The third Women's Hike was organized by the club's founder, Ada Vėtrė, whose idea to bring women together for shared activities has grown into a beautiful tradition. She believes that hikes are not only a physical challenge but also an opportunity to grow stronger, find inner peace, and draw inspiration from other women. Thanks to Ada’s efforts, this hike became more than just another journey through nature – it turned into a day of warm togetherness, feminine energy, and mutual support, where each participant could escape everyday life and recharge with new strength.

On November 8, 2025, the hikers set out on a journey through Aukštaitija National Park, following a circular route of more than 20 kilometers that wound its way through Ginučiai Hillfort, the Asalnai Pine, Kudaba Island, the Baltys Nature Reserve, and the lakes of Linkmenas and Alksnaitis. It was a journey through a hilly glacial landscape — between lakes and legends — where every step echoed with history and the mist added an air of mystery.

The hike began at Ginučiai Hillfort, where each participant received a small “fortune cookie” – a symbolic wish for the journey ahead. The morning was wrapped in fog that gently veiled the forests and their reflections in the water, filling the hike with a sense of calm and mystique.

As they walked, the women paused to admire the views, share smiles, and exchange experiences. Each stop felt like a small discovery: from the heights of the hillforts to the silence of villages, from the scent of moss to the faint memories hidden in the whisper of the wind.

Stories Hidden Among the Hills and Lakes

Between the lakes of Linkmenas and Ūkojas stands the Ginučiai Hillfort complex – a defensive system of two hills that recalls the times of ancient castles. Once, the Linkmenai Castle stood here, first mentioned in 1373. This place held great strategic importance, offering panoramic views of the surrounding lakes and hills that allowed its defenders to spot approaching enemies. Although the castle was later destroyed by the Livonian Order, the remaining ramparts and deep ditches still testify to the strength and ingenuity of the ancient Lithuanian defense. Fragments of wheel-thrown pottery discovered by archaeologists reveal that people not only defended themselves here but also built their settlements.

The memory of the place is also marked by the story of President Antanas Smetona’s oak tree, planted in 1934 to celebrate his 60th birthday. It stands as a symbol of strength, continuity, and love for one’s homeland. Even today, this site preserves a special aura where nature and history intertwine.

Ancient legends still echo through the area — tales of a mysterious old woman who appeared from a hollow in the hill, of a flooded town, and of stones that, once thrown into the ground, would rise back to the surface. These stories remind us that this land holds more than the eye can see – within its silence lie the histories of ages.

The Asalnai Pine – a Silent Wonder of Nature

During their journey, the hikers stopped by the impressive Asalnai Pine, growing near the lake of the same name. It is an old tree of unique shape, its trunk seemingly twisted from countless lines of life. It is said that it’s worth pausing beneath this pine – the silence here feels special, and the air is filled with the scent of resin and moss. Moments like these remind us that a hike is not only a path for the feet but also a rest for the mind.

Aukštaitija Villages – the Living Spirit of Tradition

The hiking trail led through the surroundings of Aukštaitija National Park, where among the hills and lakes lie scattered ethnographic villages that still preserve the old spirit. Here stand log houses with thatched or shingled roofs, carved window frames, old barns, granaries, and lakeside saunas – silent witnesses of people’s lives, their connection with nature, and their traditions.

In these places, time seems to slow down. The villages still pulse with a natural rhythm of life – calm, warm, and full of simplicity. These are spaces where humans and nature still speak the same language, reminding us that true harmony lies in simplicity.

Ladakalnis – a Hill Embraced by Legends

At the end of the hike, the travelers reached Ladakalnis – a prominent hill rising between the lakes of Ūkojas and Linkmenas. From its summit opens one of the most beautiful panoramas of Aukštaitija, where six lakes can be seen at once. The hill is covered with pine forests, and gusts of wind sweep along its slopes, carrying a feeling of peace.

It is said that in ancient times, a temple once stood here, dedicated to the goddess Lada – the guardian of earth and harvest. Following an old tradition, the participants each picked up a small stone and carried it to the top of the hill – as a wish or a token of gratitude. A special calm filled the air, and a light mist gave the hill an air of mystery. This is a place where history, nature, and human emotion merge into one harmonious whole.

Gratitude and the Power of Togetherness

This hike was not only a journey through hills and lakes but also through the inner world. Each step was a reminder that what matters most is not the distance, but the feeling of walking side by side with women who become your inspiration, support, and strength.

Heartfelt gratitude goes to Ada Vėtrė – for organizing the third Women’s Hike, for her care, motivation, and for turning her idea of bringing women together into a beautiful reality. Thanks also to all the participants – for the smiles, conversations, shared photos, and the warm atmosphere that accompanied the entire journey.

Each of our steps along this path was like a small victory over the routine of everyday life – and at the same time, a reminder that strength lies in femininity, in nature, and in unity.