This route section takes you to the Dzūkija National Park – it is among Lithuania’s most forested and desolate nature areas –, and to the town of Druskininkai – a popular SPA and mineral water health resort on the banks of the river Nemunas. When in Druskininkai, we recommend dipping yourself in mineral water baths, enjoying the trip with the cable car over the river Nemunas, visiting the musical fountain, and walking along the river promenade. The starting point of the hiking route is the village of Didžiasalis, which is reached by bus from Druskininkai. From there, the route will take you through vast coniferous forests, rich in berries and mushrooms, and small villages. As you get to Druskininkai, the Forest Trail will meander along the small streets and parks of the historic resort of Druskininkai, crossing the river Ratnyčia and the forest park on the right bank of the Nemunas valley. Leaving the resort town behind, the Forest Trail runs on the side of the village revealing you the beautiful landscapes and the view of the Liškiava monastery on the other bank of the river Nemunas. Up to the village of Žiogeliai, the route goes along forest roads and continues along the banks of the Nemunas valley, surrounded by the vast Dzūkija forests. Towards the end of the route, climb up the Merkinė Mound and it will surprise you with breathtaking views of southern Lithuania.

SIA "3x9 zālītes" piedāvā ļoti plašu klāstu zāļu tējas un to maisījumus. Zālītes ievāktas Vecpiebalgas novadā, ekoloģiski tīrās pļavās un mežos. Zālītes vāktas atbilstoši dabas ritmam un mēness fāzēm. Kaltētas dabīgos apstākļos, saglabājot zālīšu vērtīgās vielas, smaržu un garšu.

The workshop offers a look at lanterns, candelabras, hinges, fireplace tools, stair railings and gates that have been manufactured there, as well as several exhibits from the 18^th century. You can produce your own nail, and the blacksmith will also “test” young couples. He also accepts orders for products.

A restaurant and a three-star hotel that is located in the former beer brewery of Kalnamuiža, in the valley of the River Abuls, in the territory of Smiltene Park. The restaurant offers Latvian cuisine and caters for seminars.

The forest around Kaltene features a natural miracle – the rocks of Kaltene, which are also known as the barrier rocks.  The rocks are 2-3 m from the sea and date back to the Ice Age.  The Devil’s rock is the largest one.  It used to be a beautiful pile of rocks that “stretched to the tops of the trees.”  In older maps it is described as being 20 m high.  It had many natural rocks, including some that were completely round, while others resembled plates.  The rock was almost completely destroyed in the 1960s and 1970s, when it was chopped up to build roads.  A fairly small part of the rock survives today, and it is 300 m long and 2 m high.  Scientists believe that these rocks used to be sacred locations, because there are many legends and stories about them.  There is a forest path with wooden pathways, information stands and a small car park there. (Source: Roja TIC)

Guest house Pinska is a family-owned company located on the former Lõpinska country manor land. The food is prepared from local ingredients and according to local traditions.

The craftsman uses wicker to produce chairs and tables, as well as wood to make household and practical objects. You can take a tour of the very neat farm, which features wooden sculptures.

Rīgas - Daugavpils šosejas (A 6) 157. kilometrā skats jāpavērš Daugavas (rietumu) virzienā, kur cauri koku alejai klajā laukā 50 m attālumā no ceļa iegūlis Vaiķu akmens (7 m garš, 4,7 m plats un 1,7 m augsts). Akmens, kura tilpumu vērtē ~ 45 m³, pēc formas atgādina plakanu galdu. Nostāsti vēsta, ka to šeit atnesis velns. Kā jau šādiem akmeņiem „pienākas”, stāsta, ka te pusdienojis gan Krievijas cars Pēteris I, gan pats Napoleons.

The café is in the centre of Lizums and offers local foods. The interior design is based on Latvian ornaments.

Latvian cuisine: Cold soup, dumpling soup, hunter’s sausages.