Druskininkai
When thinking about holidays, holidays, May weekend or a quick weekend trip, we usually take into account the west, and even more often - the south of Europe. But why not look the other way from time to time and organize a trip to, for example, Lithuania? It may not be as hot and sunny there as in Italy or Spain, but Lithuanian cities undoubtedly have a lot to offer tourists.
Why not east?
Let's take a look at Druskininkai (Druskininkai), the largest Lithuanian health resort. It is located on the right bank of the Niemen River, is open all year round, and is only 46 km away from the Polish border - specifically, the border crossing in Ogrodniki. In 2003, in the Newsweek ranking, the resort took first place as the best balneological health resort in Europe.
Druskininkai – surrounded by untouched nature
Druskininkai is a real paradise for people who want to relax surrounded by nature - it is located in the middle of the largest forest complex in Lithuania, in the Orava-Druskininkai Forest. Visitors can enjoy 9 sanatoriums and SPAs offering a wide range of therapeutic treatments, and the local air is filled with the aroma of nearby pine forests, thuja and junipers. It contains almost as much iodine as the sea breeze, and is exceptionally clean and gentle. Let's imagine 50,000 hectares of forests, visited by dozens of mushroom pickers during the season. In turn, the lakes and the river attract fishing enthusiasts from all over the country. This is a unique region where you can become one with nature and lose track of time and reality.
In the southern part of the resort there is lake Margeliu Akys (Lady's Eyes), and nearby there is another lake - Druskonis, with a bathing area and a beach. Approx. 6 km outside the city there is another one, Grutas . The route leading through the pine forest to the shore of the reservoir is as beautiful as the lake itself and its beach. This is an ideal walking and cycling trail. The Ula River runs approximately 20 km from Druskininkai - one of its greatest attractions is kayaking. Those who would like to take advantage of slightly more extreme entertainment should visit the Snow Arena Sports and Entertainment Center or the Rope Park, while families with children will have great fun in the local Aquapark with a rich bathhouse complex and a zone for children. It is the largest facility of this type in Eastern Europe.
Tourists who want to come to the resort by their own vehicle can stay at a campsite located in the very center of the city. Druskininkai Camping (Gardino 3) offers guests 10 cottages, 7 tipis, 36 places for caravans and over 200 places for tents. Two people can sleep there for about 60 Lt (17 €).
Journey to Vilnius
After relaxing in the resort, you can go on a trip to Vilnius, which is approximately 130 km away from Druskininkai. On the way, we will pass Merecz (Merkinė), a town associated with the Polish-Lithuanian "scuffles" of 1919. There were incidents in which both sides punished each other: two Poles were subjected to public flogging for openly admitting their nationality, then the Polish army punished two priests who watched the flogging, and later the Lithuanian authorities forced a group of Poles to clean up a room full of feces and sing a religious song while doing so. It is not known whether the Polish side responded in any way after this public humiliation. Regardless of the animosities from the past, you can visit the town, and it is definitely worth taking a look at the church.
During the journey we will pass several smaller towns, such as Perloja and Olkieniki. The former is a village situated on both banks of the Merkys River, surrounded by wide swathes of the Dainava forest. In the immediate vicinity of the village there is a small but very deep Lake Paperlojis, while in its center there is a neo-Gothic church and a monument to Lithuanian partisans who died in the fight against the Russian occupier. Olkieniki, in turn, is a small town with numerous monuments and a specific atmosphere.
Baroque splendor and Gothic loftiness
At the end of the route through dense forests and small villages you will find Vilnius. Visitors are delighted with the charming old town (inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage List) and the wealth of baroque monuments. It is best to admire Vilnius from a great height - the ideal viewing point is the AB Lietuvos radijo ir televizijos centrum, the TV tower, or more precisely, the cafe located at its top.
There are so many monuments here that it is difficult to list them. You definitely have to see the Church of St. Peter and Paul , a building with an interior of unprecedented splendor. They are decorated with over 2,000 stucco sculptures, a crystal chandelier in the shape of a boat, and a large Lithuanian drum brought by Hetman Pac. The view is breathtaking. Another monument that every Pole should see is one of the symbols of Vilnius - the Gate of Dawn , praised by Mickiewicz, with a chapel containing the famous painting of Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn, considered by the faithful to be miraculous.
Beauty and history – Vilnius
The Vilnius Cathedral is beautiful, the slender Gothic Church of St. is beautiful. Anna , next to which the Mickiewicz monument stands, the Church of St. is beautiful. Michael and Constantine with numerous domes. The word "beautiful" fits so many monuments in Vilnius that there are no words to describe their beauty. One thing is certain - a weekend is definitely not enough to visit this city.
Those who decide to stay longer and explore this fascinating resort can stay at the Vilnius City campsite (Parodu 11). Two adults arriving in a camper will pay approximately €21 per night. It is worth taking advantage of this opportunity to thoroughly explore multicultural Vilnius - a city of winding streets, baroque temples and charming courtyards.
See also other interesting cities:
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A writer by profession, a passion of a cat. One day he will see what is behind the Urals - good to Vladivostok. So far, when he can, he enjoys the sun of the countries of southern Europe. And it's also fun;)
