Merkinė Observation Tower

The Merkinė observation tower "Pušų gojelis" (Pine Grove) is a 26 m landscape observation tower in Merkinė, on the right bank of the Nemunas. From the tower you can see the Nemunas Landscape Reserve, the confluence of the Nemunas and the Merkys, Pastraujas Island and the Merkinė bridge. In 1992 park staff found the remains of a vytinė (a traditional river barge) below Merkinė near Pastraujas Island; they were raised in 2000 and are now on display at the Panemunės Regional Park visitor centre. From the Merkinė observation tower you can also see the Merkinė bridge, part of Merkinė's old town to the north-east and the Merkinė hill fort.