The first kilometre the Forest Trail leads along the very bank of the Nemunas, then turns off the Kaunas–Jurbarkas road (No. 141) and continues on a pedestrian / bicycle path to Ringovė mound. Turning to the right to the north, the Forest Trail crosses a small forest massif (entomological nature reserve for insect protection) and further follows the road No. 1929. After 2 km, the Forest Trail turns left and travels through agricultural lands. Before Lazduoniai village, it crosses the deep valley of the Lazduona river, follows the road No. 1917 for 0.2 km and then turns right to the northwest until it reaches the deep and wide Dubysa river valley. In the next 2 km, the Forest Trail winds along a country road on the left bank of the Dubysa, where you can see rare farmsteads. The river water is clear in summer, the flow is calm and it is interrupted only by the remnants of the former mill dam. Finally, the Forest Trail winds up on the steep bank of the Dubysa river valley and reaches the destination of this section.
Practical information
Length: 16 km
Duration: 4 – 6 h
Starting point: Vilkija ferry across the Nemunas
End point: Padubysys village by “Zalensų sodyba” (tourist accommodation)
The course of the route: Vilkija – Lazduoniai – Padubysys
Road surface: gravel roads, in a small section – asphalt (pedestrian / bicycle path) and trails with natural surface.
Difficulty: Easy
Danger points: Be careful when walking along the side of the road and crossing the road No.141!
Good to know! Shops are available only in Vilkija town.
Nature
In the second half of the summer, tansy (Tanacetum vulgare) grows abundantly in the dry meadows of the Nemunas. It is a perennial plant of the Asteraceae family with many yellow flowers in the flower cluster, which have an aromatic scent. The leaves and roots of the plant are poisonous, but its flowers are used in folk medicine to expel worms, treat gastrointestinal diseases, headaches, rheumatism, for the removal of oedema, as well as epilepsy and hysteria. The tansy as a treatment plant should be used with caution. In case of poisoning, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhoea may occur, but in more severe cases the central nervous system is affected. Then you need medical help.
Tourism information:
- Kaunas district Tourism and Business Information Center
Address: Pilies takas 1, Raudondvaris, Kaunas district; Phone: +370 37548118; Website: www.kaunorajonas.lt
More information about the route (accommodation, catering, shops, map, GPX coordinates) - https://baltictrails.eu/en/forest/day/144
