TOP 5

TOP 5 IN BIRŽAI REGION

BIRŽAI CASTLE, REGIONAL MUSEUM “SELA”

Biržai Castle is a Dutch-style fortress with bastions built by the Duke Radvila family and used to defend Lithuania’s northern borders in the 17^th-18^th centuries. In 1978-1986, a dilapidated palace of the castle complex has been restored. Today, it houses Jurgis Bielinis Public Library of Biržai from 1987, and Biržai Regional Museum Sėla, from 1989 (www.birzumuziejus.lt).

Besides the palace, two gunpowder buildings, and a bridge have so far been restored. In 2013 years was rebuilt an arsenal. 

Address: 3 Radvilos st., Biržai

THE VIEW TOWER AND KARST LAKELETS IN KIRKILAI VILLAGE

In the territory of Biržai regional park, next to karst lakes, a view tower is built; its form resembles a canoe or a sinking boat. The height of the tower is almost 32 metres. The width of the viewpoint, which is in 30 metres height, is almost 30 square metres. On the first floor there is a 27.75 sq. m. amphitheatre meant for gatherings, small events or just for relaxation. In the region full of sinkholes, this area is unique because of the highest density of sinkholes (more than 200 items per sq. km) and in particular circular lakelets. A circular lake indicates that the lake evolved from a collapsed sinkhole. When a sinkhole collapsed to expose the water table at the surface, the sinkhole was filled with water forming a small circular lake.

Address: Village of Kirkilai, district of Biržai

Karajimiškis Landscape Reserve is situated around 3 kilometres west of Biržai. This area is unique because of the highest density of sinkholes (more than 200 items per sq. km). The reserve boosts the most famous and largest sinkhole in Lithuania, called Cow’s Cave(Karvės Ola). The story goes that once a cow was swallowed by the earth leaving only a stub of its chain at the rock. Karajimiškis landscape reserve is rich in many other famous sinkholes such as Geologists’ Hole (Geologų duobė), Fox’s Cave (Lapės duobė), Eve’s Hole (Ievos duobė), and Easter Hole (Velykų duobė).

The total number of sinkholes in the district is estimated to be more than 9,000 and the number is still increasing.

Address: Village of Karajimiškis, district of Biržai

FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS ŠIRVĖNA LAKE

Širvėna Lake is the oldest artificial water body in Lithuania. In 1575, it came into existence following the building of a dam across two rivers running through Biržai for protection of both the fortress and the city. Stretched over a swampy area of nearly 400 hectares, the pond reliably protected the castle and the city from the north. Nowadays, the area of Širvėna Lake is around 325 hectares.

Following the establishment of a linen factory in buildings of Astravas Manor in 1928, a 525-metre-long and 2.45-metre-wide footbridge has been built over Širvėna Lake to connect the Astravas Manor and the city of Biržai. It is the longest footbridge across a lake in Lithuania. Today, the footbridge is very popular with anglers and newlyweds, local people and visitors. It is a great place to admire views of the city, savour the calm tranquillity of the lake, and take a stroll to Astravas Manor. 

Address:  Jaunimo st., Biržai

ASTRAVAS MANOR

Astravas is a borough of the city of Biržai, which is situated on the northern shore of the Širvėna Lake at the River Apaščia. Decorative sculptures of lions brought from Sankt Petersburg that stood at the entrance to the manor were replaced with cement copies, with the original bronze sculptures being moved to the Vytautas the GreatWarMuseum in Kaunas in 1938. The manor complex had a large classical park with many tiny artificial lakes. 

In the 20^th century, Astravas Manor has been used for various industries.

Address: 17 Astravas st., Biržai