Karalienės Liūnas: A Lithuanian Legend Etched in Water

Karalienės Liūnas, or the Queen's Swamp, is one of the largest freshwater springs in Lithuania, steeped in myth and natural beauty. Located in the Anykščiai Regional Park, near Pašventupys village, the spring emerges at the foot of a steep slope on the right bank of the Šventoji River. The area is known for its serene environment, surrounded by the Pienioniai forest. The spring covers an area of approximately 0.7 hectares and reaches a depth of up to 3 meters. Its waters are so deep and constantly replenished that even on the coldest days, the spring doesn't entirely freeze over, leaving an unfrozen 'eye' at its center. The excess water flows into the Šventoji River via a small stream. Karalienės Liūnas is more than just a geographical feature; it's a place of legends. One story tells of a queen who plunged into the swamp with her chariot and apple-cheeked horses while fleeing enemies. Another legend speaks of a priestess who drowned herself rather than convert to Christianity. It is said that on quiet summer nights, the spirit of the priestess rises from the water, adorned with a rue wreath, mourning her lost life. Some locals believe that the water's surface ripples because the priestess's spirit still stirs beneath the surface. Once much larger, the swamp was reduced in size when a drainage ditch was dug to the Šventoji River. In ancient times, it was rumored to be so expansive that locals could hide from invaders within its waters, using a secret underwater path known only to them. Today, Karalienės Liūnas is a protected hydrogeological monument, attracting visitors with its beauty and intriguing stories. Nearby attractions include the Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path and the Puntukas Stone, making it a worthwhile stop for those exploring the Anykščiai region.