The park's name is derived from the ancient Baltic myth of the High Priest Lizdeika, who was allegedly found in an eagle's nest here.
The Verkiai Manor was once the residence of the Bishops of Vilnius and is a primary example of late 18th-century Lithuanian Classicism.
The park preserves complex glacial terrain, including ravines that reach depths of up to 50 meters.
Verkiai hosts the oldest and largest forest stands within the Vilnius city limits.
The park is part of a larger protected system including the Pavilniai Regional Park to the southeast.
The manor's central palace was redesigned by the architect Laurynas Gucevičius, the same designer behind the Vilnius Cathedral.
Verkiai Regional Park is a protected area on the northern outskirts of Vilnius, encompassing the Neris River valley and the historic Verkiai Manor complex. The landscape is defined by its dramatic glacial erosion hills and the deep, forested ravines of the Verkiai geomorphological reserve. Visitors can access a network of hiking and cycling trails that wind through old-growth forests and meadows. The park contains the Verkiai Manor, a 18th-century neoclassical ensemble featuring an ornate main palace and surviving outbuildings. The area is home to diverse flora and fauna, including rare species protected under European Union directives. The park serves as a site for both recreational outdoor activities and cultural heritage preservation. Its proximity to the Green Lakes allows for integration with surrounding aquatic ecosystems.
The elevated vantage point behind the Verkiai Manor palace overlooking the Neris River valley.
Bring insect repellent during the summer months, especially when trekking near the river or wetlands.
Wear footwear suitable for uneven, sandy, or muddy forest terrain rather than city shoes.
Combine a park walk with a visit to the Verkiai Manor palace grounds to see the historical architecture.
Do not attempt to swim in the unmarked, marshy sections of the riverbank; stick to designated beach areas if visiting the nearby Green Lakes.
Stay on marked trails to avoid damaging protected flora, and pack out all litter as there are few disposal points in the woods.
