Lake Lūkstas is the only lake in Lithuania with a sandy shore that frequently washes up amber after storms.
Medvėgalis hillfort consists of a complex of several interconnected mounds and ramparts.
The park acts as a protected habitat for the rare aquatic warbler and various migratory waterfowl.
Varniai served as the seat of the Samogitian Bishopric for over 400 years, influencing the region's cultural landscape.
The landscape was significantly shaped by the retreat of glaciers during the last Ice Age, resulting in the distinct drumlin field topography.
Varniai Regional Park is located in the central part of the Samogitia Upland, centered around the historic town of Varniai and the basin of Lake Lūkstas. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, glacial valleys, and wetlands, preserving significant cultural heritage linked to the Samogitian bishopric. The park hosts several archaeological hillforts, including the Medvėgalis mound, the highest point in the region. Visitors engage in birdwatching during migration seasons, particularly near the shallow, expansive Lake Lūkstas. The park features a visitor center in Ožtakiai that provides interpretive displays on local geography and regional ethnography. Several marked trails allow for hiking through diverse forest and meadow ecosystems. The area remains a focal point for understanding the transition between ancient pagan traditions and the early Christian history of Lithuania.
The panoramic view from the summit of the Medvėgalis hillfort.
Wear waterproof hiking boots, as the terrain around the lakes and wetlands can remain muddy even in summer.
Bring binoculars, as the park is a primary site for migratory bird observations.
Check the visitor center for current trail maps, as some paths are prone to seasonal flooding.
Do not attempt to hike remote trails after heavy rain, as paths through wetlands become impassable.
Visitor center is closed on weekends during the off-season; trails remain accessible year-round.
Stick to marked paths to protect fragile wetland ecosystems; drones are restricted in certain protected bird nesting zones.
