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.

Schoolchildren up to the 6th grade are offered tours during which they can learn about animals, feed them and pet them.  Older students will learn about the evolution and biology of horses, as well as about work with horses.  Easy hikes are offered to tourists.

The Dviete Catholic Church is in the centre of the small village of Dviete. The white church can be seen from a distance. The first wooden church was built here in 1775 by the owner of the local estate, Count J.K. Wischling. Later the church was dismantled and brought the Zarinki cemetery. The Neo-Baroque Catholic church that is seen today has two towers, and its construction was financed by Count Kazimir Plater-Sieberg. The church was destroyed during World War I, and until it was rebuilt and consecrated, the granary of the Dviete Estate magazine, with its ridged roof, was used as a prayer house. It is on the side of the Dviete-Bebrene road and has recently been restored. In 1940, a stone fence was installed around the church with a tiled roof, and a building for the congregation was built in the 1970s. The church features a particularly ornate sacral Baroque interior, which is seen as the most ornate interior of its type in the former Daugavpils District.

Ööbiku herb farm is located in an ecologically clean area and is engaged in the cultivation and further processing of herbs, berries and vegetables using organic methods. It also dries vegetables, fruits and berries.

Mini zooloģiskais dārzs Brocēnu novadā, kur iespējams gan apskatīt, gan samīļot dažādus dzīvniekus lauku vidē. Sētā ir arī ugunskura vieta un nojume, kur patverties lietus laikā.

This is an authentic Lettigalian farm which dates back to the early 20^th century. It features a house, granary, cattle shed, sauna and smithy. Folklore groups perform here. You can celebrate the Summer Solstice, attend a St Michael’s Day market and learn ancient craftsmanship skills. Lettigalian foods are served to groups.
Latvian cuisine: Cottage cheese pierogi, pancakes, homemade bread, butter, cheese, herbal teas, moonshine alcohol.
Special foods: Andrupene bread.

Visitors are welcome to this ecological cattle farm to learn about its history and operations.  The farm offers the "Aubraki" breed of cattle, oats, spelt and forest berries.  You can buy fresh and aged beef that is ecological, as well as the berries.

Größe Steinkreisen. In der Mitte befindet sich eine oder mehrere „Steinkapseln” für einen Verstorbenen. Wurden im Eisen- und Bronzealter errichtet.

The nature reserve “Plieņciema kāpa” is founded in 1987 and covers 60.6 hectares of land. Since 2005 it is a Natura2000 site. The nature reserve protects a 150-200m wide and 3.5km long part of a distinct, continuous dune rampart. The dunes shelter Plieņciems village protecting from sea winds. The key natural values here are rare and protected biotopes of national and European significance: “Wooded dunes of the coast 2180” in the area of 61.8 ha, “Fixed dunes with herbaceous vegetation, 2130 (grey dunes)” in the area of 8.27 ha, “Shifting dunes along the shoreline with Ammophila arenaria (white dunes) 2120 in the area of 3.20 ha”, “Black alder swamp forests 9080”, ) in the area of 2,68 ha, as well as rare and protected species of Latvian and European significance including eastern pasqueflower (pulsatilla patens), Rolling Hen-and-chicks(Jovibarba sobolifera), Nothorhina muricata, Wryneck (Jynx torquilla), Woodlark (Lullula arborea).

In the nature reserve, there is a “Vabu square” – a deflation in the dune where for centuries local fishermen have been drying nets. In the 18^th and 19^th centuries ships were built here. Nine ships have been built here in 1882 - 1925. The four-masted gaff-rigged schooner with hoisting engine “Eurasia” was completed in 1925, the largest ship built by the Kurzeme fishermen. It was one of the works of Martin Morgenstern (1866-1945), a famous shipbuilding master.

Thanks to dunes, Plieņciems village was a popular holiday resort and has been mentioned in written sources already in 1738. Clergymen and landlords with their families used to stay here. In 1808, a merchant from Riga bought the local pub and replaced it with a massive two-storey building with a large ball-room and dining hall. On July 15, 1810, a sea bathing facility was opened for health treatment. For arrival of the empress Elisabeth Alexeievna, the wife of emperor Alexander I of Russia, who was a grandson of Catherine the Great, the road from Tukums town was repaired, the two highest hills were levelled, a road passage was dug across the Plieņciems dune, and a lime-tree alley was planted to facilitate access to the beach and bathing spot. Later, in 1920ies, the resort circles consisted mainly of the Kurzeme region landlords. There was a dance-floor in the park of Plieņciems village, and a special orchestra played music for resort guests three times a day.

The bakery offers baked goods made of natural ingredients.  It also offers salads, pizzas, cakes, ice cream and other treats.