Aukštadvaris Regional Park

Aukštadvario regioninis parkas

A landscape of lakes, forests and hills southwest of Trakai, famous for the mysterious 'Devil's Pit' sinkhole. It offers hiking, kayaking and scenic viewpoints across a glacial mosaic of over seventy lakes.

Things to do

• Devil's Pit (Velnio duobė) — Descend the wooden stairway into this mysterious 40-metre-wide, 12-metre-deep funnel-shaped sinkhole wrapped in local legends of the devil.
• Aukštadvaris observation tower — Climb the wooden tower on the mound for sweeping views over the glacial mosaic of forests, hills and scattered lakes.
• Kayak on the Verknė River — Paddle the winding Verknė through forested banks, one of the region's most scenic small rivers for a half-day trip.
• Hike the Aukštadvaris cognitive trail — Follow marked educational paths through the hillfort and mounds around the town to learn about the park's geology and settlement history.
• Explore Lake Skrebys and the lake district — Wander or swim among more than seventy lakes, with quiet shores ideal for picnics and birdwatching.
• Visit the Aukštadvaris hillfort — Walk up the ancient defensive mound that once guarded medieval settlements, offering panoramic vistas.
• Cycle the park's forest routes — Ride marked trails linking villages, viewpoints and lakes across the rolling glacial terrain.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Hearty potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream and crispy bacon crackling.
• Kugelis (potato pudding) — Baked grated-potato pudding with bacon, a filling Lithuanian countryside staple.
• Šaltibarščiai — Cold bright-pink beetroot soup made with kefir, served with boiled potatoes in warmer months.
• Smoked lake fish — Locally caught perch, bream or pike smoked in traditional style, sold near the lakes and villages.
• Grybai (wild forest mushrooms) — Foraged mushrooms fried, pickled or added to sauces, a beloved autumn tradition in the park's woods.
• Rye bread and gira — Dark sourdough rye bread paired with gira, a mildly fermented bread-based drink.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the fragile Devil's Pit — Stay on the wooden stairs and platforms, as the sinkhole's slopes are protected and prone to erosion.
• Bring cash for rural stops — Small village cafés, farm stalls and fish sellers may not accept cards in this quiet countryside.
• Prepare for mushroom and berry season — Autumn brings locals into the forests, so wear boots and ask permission before picking on private land.
• Base yourself in Aukštadvari or Trakai — The park is quiet with few services, so nearby Trakai makes a convenient hub for accommodation and dining.

Nearby

• Trakai Island Castle — 27 km
• Birstonas (Kaunas Region) — 32 km
• Alytus (Alytus & Dzūkija) — 37 km
• Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum (Kaunas Region) — 38 km