On September 20, the first Women’s Hiking Club hike took place in Marcinkonys, organized by the club’s founder Ada Vetre. She is the initiator of this idea, aiming to bring women together in a shared activity that inspires more movement, a deeper connection with nature, and strength from togetherness. Ada believes that hikes can become not only a physical activity but also a source of mutual support, friendship, and inspiration for women.

The Women’s Hiking Club was born from Ada’s idea to create a space for women who want to be more active, spend time in nature, and find like-minded companions. Everyone is welcome here – both beginners and experienced hikers. The most important thing is the desire to move, connect, and discover more.

The first hike began at the Marcinkonys Visitor Center, from where the travelers set off on a nature trail through the forests of Dzūkija. The first stop was at Šaudzyklos Hill, which offers an impressive panorama of the winding Grūda River valley.

Next, the women stopped at a stand about tree beekeeping, where they learned how hollows were traditionally made in pine trees to keep wild bees. This is one of the oldest Dzūkija traditions, reflecting the harmony between people and nature.

Later, the travelers reached  the Church of St. Apostles Simon and Jude in Marcinkonys and the nearby  wooden cross, on which a traditional national apron was hanging. Stopping there, the women reflected on its meaning – it reminded them of old Lithuanian traditions, when fabrics or ribbons were tied to crosses as signs of gratitude or requests.

The route then led to one of the most impressive places –  Kloniai (Rooster) Dune. In the past, this dune was constantly shifting, covering fields and roads, and only the planted forests managed to slow down the drifting sand. Today, it remains an important part of the Dzūkija landscape, still called Rooster Dune by the locals.

The hikers also stopped at the raised bog“Bear’s Bottom,” a place famous not only for its witty name but also for its rich nature. As they walked, the women joked that they had to step carefully, otherwise they might sink straight into the “bear’s bottom.” Here they saw cranberry andromedas, sphagnum moss, and among the mosses they found ripe cranberries. They even managed to discover a miniature insect-eating plant – the sundew – which greatly delighted the hikers.

Throughout the hike, the forests of Dzūkija enchanted not only with stories and legends – some of the women couldn’t resist and started mushroom picking. Chanterelles, other mushrooms, and even the king of mushrooms – the porcini – made their way into the bags. Such moments brought even more joy to the hike and reminded everyone that autumn in Dzūkija is always generous.

At the end, the plan was to take the trail through the bog, but due to heavy rains it was flooded, so another route had to be chosen. Nevertheless, there was no shortage of impressions – the hike didn’t feel long and was just right: full of natural beauty, warm conversations, and delightful discoveries.

This hike is only the beginning. By founding the Women’s Hiking Club, Ada Vetre has shown that her idea to inspire women to travel, experience, and share togetherness has already become a reality. This was the first, but certainly not the last gathering, which we believe will grow into a beautiful tradition.

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