's raised bog landscape to spot rare plants and enjoy the silence of untouched wetland nature.
• Canoe the Peršokšna or Lakaja rivers — Paddle scenic waterways connecting the park's lakes through dense forest scenery.
• Camp at designated lakeside sites — Pitch a tent at official rest areas around the lakes for stargazing and a genuine quiet nature retreat.

Food to try

• Wild forest mushrooms — Freshly picked boletus and chanterelles are fried with onions or preserved, a staple of the region's forest cuisine.
• Cepelinai — Hearty potato dumplings stuffed with meat and topped with sour cream and bacon, found in local eateries around Utena.
• Forest berry preserves and kvass — Homemade bilberry and cranberry jams, syrups, and berry drinks reflect the area's berry-picking heritage.
• Smoked lake fish — Locally caught perch, pike, or eel smoked over wood, sold near the lakes and villages.
• Utenos beer — The nearby Utena brewery produces one of Lithuania's best-known lagers, perfect after a day in the woods.
• Šakotis — A tree-shaped spit cake with golden spikes, a traditional Lithuanian celebration dessert.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the strict nature reserves — Areas like Girutiškis are protected zones where entry may be limited to preserve rare bog ecosystems.
• Follow foraging etiquette — Picking is a cherished right, but take only what you need and never damage moss or young trees.
• Bring supplies in advance — Villages are small and shops sparse, so stock up on food and fuel in Utena or Molėtai before entering the park.
• Keep quiet and pack out trash — Locals value the park's tranquility, so minimize noise and leave campsites and lakeshores spotless.

Nearby

• Aukštaitija National Park — 18 km
• Palūšė — 19 km
• Ginučiai Watermill — 23 km
• Ignalina — 24 km