Aukštaitija National Park, in northeastern Lithuania, forms the heart of the country’s lake district: more than a hundred bodies of water set among pine and birch forest, laced with a network of forest tracks well suited to gravel riding.
Rolling terrain between forests and lakes
From Palūšė, a village on the shore of Lake Lūšiai, forest tracks and sandy trails wind for about 42 km between Lake Baluošas, Lake Ilgis and Lake Tauragnas, for around 380 m of total elevation gain. The terrain alternates rolling tracks under the trees with sandier sections near the shorelines, typical of this glacial landscape.
How to approach the ride
All-terrain gravel tires around 40-45mm handle most of the park’s tracks well; the sandy lakeside sections call for slightly lower pressure to keep traction. The elevation gain stays modest but adds up over the length of the route.
When to go
May to September, with a summer peak around the most accessible lakes in July and August. Early autumn brings a particular light over the birch forests, which are noticeably quieter by then.
Good to know
The wooden church at Palūšė, dated to 1750, and the restored mill at Ginučiai are worth a detour along the way. Ignalina, the nearest town with shops and lodging, sits about 15 km from the start.
