Skaistakalnio parkas, Park in Panevėžys, Lithuania

Skaistakalnis Park is the oldest park in Panevėžys, set on a gentle hill in the city center with old trees, grassy areas, and winding footpaths. From certain spots on the hill, visitors can look out over the surrounding neighborhoods.

The area was originally natural woodland and over time became the city's first official green space. For generations, the park has grown alongside Panevėžys as the city expanded around it.

The name Skaistakalnis comes from the Lithuanian word 'skaistus', which means bright or sacred, suggesting the hill may have once held a ceremonial role. Today visitors can walk under old trees and hear birds in what feels like a natural space set apart from the streets around it.

The park is currently closed for renovation, so it is worth checking before you plan a visit. Once open, the paths are easy to walk for most people, and the hill is gentle enough for a casual stroll.

Even though the park sits in the heart of the city, birds and small animals are still regularly spotted among the trees and bushes. This is partly because much of the original woodland was kept rather than replaced when the area was turned into a public park.