The Way of St. James, section Žukai-Viešvilė

SECTION DESCRIPTION:

We recommend making a stop in Žukai on your way from Tauragė, where you can admire the impressive Žukai Evangelical Lutheran Church. The parish in Žukai was re-established in 1992, and services are held in the church, which is currently undergoing restoration. Since 1997, the church and rectory ensemble has been recognised as a cultural heritage site. Adjacent to the church is the old unfenced yet well-maintained Lutheran cemetery, where many of the tombstones remain, albeit in a state of ruin. We also recommend staying here overnight.

Then, immerse yourself in the centuries-old Karšuva Forest, where you can breathe in the fresh, unspoiled air. Be sure not to stop by the Naumalūnis pond, a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a refreshing swim. Continue on towards the Naumalūnis cemetery. In this small cemetery rests Johann Mayer, the former owner of Malūnkiemis. You can learn about his life story. Next, head towards the Šusterėliai cemetery. Finally, you will arrive at the Jūrava cemetery and village.

Not every district can proudly claim a forest or woodland, but we are fortunate to have the Karšuva Forest – a truly mysterious and resource-rich gem. Its vast expanse includes the Kaskalnis Geomorphological Reserve, a section of the Jūra Ichthyological Reserve, and the Viešvilė State Nature Reserve.

The Kaskalnis Nature Reserve stands out from the rest not only for having the country’s most spectacular and highest inland dunes, but also for its many dunes beautifully covered in pine trees. Scientists believe that the inland dunes of Kaskalnis were formed around 8,000 to 9,000 years ago. As the glaciers retreated, a vast lake was formed, and as it receded, the wind blew the sand at the bottom into towering hills. They've been preserved in the form of inland dunes to this day. The Kaskalnis Nature Reserve was established in 1988.

Pine trees dominate this area, with spruce trees lining the eastern edge of the reserve. The reserve is home to moose, red deer, and wild boars. The reserve is rich in various mushrooms, blueberries, lingonberries, and other berries.

Upon arriving in Viešvilė, you'll encounter the Viešvilė Lourdes by a serene church near the forest, offering a peaceful space for prayer and spiritual reflection. The initiator of the Lourdes, Father Kęstutis Pajaujis, says that this place draws the believers for prayer, couples for wedding photos, and mothers seeking to bless their children. The Viešvilė Lourdes was built to mark the 160th anniversary of the first apparition of St. Mary in Lourdes, France. It is also dedicated to the centenary anniversary of the restoration of the independent state of Lithuania.

During the street repairs in Viešvilė, significant cultural deposits were uncovered – a stone pavement from the German era was discovered beneath the road surface. The stones from this pavement were repurposed in the construction of the Lourdes. The road workers, forestry department, parishioners, municipal employees, and the entire community all generously contributed to the creation of the shrine.

The dammed Viešvilė River flows tranquilly through the heart of the town. This was the location of the town's first watermill, and by the 18th century, there were five hydroelectric power plants. The first mill dam was constructed on the river in the 16th century to meet the farming needs of the local community. Over time, the number of mills increased to four, and today, only two remain. The dams have disrupted the natural fish migration routes, leading to a decline in the river's fauna. To address this, Viešvilė recently installed a fish ladder, with the primary goal of restoring salmonid populations in the Viešvilė River and allowing them to reach their spawning grounds. The park surrounding the fish ladder has gradually transformed into a popular recreational area for both locals and visitors.

It has now become one of the most visited spots in the town. You can take a leisurely walk, let your mind wander, and unwind, enjoying a moment of relaxation after your journey.

The Viešvilė area is one of the oldest inhabited regions along the Nemunas River. The architecture here is sure to capture your attention, particularly the Viešvilė Old Courthouse, built in 1902.

We also recommend staying here overnight. You will receive a warm welcome from the Catholic community at the parish house of the Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ. You can enjoy a snack at the café Šeimos Užkandinė and stock up on water and food supplies at the Aibė shop.

USEFUL LINKS:

• Jurbarkas Tourism and Business Information Centre www.jurbarkas.info

PILIGRIM ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION

Note: The table only lists the locations accommodating pilgrims.