Description
The island has been inhabited since ancient times. According to historical sources, there was once a manor belonging to the bishops of Vilnius on the island, which fell into ruin as early as the 18th century. Later, peasant homesteads began to spring up here, and farming took place. At that time, there was no bridge to the island yet, so it was customary to cross by boat or raft. During World War I, German soldiers built a bridge to the island, but it was later dismantled, and the people living on the island could reach the town only by boat. In the mid-20th century, after a sandy hill on the eastern part of Didžioji Island in Lake Zaras was leveled, an embankment was built and a reinforced concrete bridge was erected. Later, an open-air stage, a racetrack, and a paved road were built on the island, and a tree nursery was established to landscape the town—even gray walnut trees ( Juglans cinerea ) were grown there. Today, the island has become the main venue for sports and cultural events; and it is also home to the city’s main beach, designed for active recreation; it features the largest water ski course in the Baltic states—600 meters long—as well as a water trampoline park and a wellness trail. Although Didžioji Island on Lake Zaras is heavily visited and its landscape has been significantly altered, it is rich in biodiversity: it is home to many mature trees, and in the central part of the island grows the Blue Gentian ( Gentiana cruciata ) grows in the central part of the island, and in a nearby marshy habitat, the red-bellied toad ( Bombina bombina ) have been observed in a nearby marshy habitat, along with signs of activity by extremely rare beetles—the dark-colored jewel beetle ( Osmoderma barnabita ) and the oak longhorn beetle ( Xestobium rufovillosum ). During the summer season, two cozy cafes are open here, where you can enjoy food and drinks while admiring the stunning views of the lake. The island also has a playground where both children and adults can have a great time. It’s a wonderful place to relax and enjoy summer activities surrounded by nature.
