“TrekTours” St. Jonas’s Festival: two days of hiking, dancing and singing
Only one night a year when day conquers night, old traditions are rekindled and dancing around the bonfire rages non-stop. Since ancient times, Lithuanians have paid special attention to water as the source of life and to the forest, where the mysterious fern lies, on the shortest night of the year. And so we invite you to celebrate St. Jonas’s festival in keeping with all the traditions – at the forest, by the water, with bonfires burning, with singing and hiking toward your fern flower.
Just like with the fern, everyone will find the one route and the best way to celebrate: hike at night or during the day, or both. The “TrekTours” St. Jonas’s Festival will be welcoming guests to the magical town of Marcinkonys on 23-24 June.
ROUTE COMPARISON
Tickets for the event are limited.
DISCOUNTS
ROUTE INFORMATION
Start/Finish – Kastinio stovyklaviete, Marcinkonyse, Varėnos raj.,Lietuva (GPS: 54.059206, 24.423702).
Search for the most original names of places! Starting at Kastinis Lake, you will head towards the “Bear’s Ass” raised bog. No, we’re not mistaken and we’re certainly not trying to mock you. This is the name of a small bog near Marcinkonys. According to legend, the people of Dzūkija named this place this way to scare their children for fear that they would wander off into the swamp. After exploring it, you will be drawn towards another natural object with an equally strange name. It is the Dune of the Rooster, which will greet hikers with mountains of soft sand and the question: what is this dune doing here so far from the sea?
You can hike at night too!
A midsummer spell! Lakes, dunes, rivers, hills, ponds… A wonderful potpourri will await for the true nature enthusiasts. After passing the Bear’s Ass and the Dune of the Rooster, you will head towards Marcinkonys, famous for its ethnographic architecture. After a tour of the homesteads, you will return to the realm of nature. Here you will find the Šaudykla Hill, which offers a reward for those who complete it – a panoramic view of the Grūda river. But that’s not the end of the hike. After finishing the scenic route, you’ll be welcomed at the “TrekTours” St. Jonas’s fiesta – after all, there’s still energy for dancing and singing after 25 kilometers!
You can also hike at night!
St. Jonas’s Day morning dew! There is a reason why St Jonas’s Day is also known as Dew Holiday: in the past, it was believed that the dew on the morning of the festival had healing properties. That is why we encourage you to set out early in the morning and to “be healed” by the natural sights, sounds and water. There is plenty of it along the route! After passing the Kastinis Lake, beloved by the people of Dzūkija, you will follow along the Merkys River, known as the most beautiful in the region, leading you eventually to Trikampis Lake. Here we encourage you to take a break and sit down. Close your eyes, listen to the birds singing, smell the summer – the longest days are here!
In search of the fern! The longest St. Jonas’s Festival route has more than one surprise in store. The route will take you not only through nature’s most spectacular corners, but also through ethnographic villages that have preserved an idyllic portrait of the past. What better time to visit them than at St. Jonas’s festival? Zervynos, situated near the stunning Ūla River, preserves unique farmsteads, 8 of which are monuments of folk architecture. And they are matched by Marcinkonys, known as the most beautiful village in Lithuania, which you will reach at the end of the hike. Perhaps your fern is hiding right here?
THE PROCESS OF THE EVENT
THE PROCESS OF THE EVENT
Participants of all routes must arrive at the starting point of the hike on their own – Kastinio stovyklaviete, Marcinkonyse, Varėnos raj.,Lietuva (GPS: 54.059206, 24.423702).
REGISTRATION
After arriving to the start area, your ticket will be scanned (mobile versions accepted) and you will be handed out your starting package.
PARKING
Parking in the parking lots located in the territory of the Marcinkonys village. You can conveniently find them on the event map.
STARTING
After registration, you are allowed to begin the hike on the designated time for your route, which can be found in the route comparison area.
CUPS DEPOSIT
If you do not have a cup for tea, it will be possible to borrow it in the starting area, leaving a 1 euro deposit. The deposit will be returned after the hike by returning the cup.
HIKING
Rest and assistance stops will be set up all across the hike route. You will also be able to replenish your water supplies, have a cup of tea, grab a snack and if need be, receive first medical assistance.
TRANSPORTATION AFTER TERMINATING YOUR HIKE EARLY
Participants wishing to terminate their hike early will have to get to the nearest rest and assistance stop. From there, they will be brought back to the start area by designated vehicles. For participants who have not completed the hike, e-mail the diploma will be sent by e-mail specified during registration. by mail within 15 minutes after the finish is recorded in the registration system.
FINISHING
All of the hike routes are radial, thus you will start and finish and the same place – Kastinio stovyklaviete, Marcinkonyse, Varėnos raj.,Lietuva (GPS: 54.059206, 24.423702). Here, the participants who have successfully completed their chosen route will be awarded with medals. El. the diploma will be sent to the participant by e-mail specified during registration by mail within 15 minutes after finishing.
When registering, all participants agree with hike regulations.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PARTICIPANTS PACKET?
We will take care of everything:
ARRIVAL
Participants take care of their arrival at the hiking place on their own. You will find the marked start point on the map.
START PLACE:
Kastinio stovyklaviete, Marcinkonyse, Varėnos raj.,Lietuva (GPS: 54.059206, 24.423702).
START – FINISH TIMES:
NIGHT:
13 KM: start time from 2023.06.23 20:00 to 24:00, finish till 04:00
25 KM: start time from 2023.06.23 20:00 to 24:00, finish till 07:00
DAY:
16 KM: start time from 2023.06.24 07:00 to 13:00, finish till 17:00
25 KM: start time from 2023.06.24 07:00 to 13:00, finish till 20:00
35 KM: start time from 2023.06.24 07:00 to 10:00, finish till 21:00
50 KM: start time from 2023.06.24 07:00 to 09:00, finish till 22:00
ORGANIZERS
PARTNERS
