Druskininkai is the pride of Lithuania, a balneological and climatic resort with a world reputation. It was first mentioned in the 16th century, and since the 19th century it has been considered the most luxurious resort in the Baltics. At that time, Druskininkai was quickly built up with expensive villas and summer cottages. Not only the local nobility came here to rest, but also connoisseurs of quality rest and treatment from all over Europe. The old part of the city still boasts extensive wooden buildings, which, in combination with well-groomed parks and pine forests around, looks very atmospheric.
Tens of millions of euros have been invested in the development of Druskininkai in recent years, and now the resort is confidently among the ten best in the world. A respect for the past along with a well-developed modern infrastructure make the city an interesting tourist destination. And any inquisitive guest will easily find what to see in Druskininkai.
TOP-10 attractions of Druskininkai
Museum "Forest Echo"
Museum "Forest Echo"
A very interesting and distinctive forest museum. It was created in 1971 and now occupies a significant park area. The main building is notable for its original architecture, and exhibitions of works of folk artists are held in the forest houses. Here you can see magnificent examples of woodcarving and blacksmithing, pottery and amber products.
The Forest Museum displays rare species of Lithuanian trees. You can listen to the voices of forest birds. A wonderful mood is created by sculptures of animals and mythical creatures, scattered throughout the park. Here, even in the hollows of trees, gnomes and funny witches are hiding. The expositions of the museum show how carefully and attentively Lithuanians treat their natural and cultural heritage.
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Scapular
Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Scapular
Not very large, but clearly visible, the church building was built of red brick in the neo-gothic style. It is because of the red brick that this temple is often compared to the famous Vilnius Church of St. Anne.
The construction of the temple went on intermittently from 1912 to 1930. The cathedral was designed by Stefan Schiller, a famous Polish architect. Experts note that the church was not completed - the project provides for two side spiers, which were never erected.
Outside, the building attracts with magnificent Gothic forms, but inside the temple is spacious and very bright, with high ceilings. The graceful painting of the columns, the multi-colored stained-glass windows above the altar, the gilded icon of the Blessed Virgin Mary create a majestic and magical atmosphere.
Health Park Karolis Dineika
Karolis Dineika Park
The Historical Health Park in Druskininkai has existed for almost 100 years. It was established as a climatotherapy center. The aim of the creators of the park was to show the beneficial effects of air-sunbathing and physical activity on humans.
The park is located in one of the driest and most picturesque places in the city, on the river bank. During its existence, it progressively developed and in 2015, after a major reconstruction, acquired the name of Karolis Dineika, a major specialist in the field of balneology. It was under the leadership of Dineika that the country's first baths with thermal procedures and an aerohydroionotherapy pavilion were created.
After modernization, the Health Park offers its guests:
- 16 hectares of quiet and light pine forest;
- many kilometers of bike and walking paths;
- a large number of grounds with free exercise equipment;
- playgrounds for children;
- sports grounds (table and tennis, volleyball, badminton);
- cascades with baths, zone with ionotherapy;
- organized classes in yoga, gymnastics, Nordic walking
- a magnificent rose garden.
The park is very conveniently located just 5 minutes walk from the city center.
Aquapark
Aquapark
The local water park is so good that it is rightfully ranked among the most important attractions of the resort. This is a huge modern water complex that can accommodate up to 1500 people.
The area for the little ones is stylized as a jungle. There are caves, a sandy beach, a mountain stream and hanging bridges. In this part of the water park, there is a special staff who, if necessary, will look after the children. Even the smallest guests will be very comfortable here. After all, the air temperature in the entire water park is +30 degrees.
Complete relaxation will be provided by a complex of 20 baths (Finnish sauna and steam baths, Roman bath and hamam, infrared and Russian baths, outdoor baths). Various health and beauty programs are also offered here: massages, mud treatments, masks and wraps. The water park has swimming pools, a pool with sea waves, water cascades and massage waterfalls, an artificial mountain, the "Stormy River" attraction and 6 slides of varying difficulty, the longest of which is 212 m.
And if you get hungry, you can have a snack in one of the restaurants or cafes of the water park.
Adventure Park ONE
Adventure Park ONE
The Adventure Park is fun for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. It occupies an area of 3 hectares and is located on the banks of the Nemunas, next to the Aquapark.
Hanging roads and swinging bridges are laid between huge trees. There are 10 routes of varying difficulty, 160 exciting tasks and 13 extreme attractions. Visitors are especially fond of the unique 400-meter long track, laid right above the Neman.
The park is open every day all year round. And those who love the most thrill can order a night expedition.
Čiurlionis House Museum
Čiurlionis House Museum
M. K. Čiurlionis (1875-1911) is the most famous Lithuanian composer and artist. He is often called the most prominent representative of the Lithuanian culture of the 20th century. His whole life was connected with Druskininkai. That is why in 1963 a memorial museum was opened in Čiurlionis's father's house, which today is a center of attraction for all art lovers.
The museum occupies several one-story buildings. Its founder, the artist's sister Valeria Ciurlionite-Karuzhene, recreated in detail the authentic home environment, provided personal belongings and photographs from her own archive.
In the Čiurlionis House-Museum, you can not only get acquainted with the heritage of the great Lithuanian, but also enjoy magnificent concerts that take place in the garden in front of the house in the summer. It also hosts exhibitions, artist meetings and various educational events. In this museum you can spend some wonderful and informative hours.
Grutas Park
Grutas Park
One of the strangest museums in the world. It was created after a period of active dismantling of Soviet monuments, when dozens of monuments were unnecessary in warehouses and courtyards. Then it was decided to collect them in one place, on the swampy territory of the Dzukiy National Park near the village of Grutas.
The Grutas Sculpture Park covers an area of 20 hectares. More than a hundred monuments to Soviet leaders are placed here in a chaotic manner. The exposition is complemented by samples of military and other equipment, propaganda posters and stands, a replica of the House of Culture, a narrow-gauge train, freight cars, watchtowers and barbed wire. Typical Soviet dishes can be tasted in the themed cafe. The park also has a Zoo and a children's playground with original swings and carousels from the Soviet era.
Shakotis Museum
Shakotis Museum
The world's only museum dedicated to shakotis is located in Druskinenkai. So if you want to see something special, be sure to check it out.
Shakotis is a national Lithuanian (most often wedding) cake with an unusual shape. From Lithuanian the word “shakotis” can be translated as “branchy”.
The museum presents unique accessories for cooking shakotis: ancient dishes for dough and tools for beating butter, special ovens and separators. Here you will learn how dairy products for shakotis were made and how the quality of eggs was controlled, which were used in huge quantities in the manufacture of cakes. Most of the exhibits in the collection are 100 years old.
In the museum you can see analogs of shakotis from different countries of the world and find out how they differ from the Lithuanian original. In the center of the museum stands the main exhibit - the giant shakotis, made for the Guinness Book of Records in 2015. Its height is 3.72 m.
You can try real shakotis, as well as look at the process of its making (or even participate) right there, in the restaurant "Romnesa".
Mini train Druskininkai
An interesting and educational attraction that will especially appeal to the youngest guests of the resort. A small sightseeing train, painted in bright colors, will take you through the most beautiful places of Druskininkai. The train moves at a low speed (20 km / h), and this makes it possible to fully enjoy the beautiful natural views and the main attractions of the city. Most of the routes are in cycling and pedestrian areas, away from the noise of the main streets.
A qualified guide on the route will draw your attention to all the fun in Druskininkai. Most of the excursions are conducted in both Lithuanian and Russian.
Liškiava Cultural Center
Lishkava
Just 8 km from Druskininkai, on the high bank of the Neman, there is an old Lithuanian town Lishkiava. It was mentioned in historical documents a thousand years ago. Ancient Lishkiava is shrouded in legends and legends - about kings and beautiful maidens, about chivalrous deeds and enchanted treasures. There is still a version that Lishkiava is connected by a mysterious underground passage with the Grodno Castle, which is located 40 km from here.
Today in the territory of Lishkava there are outstanding archaeological and architectural monuments:
- kurgan - a place of traditional sacrifices;
- temple hill;
- "Witch's stone";
- ruins of a tower of the XIV-XV centuries;
- Dominican monastery of the second half of the 18th century.
The main attraction of Lishkava is the Church of the Holy Trinity. The stunningly beautiful baroque cathedral attracts tourists not only with its external splendor, but also with a huge collection of works of art, many of which date back to the 17th century.
