Beyond Your Travel

5 Days Aukstaitija National Park Self-guided Kayaking Trip

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Duration

5 days

Group Size

1 to 8 people

Ages

18 - 90 yrs

Languages

English

Tour Overview

Get away from the crowds and immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of Aukstaitija National Park, featuring pristine nature, winding rivers, ethnographic villages, and fresh air. You will start your journey in Vilnius, the vibrant and culturally rich capital of Lithuania, and then continue to Aukstaitija National Park to embark on a self-guided kayaking tour. On your paddling adventure, you will follow the currents of the Buka and Zeimena Rivers, the most beautiful rivers in the national park, and kayak on Lake Baluosas, Sravinaitis, Lusiai, and others. Along the picturesque coastline, you will encounter not only wild forests but also the ethnographic villages of Vaisnoriskes, Suminai, and others, along with the Ginuciai watermill and Paluse St. Joseph’s Church, which stand out as significant landmarks. Aukstaitija National Park is ready to surprise you with its unspoiled nature and rich cultural heritage.

Additional information

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Pickup

What's included

1 night in Paluse, Karolio Guesthouse or similar

1 night in Ignalina, Zuvedra Hotel or similar

1 night in Kaltanenai, Zeimenos Vingis Guesthouse or similar

1 night in Ginuciai, Gaideliu Guesthouse or similar

Transfer Vilnius – Aukstaitija National Park – Vilnius

Double kayak with all necessary equipment (paddles, dry bags, life jackets, route maps);

Other

Itinerary

Day 1: VILNIUS – IGNALINA (no paddling; ~120 km drive to Aukstaitija National Park)

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.

Ignalina, Zuvedra Hotel or similar

Day 2: 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.

Ginuciai, Gaideliu Guesthouse or similar

Day 3: 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.

Karolio Guesthouse or similar

Day 4: 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.

Kaltanenai, Zeimenos Vingis Guesthouse or similar

Day 5: 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.

FAQ

Can I get the refund?

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

Min 6 days: 100%
From 2 to 6 days: 50%
From 0 to 2 days: 0%

Tickets

Adult (18 - 90 years)

Minimum: 0, Maximum: 8