Location: Ignalina Map
Area: 405.70 km²
Aukstaitija National Park situated in Ignalina region of Lithuania 100 km North of Vilnus. This natural reserve covers an area of 405.70 km². It is the oldest national park in the country founded in 1974. Glaciers from an Ice Age carved unique landscape of Aukstaitija National Park. About 15% of the park area is covered by 126 lakes and numerous rivers. The largest lakes are Kretuonas and Tauragnas. Lake Baluosas contains seven islands. One of the islands contains its own small lake. The park is inhabited by 209 species of birds, 64 species of plants and 35 species of fish. Fishing is legal within the norms established by the park's administration. You can rent fishing rods, boat or a kayak. Additionally you can stay on the land of the natural park if you get the permit.
One of the most favorite destinations of Aukštaitija National Park is hill Ladakalnis. Translated roughly as an "iceberg" the hill offers a magnificent view of seven lakes (Linkmenas, Asalnai, Ukoyas, Asekas, Alnas, and Luschay Almayas) of the natural park. According to local legends the hill served as a site for pagan rituals intended to honor mother goddess Lada. Now even though this can not be proven for a fact there are archaeological finds that include first settlements that date back to 9000 BC as well as 45 burial sites from the 4th to 12th centuries. Each site contains from several up to 400 tumuluses or burial mounds that cover the actual burial along with artifacts that were put in the grave. This region of Europe remained pagan up to late Medieval times so it had unique way to part with the departed ones. Additionally remains of 11 hill forts are scattered through out the area. Needless to say that it is illegal to remove any items from the national park. If you do stumble on an ancient site report it to the administration of the Aukštaitija National Park.
Ancient and Prehistoric Roots
The history of the region now
encompassed by Aukštaitija National Park dates back thousands of years,
reflecting Lithuania's deep connection to its natural and cultural
landscapes. Archaeological evidence indicates human settlement in the
area from the Stone Age, with numerous sites revealing early communities
that relied on the abundant lakes, rivers, and forests for sustenance
and shelter. Key discoveries include Stone Age settlements and barrows
(ancient burial mounds) at locations such as Minčia, Vyžai, Šakarva,
Palūšė, Kaltanėnai, and Šventa. These sites, dating from the Stone and
Bronze Ages (roughly 9000 BCE to 1000 BCE), represent some of the
largest ancient settlement complexes in Lithuania, including grave
fields from the 5th to 11th centuries CE. The Kretuonas archaeological
complex stands out as particularly unique, offering insights into
prehistoric life through artifacts and structures preserved in the
park's terrain.
In ancient Baltic times (prior to the 14th century
CE), the indigenous Aistians (early Baltic tribes) held a profound
respect for nature, designating sacred sites such as cultish woods,
trees, stones, and ponds. These were strictly protected under tribal
customs, functioning as early forms of nature reserves or monuments.
Although many were destroyed or repurposed following Lithuania's
Christianization in 1387, remnants like Alka Hill and certain sacred
stones survived and later influenced the boundaries of modern protected
areas, including parts of Aukštaitija.
Medieval and Feudal Period
During the feudal era (14th to 18th centuries), the region's focus
shifted from sacral protection to resource management under ducal and
royal authority. The area, part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, saw the
construction of defensive structures amid conflicts with neighboring
powers like the Teutonic Order. Notable remnants include 12th–15th
century northeastern Lithuanian defensive lines, featuring castle mounds
(hill forts) at Taurapilis, Ginučiai, Puziniškis, Linkmenas, and
Vajuonis, as well as ancient defensive embankments at Rėkučiai. These
sites, often perched on hills overlooking lakes, served as strategic
strongholds and are now protected as cultural heritage within the park.
Forest and wildlife protection during this time was enshrined in legal
codes, such as the Law Code of Casimir (1468) and the First Lithuanian
Statute (1529), which regulated hunting and forestry to preserve
resources for the nobility. Hunting reserves were established, with
severe penalties for poaching, laying early groundwork for conservation
practices that prioritized user interests over spiritual ones.
Ethnographic villages like Salos (II), Varniškės (II), Vaišnoriškės,
Šuminai (Pabaluošė), Strazdai (Šariškė), Kretuonys, and Benediktavas,
which preserve archaic wooden architecture and traditional layouts,
trace their origins to this period and highlight the region's rural
heritage.
Interwar and Early Soviet Periods: Emerging
Conservation Efforts
The interwar period (1918–1940) marked a shift
toward modern conservation in independent Lithuania, influenced by
European ideas of preserving natural and cultural diversity. Activists
like biologist Tadas Ivanauskas proposed establishing reserves in 1921,
while discussions on national parks highlighted areas like Labanoras
wood (adjacent to what would become Aukštaitija). The first formal
protected area in Lithuania, Žuvintas Strict Nature Reserve, was created
in 1937 to safeguard endangered birds, setting a precedent for
biodiversity-focused protection.
Under Soviet occupation (1940–1990),
conservation initially followed centralized policies. In the early
Soviet years (1940s–1950s), reserves were established primarily for game
fauna restoration, with eight created in 1945 (totaling 17,800 ha) but
later dissolved or repurposed as hunting grounds. By 1954, a network of
hunting reserves covered nearly 300,000 ha, emphasizing resource
recovery post-World War II.
The late Soviet period (1960s–1980s) saw
significant advancements amid growing ecological awareness. In 1960, 89
reserves were founded, covering 2% of Lithuania's territory, including
key predecessors to Aukštaitija: the Ignalina Landscape Reserve and
Ažvinčiai Wood Botanical-Zoological Reserve, which formed the core of
the future national park. The 1959 Law on Nature Protection formalized
categories prioritizing landscapes and biodiversity. Discussions on
national parks intensified in the late 1960s, leading to Aukštaitija's
projection in 1971 as a 30,000-ha site in northeastern Lithuania
(initially one-third of the proposed area). This aligned with broader
strategies to integrate ethnocultural, conservation, and recreational
goals.
Establishment and Soviet-Era Development (1974–1990)
Aukštaitija National Park was officially established on March 29, 1974,
as the first national park in Lithuania (then the Lithuanian Soviet
Socialist Republic), initially named Lithuanian SSR National Park to
underscore its pioneering status. Spanning approximately 30,000 ha at
inception (later expanded to 41,056 ha), it aimed to protect the unique
upper Žeimena River ecosystem, including 126 lakes (covering 15.5% of
the area), ancient pine forests, and diverse landscapes like bowl-shaped
valleys, moraine massifs, and hydrographical complexes. The park also
safeguarded rare flora and fauna, such as biotic communities in lakes
like Kretuonas and Tauragnas (Lithuania's deepest at 60.5 m).
Cultural objectives were equally vital, preserving medieval defensive
sites, archaeological complexes, ethnographic villages, and historical
ensembles like the Palūšė church (built in 1750, the oldest wooden
church in Lithuania) and Kaltanėnai urban complex. Water mills, the
Stripeikiai beekeeping museum (highlighting traditional apiculture), and
other heritage elements were integrated. Infrastructure for water
tourism, including kayaking routes on interconnected lakes and streams,
was developed early on.
Expansions in the 1970s and 1980s aligned
with Soviet-wide environmental pushes, including new reserve types in
1988 and a 1986 strategy that doubled protected areas nationwide.
Post-Independence Era (1991–Present)
With Lithuania's
independence in 1990, the park underwent renaming in 1991 to Aukštaitija
National Park, reflecting the ethnographic region of Aukštaitija
(Highlands) and coinciding with the creation of four other national
parks (Dzūkija, Žemaitija, Curonian Spit, and Trakai Historic). The 1993
Law on Protected Areas formalized the modern system, emphasizing
European standards.
In the 2000s–2010s, integration with EU
frameworks like Natura 2000 enhanced biodiversity protections, adding
biosphere elements and genetic reserves by 2014. The park's area
stabilized at 40,974 ha, with 2.1% strictly protected and accessible
only with guides. Efforts focused on sustainable tourism, preserving
traditional crafts (e.g., beekeeping, woodworking), and ecological
education. By the 2020s, programs emphasized birdwatching, hiking, and
cultural immersion, with a 2024 initiative highlighting the park's role
in maintaining Lithuanian customs amid climate challenges.
Aukštaitija National Park, established in 1974 as Lithuania's oldest
national park, spans approximately 40,974 hectares (about 410 km²) in
the northeastern region of the country. It lies roughly 100 km north of
Vilnius, with the nearest major town being Ignalina. The park's
coordinates center around 55°20′N and 26°03′E, encompassing parts of the
Ignalina, Utena, and Švenčionys district municipalities. About 50% of
the area falls under Ignalina's control, with the remaining divided
equally between the other two. Strictly protected zones make up 2.1% of
the territory, accessible only with park staff accompaniment. The park
is renowned for preserving the unique landscape of the Aukštaičiai
Upland, a hilly, lake-dotted expanse shaped by glacial activity during
the last Ice Age, blending natural beauty with minimal human
cultivation.
Topography and Landforms
The geography of
Aukštaitija National Park is dominated by a complex, undulating terrain
typical of post-glacial landscapes. It sits at the intersection of the
Baltic upland strip lake complexes and the northern Nalšia (Švenčionys)
upland strip hills, forming part of Lithuania's broader Aukštaitija
ethnographic region, which aligns with the northeastern quadrant of the
country (roughly 55° to 57° N latitude and 24° to 27° E longitude). The
area features a mix of forested hilly glacial-type lakes in tunnel
valley systems, groups of small lakes and swampy waterholes, shallow
forested terraced valleys, glacio-fluvial terraces, undulating
elevations, and morainic hilly massifs and ridges. Some areas include
agrarian morainic hilly massifs, adding to the diversity.
Key
landforms include:
Ridges and Hills: The Šiliniškės mid-lake ridge
stands out as a unique feature in Lithuania, encircled by nine lakes and
offering dramatic views. Ladakalnis hill, a legendary prominence, rises
prominently and provides panoramic vistas of six surrounding lakes. The
Benediktavas (Makiai) moraine massif exemplifies the park's hilly
massifs, while the Petriškė erosional plateau adds flat-topped
elevations to the mix.
Valleys: Bowl-shaped valleys such as those of
Baluošas, Linkmenas-Ūkojas, Tauragnas, and Utenas cradle chains of lakes
and forests. The Kiauna valley showcases a landscape of meandering
rivers, while tunnel valleys—elongated depressions formed by subglacial
meltwater—interconnect many water bodies with junctions, creating a
networked system of depressions.
Other Features: The park includes
little hills, valleys, and country roads weaving through archaic
villages. Glacial remnants like moraines and eskers contribute to the
rolling topography, with elevations generally higher than surrounding
lowlands, reflecting the region's name meaning "Highlands" in
Lithuanian.
This glacial heritage results in a landscape of
interspersed hills and depressions, with minimal cultivation preserving
its natural state.
Hydrology: Lakes, Rivers, and Streams
Water
is a defining element of Aukštaitija's geography, often dubbed the "land
of lakes." The park boasts over 126 lakes, covering about 15% of its
area, many interconnected by rivulets and streams, making it ideal for
activities like kayaking. These bodies belong primarily to the Žeimena
River basin, with hydrology featuring tunnel valleys, oxbow lakes, and
fluctuating water levels.
Notable lakes include:
Tauragnas
Lake: Lithuania's deepest at 62.5 meters, nestled in a bowl-shaped
valley with steep slopes.
Baluošas Lake: Unique for containing
Ilgasalė, an island with its own small lakelet; surrounded by white lake
chalk deposits.
Baltys Lake: A thermokarst waterhole exhibiting
natural water level fluctuations.
Other Significant Lakes: Dringis
with its distinctive horns (peninsulas) and bays; Asalnai and
Dringykščai for their bays and habitats; Laumakėliai lakelets, known for
varying water colors resembling "eyes"; and chains in the
Linkmenas-Ūkojas and Utenas valleys.
Rivers and streams add
dynamism:
Žeimena River: One of Lithuania's most scenic, originating
in the park with a valley full of vital oxbow lakes and biotic
communities. Its upper reaches form an ecosystem at the confluence of
three landscape zones.
Streams: The Tauragna Stream is unpredictable,
alternately surfacing and disappearing underground; Pliaušė rushes
toward Almajas Lake; Švogina and Juodupė wind through forests; Būka
features a preserved river bed; Labažė includes a stream and lakelet;
and Asalnai and Žeimenys form hydrographical complexes with islands and
peninsulas.
Hydrographical reserves protect complexes like
Asalnai (bays and rare habitats), Būka (river biota), Juodupė, Pliaušė,
Švogina, Labažė, and Žeimena, emphasizing the park's role in
safeguarding water systems.
Vegetation and Ecosystems
Over 70%
of the park is forested, with 80% of these woods consisting of pine
stands, some up to 200 years old. Vegetation reflects a rich mosaic of
habitats, including Western Taïga forests, Fennoscandian herb-rich
forests, deciduous swamp woods, and bog woodlands. The park hosts 992
plant species, 96 of which are in Lithuania’s Red Data Book, including
wild orchids and rare fungi.
Key vegetative areas:
Ancient
Forests: Ažvinčiai (Gervėčiai) Old Forest and Minčia forest, largely
untouched by humans, showcase East Lithuanian ancient woods with high
biodiversity.
Oak Forests: Ginučiai Oak Forest stands as a
distinctive example.
Wetlands and Meadows: Molinia meadows, raised
bogs, transition mires, calcareous and alkaline fens. Wetlands like
Kretuonykštis, Kriogžlys, and Pagilūtė support diverse biotic
communities, including Kretuonas, Kretuonykštis, Knytis, and Pažeimena.
Other Habitats: Hard oligo-mesotrophic waters, natural eutrophic and
dystrophic lakes, marshes, and reedbeds contribute to the park's
ecological variety.
These ecosystems support exceptional
biodiversity, with 2,961 animal species, including mammals like wolves
and lynx, 243 bird species (e.g., Ural owls, black grouse), and various
fishes, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Unique Geographical
Features and Conservation
Aukštaitija's geography is marked by rare
natural complexes, such as the confluence of three landscape zones at
the Žeimena's upper reaches, the Ažvinčiai Old Forest natural complex,
and hydrographical networks like Petriškė. Reserves include strict
nature areas (e.g., Ažvinčiai woods, Baltys Lake), landscape reserves
(e.g., Baluošas for thermokarst lakes, Benediktavas for hilly agrarian
landscapes, Kiauna for river sections), and others protecting
archaeological and ecological sites.
The park's glacial legacy,
combined with its hydrological interconnectedness and forested expanses,
creates a pristine environment that highlights Lithuania's natural
heritage. Climate is temperate continental, with influences from the
Baltic Sea moderating temperatures, though specific data varies
seasonally. Overall, this geography not only offers stunning visuals but
also serves as a vital refuge for rare species and ecosystems.
In Aukštaitija National Park, 59% of all
indigenous plant species in Lithuania occur. 70% of the park's surface
is covered by forest, mainly pine forest. The flora includes over 800
species of vascular plants, of which 60 are red-listed. Some of these
that are particularly rare in Lithuania are the sycamore, hornbeam and
dwarf birch. The fungal flora is also species-rich, with 633 recorded
species.
The park's wildlife is rich with several rare and
protected species. Among the insects there are 650 species of beetles,
over 40 species of dragonflies and several species of bees, including
the rallar bee, which does not occur anywhere else in Lithuania. 35
species of fish have been found in the lakes. The number of observed
bird species amounts to 209, of which 151 breed here. Among the mammals
there are approximately 50 species, of which European beaver and hare
are relatively common. Among the rarer mammal species is the bush mouse,
which was observed for the first time in Lithuania in 1969. The wolf
population in the park consists of 8–10 individuals, and in 1991 traces
of a brown bear were found.
Aukštaitija National Park is located in an area that has been inhabited by humans for at least 2000 years, which has left its mark on the landscape. Approximately 15% of the park's area is made up of agricultural land and settlements; the villages are 82 in number and have a total population of approximately 2,000 people. Some of the villages are mentioned as early as the 14th century and cultural attractions include watermills, a wooden church from the 17th century and a beekeeping museum. Traditional farming methods are still used in the area.