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🌿 Nature SpotsŠiauliaiEasy access
Tytuvėnai Fishponds
Kelmė, Šiauliai2-3 hoursBest: April to September
A network of historic fishponds near Tytuvėnai monastery that has become an important wetland habitat — where centuries-old fish farming coexists with remarkable bird diversity.
The Tytuvėnai fishponds are a remarkable example of how traditional land use can create biodiversity. Originally established by monks from the nearby Bernardine monastery centuries ago, these interconnected ponds — stretching across a flat valley floor — have been managed for fish production for hundreds of years.
Over time, the ponds have become one of Lithuania's most important wetland habitats. The combination of open water, reed beds, muddy margins, and surrounding meadows supports an extraordinary diversity of birdlife — herons, bitterns, marsh harriers, and dozens of waterfowl species breed here. The ponds demonstrate how traditional agricultural practices can create valuable habitats, and the combination of fish farming heritage and wildlife makes this a unique destination.
Why Visit
Where monastic fish farming created an accidental nature reserve. The Tytuvėnai fishponds are a beautiful example of how human land use and biodiversity can coexist.
55.6000, 23.2000
Visitor Tips
- 1Bird hides are positioned for observation
- 2Spring and early summer are best for breeding birds
- 3The ponds are near Tytuvėnai Monastery — combine visits
- 4Bring binoculars for birdwatching