Šeirė pier
Clear water and low green islands.
Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Fry72, Karel Frydrýšek — CC BY-SA 4.0
Lake Plateliai is the largest lake in Samogitia and the ninth largest in Lithuania, the central attraction of Žemaitija National Park in the country's northwest. It covers about 12 square kilometres and reaches 49 m deep, surrounded by forests and small villages that give it a quiet feel. The lake holds seven islands, among them one known as Castle Island, where archaeologists found the remains of two castles and think one may be the castle of Queen Bona. The town of Plateliai grew up on the west bank, drawing visitors to its harbour and to diving and yacht clubs, and it is the natural base for anyone coming to the park. From the wooden pier at Šeirė you see clear water, low green islands and sailing boats, with a large wooden lakeside building on the shore. The Šeirė nature trail leads you through grasses and trees and over wooden bridges to the Šventorkalnis peninsula, popular for its view. The water suits swimming, paddling and sailing on warm days. The lake lies about 3.3 km from the Cold War Museum and 58.5 km from Klaipėda in a straight line, and many combine the two in a day. Deep water cools quickly away from the shore, so do not swim far out alone. Bring mosquito repellent in summer, and start at the park centre in Plateliai to learn the trails.
Clear water and low green islands.
Remains of two castles out on the lake.
Wooden bridges to a quiet peninsula.
Plateliai, Žemaitija National Park, Lithuania
Yes on warm days, though deep water cools quickly away from the shore.
The Cold War Museum at Plokščiai, about 3.3 km away in a straight line.