If you like hiking, are curious about historical facts, want to breathe in the clean air of the pine forests without leaving Vilnius, then take a tour of Žemieji and Aukštieji Paneriai – full of immense pine forests, expressive hills, with a magnificent history – sometimes tragic, but incredibly interesting
For city dwellers who rarely venture this far, the area certainly has a lot to show and tell. And, although far from the heart of the city, Paneriai has deep roots. First mentioned in 1390 by Jogaila, when he presented Paneriai to the Vilnius Cathedral Chapter, the place name derives from the River Neris, or rather, from its proximity to the river, meaning ‘along the Neris’. It is known that in the past there was a manor with a mill, fish ponds, and factories. Bees were kept in the hollows of the trees, and the walls of a number of buildings in Vilnius were constructed using the timber from these forests and the building materials produced in the brickworks. Although the city has grown considerably, much of the landscape in Aukštieji and Žemieji Paneriai is green, so this route will appeal to hikers who like to exercise both their bodies and minds.
What you’ll learn/see on the route:
- Where should I look for Napoleon’s treasures?
- What makes the Paneriai railway tunnel special?
- Where was the prestigious garden town founded between the wars?
