Arlaviškės Nature Trail (Juniper Valley)

Winding above the bluff of the Kaunas Reservoir in the village of Arlaviškės (Kaunas district), the Juniper Valley trail was voted the most beautiful nature trail in Lithuania in 2016. It offers a panorama of the widened Nemunas and Dabinta Island, the Ronakalnis outcrop and a 5-hectare juniper grove – unique in Lithuania – that has been declared a natural monument of national importance. Some of the nearly century-old junipers reach as much as 12.5 m in height. In recent years this place has become very popular with lovers of romantic walks, impressive selfies and wedding photographers. What is more, thanks to the special essential oils released by the junipers, the air here is exceptionally pure – even healing, according to experts in natural medicine. So we recommend taking your time here and not stopping at the beautiful panoramic view. Many species of waterbirds have found refuge on Dabinta Island, which can be seen from the slope. Their flocks can be watched in the warmer months. Looking down from the main trail you will see 'hanging fens' – springs with rocks formed by the flowing water, known as tufa. Conditions for plants are also special here, because the air warmed on the sunny slope is held in by the forest, so even very rare plants thrive in the valley. In the patches between the junipers you may spot plants listed in the Lithuanian Red Data Book: Deptford pink, Bologna bellflower, cross gentian and field garlic; and during the day several rare butterfly species, such as the northern chequered skipper, the meadow brown and the ringlet. The most convenient way to get here is by car, which can be left in the car park at the edge of the park. The nature trail is 1.3 km long, and the trail and its approaches are adapted for people with disabilities. The distance from Kaunas city centre is about 27 km. Nearby you can visit other sights of Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park and its surroundings, such as the Dubrava twin trees or the Žigla larch grove.