First day’s route

AISETA – Kiauna (~16 km, ~5 hours)

Aiseta Lake – second largest in the list of Lithuania’s longest lakes. When you’re ready to travel, hop into the canoes and paddle along the left bank of Aiseta. You’ll paddle 145 m to the very source of Aiseta River.

After paddling less than half a kilometer from the source of the Aiseta River, you will pass under a wooden bridge belonging to the village of Paaisetė. Later, you will pass by a few homesteads, navigate a few bends of Aiseta, and after ~0.6 km, the riverbed will become straighter for ~1.3 km. You will recognize this section by the reeds growing on the banks of Aiseta. After this exotic section, the riverbed will become more winding until the Utena – Švenčionėliai railway bridge. After passing under this bridge, you will see the remains of the old railway tracks. The Kiaunas Lake is already nearby, but you will still have to overcome a 260 m section of Aiseta’s natural obstacles, “strewn” with wooden barricades. After overcoming all this, you will enter Lake Kiaunas.

In Lake Kiaunas, direct the canoes along the right bank. You will recognize it by the lush pine forest growing on the banks, where the echo of vacationers resonates perfectly.

After paddling almost 2 km in Lake Kiaunas, always keeping to the right bank line, you will find the source of the Kiauna River. After paddling ~100 m from the source, you will see a small island overgrown with reeds.

Kiauna is a winding and fun river for water tourists, where we wish you pleasant adventures!

After paddling about 0.4 km on the Kiauna River, you will pass the village of Pakiaunys on the left. It has an ancient wooden manor homestead built between 1900 and 1903. The homestead is ~150 m away from the river.

Continuing the journey at the end of the village of Pakiaunys, you will pass under a bridge and immediately enter the Kiauna Landscape Reserve. You will encounter the nature of the reserve as you paddle further along the Kiauna River: the shores will delight you with rich vegetation, forests feeding the river, and you will pass marshes, which are an integral part of our nature. In spring, you will see dams built by beavers from branches, other terrestrial vegetation, mud, water grasses, and other materials these “builders” find in nature. After admiring the beavers’ “architecture,” you will pass many villages: Stirnines, Briedines, Jakutiškis, Vasiuliškės village, and further on – Žvirbliškė, Kūrinių village, recognizable by the road bridge.

From the aforementioned Vasiuliškės village, the more thrilling experiences begin: you’ll pass fallen trees, swift bends, and stone “obstacles.” Maybe you’ll get lucky and take a dip in the swift Kiauna current! The more adventure-filled stretch of the trip will continue until the Kūrinių village bridge.

When you paddle under the Kūrinių village road bridge, connecting the Molėtai-Ignalina road, you’ll paddle the winding Kiauna for about 2 km, with trees that have grown there for a long time leaning along the shores. The riverbed will gradually become straighter, adorned with a pleasant tree alley, leading you into Lake Gilūtas.

With the help of the current, paddle to Gilūta, direct the canoes to the left – east direction and paddle ~0.6 km to the lake’s channel. The length of the lake’s channel is ~800 m. Continuing along it, you would reach Lake Sekluočio.

On the right side of the channel, you will see a cozy sandy shore. Here you can take the opportunity to wade, swim. In this rest area, you can settle for the night to gather strength to complete the remaining part of the route.

The next day, before leaving, check if you have left any trash at the campsite!

Second day’s route

Kiauna – Žeimena (~? km, ~? hours)

After passing the channel and entering Sekluotis, you’ll likely be greeted by elegant swans. Paddle along Sekluotis – heading east. This lake isn’t very deep, so the canoe bottoms will brush against tall water grasses. Now you probably understand why the lake got its name J. After paddling about 0.75 km, as you approach the shore, steer the canoes to the right – heading south. Then paddle to the river flowing from Sekluotis Lake.

This small stream is part of the Kiauna River but is sometimes called Kernauja. You will soon see the village of Kukliai, embracing the riverbanks. In Kukliai, before reaching the concrete bridge, you will find a convenient shore for disembarking on the right side, in a meadow where you can rest.

Continuing towards the Žeimena River, the banks of Kiauna will be lined with pine forests. After paddling about 2 km from the village of Kukliai, the current will slow down, gradually carrying you to the mouth of the Kiauna River. Kiauna is the first right tributary of the Žeimena River.

You’ll enter the Žeimena River at the confluence of Kiauna and Žeimena, located in the village of Šakališkės. At the confluence, turn left to disembark for a rest on the shore of Šakališkės village or, a bit further (3 km from the confluence) – in the town of Kaltanėnai. Here you can visit the Kaltanėnai church built of red clay bricks, distinguished by its early 20th-century neo-Gothic style. The church was built between 1903 and 1909.

After passing the town of Kaltanėnai, you’ll notice how the Žeimena River begins to widen – these are the river’s sources from Žeimenys Lake.

Žeimenys is the lake with the longest shoreline in the Aukštaitija National Park. The lake’s length is more than 10 km, width ~0.5 km, and depth ~24 m. Žeimenys surpasses other lakes in length but not in width, so while paddling through the bays of Žeimenys, you can feel the water flowing into the river. The lake’s shores resemble cliffs (up to 20 m above sea level). These are covered with pines, sandy. A large part of the shores is occupied by reed beds, embracing the islands standing here.

Besides the Šakarva stream, the Jaurupė stream flows into Lake Žeimenys in its western branch, and the Laukupė and Kretuona streams flow into its eastern part. Near Kaltanėnai, the Žeimena River flows out of the lake. There are 14 small islands in Lake Žeimenys. Around the lake are the villages of Bajorai, Ožkiniai, Antanavas, and the town of Kaltanėnai.

Once in the lake, follow the left shoreline. After passing the first small island, bypass it, and steer the canoes along the right shore of Žeimenys Lake. From the sources of Žeimena River, after covering ~4 km, you should see a rest area on the shore. Here you can take a break and set up for the night.

Beyond the rest area, on the same side of the shore, about ~0.5 km away, is the Pakretuona stream. If you walk from its inlet ~300 – 350 m, you’ll find the old Pakretuona water mill, built next to the Kretuona stream. The mill boasts impressive cascades, under which it’s always fun to splash on a hot summer day J! Currently, a recreation and wellness camp belonging to the Lithuanian National Martynas Mažvydas Library is set up here. Visiting tourists are allowed into the area for a symbolic fee, so they can enjoy the water fun offered by the mill.

Third day’s route

Žeimenys Lake – Meiros (Asalnų camp) (~? km, ~? hours)

From the Pakretuona campsite, paddle north through Žeimenys Lake towards Šakarva Lake. Avoid paddling into bays to stay on route. Upon reaching the channel between Žeimenys and Šakarva Lakes – the Šakarva stream, paddle through it towards Šakarva Lake. You’ll pass under a bridge, under which the Šakarva stream flows, and thus enter Šakarva Lake.

Šakarvai is one of the deeper lakes in Aukštaitija National Park, with a maximum depth of 40 meters. The average width of the lake is 0.35 km, and its length is 2.5 km. Paddle along Šakarvai Lake towards the channel leading to Lake Lūšiai.

Upon entering Lūšiai Lake, on the right side of the shore, you’ll see the Palūšė church with its bell tower, the village’s largest historical landmark – a wooden church with a bell tower, built in 1750! Climbing the stone-paved stairs, you’ll see that the church is well-restored and cozy. The church stands on a hill, offering a pleasant view of Lūšiai Lake. It’s the oldest wooden church in Lithuania, once adorning 1 Litas banknotes.

If you don’t visit Palūšė village, upon entering Lūšiai Lake, aim for the opposite shore, turning slightly left. You’ll need to paddle about 0.8 km across Lūšiai. Upon reaching the opposite shore of Lūšiai Lake, at the end of which you’ll see a channel turning left. Follow the right shoreline through the channel until you reach Asalnų Lake. On the right, you’ll see the roofs of Meironys village, which will accompany you until you pass the Dringykščia stream inlet on the right.

There’s an interesting tradition in Meironys village: during Pentecost, farmers decorate their cows with flower wreaths and float them to the opposite shore, which locals call Pabiržiu. There, the cows are released to graze freely until autumn and are floated back during Michaelmas. Milkmaids row by boat every morning and evening to milk the cows and bring the warm milk home.

Beyond the Dringykščia stream, you’ll find the Meiros (Asalnų) campsite. Settle there for the night.

Fourth day’s route

Būka River – Ginučiai (~15 km, ~5 hours)

Starting your canoe trip on Lake Utenykščio, paddle a few hundred meters keeping to the right shoreline to bypass the cape of Lake Utenykščio. Continue along the right bank through the Lašmens strait, known for its rich marsh flora. After navigating the marsh reeds, you’ll cross the strait and continue your journey on the Būka River. During the trip, you can rest in ethnographic areas and campsites along the river. The banks of Būka are lined with wooded forests enriching its waters. On your left is the Ažvinčiai forest, and on the right is the Vyžiai forest. Thus, paddling this river not only introduces you to the rich river flora and fauna but also proves that the Būka River is one of the cleanest in Lithuania!

In the past, the Būka River was used for log rafting. You know that the river’s water level changes in certain areas, so the water level was artificially raised to ensure optimal log transportation. You’ll find remnants of wooden dams during your journey!

About a kilometer from the start of your journey (from the Būka’s source at Utenykštis), you’ll reach the Ineiga rest area. Here you can take a break after the start. But don’t linger too long, as the journey has just begun!

You might encounter Water Lily families while paddling. Water Lilies are included in the Red Book, so please act responsibly – do not pick or harm them! If you like to pick plants as souvenirs, look around and pick Water Mint hidden among the reeds on the riverbanks. Their flowers are not only beautiful – at the end of the trip, you can brew delicious mint tea for yourself and your travel companions!

Soon you’ll notice the village of Vaišnoriškės, recognizable by the XIX – XX century style of the residents’ buildings, from whose yards wooden piers and small bridges stretch out into the river. Bypassing the piers, you’ll pass a small bridge necessary to extend the Tauragnai township. and the Braslavas township road. Next to that small bridge on your left, notice the ethnographic area: once there stood an inn, mentioned since 1765. The first homestead in this area was established in 1830. Later, four more were built.

After passing the mentioned Vaišnoriškės and the road bridge, the Būka narrows and becomes winding. This section of the Būka River is characterized by some deep spots and a more intense current. And, of course, how could there not be fallen trees across the river? You’ll find more than one, so you may need to carry some canoes over logs or on land along the riverbanks. Remember, a wet tree is slippery, the riverbed is not always even, and the current can disrupt balance. Be coordinated, unless you want to take a dip in the swift waters of Būka. J

Note that the river sometimes has bays that look like branches of the river. You’ll recognize the true riverbed by paying attention to the current – the free flow of water and the movement of plants.

And so, you’ve completed your journey on the Būka River. Its conclusion is adorned by the Baluošas Lake, rich with seven islands, which you’re now entering. The silence of Baluošas Lake is maintained by pine forests, whose resinous scents you probably already smell. Upon entering Baluošas, keep to the right side and you’ll find the Adomragis rest area. Here, refresh yourself, as a diverse range of Aukštaitija waters awaits you until the Almajas campsite!

At the Adomragis rest area, especially at the tip of the promontory, there is a clear and convenient shore inviting you to swim. It’s a great place for a dip, but not for leaving trash: be kind to nature and don’t leave litter, as there are no bins here. You’ll dispose of it in a container at the Almajas campsite, but until then, collect trash in your canoe’s bag.

So, after snacking and resting, it’s time to decide which direction to paddle. It depends on your strength and remaining supplies.

THERE ARE 2 OPTIONS TO CROSS BALUOŠAS LAKE:

First option (~1.5 km, ~20 min) – paddle straight from the Adomragis rest area to the stream connecting Lakes Baluošas and Baluošykštis. It’s about 1.5 km or 15-20 minutes of paddling. For this direction, paddle to the opposite shore of the lake. On the left should be Liepų Island, on the right – a cape called Beržaragis. From Beržaragis cape, you’ll see a bridge under which the stream connecting the lakes flows.

Second option (~4.5 km; up to ~1.5 hours) – explore the natural wonders of Lake Baluošas by visiting Ilgasalė Island. It’s a unique hydrographic formation in Lithuania, as Ilgasalė is the only island in Lithuanian lakes with a lakelet.

IF YOU CHOSE THE SECOND OPTION:

So, to visit the most beautiful places of Lake Baluošas (if you chose the second option), paddle from the Adomragis rest area keeping to the left bank of Baluošas. Soon you’ll see the ethnographic village of Šuminai, first mentioned in historical sources in 1784 under the name Pabaluošė. In this village grows a pine tree about 300 years old. However, the pine does not make the village of Šuminai famous as much as the historical fact that in 1972, the famous Lithuanian film “Tadas Blinda” was filmed here, and every resident of Šuminai village will show you the “Tadas Blinda villa” standing here.

Leaving Šuminai village, paddle past Degėsio Island towards the last and longest island of Baluošas Lake – Ilgasalė. Reaching the southeastern end of Ilgasalė, paddle into the bay, where you can find a stream through gaps in the vegetation and enter with your canoes.

After paddling back from the Ilgasalė lakelet, return to the same place and direction you paddled from Šuminai village, then turn your canoes left and head southeast, keeping to the Baluošas shoreline. As you paddle, you’ll see a promontory in the distance. After rounding the promontory, if you still have time and energy, you can briefly enter the bay and visit the village of Trainiškis, visiting the Trainiškis landmark – an 800-year-old oak tree, which fell to the ground due to a strong storm in 2016. Since then, visitors can view not only the trunk of this historical tree but also its top!

Exiting the Trainiškis bay, on the left side you’ll see another small promontory. From there, paddle straight towards another, larger promontory visible in the distance. After rounding it and always keeping to the left shoreline, you’ll enter a large Baluošas bay, at the end of which you’ll see a stream about 150 m long, connecting Baluošas Lake with Baluošykštis Lake. This swift stream will carry you into another adventure-filled lake area.

Paddle along Baluošykštis until you reach the lake’s outlet, leaving Simoniškis village on the left and Vaidžiškiai village on the right. After crossing the lake, slightly to the left, among the reeds, you’ll notice the source of the Skriogžlė stream.

Skriogžlė is about 0.9 km long. Skriogžlė may seem like a narrow and deep river with several sharp bends. The banks of this river are covered with trees, making the river slopes quite steep. Storms have knocked several trees into the river, but you can overcome them by jumping with your canoe if you gain enough speed. After a few more bends, you’ll enter Lake Sravinaitis.

FINISH:

In Lake Sravinaitis, keep to the right shoreline until you reach an island shaped like a promontory. Bypass it on the left (the island will remain on the right), and you’ll reach the famous Ginučiai watermill. Don’t miss the great opportunity to swim in the water stream falling from the dam trough!

The Ginučiai mill operated until 1968. A decade later, it was restored. Now the mill is declared a state-protected 19th-century technical monument. It houses a museum where you can see authentic old mill equipment. The mill museum is open from May to October (Tuesday to Saturday 10 am – 6 pm, Sundays 10 am – 3 pm).