Sartai Regional Park

Sartai Regional Park, located in northeastern Lithuania across the Zarasai and Rokiškis districts, encompasses a sprawling territory of approximately 12,000 hectares established to preserve its unique glacial landscape. The park's defining feature is Lake Sartai, a hydrologic marvel known for its incredibly convoluted shape, featuring numerous elongated branches and bays that create the longest shoreline of any lake in Lithuania, stretching nearly 80 kilometers. Historically, the region is inextricably linked to the traditional winter horse racing event, which for over a century was held on the thick ice of the frozen lake; while modern safety concerns often shift the races to a specialized track near the town of Dusetos, the festival remains a cornerstone of Lithuanian cultural heritage and winter tourism. The topography of the park was meticulously carved by the last ice age, resulting in a complex system of moraine hills and deep tunnel valleys that house several smaller lakes alongside the dominant Sartai. Ecological diversity is a priority here, with vast pine and spruce forests interspersed with alkaline fens that provide sanctuary for rare species such as the black stork, the lesser spotted eagle, and various orchids. For those seeking panoramic vistas, the Baršėnai observation tower rises 36 meters above the ground, offering a spectacular bird's-eye view of the lake's intricate network and the surrounding verdant canopy. The park also protects numerous archaeological sites, including ancient burial mounds and fortified hillforts, alongside traditional Aukštaitian farmsteads that showcase the region's enduring architectural and social customs.

Nearby cities

Panevėžys

Panevėžys is located on the banks of the Nevėžis river and is the fifth largest city in Lithuania.

Jonava

Jonava is a city in central Lithuania known for its chemical industry.

Utena

Utena is an industrial city in eastern Lithuania and one of the oldest settlements in the country.

Kėdainiai Old Town

Kėdainiai was a major Reformation center in the 17th century.

Kėdainiai

Kėdainiai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and possesses a well-preserved old town.

Ukmergė

Ukmergė is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.

Ukmergė area

The rural area around Ukmergė offers a varied landscape with many historical manors.

Visaginas

Visaginas is the youngest city in Lithuania, originally built for the workers of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant.

Biržai

Biržai is located in northern Lithuania by Lake Širvėna.

Elektrėnai

Elektrėnai is a modern city founded during the Soviet era as a residence for the workers of the local power plant.

Rokiškis

Rokiškis is known for its magnificent manor house and traditional cheese production.

Grigiškės

Grigiškės is an industrial city west of Vilnius on the Voke River.

Anykščiai

Anykščiai is known as the literary capital of Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.

Lentvaris

Lentvaris is an industrial city near Vilnius and Trakai.

Trakų Vokė

Trakų Vokė is located in the suburban area of Vilnius.

History & landmarks

Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town is one of the largest surviving medieval town centers in Northern Europe.

Vilnius Town Hall

A Neoclassical landmark in the heart of the Old Town, designed by Laurynas Gucevičius.