The Royal Road theme in the exhibition is no coincidence.
As early as the 9th–14th centuries, the Royal Road wound through Aukštadvaris, connecting Vilnius, Trakai, and Birštonas. It was part of one of Lithuania’s defensive castle lines. The Navinpilis (Aukštadvaris) Castle, which once stood atop the Aukštadvaris Hillfort, was part of this defense network.

Upon arrival at the Aukštadvaris Regional Park Visitor Centre, visitors are greeted by a reconstructed fragment of the Royal Road, visible even from outside. This path leads directly into the exhibition, where it transforms into a stone-paved segment. Walking this symbolic road from the Middle Ages to the present day, visitors will encounter key historical facts connected to the Aukštadvaris region.

Without even stepping into nature, the exhibition immerses visitors in the hilly, lake-dotted, and forested landscape of Aukštadvaris – a region that remains largely untouched by human activity. It is here, in the highest hills of the Dzūkija Upland, that the Verknė and Strėva rivers begin their flow.

The exhibition highlights the region’s expressive topography of hills and hollows. More than 250 hills have been identified around Aukštadvaris, crowned by the highest elevations of the Dzūkija Upland – Gedanonys Hill (257.4 m above sea level) and Gelionys Hill (255 m). The most striking pairs of hills and hollows are presented in an interactive display.

For those unfamiliar with the famous "Devil’s Pit" (Velnio duobė), the exhibition provides an introduction that will surely inspire a visit to the actual site.

The exhibition also features thematic terminals for visitors interested in learning more about the natural and cultural heritage of Aukštadvaris Regional Park. For those who enjoy hiking or cycling, an interactive map of routes suggests trails that pass various nature and heritage sites. The display also provides information about rest stops and available services.

For a bit of fun, visitors can put together a jigsaw puzzle of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s historical map and discover hidden gems of folklore along the way.

VISITOR CENTRE WORKING HOURS
Mon: Closed
Tue: 8:00 – 17:00
Wed: 8:00 – 17:00
Thu: 8:00 – 17:00
Fri: 8:00 – 17:00
Sat: 10:00 – 15:00
Sun: Closed

Closed on national holidays. On the eve of national holidays, the centre closes one hour earlier.