Sudeikiai is located on the southern shore of Lake Alaušas. The shore is a popular destination for enjoying nature; the lake is known for its shallow shore areas and clear, clean waters rich in fish. This gives the choice of destination a clear scenic focus. If nature and water are your first priorities when planning a trip, you can make the lake your guiding theme. Art and church history also offer other perspectives on Sudeikiai.

Lake Alaušas and seasonal activities

A brochure published in 2024 by Sudeikių daugiafunkcis centras lists diving with an instructor in Lake Alaušas, as well as an exploratory and recreational raft trip on the lake. These are seasonal activities; check before your trip whether they are available on your planned dates. Choosing between the two activities depends on the kind of connection to the water you want: diving focuses on the activity with an instructor in the lake, while the raft trip focuses on exploring the water.

Painting is also among the town’s cultural themes. The “Alaušas” painters’ plein air event has been held in Sudeikiai since 1999. As an event with a long history, it complements the scenic connection to the lake with an artistic perspective. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between the nature theme along the shore and the art connection of the plein air event, without treating them as a single fixed program.

Art and architectural history

The archive of the Sudeikių dailės galerija contains more than 100 works by professional artists and photographers; the number may change. The archive connects the art theme to a collection, while the painters’ plein air event has been held since 1999. For travelers interested in culture, these are two distinct points of interest: the works in the archive and painting as a recurring event theme.

The present-day brick Church of the Holy Virgin Mary in Sudeikiai was built in 1825 in the Classicist style. It has neither towers nor columns in the interior. Those interested in religious architecture can connect the year of construction, brick construction and stylistic classification with these specific features: the details concern both the building and its interior.

Biographies in the churchyard

The grave of J. Šnapštys-Margalis (1877–1921), a priest, poet and translator, is in the churchyard in Sudeikiai. He served as parish priest in Sudeikiai from 1920 to 1921 and died there. The reinterred grave of philosopher Dr. J. Girnius (1915–1994) is also in the same churchyard. Girnius was from Sudeikiai and died in Boston.

The two biographies show different connections to the town: for Šnapštys-Margalis, it was his work as parish priest in Sudeikiai; for Girnius, it was his place of origin. The reinterment of Girnius’ grave in 1995 is also part of the town’s history. Together with the church, the graves give the cultural and historical view of Sudeikiai a tangible connection to people, their life dates and their ties to the town.

Two clear interests can therefore guide your choice of destination: Lake Alaušas and its focus on recreation in nature, and the cultural themes surrounding art, the church and the two biographies. Check which dates for the seasonal lake activities fit your trip; the historical details about the church and churchyard offer a different, place-based perspective on Sudeikiai.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Leliūnai, Alanta, Balninkai, Giedraičiai, Bičionys, Salakas, Antazavės Seniūnija, Molėtai

For the higher-level travel overview: Utena County.