Panemunė Pinewood

Surrounded by the Nemunas loop, Panemunė pinewood is the third Lithuanian natural park created in the forest (after Juodkrantės and Vingio parks). It is a great place to discover rare plants and notice wild animals and birds as you meander along the different paths that traverse the park. During the Inter-War period, Panemunė was a resort areawith open sanatoriums. There were many wooden villas owned by prosperous citizens of Kaunas. An elegant Kurhauzas used to become a ski area in winter. Only its foundation remains. Enthusiasts of history are still exploring two Golden decades of Panemunė. 

You can begin your tour through the pinewood from the Bridge of Three Virgins (Trys mergelės) for pedestrians or from the end of A. Smetonos Lane where you can park the car. The park is well-equipped with anetwork of asphalt and natural pathways, and an educational path with information boards. Depending on the route, its length can reach 5.6 km or 4.6 km. You can choose hilly or more level routes if you wish to take a journey on foot. Town people like to spend their spare time at the well-arranged beach and playground throughout the year.

Although the park was created almost a decade ago, its landscape still undergoes changes. Before Kaunas hydroelectric power plant was built, this region was rich for sandy hills with pines and localities covered with marsh. After the Nemunas was damned up, some minor marshes withered away. Today, when you walk the pathways, you can see how dry pinewoods are being gradually changed by deciduous trees. Valuable and old trees grow in the almost virgin slopes of the Nemunas. The most interesting natural monument is represented by an oak and a pine which grew as if from one stump.

The history of Panemunė is best described in an article published in the “Lietuvos aidas” newspaper in1932: "The air in the forest is so pure and pleasant. Just breathe in and clean yourself from the dust you acquiredin the city during theweek. People come toenjoy the pure air. Some of the visitors bring a gramophone, play music and dance, others eat and sing, while othersplay with a ball or exercise...".

You can travel to Panemunes Pinewood by car, public transport or bicycle. You can park your car at the end of A. Smetonos Lane.