Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve
| Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve Žuvinto biosferos rezervatas (Lithuanian) | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Walkway in Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve (2020) | |||||||||||
Interactive map of Zuvintas Biosphere Reserve Žuvinto biosferos rezervatas (Lithuanian) | |||||||||||
| Location | Alytus District Municipality | ||||||||||
| Nearest city | Alytus | ||||||||||
| Coordinates | 54°27′24″N 23°38′24″E / 54.45665°N 23.64005°E | ||||||||||
| Area | 18,490 ha (71.4 sq mi) | ||||||||||
| Website | Official website | ||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve (Lithuanian: Žuvinto biosferos rezervatas) is located in the south of Lithuania, in the southern part of the Middle Lithuanian Lowlands, about 30km east of Alytus. It encompasses 18,490 ha of lakes, wetlands, mires, peatbogs and forests. This variety of habitats supports a rich biodiversity. As the largest wetland complex with a lake in Lithuania is protected by the reserve, Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve is an important place for waterfowl to nest and as a stopover during migration.
Its nature protection status dates back to 1937, it is the oldest nature protection area in Lithuania. Nominated in 2011, it is the first and only site in Lithuania recognised under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere Programme and added to the World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
The population of the area is about 11,000 and includes both small and large landowners.
The visitor center requires tickets that cost 4€ for adults, the reduced price is 2€ and it's free of charge for children under the age of 6 (2024). However, the trails are free of charge for everyone.