Čepkeliai Marsh Educational Trail

While most hiking and nature trails in Lithuania are free to visit any time of the year and time of day (even at midnight!), visitors to the Čepkeliai Marsh Educational Trail need a permit. And for good reasons! As the trail passes through one of the most protected natural reserves (Čepkeliai State Nature Reserve) in Lithuania, visiting the trail is possible only with a licensed guide.

The educational trail is rich in small architectural elements and informational stands that present the values of the Čepkeliai State Nature Reserve. However, the most impressive feature is the 8-metre-tall wooden observation tower from which an enchanting panorama of the Čepkeliai marsh unfolds. The 1.5 km long trail winds from the entrance gates to the observation tower and then leads to the observation deck in the very heart of the marsh. Information stands provide more insights about the uniqueness of the Čepkeliai State Nature Reserve and what is protected here.

The purpose of the Čepkeliai Marsh Educational Trail is to show visitors some of the most characteristic habitats of the Čepkeliai Nature Reserve: pine-covered continental dunes, raised bogs with relic lake plants, and islands, as well as plant communities typical of steppes and tundra.