Location: Zarasai
Top Things to do in Zarasai
The 5 Best Things to Do in Zarasai, Lithuania
Zarasai ( pronunciation (help·info)) is a city in northeastern Lithuania, surrounded by many lakes and rivers: to the southwest of the city is Lake Zarasas, to the north – Lake Zarasaitis, to the southeast – Lake Baltas, and the east – Lake Griežtas. Lakes Zarasaitis and Griežtas are connected by the River Laukesa.
Restaurants in Zarasai
1. The observation deck on the lake Zarasas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 28 reviews
Reviewed By NYU62 - Tucson Arizona
This very unique bridge/observation deck was opened in 2011, and is beautifully designed. Because of a heavy downpour, we did not get a chance to walk on it, but how we wished that we had had the chance. It is directly across the street from the Zarasai Museum, which is well worth a visit also.
The bridge is over 55 feet high, and provides an unobstructed view of the area. Adjacent, there is a nice sized grass area with sculptures scattered on it. We also could see a walking path along the lake. Two fishermen in heavy rain gear were eating ice cream while waiting for a tug on their lines.
2. Stelmuze Oak Tree
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By Liu S - Vilnius, Lithuania
Stelmuze oak is one of the three oldest in Europe, it's over 2000 years old. Really impressive! Also I recommend visiting Devil's Stone (Lygumu akimbo) at Lygumu forest, which is just a kilometer away. This stone is thought to be the biggest in Lithuania - it's largest part is under ground.
3. Zarasu Krasto Muziejus
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By NYU62 - Tucson Arizona
We had heard about this Museum from various people, but we never expected it to be this nicely curated and organized. The various rooms hold many very nice and interesting displays. I know that this Museum has been open for some time now, but almost everything looks new. This classical architecture building was built in the early 1940's and used to be the old Zarasai High School.
Most of the Museum exhibits focus on the history of this region, with various examples of all sorts of items (like vintage fabrics and bedspreads) typical to this area. There are old documents, and fishing and hunting articles as, with all these lakes (seven!), this area is especially well known for fishing. There is one fascinating room full of religious statues, which we were told were removed from a 18th century wooden church nearby. We spent more time in this room than any other.
We don't know if he was the director, but there was one person there, who, with the greatest enthusiasm, loved explaining everything to us. I asked him about the 3 euro charge for taking photos, and he just waved his hand and said, "We welcome the publicity". I think very few know about this Museum, so there are not that many visitors.
It seems that they are closed only on Mondays, and are open from 9-6 the rest of the week. They do have a website, which can be checked. We had expected to spend an hour there, but we were there for over two hours. The front desk sells some books by local authors, and some very nice, good quality postcards.
4. Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By NYU62 - Tucson Arizona
This Neo-Baroque style Church was built on the highest point in Zarasai in 1878, and stands towering over the Main Street into the town. We stopped in for a visit yesterday 7/8. After all the amazing churches in Vilnius and Kaunas, this one is humble, but has its own charm.
There are three altars, and much Lithuanian art woodcarving in both the main altar and the lectern. This, alone, is worth a stop. Above the main altar, a semi circular widow has been cut, and a copy of the historical picture of the Madonna with Child has been placed there. An inscription tells us that this picture was brought here from Vilnius after its miraculous rescue from a huge fire.
The grounds inside the surrounding walls are adorned with crosses, and also contain the graves of several priests.
5. Independence Monument Zarasai
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By NYU62 - Tucson Arizona
A long time ago, an aunt had given me a very faded photo of a gravesite of relatives, and on the other side, she wrote, that the location of these graves is near the Independence Monument in Zarasai. I had no idea where all this was, until we went to Lithuania for a month, and made a day trip to Zarasai.
We, first, inquired at the local Church, and were told that this monument stands in the Old Catholic Cemetery. We could not find the cemetery, and had to ask for directions at least three times. Once at the cemetery, which is large, hilly and crowded, we had no idea where to look for it. The large pine trees provide beauty and shade, but make it hard to locate something. Luckily, our son was with us, and he went scurrying up the hills, and covered much ground, until he found it.
This over 16 feet tall obelisk shaped monument composed of stone, was built in 1924 to commemorate the 56 volunteer soldiers who died for Lithuanian independence (1919-1920) . A cross is erected on the top of it, and a small wooden cross is placed in a wall niche behind glass. The monument stands alongside the graves, all marked by a modest white cross. There is also, a Tomb to the Unknown Soldier. Near this low fenced in area, is an information board and map, showing where other volunteer soldier cemetereries can be found in the vicinity of Zarasai.
