ZARASAI MUNICIPALITY

Address: Sėlių ave. 22,
LT-32110 Zarasai,
tel. +370 385 37155
fax +370 385 37172
e-mail info@zarasai.lt

The district is situated in the north-eastern part of the country and borders on the Republic of Latvia. It covers 133,400 hectares and has a population of 25,100. The administrative seat is in the town of Zarasai. The foundation of Zarasai dates back to the 16th century. The district has 304 lakes, the total area of which is 1338 hectares. There are 8 rivers and 19 artificial water reservoirs.

The area of forestland is greater than average for the country, with pine groves predominating.

Tourism promises to become one of the more successful areas of economic development. Facilities for relaxation have been established near the Asavas, Smalvos, Samanis, Sartai, and Luodis lakes. Some of the buildings have been neglected; however, there is hope that they will be utilized in the future. The farm vacation branch of tourism also has potential.

The most impressive of the over 150 cultural landmarks are the following: Stelmuze church (1650), Antaliepte watermill (1855); a former monastery and the former manor of Stelmuze. Stelmuze is a small village that is famous for having one of the oldest oak trees in Europe. It is said the Stelmuze Oak is over 1500 years old. Its height is 23 metres, and the trunk measures 13.5 metres in circumference. Stelmuze is famous not only for its oak trees. It has a unique church that was built in 1650 by the manor serfs. The unique thing about it is that it was built using only axes and mallets, without using saws or nails. At the beginning of the 18th century, the church was decorated with the most beautiful woodcarvings.

Dusetos is the second largest town in the district with over one thousand inhabitants. Its history dates back to the 15th century. Horsemanship enthusiasts arrive in Dusetos from all over Lithuania each winter to watch horse-trotting races on the frozen Lake Sartai, where one can not only admire thoroughbred racehorses but have a drink of mulled wine and have fun to his heart’s content. The Sartai State Stables and the Flying Club are centres of entertainment and sports. The Zarasai Ranger Station organizes hunting expeditions and provides other types of services for those enjoying their leisure time.

Business development

Economics in the Zarasai district is poorly developed, although even now there are some enterprises working at the European standard. One among a few is PLC Akadas (86 Šaltupės str., tel. +370 385 37019, +370 652 80299, akadas@is.lt) which specializes in woodworking activity. Established in 1993, the enterprise produces ecologically clean street furniture of natural wood. The workshops are equipped with a computer-assisted drying chamber, automatically operated painting and packing production lines. Made according to the up-to-date technology Akadas production is remarkable for its high quality and meets EU standards therefore it is exported to Sweden and other countries of Europe.

As a very good example of call for funds on business development from investment funds may serve PLC Danvita (3a P.Širvio str., tel. +370 385 54545, +370 698 21471, danvita@email.lt). In 2003 this enterprise specializing in bakery activity received a grant for the purchase of automatically operated line for end product packaging. Made of natural products rye bread and loaves, ring-shaped rolls, biscuits, iced ring-shaped cracknels and other delicious products of the company Danvita Riduto are always on constant demand among customers.

No one claims on the lack of demand for produced in Zarasai floral production and a local hothouse market gardening, where summer reigns around a year, and primroses and other capricious glass-house cultures bless even in January frost.

Zarasai sustenance will surprise you pleasantly

In Zarasai, like in any other Lithuanian town, there are cozy cafes, where one can spend his best time. They are easily found on distinguished smell of coffee that is a matter of proud in each self-respecting establishment. Those, who have got more money in a pocket, are recommended to drop in the restaurant "Monopolis" in the town centre. All dining rooms are decorated with great love, a whole collection of antique things is on display, the menu in English offers original dishes prepared on local cooks’ recipes. You will also be offered plenty of beverages such as Lithuanian beer, whisky, brandy and a good hundred varieties of Lithuanian and foreign wine-makers products. There is a banquet hall, a small concert hall, a billiard room, a summer terrace and rest rooms to the guests’ convenience. Suppose someone was unable to reach a house after a merry party, he could stay over the night in one of two motel apartments.

Those, who are a bit short of money, are advised to drop in at the café situated in the Zarasai municipality building. The food is homemade, cheap and tasty lunches are quickly served.

Mass media

The local newspaper "Zarasų kraštas", which celebrated its 70 jubilee in 2002, informs inhabitants of the district about all local news. The newspaper is issued twice a week. Its pages are placed not only to journalists’ disposal but also to local writers and young people who are willing to express their opinions. However, the necessary information does not always reach all district inhabitants - according to the "Zarasų kraštas" editor Valdas Sherenas, about one third of all people in the region does not speak Lithuanian and, therefore, does not read published in the state language news.

Tourists will find certainly what to see

Ecologically clean environment and stunning beauty of surroundings put ahead the tourism development in Zarasai. Apart from the opportunity to have a rest from the civilization in quiet reserved areas, where one can fish some in abundance or gather full baskets of mushrooms and berries, tourists are attracted by the chance to purchase original souvenirs and other handicrafts of skilled craftsmen. Zarasai is famous for its nice rag dolls. Made of natural ecologically clean materials beauties are then dressed up in Lithuanian national costumes. Other wonderful presents brought from Zarasai could be traditional Lithuanian woven bands and strips of carpet, decorated with carving articles, patchwork artifacts and other things made by skilful hands of craftsmen from workmens cooperative association. Especially rich in souvenirs is Craftsmen’s Fair which is held every summer on holiday Žolinė (in 2004 it will be held on August 14-15).

An ethnographer Rima Vitaite from the Leisure Club (tel. +370 615 92968, zkr@email.lt) tell you with great pleasure about local traditions and folk crafts.