Trail length – 10.9 km.

Map.

Digital map (GPX).

This circular trail leads through the surroundings of Marcinkoniai village, where ancient and legendary fir trees grow. It is said that these fir trees were considered sacred to tree goddesses. The trail offers a peaceful walk and an opportunity to get acquainted with the local flora and fauna.

Along the trail, you will visit the following sites:

1. Church – The Church of St. Apostles Simon and Jude Thaddeus was originally built in 1770. The wooden church burned down in 1878, and the current building was rebuilt in 1880.

2. Cross – A double cross was erected in 1933 to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the death of Grand Duke Vytautas of Lithuania. The cross was initiated by the St. Casimir Society branch active in Marcinkoniai.

3. Gaidzių Galo Dune (Kloniai Hill) – A white sandy dune that is still shifting in the Gaidžių corner. Unlike most other inland dunes in the Dzūkija forests that have stabilized due to vegetation, this one remains active.

4. Meškos Šikna Bog – In spring, andromeda blooms here and willow fluff appears. In drier spots grow bedstraw and marsh cinquefoil, and cranberry stems curl around bog hummocks.

5. Aklažeris Lake – A small thermokarst lake formed after a block of glacial ice detached and was covered with soil. Peat formation has turned this nearly 10-hectare lake into a bog.

6. Holy Glades – This area is steeped in various legends, some connected to 17th-century wars and unrest, others to 19th-century uprisings during which holy masses were held and people found shelter.

The trail is of easy difficulty and takes about 3 hours to complete. It is not marked on site but has been digitized for navigation.