Mountain trails

The Hill Walking route is an exclusive hiking route through the hilly terrain of Lapiai. There are two Hill Walking routes of different complexity that will make you feel like a true mountaineer!

The Lapiai region is not called the Switzerland of Lithuania for nothing: its picturesque surroundings, the legendary Lapiai Hillfort – standing on the banks of the Žvelsa River – and the Valley of Nightingales enchant everyone who takes the opportunity to visit the place. Among the top tourist attractions in the region during the summer is canoeing on the Minija River, and in spring and winter, extreme swimming in the Žvelsa River. Winter sports lovers are also welcome on Utriai Hill, which offers three ski slopes of varying difficulty.

The Hill Walking system consists of two trails for different ability levels: blue and red. The blue trail is 6.8 kilometres, while the red trail is 4.5 kilometres. The blue trail is suitable for general walkers, while the red trail is more extreme, so we recommend this for experienced hikers. The red trail is reached by following the blue trail. The route contains three sections of the red trail (283, 280 and 287 metres long) marked with arrows indicating the height of the ascent. After completing each section, you return to the blue trail.

The walk takes you along animal paths via slopes and ravines. Travelling along the marked trails, you will have the opportunity to be acquainted with the Žvelsa (one of the rivers used for extreme canoeing in Lithuania), see forest animals living in the region, including raccoons and badgers, and admire the 6-metre thick Rudaičiai oak tree.

What to see while hiking in the Žvelsa Valley:

In the spring, you can see plantations of wild garlic, the scent of which spreads over the slopes. You will also have a chance to admire the beauty of hornbeam, endangered elms and wych-elm trees, visit the giant oak that dates back to the 8th century and stumble across the habitats of badgers and racoons. A major part of the hiking route consists of existing animal paths used to travel from one slope to another. While walking, you can see three geological exposures, one of which is sliding down, carrying with it trees and thousands of tons of soil. Formed in the Ice Age and naturally protected for millions of years, the valleys remain extraordinarily charming, with a 4-metre-high waterfall, which comes to life in autumn.

Recommendations of the Klaipėda District Tourism Information Centre:

• When travelling along the trails, follow the signs on the trees and the yellow, blue and red directional arrows.
• The ascent heights of the red section are 115, 85 and 87 metres, so assessing your strength and capabilities before setting off is a MUST.
• Driving four-wheel vehicles, motorcycles and other vehicles on footpaths, recreational facilities, slopes, ditches, the forest base and grass is strictly prohibited! Upon noticing any such instances, inform the emergency response centre by calling 112.
• Wear comfortable, waterproof shoes for your hike and don’t forget to take a bottle of water.
• Refrain from making loud noises.
• Protect and respect the environment and do not litter, as garbage and other traces of human recreation leave a stain on nature.
• Duration of the blue route: four hours
• Duration of the red route: four hours
• Following the red route in winter is NOT RECOMMENDED.