Waterbodies in Vilnius
Located at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnia rivers, Vilnius has always been famous for its life-giving water bodies, which have been inseparable from the city’s history, daily life, and landscape. Although many of the city’s smaller streams have been depleted by urbanisation, their significance remains important to the perception of Vilnius’ past and present. The Neris, which flows for about 47 km through the municipality of Vilnius, and the Vilnia (also known as the Vilnelė), which meanders for about 20 km within the city limits, are the most important rivers of Vilnius. With its faster flow and steeper gradient, the Vilnia exhibits the properties of alpine streams. Such characteristics are particularly important for fish spawning in the Neris and Vilnia. Have you heard of salmon spawning in the centre of Vilnius? It’s a spectacular sight to see so many Atlantic salmon arriving in the clean and flowing waters of the Vilnia River after the longest salmon migration in the world! This is a unique phenomenon, as they travel about 400 km to reach Vilnius and have to overcome many obstacles to hatch where they spawn! And to think that this is happening in the very centre of Vilnius! Have you ever wondered how rich in nature and life Vilnius really is? Although the Atlantic salmon is the biggest celebrity of Vilnius’ rivers, they are also full of other lesser-known celebrities, such as river lampreys, sea trout, and chub. They also come to take advantage of the clean waters of Vilnius’ rivers to spawn here, covering distances no less than salmon to do so. Above the water, you can also find the stars of nature that are easier for us to spot: great goosanders, otters, and beavers. There are also some eccentric inhabitants that spend most of their time underwater and only come to the surface for a few weeks: the green club-tailed dragonfly. Their larvae develop in the waters of Vilnius’ rivers for 3-4 years, and in the summer, they start flying and patrolling the shores. Other less busy but important water bodies are also bustling with life. European fire-bellied toads, crested newts, water snakes – these are just a few of the lesser-known nature characters that live in Vilnius. They serenade in spring and summer (the toads), dance elaborate dances for their partners (the newts), sometimes organise mass parties where all the inhabitants of the area gather (the water snakes), and in summer, they seek out warm and safe places to lay their eggs. Vilnius’ rivers, streams, ponds, peat bogs and lakes are home to many natural sights. Some of them are well-known and much talked about, while others enjoy a more private life. You too can observe the mysterious life of Vilnius’ waters if you are curious and stop to look around.
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