The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Vilnius County

Perfect place for adventurous time in swamp

The moor is the hardest accessible part of the trail, but it is arguably the most beautiful one with its lakelets and moorland-only plants.

The Varnikai Educational Trail is a 5km long trail that winds through the Varnikai Botanical-Zoological Reserve. It has several stops with educational signs explaining the biodiversity.

Here is a steep-sloped hollow created by a glacier, 15m deep. It's bottom lies hardly 1m above the water level of the big lakes of Trakai system. In summer, the view of the hollow is visually decreased by the overgrowth of bracken.

Located in the heart of the Ilgelio Swamp, within the Varnikų botanical-zoological reserve, this lake offers unique natural beauty and tranquility. My visit to Piliškių ežeras was an experience of silence and serenity. The lake, with a length of 350 meters and a width of up to 170 meters, is picturesquely nestled at a height of 150.2 meters above sea level. The shores of the lake are low and swampy, surrounded by dense bushes, creating an atmosphere of seclusion and tranquility. One of the most fascinating features of the Piliškių ežeras is its connection to local geography and history. It once formed a single lake together with Lake Bevardžio, but today they are separated by a narrow strip of land and are slowly silting up. This change in landscape makes the lake an interesting object of study for nature lovers and geography enthusiasts. A particular highlight is the Varnikų educational trail station on the eastern shore of the lake, which allows visitors to learn more about the local flora and fauna. As a non-draining lake, Piliškių ežeras is part of the Lake Lukos catchment area, which underlines its importance in the local ecosystem. The Piliškių ežeras is a place where one can enjoy untouched nature and experience the peace and beauty of the Lithuanian landscape. A visit here is ideal for hikers who are looking for a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and want to relax in the silence of nature. It is a perfect place to enjoy the tranquility, observe nature and breathe the fresh air that surrounds this special place.

As I entered the path along the lake, I was surrounded by a peaceful silence, broken only by the gentle rippling of water and the rustling of leaves in the wind. The path took me through a varied landscape, ranging from lush forests to open, sunny spots on the shore. At various points I was presented with a breathtaking view of the lake, which like a mirror reflected the beauty of the surrounding nature. The change in scenery with the seasons was particularly impressive. My visit in early fall revealed a palette of warm colors reflected in the lake's surface. I could easily imagine how each season had its own charm, from the refreshing vibrancy of spring to the tranquil, snowy landscape of winter. The silence and isolation of the place gave me a perfect opportunity to pause and enjoy nature in its purest form. The simple but impressive path along the lake was like an invitation to leave the hustle and bustle of everyday life behind and immerse myself in the peaceful surroundings.

Šilenai St. The Church of the Virgin Mary is a church located in the village of Šilėnai, 16 km west of Vilnius. Forms of folk architecture. Services are held only in Polish. The church has folk architectural forms, a rectangular plan, with 2 turrets, a narrow three-walled apse, and a low sacristy. The church is single-nave, has 3 altars. There is a cemetery and a lourdes grotto in the churchyard. Its fence is stone masonry.

Very nice. The best time is when there are no other visitors.