From Trikojis lake and Bertašiūnai village, the Forest Trail goes south along the road No. 2517, crosses the Leipalingis–Kapčiamiestis road (No. 2505) and Viktarinas village. Further on, the trail turns around Stirtos lake and winds its way through wide forest massifs, where in some places you can see fields and small villages. In summer, the forest is rich in blueberries and mushrooms. Then, the Forest Trail crosses the canal connecting the Baltajis Bilsas and Juodajis Bilsas lakes, rises on the steep shore of the lake and turns south. From here you can see Didžiasalis village. The section from Trikojis lake to Viktarinas village belongs to the Veisiejai Regional Park.
Practical information
Length: 19 km
Duration: 5 – 7 h
Starting point: Trikojis lake
End point: Didžiasalis by the farm “Augų ūkis”
The course of the route: Trikojis lake – Bertašiūnai – Viktarinas – Dulgininkai – Vilkanastrai – Didžiasalis
Road surface: gravel roads and forest roads. In larger populated areas – asphalt.
Difficulty: Easy
Danger points: Be careful when walking along the side of the road!
Good to know! Shops are only available in Viktarinas and Didžiasalis villages.
Nature:
The Latin name for the dwarf everlast or immortelle (Helichrysum arenarium), means golden sun growing in sandy places. The Latvian name (dzeltenā kaķpēdiņa) comes from the fact that the flower cluster of the plant resembles a cat's foot. The dwarf everlast grows in dry, sunny meadows, where there are distinctly sandy soils, therefore it is an integral part of the landscape of Dzūkija dry meadows and open places. In Latvia, the plant is mainly found in the south-eastern part. The dwarf everlast is known as a medicinal plant. It is used against colds, skin and intestinal diseases, depression and anxiety. In dried form, it is also a popular ornamental plant. Although the dwarf everlast is not a protected plant, the number of these plants diminishes as natural habitats wane and open spaces become overgrown.
Tourism information:
- Druskininkai Tourism and Business Information Center
Address: M. K. Čiurlionio street 65, Druskininkai.; Phone: +370 313 51777; Website: https://druskininkai.lt
- Lazdijai Tourism Information Center
Address: Janaslavo village 10, Lazdijai district.; Phone: +370 31851881; Website: www.lazdijai-turizmas.lt
More information about the route (accommodation, catering, shops, map, GPX coordinates) - https://baltictrails.eu/en/forest/day/129
