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Karalienės Liūnas: A Lithuanian Legend Etched in Water

Discover the mystical beauty of Karalienės Liūnas, a legendary spring in Anykščiai, where history and nature intertwine.

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Karalienės Liūnas (Queen's Swamp) is a remarkable freshwater spring in the Anykščiai region, shrouded in local legends. Surrounded by forest, this tranquil, small lake never freezes completely, offering a glimpse into Lithuania's mystical past.

A brief summary to Karalienės liūnas

  • Unnamed Road, Anykščiai District Municipality, 29168, LT
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit during the off-season for a more peaceful experience.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path.
  • Listen for the local legends about the Queen's Swamp to enhance your visit.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path, follow the well-marked trails through Anykščiai šilelis towards the Šventoji River. Cross the hanging pedestrian bridge over the river. Karalienės Liūnas is a short walk from the bridge, along the path that follows the riverbank. The path is generally well-maintained and easy to navigate. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Anykščiai bus station, take a local bus towards Andrioniškis. Get off at the 'Puntuko akmuo' bus stop. From there, walk along the road towards the Treetop Walking Path and follow the walking directions. A single bus fare costs approximately €1-2.

  • Taxi

    From Anykščiai city center, a taxi to Karalienės Liūnas will cost approximately €5-10. The journey is short, and most taxi drivers will be familiar with the location. Parking is available near the Treetop Walking Path, from where you can walk to the swamp.

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Discover more about Karalienės liūnas

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.

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