Self-guided tour
Kayaking in Lithuania
Program
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN VILNIUS
Welcome to Vilnius! For your comfort, you can choose an optional private transfer from the airport, a guided tour of Vilnius Old Town, or a guided kayaking tour in Trakai.
Vilnius is a lively and vibrant Baltic capital that offers a great contrast – the Old Town charms you with wonderful Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture gems, while other parts of the city are known for a buzzing alternative culture scene. Lithuania is very proud of its history as the Grand Duchy, and many cultural monuments in Vilnius still speak of these times. One is Gediminas Tower, a very distinctive landmark of Vilnius that offers a wonderful panorama of the Old Town. Another important monument is Vilnius Cathedral, an impressive Neoclassical building that once served as the coronation place of the Grand Dukes, but today is the main Catholic cathedral in Lithuania. Vilnius is especially famous for its sophisticated Baroque architecture. To see the greatest examples of this richly decorated style, visit the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, the Church of St. Catherine, the Church of St. Archangel Raphael, the Church of St. John, the Church of St. Theresa, and wander around the Old Town.
Right next to the Old Town lies the self–declared artists’ republic of Uzupis, a charming bohemian district with its own “constitution,” “president,” “flag,” and even “money.” One EurUzas, the local currency, is worth one pint of beer. Uzupis is full of art pieces on the streets and secret artists’ yards, offering many exciting discoveries that reveal themselves only to the most attentive observers. Go for a leisurely walk around Uzupis, sit at a café, and enjoy the creative atmosphere of the artists’ republic.
Overnight: Vilnius, Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping or similar
DAY 2: VILNIUS – IGNALINA (no paddling; ~120 km drive to Aukstaitija National Park)
After breakfast, enjoy your free time in Vilnius or choose an optional guided tour of Vilnius Old Town, or a guided kayaking tour in Trakai.
In the afternoon, the driver will transfer you to Ignalina in Aukstaitija National Park. Ignalina is a calm and peaceful town, offering picturesque walks and hikes along its countless lakes. Spend a serene evening on the beach next to Lake Palaukinis, go for a leisurely walk around Lake Paplovinis, follow a street art route, or relax at your hotel.
Overnight: Ignalina, Zuvedra Hotel or similar
DAY 3: RIVER BUKA – GINUCIAI (paddling distance ~20 km)
In the morning, start kayaking in Lithuania, the driver will transfer you to the Buka River, one of the most picturesque rivers in Aukstaitija National Park. Be ready for an off–road Lithuanian safari through the woods! Your paddling adventure will begin after receiving the kayak, life jackets, dry bags, and the route map. The Buka River is a narrow, shallow, and slow river that meanders through forests enriched with lovely ethnographic villages. Many springs flow into the Buka River, making it one of the cleanest rivers in Lithuania. On sunny days, the water shines like red amber. Fallen trees will make your ride adventurous. You should be ready to find the best solution, sometimes even getting out of the kayak and carrying it around the fallen trees. Don’t worry, as the river is shallow, it is easy to do.
You will pass by the Vaisnoriskes ethnographic village, seemingly stuck in time. The lovely village dates back to the 18th century when a roadside pub was built nearby, providing travelers with refreshments and accommodation. However, the first dwelling house was constructed only in 1830. The village is famous for its linden honey. Admire the traditional wooden buildings with reed roofs and continue your adventure! After reaching Lake Baluosas, don’t miss another ethnographic village – Suminai, known not only for its traditional architecture but also for the hundreds-of-years-old pine tree. Lake Baluosas offers a wonderful panorama – pine forests stretching along its coast, seven islands available to paddle around, and swans nobly swimming in the water.
Paddling through several small waterways will bring you to Lake Sravinaitis and Ginuciai village. Ginuciai is one of the most popular tourist and kayaking destinations in Lithuania and Aukstaitija National Park thanks to the 19th–century watermill. If you are brave enough, you can try a refreshing shoulder massage standing under the strong current of the mill.
Overnight: Ginuciai, Gaideliu Guesthouse or similar
DAY 4: GINUCIAI – PALUSE (paddling distance ~18 km)
Start your day kayaking in Lithuania by paddling through the Srove River. Tiny, calm, and picturesque, this river will take you through Ginuciai village, allowing you to see local homesteads, fishermen’s boats, and idyllic countryside with birch groves and freshly green lawns. Although not included in the original kayaking route, you can explore Lake Almajas before continuing to follow the Srove River. Later, make a small detour to visit several hillforts located in a panoramic spot between lakes. Leave the kayak on the shore and go for a short hike. Endless stairs will lead you up to Ginuciai Hillfort, one of the most impressive hillforts in Lithuania, which dates back to the 13th century. Right next to it, you can visit Papiliakalnes Hillfort. A lovely path will guide you across the hillforts to Ladakalnis and reward you with an amazing panorama. Ladakalnis is a mysterious place, surrounded by legends of the deity Lada. There is a belief that you should find a stone at the foot of the hill, make a wish, and carry the stone up to the hill. Offering the stone to the deity Lada will make your wish come true.
If you feel like walking even more, after reaching Lake Asalnykstis, you can leave your kayak at the campsite and go for a walk to explore Salos II ethnographic village. A scenic and sunny road connects the shore to the village. Later, keep paddling and enjoy the beauty of Lake Lusiai – a vast and stunning landscape enriched with the iconic silhouette of Paluse St. Joseph’s church, visible from a long distance. The beautiful wooden church was built in 1750, and it is one of the oldest wooden churches in Lithuania that has survived through the centuries. The legend says that this church was built without using a single nail. Check this fact for yourself! In the evening, discover Paluse village, try some locally smoked fish, or simply enjoy sitting in the yard of the guesthouse and admiring the lake and sunset.
Overnight: Paluse, Karolio Guesthouse or similar
DAY 5: PALUSE – KALTANENAI (paddling distance ~16 km)
Return to Lake Lusiai and start paddling toward Lake Sakarvai, one of the deepest lakes in Aukstaitija National Park. This lake is a master of disguise – it looks more like a river! Today you will see yet another ethnographic village – Sakarva. Pass by the peaceful village, take some photos, and be ready to go under a tiny bridge. Look out carefully, there is a special passage made for kayaks.
As the next body of water Lake Zeimenys awaits you, soon followed by the gorgeous Zeimena River. The river flows out of the lake, so nobody is sure about the precise length of it. Zeimena is wide and full of water, but it has a slightly faster current than the Buka River. The Zeimena River offers very diverse scenery – wild forests, little islands, sunken trees, and villages along the coast make paddling an unforgettable adventure.
The last stretch of kayaking for today will take you through Kaltanenai town, adding a surreal vibe to your kayaking trip. How often can you sit in a kayak and observe local people sipping tea on their porches, tiny gazebos scattered along the river, and the buzzing town life? After settling into your guesthouse, go for a walk to explore Kaltanenai. This town features colorful wooden houses, a statuesque red brick church, and a white 19th-century granary, the only building remaining from the Kaltanenai Manor.
Overnight: Kaltanenai, Zeimenos Vingis Guesthouse or similar
DAY 6: KALTANENAI – SVENCIONELIAI – VILNIUS (paddling distance ~18 km; ~100 km drive to Vilnius)
Enjoy your last day finish kayaking in Lithuania by following the curves of the Zeimena River. Although the river is wide, it is very curvy – once you make it through one curve, the next one already awaits you. Deep forests surround the Zeimena River, creating a spooky atmosphere. Several sandstone outcrops decorate the coastline. Later, the scenery becomes swampy – vast wetlands with trees growing their roots in the water, and flocks of cranes. You will know that you have reached your final destination when you notice the Svencioneliai bridge across the Zeimena River.
The driver will pick you up at the beach next to the Svencioneliai bridge and bring you back to Vilnius.
Overnight: Vilnius, Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping or similar
DAY 7: DEPARTURE FROM VILNIUS
Check out from the hotel. For your comfort, you can choose an optional private transfer to the airport.
Price in double occupancy and tandem kayak
- 2 persons traveling: 680 EUR per person;
- 4 persons traveling: 600 EUR per person;
- 6 persons traveling: 540 EUR per person.
Single supplement:
- Double room for one person in Vilnius: 70.00 EUR per person;
- Single kayak: 60.00 EUR per person.
Included
- Double kayak with all necessary equipment (paddles, dry bags, life jackets, route maps);
- 2 nights in Vilnius Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping or similar;
- 1 night in Ignalina, Zuvedra Hotel or similar;
- 1 night in Ginuciai, Gaideliu Guesthouse or similar;
- 1 night in Paluse, Karolio Guesthouse or similar;
- 1 night in Kaltanenai, Zeimenos Vingis Guesthouse or similar;
- Transfer Vilnius – Aukstaitija National Park – Vilnius.
Optional
- Additional night in Vilnius: 40.00 EUR per person;
- Guided tour in Vilnius Old Town: 120.00 EUR per tour;
- Guided kayaking tour in Trakai: 140.00 EUR per person (2–6 person group);
- Private transfer from/to the airport: 55.00 EUR for 1–3 people in a car, 85.00 EUR for 4–7 people in a minivan.
Not included
- Any meals;
- GPS navigation device.
Level of difficulty
The currents in the rivers and lakes are slow and safe to kayak. Before embarking on the trip, extensive kayaking training and experience are not necessary; however, proficient swimming skills are required.
Seasonality
This trip is available from May to September. The best month for kayaking in Lithuania is May – rivers are still full of water, the weather is getting nicer and warmer, and nature is in full bloom. The Buka River often gets crowded on weekends in the summer, so keep this in mind when choosing your travel dates. In the middle of summer, the Buka River might have very little water – you should be ready to carry the kayak around the shallowest places.
Additional Information
- Grocery stores or catering facilities are within walking distance (10–15 min) from each accommodation. Depending on the season, they might be closed or have shorter working hours, therefor it is suggested to purchase food and snacks in Ignalina before transferring to the river.
- A kitchenette is available in each accommodation.
- It is recommend bringing comfortable shoes, waterproof slippers, a rain jacket, and extra socks with you.
Bookings
Bookings are on request and should be made at least three weeks before the departure date. The itinerary can be modified according to the client’s wants and needs.
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