Kaišiadorys District Municipality: Culture, Water and Landscapes

• Budeliai Hill is near the only motorless ferry in operation in Lithuania.
• Lake Kaukinė is circular, covers 1.2 ha and is 14 to 18 m deep; it may have a glaciokarst origin.
• Construction of Kaišiadorių Kristaus Atsimainymo Cathedral began as a church in 1906; it was completed as a cathedral in 1932.
• The Lomenos krantais route is 10.5 km long and runs from Neprėkšta to Tartokas.
• The “Aspersa” Snail Farm was established in 2012 in Pavuolys, on the banks of the Strėva, and offers educational and tasting programs in summer.

Lietuvos etnografijos muziejus is an open-air ethnographic museum in Rumšiškės. Its collection includes 140 buildings and 90,000 other exhibits across an area of 195 ha. Events such as Užgavėnės, Žolinė, Pirties diena, Joninės and Oninės are also held there. Cultural events and museum nights take place at Brazauskų namai-muziejus. Its preserved collection includes furniture, photographs, manuscripts and books belonging to the family.

Kaišiadorių Kristaus Atsimainymo Cathedral offers another perspective on architectural history: construction began as a church in 1906 and it was completed as a cathedral in 1932. It is designed in the Neo-Gothic style, with Neo-Romanesque decorative elements on the façade. The burial place of the beatified Teofilius Matulionis is in one of its chapels.

Žasliai also offers a point of interest in traditional crafts at Žaslių tradicinių amatų centras. The center offers educational activities led by craftspeople, which can be booked. It is housed in an extension built in 2016 next to a converted Orthodox synagogue building, where various exhibitions are held. Check the current availability of bookable activities before making firm plans to visit.

Mergakalnio atodanga is a 42 m-high cliff on the Kaunas Reservoir and the highest cliff on this reservoir. From there, you can see Paukščių sala and Kruonio HAE. Picnics and several walking trails are available at Mergakalnio poilsiavietė/laužavietė. Lake Kaukinė offers a different kind of landscape: its circular shape, area of 1.2 ha and depth of 14 to 18 m define its profile; a glaciokarst origin is one possible, but unconfirmed, explanation.

At Girelės-II Pond beach, you can swim, cross a bridge, jump into the water, play outdoor tennis and volleyball. As the description of the site is older, check current conditions before visiting. The Strėva offers paddling stretches for calmer journeys as well as more adventurous excursions. These different water activities offer a range of experiences without requiring the same kind of outing.

The Lomenos krantais route connects Neprėkšta and Tartokas over 10.5 km. Maisiejūnai I Hill Fort is dated to the first millennium through the beginning of the second millennium. For directions, take road No. 129; after the Rumšiškės–Žiežmariai–Kaišiadorys intersection, turn right toward Kruonio HAE and continue for 350 m. The site is 100 m to the right, northwest of the road. Check current road conditions before you travel.

Budeliai Hill is near the only motorless ferry in operation in Lithuania. Separately, the Padaliai–Čiobiškis ferry operates on a distinctive principle: a steel cable holds it in place, and the current of the Neris carries it to the opposite bank. If you plan to cross, check that it is operating beforehand.

In the wider destination of Kaunas County, Kaunas Castle offers guided tours and educational programs. Exhibitions in its restored and reconstructed tower tell the story of the castle, its walls and its changing functions from the 14th century to the present day. Built in the mid-14th century, the castle is one of Lithuania’s oldest brick castles.

Also in Kaunas County is Raudondvaris Manor Castle, a Renaissance architectural monument dating from the early 17th century. The interactive “Dramaturas” audio tour takes visitors through 14 stops in the halls, cellars and park, as well as the surrounding manor ensemble. Its story connects the manor with the romantic tragedy of Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilaitė. As the tour operates seasonally, check in advance whether it will be available during your trip.

Discover more destinations: Prienai District Municipality, Jurbarkas District Municipality, Jonava District Municipality, Kėdainiai District Municipality, Raseiniai District Municipality, Kaunas District Municipality.

What cultural attractions does the region offer?

Lietuvos etnografijos muziejus combines an open-air museum with an extensive collection and events. The cathedral offers an architectural and historical highlight, while Brazauskų namai-muziejus focuses on family objects and cultural events. Žasliai also has craft-led educational activities and exhibitions.

What can I do on the water?

Activities listed at Girelės-II Pond include swimming, crossing the bridge, jumping into the water, outdoor tennis and volleyball. The Strėva offers paddling stretches for both calmer and more adventurous journeys. Check current conditions at the pond before planning your visit.

Which dates or activities should I check in advance?

The “Aspersa” Snail Farm’s educational and tasting programs take place in summer. Booking is required for educational activities at Žaslių tradicinių amatų centras. Check current dates for events, museum nights and the seasonal “Dramaturas” audio tour. If you plan to cross on the Padaliai–Čiobiškis ferry, it is also advisable to check whether it is operating.

For the wider travel overview: Kaunas County.