Panemunė route
Starting at Kaunas, the second city of Lithuania, which famously assumed the mantle of capital in the interwar years of 1920-1938, the trail will take you on a route that follows the flow of the River Nemunas. And Kaunas is indeed a great place to start. Not only is the site of the remnants of its namesake Kaunas castle, but also within close reach of the amazingly beautiful Pažaislis Monastery, one of the true jewels of Lithuania. The city is also home to a remarkable treasury of distinctive Modernist architecture, the crowning glory of which is the city’s spectacular Cathedral.
As you travel the road west out from the city, you will soon come upon Raudondvaris, with its singular castle-like red brick manor house. Housed within this historic building that dates back to the 17th century, you’ll find the Kaunas District Museum. Alongside the collection of artifacts from the famous local composer Juozas Naujalis, you’ll find an exposition of photographs of Count Benedykt Henryk Tyszkiewicz, the previous owner of the property, all dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.
Continuing westward from Raudondvatis, you’ll find yourself at the Raudonė Castle complex. Resembling nothing less than Hogwarts (it actually functioned as a public school until quite recently), the present castle complex cuts an imposing figure. With its neo-Gothic detailing and massive 35 m tower barrelling up to the heavens, it is more than worth a tour. The complex’s present profile is the result of much reconstruction work in the late 19th century. You can climb its tower and enjoy a panorama of the surrounding countryside. Meanwhile, a walk around its gardens will give you the opportunity to acquaint yourself with rarer tree species, such as Silver Fir and Grey Walnut, and you can even visit the famous Gediminas Oak, beneath which as legend would have it, Grand Duke Gediminas once enjoyed lunch.
Driving onward, you will happen upon the magisterial seat of Panemunė Castle and Panemunė Regional Park. Designed as a residential castle in the 16th century, the present complex is the product of classicist-style reconstructions made in the 18th century. It stands resplendent atop a hill amidst painterly lakeside scenery and lush forest. Visitors can wander the grounds and take a tour of some of the rooms. And for those looking to fully experience the castle’s lavish interiors and tranquil surroundings, part of the castle has been transformed into a hotel, where rooms can be booked throughout the year.
But that is not the end of the trail. As the bends of the Nemunas eventually lead to the Curonian Lagoon, with all of its charms and scenic delights. Of note historically is the Hugo Scheu Manor, located in the quaint nearby town of Šilutė, which is the only surviving Prussian Manor house in the country.
And while you’re in the region of wind, water, and endless pristine dunes, it makes sense to take the opportunity to experience the stunning beauty of Nemunas Delta Park. For those more inclined towards active pursuits, you can paddle down the Minija river and idle away in the picture-perfect environs of the fishing village of Rusnė. The true end of the trail is the Cape of Ventė, or Ventės Ragas. This spot, the headland of the Nemunas Delta, sees half a million of birds passing each day during the peak migratory season in September and October. This makes it a must for both novice and experienced bird watchers alike. So remember to pack your binoculars!
