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Biržai Regional Park

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Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)

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Biržai Regional Park, located in northern Lithuania, features a geological phenomenon that is completely unique within the country: an active and highly pronounced karst landscape. The park was established in 1992 to protect this fragile and constantly evolving geological system. Beneath the surface lie thick layers of gypsum and dolomite rock, which are continually being dissolved by circulating groundwater. As these subterranean cavities grow, the surface collapses, forming deep sinkholes and dolines, of which there are now over 9,000 documented within the park. Many of these sinkholes eventually fill with water, creating small, enigmatic karst lakes. The water in these lakes often takes on an unusual coloration due to the presence of specialized sulfur bacteria. The most famous sinkhole is the 'Cow's Cave' (Karvės ola), a 12-meter-deep collapse that opens into an underground cave system. The specialized microclimate at the bottom of these sinkholes also provides a haven for rare flora, particularly various protected fern species.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-6-16121618171261-3
Rain mm564747496582958761716558

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
The regional park is most practically explored by car, with the visitor center located right in the town of Biržai. Key sights, like the large sinkholes, are clearly signposted from the main roads and have designated turn-offs.
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Best season
Late spring and summer provide the easiest access to the trails and the most lively views of the sinkholes. Heavy rains in autumn or spring can make the terrain incredibly muddy and sometimes restrict access to certain unstable areas.
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Terrain & paths
The landscape is generally flat but dramatically interrupted by deep, sudden karst sinkholes of varying sizes. Trails around the most famous sinkholes are well-established, featuring sturdy wooden stairs and safe observation decks.
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What to bring
Standard outdoor walking shoes are recommended, especially to handle the wooden steps comfortably. It is wise to bring a raincoat, as the region's weather can shift quickly, and having your own water bottle is very useful.
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Parking
Excellent, purpose-built parking areas are provided right next to the major sinkholes like the Cow's Cave. These facilities are free and adequately sized to accommodate standard visitor traffic without much hassle.
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Safety
The main sites are securely fenced, but visitors must absolutely stick to the marked paths and observation platforms. Wandering off-trail is strictly prohibited and extremely dangerous due to the risk of sudden ground collapses.
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Time needed
Stopping to see one major sinkhole typically takes about 30 minutes of walking and observing. Exploring multiple sites, the observation tower, and the visitor center will easily fill a half-day itinerary.

Geography

Coordinates
56.20000, 24.75000

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Biržai CastleBiržai Castle<1 km · NEExplore →
Cow's CaveCow's Cave4 km · WExplore →
Hatta MountainsHatta Mountains8 km · SEExplore →
Hatta Dam LakeHatta Dam Lake10 km · SExplore →
Pabiržė ChurchPabiržė Church11 km · SWExplore →
Awhlah FortAwhlah Fort13 km · NEExplore →
Wadi Al HeloWadi Al Helo13 km · EExplore →
Mūša-Nemunėlis ValleyMūša-Nemunėlis Valley14 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Biržai Regional Park (10)

Siaurojo geležinkelio kompleksas

Narrow-gauge railway complex from the 20th century, 750 mm gauge, longest preserved section in Europe.

Biržų alaus turas

Beer tour in Biržai, visiting breweries, prior arrangement required.

Biržų jungtinė metodistų bažnyčia

Church building in Lithuania, used by the Methodist community in Biržai.

Senovinių arbatinukų galerija - muziejus

Gallery and museum featuring a collection of antique teapots.

🕒 Mo-Fr 08:00-19:00; Sa 08:00-15:00; Su 09:00-15:00

Biržai Radziwiłł Castle🏛 museum

Bastion-type fortress, best preserved in northeastern Europe, Renaissance bastion castle, cultural monument.

Biržų Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia

Church building in Lithuania, dedicated to Saint John the Baptist.

Biržų pilies tiltas

Bridge at Biržai Castle, spanning the castle moat.

Biržų centrinis pliažas

Central sandy beach in Biržai, located on the lake, for swimming and sunbathing.

Biržų evangelikų reformatų bažnyčia

Church building in Lithuania, Reformed church in Biržai.

Beer route

Beer route through Biržai, connecting breweries and tasting spots.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the 'sinkholes'?
Craters formed by the collapse of underground caves, with thousands found here.
What is the 'Cow's Cave' (Karvės ola)?
The most famous and deepest sinkhole in the region, about 12 meters deep.
Is there an observation tower?
Yes, the Kirkilai tower has a unique shape and overlooks the water-filled sinkhole lakes.
What is typical for the town of Biržai?
Biržai Castle and the region's long tradition of beer brewing.
How long is the wooden bridge across the lake?
The bridge across Lake Širvėna is 525 meters long, the longest wooden bridge in Lithuania.
Biržai Regional Park: where is it located?
Biržai Regional Park is located in Lithuania.
Biržai Regional Park: what is there to see?
Highlights include Siaurojo geležinkelio kompleksas, Biržų alaus turas, Biržų jungtinė metodistų bažnyčia.
Biržai Regional Park: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Biržai Regional Park: why is it worth visiting?
Biržai Regional Park, located in northern Lithuania, features a geological phenomenon that is completely unique within the country: an active and highly pronounced karst landscape.
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Nearby cities

Šiauliai — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Šiauliai
Šiauliai is the fourth largest city in Lithuania and is known as the Sun City.
Gytariai — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Gytariai
Gytariai is a large residential district in the west of Šiauliai, Lithuania, known for its quiet suburban atmosphere and proximity to urb…
Panevėžys — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Panevėžys
Panevėžys is located on the banks of the Nevėžis river and is the fifth largest city in Lithuania.
Mažeikiai — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Mažeikiai
Mažeikiai is an industrial city in northwestern Lithuania, near the Latvian border.
Jonava — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Jonava
Jonava is a city in central Lithuania known for its chemical industry.
Utena — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Utena
Utena is an industrial city in eastern Lithuania and one of the oldest settlements in the country.
Kėdainiai Old Town — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Kėdainiai Old Town
Kėdainiai was a major Reformation center in the 17th century.
Kėdainiai — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Kėdainiai
Kėdainiai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and possesses a well-preserved old town.
Ukmergė area — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Ukmergė area
The rural area around Ukmergė offers a varied landscape with many historical manors.
Ukmergė — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Ukmergė
Ukmergė is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.
Visaginas — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Visaginas
Visaginas is the youngest city in Lithuania, originally built for the workers of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant.
Radviliškis — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Radviliškis
Radviliškis is a significant railway junction in northern Lithuania.
Radviliškis area — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Radviliškis area
The area around Radviliškis is characterized by wide plains and a significant role in the Lithuanian railway network.
Biržai — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Biržai
Biržai is located in northern Lithuania by Lake Širvėna.
Naujoji Akmenė — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Naujoji Akmenė
Naujoji Akmenė is an industrial city in northern Lithuania.

History & landmarks

Kaunas Town Hall — Biržai Regional Park (Lithuania)
Kaunas Town Hall
The Town Hall in the main square of Kaunas is often called the 'White Swan' due to its elegant shape and white facade.