Jessica Reid | 01 July 2022
Calling all hikers: Lithuania reveals new 747-kilometre Forest Trail
Joining up with Europe's E11 trail, the newly-marked Miško Takas is set to delight hiking and nature enthusiasts this season...
Joining up with Europe's E11 trail, the newly-marked Miško Takas is set to delight hiking and nature enthusiasts this season...
As hiking trails grow in popularity across Europe, one country has recently announced a new trail that will shoot to the top of any keen hiker's list.
Lithuania has revealed a newly marked 747-kilometre Forest Trail, adding to its already 200+ maintained walking routes it has.
But the new Miško Takas is now one of the country’s most desirable walks for travellers. True to its name, which means ‘Forest Trail’, the route passes through some of the greenest areas of the country,
Hiking under a canopy of leaves, it takes around 36-38 days to complete the full path. What’s more, it links onto the E11, one of the longest hiking trails in Europe and passes through all three Baltic States.
Those who want a longer adventure can continue on this trail through either Latvia or Poland, dependent on the direction the hiker has walked.
As well as woodlands galore, trail-goers taking on the entire route can expect to pass river valleys, quaint villages, Lithuania’s mineral water resorts (towns built around freshwater springs with alleged healing powers) and also the country's former capital, Kaunas.
And if 36 days is too long, the trail is split into segments, most of which are 5-6 days long.
One 140km section passes through Dzūkija National Park and Veisėjai Regional Park, with many opportunities for hikers to hit the lakes for some wild swimming during their hike.
Another 141km part passes through Dubysa Regional Park, meandering along the river bank to see castles, churches and cultural sites, followed by a stretch of historic settlements, before trekking through Tytuvėnai Regional Park – a wetland bursting with rare bird species.
And for urban explorers, the Forest Trial visits Kaunas, this year's European Capital of culture and a city adorned with the finest Modernist architecture.
For more information on the train, go to baltictrails.eu/en/forest
Get the very best of Wanderlust by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.