Over the years, the changing climate and deteriorating health conditions, have made it necessary that we move towards sustainable living and our holidays too, change.
In a recent survey, at least 42% of respondent travellers indicated that they are willing to prioritise sustainability even during holidays.
Lithuania is a destination which has plenty of natural forests, which not just offer the aesthetic pleasure of colour and sound, but some thrilling adventures. After the end of Cold War, the forest was returned to the people to camp and hike. But one can still find remnants of Soviet ballistic missile bases in the forests of Central Lithuania. One such ground-based medium-range nuclear missile base is in the district of Ukmerge.
Indr? Trakimait?-?e?kuvien?, head of marketing at Lithuania Travel, said: "Forest is an important symbol of Lithuanian history and culture. Despite industrial development of the 19th-20th centuries, we have preserved large spaces of natural forest. With the rise of eco-tourism, these locations are turning into sites of meditation, natural health practice and achieving the deeper sense of unity with nature.?
Herb picking- The use of herbs and herbal tea, as a cure, is an established tradition in Lithuania. Most Lithuanians know the basics of herbal medicine and the various herbs that help digestion, or ease coughing or other symptoms of cold and flu. In north-eastern Lithuanian town of Anyk??iai, which is surrounded by forests on all sides, herbalist Ram?nas Daugelavi?ius combines traditional Lithuanian experience with the knowledge of other cultures and scientific methods, to provide a unique experience of herbs, whether it is herb picking for spices, or special tea ceremonies, fire rituals and seed root coffee. http://www.ramunovaistazoles.lt/
Butterfly and dragonfly watching- Lithuania is a place where dragonflies are professionally monitored and marked. These insects travel thousands of kilometres and Vent? ornithology station is conducting experiments and research, to reveal the secrets of dragonfly migration. Not far from the station, in western Lithuania, ecotourism enthusiast Daiva Stanislovaitien? offers butterfly, dragonfly and bird-watching trips, and a cosy stay in a comfortable villa. https://villarusne.lt/en/paslaugos/ekoturizmas/
Forest bathing- The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or forest bathing is a way to heal and restore the human spirit. Slowly immersing oneself into the forest through sight, sound, smell and taste, helps to relax, regain intellectual focus and strengthen health. A certified guide of Shinrin-Yoku, Mila Monk gives private and group tours in different Lithuanian forests. https://shinrinyoku.lt/
The largest dreamcatcher in the world- The pine forest in Asveja Regional Park in Eastern Lithuania is considered the largest dreamcatcher in the world, which is almost 13metres high and 10 metres in diameter. It is made of more than one kilometre of rope, 700 hundred wooden parts, 319 beads and weighs 156 kilograms. https://www.auksinegiria.lt/en-home
The forest gramophone- The forest sound catcher can be found in the Curonian Spit, the natural seaside reserve in Western Lithuania, which has three-metre-high gramophone-like constructions, which enhances the natural sounds of the forest. The visitors should spend about half an hour inside, to experience the peaceful flow of the forest symphony. http://visitneringa.com/en/what-to-see/sculptures-monuments/sound-catcher
The forest dunes- Sand dunes can be usually seen near the Baltic seaside, with some located far from the sea, and deep into the forests.
