Musteika – A Unique Ethnographic Village in Dzūkija

Musteika is a unique ethnographic village located in the southern part of Dzūkija National Park, near the Čepkeliai Marsh and close to the Lithuanian–Belarusian border. It is one of the best-preserved examples of traditional Dzūkian village architecture and lifestyle in Lithuania.

History of Musteika

Musteika village was first mentioned in 1785 in the inventory of the Varėna estate. In the 19th century, it became a distinct borderland between the Vilnius and Grodno governorates – preserving unique dialects, customs, and even clothing styles. In 1918, Professor Tadas Ivanauskas moved to Musteika, where he founded the first Lithuanian school and conducted environmental research. It was here, in the forests around Musteika, that he began gathering material for his famous study on capercaillies, leading to their conservation becoming a central focus of his work.

During the Soviet period, Musteika’s remote location helped it escape modernization, allowing it to retain its traditional architecture and way of life. Today, it is one of the best-preserved ethnographic villages in Dzūkija.

Musteika on the Map: Google Maps