“New hike – new you” – is the motto of TrenkTours, which kicks off the eleventh season of long-distance hiking in Druskininkai. “Hike for Health” will lead through one of the greenest spas in the country, where fresh air and forest trails are a natural combination with the city’s wellness tradition. On 21 February, participants will be able to choose from four routes – 8, 15, 24 and 34 kilometres – through the city’s forests and lesser-known areas of the spa. According to the organisers, such hikes remind us of an often-forgotten truth: sometimes all it takes is a few hours in nature to make your day lighter and bring a smile back to your face.

Four paths through the resort

This time TrenkTuras invites you to choose one of four routes that will give you a different perspective on Druskininkai – from a leisurely stroll to a full-day tour of one of the greenest resorts in the country.

The shortest, 8-kilometre route is designed for families and those who want to experience the joy of hiking without rushing. It takes you past the Spring of Beauty, Druskininkai Church and the legendary Čiurlionis pine tree. Along the way, you will also pass the K. Dineika biological spa park.

The 15-kilometre route allows you to venture deep into the resort. The route winds through the pine forests and quieter districts of the town, revealing the outcrop of Love Island, a place that gives a distinctive sense of peace and quiet in winter.

For those looking for a greater challenge, there is a 24km route. It passes through the Sculpture Park and the beach of Eglė Sanatorium – even if you don’t get a tan in winter, the views will remind you that the charm of the resort remains the same all year round.

The biggest challenge awaits those who choose the 34-kilometre route. It is a route through wooded, quieter areas and familiar places in Druskininkai. According to the organisers, this route is often a reason to come to the resort again.

Hiking with your pet

“TrenkTuras encourages people to take this hike with their pets, noting that for many, dogs are an integral part of the family.

“Not only are four-legged dogs welcome on our hikes, but we also make sure they feel safe, comfortable and are full participants,” – says Deividas Urbonavičius, founder of TrenkTuras. Animals will be provided with drinking water at every stop of the hike, he says, and there will be snacks and short activity zones waiting for them at the start and rest areas.

Additional services for the convenience of participants

As usual, the TrenkTour promises more than just a physical challenge. The organisers want participants to feel attention and care at every step.

“Our aim is to encourage people to spend more time in nature and remind them that movement and community can be an enjoyable part of everyday life,” – says the TrenkTuro team.

Participants will be greeted with exercise at the start of the walk and surprises and gifts from partners throughout the event. Drinking water, rest areas and toilets, snacks and drinks will be available at the stops, and participants on longer routes will also be able to have a hot lunch.

For added comfort, participants can opt for the Comfort package: reserved parking, breakfast, additional snacks and a rest area after the hike. According to the organisers, this option allows you to focus on what matters most – walking, breathing in the forest and taking a break from the daily rush for a while.

More focus on sustainability

“The TrenkTuras team has noticed that the culture of trekking is clearly changing, as is participants’ attitudes towards sustainability. With more and more trekkers choosing to travel more responsibly, the organisers are encouraging them to take reusable utensils and tools with them.

Sustainable solutions have become an integral part of the trek: paper diplomas and printed maps have been abandoned in favour of digital information. “In this way, we are reducing waste and making the hike more environmentally friendly,” – says the team.

The organisers remind us that respect for nature starts with a simple gesture – leaving the trail as we found it. If you can’t bring your own reusable utensils or tools, you can rent or buy them at the starting point.

More information and registration at: trenkturas.lt/druskininku-zygis26/