Strielčiukai Hiking Trail

This place recalls the 12th century – dark and turbulent times. The Rokantiškės castle that stood here was built by Duke Alšis, the ancestor of the famous and powerful Alšėniškiai family. The castle was one of the first to be built of brick. Its walls protected not only the lives and wealth of the nobles, but also the peace and quiet of the whole region. The ruler was helped to defend the land from invaders by warriors: strong, brave and devoted – the strength of the castle lay in its warriors' courage and wits. They were quick and agile, and knew every path in the castle and the forest. They could outflank the enemy and cut off his way. The forest around this place is called the Strielčiukai forest. The Strielčiukai were the watchful guards of the castle that stood here, the first to meet an enemy sneaking up in secret. On this hiking trail you'll travel back in time to when aurochs and bison roamed freely through the forests and thickets. You'll have an imaginary meeting with the castle's defenders, see how they guarded the ruler's castle and what weapons they used, and learn what songs they sang. The trail is 2.5–3.5 km long.