Springs of Lithuania – what miracles bubble up from the depths of the earth?

The spring water in ancient times used to be considered as sacred, it was believed to have healing properties, and girls would become prettier after washing up with it. Even nowadays locals enjoy drinking certain spring water and really value it.

One of such springs is the mineral spring of Darsūniškis or Liutika. The spring streaming in the village of Darsūniškis, Kaišiadorys district, is included into the List of State Protected Natural Heritage. The spring water is considered healthy by the locals. After its examination it was found that the water is rich in mineral substances: chloride, sodium, and potassium. Rudoji versmelė streaming in Gražutė Regional Park, Zarasai district, Saidžiai spring located in Trakai district near the village of Vosyliukai, Lekėčiai spring located in Šakiai district and many others are still extremely valued by the locals for their healing properties.

Scientifically the spring water is quite controversial. It’s not precluded though that the water enriched with minerals might be healthy. On the other hand, due to the economic activity carried out in the surroundings of the springs, various nitrates and other chemicals might enter the water. Therefore, we should drink only such spring water, which is regularly inspected and acknowledged as drinking water.

The spring water might not cure every disease, though it’s really worth it to visit and enjoy the view of this unique miracle of nature. One of the most favourite springs of the tourists is the one emerging in Dzūkija National Park near Ūla River. A spring of 4 m length and 3 m width emerges from the deep layers of the earth with great pressure, so it seems as if the water bubbles while boiling. In fact, the water of the eye of Ūla is very cold, fresh, and has slightly metallic taste. A lot of interesting things are being told about the eye of Ūla by the locals. They say that if the water’s drawn only after the sunset, it has magical healing properties. The locals also say that once the spring used to be as huge as a lake. One day an ox supposedly had fallen into the eye of Ūla and had come to the surface in Daugai Lake only several days later. The spring itself gradually shrank afterwards until it became the spring of the current size. If you decide to visit the eye of Ūla, look around its surroundings as well. Dzūkija National Park is famous for its interesting flora and fauna. Ethnographic linear village of Zervynos, established nearby, has perfectly maintained its ancient face, and it has been identified as the Republican architectural monument.

Another interesting spring emerges in Anykščiai Regional Park near Šventoji River. The spring “Karalienės liūnas” is different from any others for its appearance. It reminds a pond or a small lake and is considered to be one of the biggest sources of fresh water in Lithuania. The legend has it that once a coach passing by had fallen into the spring, and the queen had supposedly been in this coach. This gave rise to the name of the spring. Another legend has it that Vaidilutė, burning the fire in the altar of Milda, had chosen death over christening. Even nowadays there are some who believe that one should not be walking around “Karalienės liūnas” at night. A queen drowned in the lake is supposedly haunting around there or the ghost of Vaidilutė comes ashore to mourn her lost life.

Some of the springs are considered as sacred by Lithuanians and covered in legends with Christian motifs. For example, the spring of Krokulė or Lygamiškis, located in Utena district near the village of Lygamiškis. The locals say that once shepherds had supposedly seen the Christ near the spring. The children got down on their knees and started praying. The Christ had blessed them and disappeared. Currently there is a chapel with the monument of Jesus Christ near the spring, where religious and superstitious locals and travellers stop by to pray.

Over 220 various springs and sources stream in Lithuania; therefore, wherever you go, take a look into the possibility to see this interesting object of nature, covered in legends and valued by Lithuanians up to these days.

You can easily find the most interesting springs and sources using coordinates and maps, provided for you on the website www.lietuvosgamta.lt. Audio guide, video films and a great number of high quality pictures will introduce you to the stories and legends that are making them famous. All you have to do is select the spring you’re most interested in and prepare for the journey!