From Alksniakiemis, the Forest Trail winds along a small country road on the left bank of the Nemunas and forms a more than 7 km long loop of forest roads and trails through the Kalviai Forest Massif (Kalvių Miškas). From Vangai village to Pašventupys, about 3 km, the Forest Trail winds along the banks of the Nemunas, from which picturesque panoramas open. Hikers will be delighted by the ever-changing landscape: small villages with gardens and fields sinking in the flowers in spring and summer, as well as fishing boats or other little boats on the flat river bank. From Pašventupys village the Forest Trail by road No. 3313 after about 3 km reaches the centre of Pakuonis town.
Practical information:
Length: 18 km
Duration: 4 – 6 h
Starting point: Alksniakiemis, Bičiulių street.
End point: Pakuonis center, Aušros and Sodų street junction.
The course of the route: Alksniakiemis – Kalviai – Vangai – Pašventupys
Road surface: small forest roads and country gravel roads, in Pakuonis town – asphalt.
Difficulty: Easy
Danger points: Be careful when walking along the side of the road!
Good to know! There are no catering services at this section. Shops are available only in Pakuonis town.
Nature:
Walking along the banks of the Nemunas is a great opportunity to watch birds. One of the most common species of waterbirds is the wild duck (Anas platyrhynchos). You will also be able to see the goosanders (Mergus merganser), black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus, formerly Larus ridibundus), mute swans (Cygnus olor) and common goldeneyes (Bucephala clangula). These birds also nest near the banks of the river, so you must behave quietly and responsibly during their nesting. If you are lucky, you may be able to see one of the most ornate birds in the Baltic States – the common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis), which feeds on fish and nests in small caves on the slopes of the washed-up shores. When the river is at a lower level, in the sandy and rocky meadows and on the islands you can see the little ringed plovers (Charadrius dubius), common terns (Sterna hirundo) as well as common sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos), but less often – little terns (Sternula albifrons). In some meadows you may be lucky enough to see the northern lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). The grey herons (Ardea cinerea) and great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) are often visible in the area. The sand martins (Riparia riparia) nest in caves of coastal outcrops.
Tourism information:
- Prienai Tourism and Business Information Center
Address: Vytauto street 35, Prienai; Phone: +370 602 87027, +370 676 49010; Website: https://www.infoprienai.lt/en/
More information about the route (accommodation, catering, shops, map, GPX coordinates) - https://baltictrails.eu/en/forest/day/138
