Bukčiai

Bukčiai is a settlement on the right bank of the Neris River in Vilnius County, positioned near dense forest and the Lazdynai district. The place sits at a distinctive bend in the river where the water curves noticeably, giving the area its characteristic shape.

The region was inhabited during the Stone Age, as excavations north of the settlement revealed, uncovering artifacts from thousands of years ago. These early findings suggest a long history of human presence in this river valley.

The name Bukčiai comes from the Polish word 'buchta', meaning river bay, referring to a distinctive bend in the Neris River where the settlement sits. This naming reflects how closely the place is connected to its natural surroundings.

The area is naturally accessible and fairly open, with easy access to the river and adjacent forest areas. The location is close to Vilnius, making it easy to visit on a day trip from the city.

Nearby are remains of an abandoned Polish military shooting range from the interwar period, featuring concrete positions and large earthwork embankments. These traces show the strategic importance of the area during that turbulent time.