Druskininkai & Dzūkija Pine Forests
Head south from Vilnius to explore wooden villages and castle hills, stay in a spa town, and visit a Soviet sculpture park.
A popular weekend route south for Vilnius locals. The journey down passes through the wooden village of Zervynos in Dzūkija National Park and the Merkinė Castle Hill. The second day is dedicated to Druskininkai's aqua park, cable car, and lakeside, while the return trip includes Grūtas Park and Liškiava. The relaxed pace is suitable for families and anyone who prefers not to rush. The Čepkeliai Marsh is excluded due to border zone restrictions.
Grūtas Park's closing hours vary by month; the aqua park and indoor ski slope are open in winter.
Day by day
Day 1 · Wooden Villages and Merkinė
Druskininkai（Zervynos、Merkinė Hillfort、Nemunas Promenade）
Drive along the A4 highway via Varėna to Zervynos, then continue via Merkinė to Druskininkai (approx. 3 hours total driving time).
This area is close to the Belarusian border; do not enter the restricted border zone.
Stay: Town Centre by the Aqua Park
Day 2 · Relaxing Day in the Spa Town
Druskininkai（M. K. Čiurlionis Memorial Museum、Lake Druskonis、Druskininkai Cable Car、Snow Arena、Druskininkai Aquapark）
Spend the day walking or cycling around town. Attractions are close together, and the Snow Arena can be reached via the cable car over the river.
The aqua park gets crowded on weekends and during summer; book spa treatments in advance.
Stay: Town Centre by the Aqua Park
Day 3 · Grūtas Park and Return
Druskininkai（Grūtas Park、Liškiava） → Vilnius
Drive about 10 minutes from town to Grūtas Park, then take a detour to Liškiava before driving back to Vilnius (approx. 2 hours).
Grūtas Park is large; allow 1.5 to 2 hours for your visit.