Some towns surprise you at first glance, and Anykščiai is one of them. At first, this small Lithuanian town in the valley of the Šventoji River looks peaceful, perhaps even a bit provincial. But spend just one day here, and you realize that behind this tranquility lies one of the most fascinating tourist destinations in the entire Baltic region.
A treetop walking path as high as a nine-story building. A functioning narrow-gauge railway with real trains. Ski slopes in a country not typically known for skiing. And alongside all this—a quiet literary town with a rich history and a very special atmosphere.
This is the main reason tourists from all over Lithuania and neighboring countries head to Anykščiai. The Treetop Walking Path—the first construction of its kind in Eastern Europe—winds through a pine forest at heights of up to 21 meters. For comparison, that is roughly the level of the seventh or eighth floor of a residential building.
The wooden walkway, about 300 meters long, leads through the upper tier of the forest. Everything looks different from here—the light, the scents, and the sounds. Birds you usually hear from below are now at eye level. The wind in the crowns feels entirely different than it does down at the roots.
At the end of the path stands an observation tower offering views of the Šventoji valley and the vast pine forest. On a clear day, you can see for miles. The structure is designed to be accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. Children love it, but even adults who "just came for a quick walk" often find themselves staying much longer than planned.
The path is open year-round. It is exceptionally beautiful in winter with snow-covered branches and frost-crisp air. Summer brings lush greenery and the chirp of grasshoppers, while autumn offers a horizon of gold and copper.
This is one of those rarities that Lithuania has carefully preserved—something that cannot be simply invented or artificially reproduced. The Anykščiai narrow-gauge railway (locally known as Siaurukas) is fully functional. It is not a museum piece behind glass or a mere tourist reconstruction, but a real railway with real trains.
Built at the beginning of the 20th century, the narrow-gauge line served to transport passengers and cargo through hard-to-reach forested areas. While many similar lines across Europe were dismantled when their industrial necessity faded, the Anykščiai line survived.
Today, tourist trains run along it: small carriages with wooden benches, a slow pace, and views of forests, fields, and villages that aren't visible from the highway. The route passes through the region's most picturesque spots and takes several hours round-trip. It represents a completely different tempo of travel—one rarely found in modern life. No rush, no traffic jams, no screens—just the click-clack of wheels on rails and the landscape passing by the window.
The trains run during the season, so it is best to check the schedule in advance, especially if traveling in a large group or with children, as weekend tickets sell out fast.
Lithuania is not a mountainous country—everyone knows that. However, on Kalita Hill in Anykščiai, real ski slopes operate during the winter, and locals take the sport quite seriously.
By Lithuanian standards, Kalita is a very respectable hill. There are slopes of varying difficulty, from gentle runs for beginners and children to steeper sections for those with more experience. There is a ski lift, equipment rental, and instructors for novices.
Granted, these are not the Alps or even the Carpathians. But for a family winter holiday without long flights or expensive hotels, it is a very worthy option. Many Lithuanian families come here for exactly that: it’s close to home, affordable, and keeps the kids happy. Besides downhill skiing, Kalita offers cross-country trails through the forest that are perfect for the whole family, regardless of athletic skill.
The town also features a large sports complex with a swimming pool—a significant facility for a town of this size. The pool is used for recreational swimming, sports clubs, and competitions. This is a vital detail for those visiting Anykščiai for longer stays or living in the region: active recreation doesn't end with the last snow or the first rain. There is always somewhere to go and something to do, year-round.
Anykščiai is about more than just nature and sports; it is one of Lithuania's most important literary landmarks.
It is the birthplace of Antanas Baranauskas, a classic of Lithuanian literature and author of the 19th-century poem "The Pine Grove of Anykščiai" (Anykščių šilelis). The poem became a symbol of the Lithuanian national rebirth and is still part of the school curriculum. Remarkably, the poet sang the praises of the very same pine forest that the treetop path winds through today—the circle has closed after a century and a half.
The town hosts the Baranauskas Museum and regularly holds literary festivals and cultural events. For those who value cultural context as much as nature, Anykščiai offers both dimensions simultaneously.
All three towns—Visaginas, Zarasai, and Anykščiai—are located in the same region of Lithuania and fit perfectly into a three-day itinerary.
Three completely different moods, three different characters—all in one region that most tourists usually drive through without stopping. They are missing out.
Anykščiai is great at any time of year. Summer offers the path, the river, and active recreation. Autumn brings the golden forest and silence. Winter offers the ski slope and snow-draped treetops, while spring brings the first greenery and fresh air.
From Vilnius, the drive to Anykščiai takes about 1.5 to 2 hours, making it one of the most accessible options for a weekend trip from the capital.
Planning a trip to Anykščiai? Looking for accommodation, a bicycle, or camping gear? Check out skelb24.lt. You’ll find offers from locals in the town and neighboring regions: fair prices, real people, and no "tourist markups."
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