Day 22. Walk along the embankment of the Neris. Part II. Right side. Upstream.

#walksinVilnius


So, we come from the left bank of the river we cross the Neris by passing the Mindaugas Bridge, 

and now we have two possibilities: either to go towards Žvėrynas (the same route we have just walked, only the other side), or to go towards the Žirmūnai district.

we woul go towrds Žirmūnai, but first, I suggest to go a little back till  the Green Bridge.

Just near the bridge we see the headquarters of  Lithuanian Architects' Association which is located in Raduškevičius Palace (geocachers call it Kalvariju Castle) :)

Few meters away we encounter the famous and controversial contemporary sculpture

The Embankment Arch (Krantinės arka) by a sculptor Vladas Urbonavičius.

#ControversialVilnius

Let's go towards Žirmūnai.

the Lithuanian Energy and Technology Museum (with a statue on it)

and the Ship Ryga (offcial: here) on its daily tour

A paved path is divided into a foothpath and a bikes path.

First, we pass by the legendary Palace of Concerts and Sports.
Later we pass the Žirmūnai Bridge.

Žirmūnai bridge

 Here, under the bridge we also can notice one of the sculptures of signs of Vilnius  - the Royal Apple.

The Royal Apple

Well, and here, you can get on the bridge, cross the river and get to Antakalnis and have a long long walk on the left bank upthe river throught Antakalnis, Valakampiai and reach Turniškės (Day 71. Walk by Neris. Antakalnis).

Walking path starting in Žvėrynas can last for around 30 km. 

Or or can keep following the right bank.

A little bit later we pass Vilnius Culture, Entertainment and Culture Palace (subjective: an ugly soviet building :(((( )

 A little bit later, we pass by the Memorial complex of the Tuskulenai-peace-park/ with the Tuskulėnai Manor and a museum located in it (official website).

Also, on a way we pass by one more bridge the Šilas bridge, which connects Žirmūnai with Antakalnis.

Šilas bridge

and  later - Zirmunai beach,

 and the Valakampiai Bridge (the first bridge on Neris in Vilnius).

A path, starting at the Mindaugas Bridge continues for approximately 6 km (over 1 hour walk on foot) till the point where the Verkiai Regional Park begins.

 But the Verkiai Regional Park should be a topic for a separate post.