The Camino Lituano hike "LITHUANIA IS GOING" attracted hikers from Vilnius, Kaunas, Alytus, Marijampolė, Druskininkai and even Zarasai to the Lazdija region! We traveled on a particularly picturesque route Meteliai-Lazdijai, which impressed all hikers and covered ~30 km with smiles and great emotions. We started the section near the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ in Meteliai.
Pastor Jonas Baliūnas told the history of the church to the hikers and noted that Meteliai is a resort fishing town and it is not called a village here. Next, we climbed to the Metelei observation tower, which offers a great panorama of Metelii lake, Kemsinė meadow and the narrow stretch of Dusias lake. The next stop is the Metelii Regional Park Visitor Center. Here we were met by the administrator of this center, Artūras Pečkys, who told us about the extremely rare ball turtles, and the hikers could test the optical equipment and find the place of the next stop - Kryžių Švč. The Chapel of M. Marija Rožinii Karalienė (called by the locals simply the Shrine of the Cross). After inspecting the interior of the church and hearing the legend of this place, the hikers enjoyed the perfect taste of Dzūkis herds. Our next stop is Šventežeris Svč. Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary. Here we were greeted warmly and with humor by pastor Egidijus Juravičius, who told us about the history of the church. Many were surprised to see the fireplace inside the church, but an even bigger surprise was to see the pastor's exclusive hobby - antique restored motorcycles! After hearing the pastor's wishes to continue traveling with bunny legs, we headed towards the Giraitė forest educational trail, which is unique in the Lazdija region in that it is intended not only for pedestrians, but also for traveling on horseback! On this trail, the last resting place of the whole hike is the Pundzias akmuo.
Further, the road led towards Lazdijai, where the last stop of the trip - St. Anne's Church. Thanks to all the participants who walked together, got to know the natural treasures of the Lazdija region, visited objects, local food, heard legends, stories, shared their hiking experiences, were curious and curious! Well, today's biggest inspiration is hiker Salomėja, who will soon turn 82!
Hiking partners:
Lazdija district weekly office of public health
We thank Lazdija VEŽA for taking the hikers to the start of the hike
Dzūkiška herds from Hotel Gojus
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