Hiking tour Aukštaitija National Park: 10km forest & lake walk

Ten kilometres through old pine forests, along six lakes, and past a working water-mill

A full-day hiking tour in Aukštaitija National Park, Lithuania, led by a local English or Russian-speaking guide through dense forests, ice age lakes and spongy swamps, with a hearty campfire lunch and herbal tea included. The 10-kilometre route starts in the village of Puziniškis, climbs Ladakalnis hill for views of six lakes, and ends at the ancient village of Ginučiai to see the park's only preserved water-mill. Children from age 6 are welcome. The tour takes around six hours including transfer time.

The experience

A 15-minute transfer takes you from Ignalina to Puziniškis, a small village known for its ancient oaks and linden trees where the hike begins. Your local guide leads you on a 10-kilometre walk through the park's dense forests, along the shores of clear lakes and past spongy swamps. The route is built around what grows and lives here: you'll hear about local flora and fauna, pick edible herbs and berries in summer, and in winter walk on frozen lakes through a snowy forest. Wildlife spotting is possible, though not guaranteed.

Midway through the hike, you reach Ladakalnis, the most spectacular viewpoint in the Ignalina region. Here a hearty open-fire lunch waits, cooked as you watch and help prepare it: a chance to learn how locals have eaten for generations. After eating and drinking herbal tea, you climb the hill itself to see the view: six lakes scattered between forested areas. The final stretch takes you to Ginučiai, an ancient village built around the only water-mill in the park that still has its authentic equipment intact. A short walk back to the starting point and a transfer back to Ignalina completes the day.

Entry to Aukštaitija National Park is included, as is the guide in English, Russian or Lithuanian. The tour suits hikers of any fitness level, though it is not recommended for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health or during pregnancy. Public transport to and from Ignalina is available if you're arriving by train or bus from Vilnius.

What’s included

• Local English, Russian or Lithuanian-speaking guide.
• entry ticket to Aukštaitija National Park.
• hearty open-fire lunch prepared during the tour.
• herbal tea and snacks.
• transfer to and from Puziniškis village.

Before you book

Days and timesNext departure: 16 Feb 2027

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Child (6 to 16 years) · Under 6: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Russian

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by LitWild

Is this one for you?This tour suits anyone who wants to walk deep into Lithuanian forest and learn how locals live and eat, with the campfire lunch and water-mill visit built into the day rather than added on. The six-hour commitment and 10-kilometre distance mean you're hiking seriously, not strolling, so pick this if you're comfortable on your feet for most of the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Russian.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 16 years). Under 6: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

How far is the actual hiking distance on this tour?

The guided hike covers 10 kilometres through forests, along lakes and past swamps. The walk is broken into two sections by the campfire lunch at Ladakalnis, so you're not hiking the full distance without a break.

What is included in the campfire lunch?

A hearty open-fire lunch is cooked during the tour, along with several cups of herbal tea and snacks. You'll have a chance to help prepare the traditional meal and eat it at Ladakalnis, the hilltop viewpoint overlooking the six lakes.

What can I expect to see at Ginučiai village?

Ginučiai is an ancient village famous for its old water-mill, the only one of six water-mills in the park that has kept its original working equipment. The tour includes a visit to see it before the final walk back to the start.

What should I bring for a full day of hiking in the forest?

Wear sturdy walking shoes, bring water and a light layer for changing weather. In summer, insect repellent is useful near the swamps and lakes. In winter, the frozen lakes and snowy forest require warm clothing and waterproof boots.

How do I get to the tour start in Puziniškis?

A 15-minute transfer from Ignalina takes you to Puziniškis where the hike begins. After the tour ends, the transfer returns you to Ignalina, where you can catch a train or bus back to Vilnius or elsewhere.