The Secrets of Pavilniai Regional Park

Breathtaking scenery and wildlife adventure next to your dormitories - is that even possible? Take your comfortable shoes and spend a perfect day in the nature! A one-day hiking tour with some sightseeing included. 

   How to get there?

Situated in the Antakalnian district of Vilnius the Park contains a lot to behold. You can easily reach it by bus numbers 2,4,14,19 or 21. In case, you live near the park and you have never been inside, you are lucky to start on feet - no extra time for travelling. However, the tour begins at the station "Bistrycios str." which you can access by buses 14, 114 or 115. From that point you walk on the pavement of Zolyno str. until the street forks in two. There you'd take the right path to plunge into a forest. Alongside a hill and beautiful houses you'll be able to enjoy some wildlife with plenty of various birds, mushrooms and plants. The way will slope smoothly upwards until you see wooden stairs. Climb them and you will find yourself at another road.   

   What to see?

We would advice you to make your own route from there (because there are many different and you can take your own adventurous one) until you encounter "Puckoriai outcrop" - and outstanding beautiful cliff with a panoramic view on the Vilnia river and the valley. If you need a break take it either on a bank (directly at the sceneric viewside) or in the wooden pavilion.  

After that, you continue by walking down the stairs along the slope. A few moments later you will travel to the past. An fully accessible bunker lies on the right side. You may go inside and feel the chilling spirit of the last century (if you dare). But don’t forget to take a flashlight and another jacket. (although it is not that long) Continuing your trip you head down into the incredible valley, where you might want to collect all impressions. It is adorned by a horse ranch, the Vilnia river, old stone houses and a lot of bridges. Having been gone over one of them you should head for the embankment of the lake, because from that point, you will see the astonishing "Pūčkorių Manor". Take your time, relax and breath in the deep peacefulness and rest that this location is offering you. 

By following the main road or google maps you reach the "Pūčkorių pažintinis takas", a set of amazingly arranged houses and manors, with an awesome little garden, a noble restaurant, a water mill and an adventure park. The complex also hosts a set of extravagant cars and various fountains. The interesting architecture and well-designed gardens are giving you the impression of former nobility. Continuing your trip, you leave the big complex, step over a bridge to the right-hand side of the canal and follow the "Pažintinis takas" sloping upwards into the woods. For the last part of your journey, you will always walk according to these signs stating direction. The ultimate path, which leads you to "Pūčkorių piliakalnis", an enchanting natural powerspot (really nice to get creative or just relax), prepares you for its beauty by taking you through a magical forest with big trees, carrying colourful leaves. This route is especially advisable for all nature freaks.  Reaching the final destination- the hill, you may even see dears and squirrels, with a little luck. At this spot we terminate our tour and you have the possibility to go back by bus nearby (name of the station: "Pūčkoriai"- 18,31,67,74 or 115N).

Exploring the nature in your city can be more adventurous than you thought. This free (cheap) and refreshing tour will make you fit during the day. Sounds great – what are you waiting for!

                

If you have any questions just ask in the comments! Or have you already had your ERASMUS Experience in Pavilniai Regional Park and you want to share your advice? Feel free to comment!