Panevėžys District Municipality: Nature, Art and Craftsmanship
Accommodation in Panevėžys District Municipality
From contemporary art under the open sky to the Nevėžis Valley and traditional crafts, Panevėžys District Municipality has many different sides. The regional park focuses on the river landscape and outdoor activities; museums and Bistrampolis Manor offer a glimpse of art, history and hands-on culture. When planning your trip, it is worth first considering which of these themes you want to shape your holiday.
Riverside landscapes and active exploration
Krekenava Regional Park was established in 1992 and stretches along both sides of the Nevėžis Valley. It preserves the ancient valley of the Nevėžis, with its many tributaries and remnants of former river channels. These remnants show how the landscape was also shaped by earlier river courses. Alongside the present-day valley, this creates a layered river landscape that defines the park’s natural character.
Guided hikes can be booked in the regional park. Another way to explore is the “Pojūčių takas” (Sensory Trail): the trail runs beside the observation tower and combines challenges with creative elements and nature experiences. The two activities offer different experiences—a guided hike and a trail focused on sensory perception. Check local conditions before your visit.
At the Pašiliai Bison Enclosure, you can observe European bison, which are listed in the International Red Book. As populations and access conditions can change, it is advisable to check the latest visitor information in advance.
Art, history and craftsmanship
The “Mėnulio akmens” Sculpture Park is an exhibition of contemporary art and an open-air museum. In Stultiškiai, the Flax Museum is housed in a windmill built in 1880, restored in 1994 and adapted for tourism. As part of an educational programme, you can try a 19th-century flax-processing method there; booking is required.
Bistrampolis Manor has existed since the late 15th century and is considered a cultural heritage site. The Upytė Centre for Traditional Crafts offers a more hands-on introduction to regional crafts. It features exhibitions by craftspeople and folk artists, as well as educational programmes where you can learn ceramics, spinning and weaving. Learning activities also include pressing linseed oil and preparing various dishes. Advance arrangements are required for these activities.
The differences between these destinations give your plans a clear direction: the regional park offers nature and outdoor activities, while the museums, manor and craft centre focus on art, history and hands-on learning.
In the wider destination of Panevėžys District
In the wider destination of Panevėžys District, the observation tower at Krekenava Regional Park, built in 2014, is another distinctive landmark. The tower is made of steel, has an asymmetrical design and is supported by guy wires. It is 30 metres tall and stands beside the park’s visitor centre.
Also in the wider destination of Panevėžys District, a 1.6-kilometre educational trail runs through the Nevėžis Valley alongside a horseshoe-shaped oxbow lake; an observation platform is located beside the trail. The Upytė Centre for Traditional Crafts is situated on the grounds of the Upytė Manor, beside the manor’s granary. These additional places broaden the view of nature and architectural history in the district without replacing the distinct attractions of Panevėžys District Municipality.
Discover more places: Daukniūnai, Gegužinė, Panevėžio seniūnija, Barklainiai I, Upytė, Molainiai, Piniava, Bernatoniai, Vynupė, Žibartoniai
Go to the main travel overview: Panevėžys District.
