Šiliniškiai Observation Tower – Observation Deck

Aukštaitija National Park has a place which is often visited not only by those who are eager to look at the spectacular views of the park but also by the residents of the local surroundings, who want to brighten their everyday life.

Šiliniškiai Observation Tower with its exceptional form is the first observation deck in Lithuania, which is established on the antenna tower of mobile telecommunications. After adopting a common agreement with Aukštaitija National Park, this observation deck was built in 2004 by one telecommunications company of the country. This is probably why sometimes the locals simply call this Bitė Observation Tower.

Do not get surprised if someone will call this tower Ginučiai Observation Tower, as this is the name of the village Ginučiai situated close by, so the tower is often named after this place.

Therefore, if you have already arrived to the tower, prepare yourself for a challenge. The observation deck is established 30.50 m from the ground and the overall height is 60 m. Start counting the steps from the very first one. We would like to warn you that in the halfway you will stop counting the steps and will start running towards the top, where you will be met by the impressive views of Ignalina surroundings as well as the sense of freedom.

After climbing up, you will see the treetops in front of you but if you will go to the other side, you will be greeted with the lakes of Ūkojas, Pakasas and Sravinaitis as well as rustling forests with their local residents – birds and the winding village roads. If you have the courage, you can also look down under your feet. However, grab the handrails before that as the view could be terrifying.

Astonishing views are going to welcome you here during all of the seasons, despite the time when you will come. In the summer, you will be greeted by the green carpets of fields and forests with blue eyes of the lakes, in autumn – a colourful landscape of yellowish, brownish and red colours, while in the winter – miles and miles covered in a white sheet of snow.

It is not difficult to reach Šiliniškiai Observation Tower, situated in the southern part of Ignalina district. Simply follow the road 1423 (Aza-Vaišniūnai-Ginučiai-Kirdeikiai) and after passing the Ginučiai village, search for the peeking top of the tower, which will bring you here.

After you will be full of adrenaline from the tower, you can plan your journey to the Ginučiai Mound situated nearby, as the high stairs to the mound after the Šiliniškiai Observation Tower will be a piece of cake.