Here from those places where you see and say "I want to!". And it doesn’t even occur to me to check where exactly that is, how much advance booking is needed and whether the picture really reflects reality. This time we give a hand cut that in reality it is even better than in the photo. And when you still communicate with the creator of the Bird House, which is also a nurturer of slow tourism in Lithuania, you are already planning what you will do when you go to the Bird Paradise in the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve, which has as many as 247 species registered in 5442 ha. Everything is in place here - a comfortable double bed, a terrace above the trees with comfortable chairs, a table and delicious morning coffee made of beautiful clay cups.
And yet, it is better to plan the trip in advance as the lodge only accepts guests in warm weather. There is no electricity, internet and hot water. Instead, clean bedding, fluffy towels and lots of nature around. Best for two and best for at least the whole weekend to see and feel all that Lake Žuvintas has to offer.
As many as 247 bird species have been registered in the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve. When coming to this unique place in the whole of Lithuania, it is best to be as close as possible to the trees, as close as possible to nature and its sounds. And simply do it by climbing on a tree.
To make climbing easier, Hostess Ieva designed an 8 sq. M. m. wooden cottage with a large terrace around.
Inside the cottage there is one room with a double bed, surrounded on all sides by windows. Close your eyes as you watch nature fall asleep and wake up watching the morning slowly turn into day. The hostess takes care of bed linen, towels and soft blankets.
Next to the bed, along the largest wide-opening window, there is a shelf-cabinet, where the most necessary items are stored. All you have to do is put a soft cushion on the shelf and the comfortable seat is ready for afternoon coffee.
Bio toilet and washbasin installed on the terrace, no need to go far or go downstairs.
What is not?
There is no heating, so the cottage only invites in warm weather. No electricity, just daylight from candles for the evening. There is no kitchen and no refrigerator. Think about the issue of catering in advance. No showers and toiletries. But is it necessary when you drive for just one or two nights ... There is no internet and only a weak telephone connection - this is probably one of the biggest advantages of this place, isn't it?
If something is missing in Verebie village there is a grocery store. You will definitely get the basic products, although it is best to take care of food and drinks in advance. Next to the cottage there is a fireplace with a grill and a holder for hanging a pot or teapot. We can provide firewood on site (for an additional fee of 5 EUR). Also herbal tea and trust, brewed over a real fire, tastes exceptional. All necessary utensils are prepared and waiting for guests.
We remind you that the cottage does not have a refrigerator and electricity.
The bird house in the tree is located in one of the oldest homesteads in the village of Verebiejus. The first residential house in the homestead (which the hosts plan to restore and open its doors to guests) was built back in 1920. It is gratifying that the grandchildren returned to the land of great-grandparents, who not only continue the traditions, but also created a real open-air museum - the homestead of "Past Drives". The young owners Irma and David are happy to receive guests, tell about the family history, the relics collected and, most importantly, show the collection of Soviet vehicles collected by his father and son, which he restores with his own hands. By the way, it is worth asking what is now growing in the garden and orchard - the hosts cherish not only the historical technique, but also the traditional cuisine. All prices are negotiated directly with the owners of the homestead.
A few steps from the homestead there is a stud farm "Sparrow Horse". Even if you’ve never lost touch with horses, at least stop by to admire. Once you are accustomed to a fun friendship, you may want to try your hand at riding lessons or take a hike around the Žuvintas Reserve.
Well, the king of these lands is the Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve. It is best to start from the renovated visitor center, which is 4 km away, where the full beauty of Lake Žuvintas can be observed through telescopes from the observation tower. It is possible to travel around the lake on a special route that includes not only natural but also cultural heritage. Just a few km from Verebie, a dated I thousand. Riečių mound, and right here also Riečių manor and in 1919. built wooden St. Trinity Church. There are many more mounds and historical places around Žuvintas and everyone hides their unique history. On the other side of the Žuvintas reserve, lovers of natural heritage are welcome - a narrow (just 0.8 km wide) Žaltytis lake suitable for summer bathing, a 1.7 km long Bukta forest nature trail and an observation tower for bird watching.
Little? You can always take a long-planned book to read, a cup of tea or wine, a blanket and just spend the whole day on the terrace asking for the roar of the trees and the chirping of birds. Half of the day can be spent on the hammock, the other half in a comfortable chair at the table. Doesn’t that look like paradise?
What’s there for children?
This is one of the best places to ride without children. And if the little ones are already with you, keep in mind that the bed is only one and there is no space and no possibility to put an extra bed. The house is accessed by a rather steep staircase, so it is better not to leave children unattended.
And yet, children will certainly not be sad - a stud farm, a collection of old cars and motorcycles, cooking on a campfire, a forest and swimming in the lake (to the nearest one suitable for swimming about 8 km) are just some of the activities. Although we think that the main entertainment will be a night in a fairytale-like birdhouse.