Labanoras Regional Park (Mindūnai) Observation Tower

Labanoras Regional Park is the largest regional park in Lithuania, and its surroundings stand out for their variety of landscapes and exceptionally rich flora and fauna. Nature lovers have long flocked here, and even more have come since an impressive tower was built for viewing the area, also known as the Mindūnai Observation Tower. You can drive along a forest track right up to the striking tower, where the challenge of 214 steps awaits. But there is nothing to fear: the spiral steps are wide and have comfortable handrails, so step by step you will reach the top. On the viewing platform you will feel as if you were standing on the roof of a twelve-storey building. No wonder, as at 36 m the Labanoras Regional Park observation tower is one of the tallest observation towers in Lithuania. Get ready for an impressive sight – a picturesque panorama of Labanoras Regional Park opens up! A bird's-eye view stretches as far as the eye can see: Lake Siesartis, a watershed lake in the Siesartis Hydrographic Reserve, with its islands and peninsulas and lakeside surroundings, and the Lakajai Landscape Reserve, regarded as a model lake landscape, which takes in the basins of lakes Baltieji Lakajai and Juodieji Lakajai. These are impressive peninsulas and islands full of rare plant species and other natural treasures. Located right next to Lake Baltieji Lakajai, the Labanoras Regional Park tower can be reached not only by car but also by bike: the Western Blue walking and cycling trail, prepared and waymarked by Labanoras Regional Park specialists, winds along forest tracks and paths close by. Once back down, you can take a break by Lake Baltieji Lakajai right next to the tower, breathe the fresh air and feel the breath of nature. At the information board you can find more detailed information about the area, which has no shortage of exceptional plants – nor, in mushroom season, of mushroom pickers. If you want to keep exploring, you can walk the Labanoras Forest nature trail or visit the Mindūnai Fishing and Hunting Museum. Take the opportunity to spend the night in this special place by the lake.