Study trip to Kernave and Trakai!

Today we had a study trip to Kernave and Trakai, which are about one hour away from Kaunas. At Kernavė we visited Kernavė Archaeological Site (Cultural Reserve of Kernavė), which belongs to the World Heritage List of UNESCO, to experience among others the five impressive hill forts. As Susanna mentioned an issue about the importance of sustainability management in these kind of attractions, we tried to observe our experiences of Karnavė also from that point of view. We noticed that already some of the hills are suffering from erosion for example in the way of landslides. 

Map of Karnave sight

Noticeable landslide

These were the only kind of guidance signs 

Suvi climbing the steps to the top of the hill

Jenna and Veera on top of the hill

Team Finland experiencing natural sights of Karnave

"Local transportation"

IPF 3 participators in sunny Karnave

After tasting a traditional dish of Kibinines and "buljong" soup we went to the Trakai Castle. First we got to experience some exhibitions of historical artifacts by our selves and after that we got a guided tour around the main parts of the castle. We thought it was quite sad that only few parts of the castle were original, and rest was renovated.

Kibinine & soup

IPF 3 in front of the Trakai Castle 

Inside the Trakai Castle

We had a great and fun day which culminated in the evening when we had a great dinner near the city center with Susanna. We went to a local restaurant called Zalias Ratas which serves typical local dishes. Food was great and the experience was very pleasant partly because of the way how the food was prepared in a fireplace next to us. 

Tomorrow we are going to another cultural tour which this time heads to Pazaislis monastery in Kaunas. 

To be continued...

Team Finland

P.S. Special thanks to the taxi driver for excellent service and getting us safe and sound back to the hostel. Keep up the good work, You made our day!