In Aukštaitija National Park there is a place visited not only by those eager to see the park's impressive views, but also by local residents looking to brighten up their everyday lives. The distinctively shaped Šiliniškės Observation Tower is the first viewing platform in Lithuania built on a mobile telecommunications mast. The platform was installed in 2004 by one of the country's telecom companies, under an agreement with Aukštaitija National Park. That's probably why locals sometimes simply call it the Bitė observation tower. Don't be surprised if someone calls it the Ginučiai Observation Tower – that's the name of the nearby village of Ginučiai, so the tower is often referred to by this name too. So once you've reached the tower, get ready for a challenge. The viewing platform is 30.5 m above the ground, and the tower is 60 m tall in total. Starting at the first step, try to count them all. Fair warning: halfway up you'll probably give up counting and run to the top, where impressive views of the Ignalina area and a feeling of freedom await. And there you are – treetops before your eyes; walk round to the other side and you'll be greeted by lakes Ūkojas, Pakasas and Sravinaitis, rustling forests with their resident songbirds and winding country lanes. If you dare, you can also look down at your feet – but hold on to the handrails first, as the view may give you butterflies. The views here are wonderful in every season, whenever you come. In summer you'll be greeted by a green carpet of fields and forests with the blue eyes of lakes, in autumn by a colourful landscape of yellows, browns and reds, and in winter by distances covered in a white blanket of snow. The Šiliniškės Observation Tower, in the southern part of Ignalina district, is easy to reach. Just drive along road 1423 (Aza–Vaišniūnai–Ginučiai–Kirdeikiai) and beyond Ginučiai village look out for the top of the tower sticking out – it will lead you here. And once you've had your fill of the views from the tower, you can plan a trip to nearby Ginučiai hillfort – after the Šiliniškės tower, the tall steps up the hillfort will be a piece of cake.