A Bit About Birstonas

The small town of Birstonas, population 3800, has provided respite to travellers throughout its history. In its early years, Birstonas was a favored hunting area of the Grand Duke Vytautas and his guests from around Europe during the 1400's. The mound upon which the royal castle was built along side the river was man-made, likely in the later half of the 1300's, and was complete when the crusaders visited in 1382. Although Birstonas was given town status in the 1500's the first renaissance was in 1846 when the abundant source of mineral water found in the area began to be used for curative purposes. Birstonas developed into a highly sought after and prized health resort town. It served the restorative and relaxation needs primarily of the citizens of the Soviet Union prior to Lithuanias independence in March of 1990. Since the independence of 1990, Birstonas has been free to develop its beautiful surroundings, clean air, and abundant sources of water into one of Lithuania's most charming destinations. It's charm of late XIX c.-early XX c. resort villas was never spoiled by soviet style "architecture." The tallest building is only 4 stories high. The entire city is ablaze in nature and color throughout the seasons. A lovely Neo-Gothic church built in 1909 towers above the town.

Birstonas is surrounded by water. The river Nemunas, located on both sides of this quaint and picturesque town, offers boating and fishing opportunities. Three man-made lakes are located within the city limits for your swimming pleasure. The natural mineral water, provided by several deep springs, is bottled locally under the names of Vytautas, Birute, and BMV. The two sanitoriums/spas in Birstonas, among the finest in Lithuania, offer an indoor swimming pool, underwater massage, as well as mineral water and mud baths, among their many other services.

As the center of The Nemunas Loops Regional Park, an abundance of walking, hiking and bicycle paths have been prepared for your pleasure around the town, along the river, and through the forests. During the winter months these paths are widely used by cross-country skiers.

Birstonas promotes many cultural events including ongoing concerts, artistic performances and shows, an annual town festival and annual national sport dance competition, as well as the renowned International Jazz Festival held every other even numbered year.

Birstonas is easy to get to from all directions and offers you a host of choices for all of your rest, rehabilitation, relaxation and sport desires.