Description of the attraction
The Nemunas is the largest river in Lithuania. For some time, this river was a particularly important waterway, and was also the nurse and protector of the entire nation. Today the Nemunas River is not only the largest river, but also a source of resources for the tourism business. In addition, the river is an inseparable element of the Lithuanian landscape, as well as the keeper of the historical memory, which has been carefully preserved for many generations under the waters of the Nemunas.
Of greatest interest is the river in its middle course. This part of the Nemunas is a particularly valuable and amazingly beautiful stretch of the river. More than 70 years ago, discussions began on a proposal to establish a National Park on this site. But the years passed, and only in 1992 the Regional Park of the Nemunas Loops was founded and began its work.
The total area of the park was 25 thousand hectares. The largest part of the area, namely 67%, is covered with dense forests, which include the Prenai forest, the famous Sipon forests, the Punsky forest with a reserve and many others. The territory of the park has seventeen reserves, an impressive number of natural, historical and cultural sites. Especially picturesque places open up when looking at such historically important places as Birštonas or Punia, where you can always admire beautiful views of valleys and winding and fast rivers.
The most important object of the regional park is the large loops of the Nemunas, which so mysteriously meander in all directions. Even in ancient times rivermen and raftsmen were always confused in such winding places of the river bends of the Nemunas. The river bed is formed very deep, for this reason the landscape of the river is especially unique, which attracts many tourists.
It is worth starting your acquaintance and survey of the park from the Visitor Center. In this place, a fascinating and interesting exposition is open, which can briefly introduce you to the diverse values and features of the park. You can even watch a movie here, having previously selected its duration (4 minutes, 20 minutes or 40 minutes). In the Visitor Center you can buy booklets, a video about how the Nemunas river bends in the riverbed, and also buy the book “Big loops of the Nemunas”.
You can find out from the park staff about the most interesting objects and about the routes for walking, driving or cycling. Not far from Birštonas, there are fascinating and educational trails created by nature itself and located in the Škevonsky geomorphological reserve and in the verinčius forest, where there is a convenient bicycle path. Tourists and visitors are usually especially interested in observing the beautiful birds of the Nyamun Islands. It will be interesting to walk through various cultural and natural sites that make an unforgettable impression.
Description added:
Vlad 07.01.2017
Nemunas is the largest river in LITHUANIA! … In the river basin, in the region of Birštonas, there are many sources of mineral water and curative mud. Several sanatoriums with a high level of medical care operate on this base.
