The Kirkilai Karst Lakes and their observation tower

In the heart of Biržai Regional Park, in northern Lithuania, this short circular walk takes you around a unique geological site: the Kirkilai Karst Lakes. Here, the dissolution of underground gypsum has carved out a multitude of small basins – known as dolines – which are now filled with water and surrounded by grassy strips of land. The path leads from one basin to the next via wooden footbridges, winding through reeds and birch trees. At the start stands a tall wooden tower, shaped like a boat or a crescent moon, whose viewing platform offers a panoramic view of the entire mosaic of lakes and the surrounding countryside. An ideal walk for an easy family outing, bringing you up close to a rare natural wonder.

Details

n°101770316

Creation:
17 Jul 2026

Last update:
today

Last review:
–

Activity: Walking
Distance: 0.53 mi
Average duration: 0h 15
Difficulty: Easy
Back to start: Yes
Ascent: + 7 ft
Descent: - 7 ft
Highest point: 154 ft
Lowest point: 148 ft

Start/End: N 56.24849° / E 24.690889°
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Photos

The Kirkilai observation tower as seen from the lakes

The Kirkilai karst lakes as seen from the tower

Description of the walk

Park in the car park at the foot of the observation tower, near Rue Ežerėlių.

(S/E) From the car park, head up to the tower to explore the site from above. From the viewing platform, the view takes in the whole mosaic of karst lakes, their wooden footbridges, the reed-covered islets and the surrounding forest. Head back down, then turn right as you leave the tower and right again to join the path that winds its way between the sinkholes.

(1) Cross the first wooden footbridge spanning a stretch of water, between banks lined with reeds, then a second one, and finally a third a little further on. At the junction, turn left to return to the car park (S/E).

Waypoints

S/E : mi 0 - alt. 148 ft - Observation tower car park - Lacs karstiques et tour d'observation de Kirkilai
1 : mi 0.11 - alt. 151 ft - First footbridge
S/E : mi 0.52 - alt. 148 ft - Observation tower car park - Lacs karstiques et tour d'observation de Kirkilai

Notes

The wooden footbridges and jetties may be slippery in wet or icy conditions. In winter, the planks may be covered in snow or ice.

Access is by road, via Ežerėlių Street in the village of Kirkilai, in the Biržai district. The car park is located at the foot of the observation tower.

On site: benches, picnic tables, a playground and educational panels. An eco-station (SUN ECO) allows visitors to charge their phones, carry out minor bicycle repairs and offers free Wi-Fi.

The observation tower is accessed via a flight of stairs. Accessibility of the footpath and boardwalks for pushchairs or wheelchairs is yet to be confirmed.

Worth a visit

(S/E) The Kirkilai observation tower rises to a height of nearly 32 metres above the site. Its dark wooden silhouette, curved like a boat or a crescent moon, is reflected in the water. Amphitheatre-style wooden seating surrounds its base.

The Kirkilai Karst Lakes form a mosaic of small sinkholes created by the dissolution of the gypsum in the subsoil, which have subsequently filled with water. Their density is rare in Europe: more than 200 sinkholes per square kilometre, around thirty of which can be seen from the tower. The site is also one of only two in Europe where green and purple sulphur-oxidising bacteria coexist.

All this lies at the heart of Biržai Regional Park (Biržų regioninis parkas), in northern Lithuania.