Location.

Working hours.

That moment when you enter the town, and above the treetops, you see the peak of the observation tower, and you want to shout, "Oh! I want to climb up there!"

How can you resist this temptation when the viewing tower has an impressive height AND a beautiful design? The rumour has it - from the top, you should be able to see picturesque views of the river. So, while we still have some energy left, we'll reject the tempting offer of the pool and go on a little excursion.

Location of the observation deck.

Since the hotel we stay in is nestled in the woods, to reach the tower, we need to take a beautiful but slightly challenging path through the trees. I call it challenging because the path goes up and down, almost like climbing hills. You could say it's a warm-up before climbing the tower.

On the way, the river accompanies us. Its beauty hasn't gone unnoticed – somewhere in the middle, there's even a little viewing platform for observing the river's bends.

For those staying in other hotels and approaching the viewing tower from the opposite side of the city, this path could still be useful for a peaceful and quiet walk.

Get ready to break a sweat. It seems there's a place for an elevator in the middle of the tower, but the elevator isn't installed, so you're in for a substantial climb.

Round and round and round we go. A pause to look out from the triangular-shaped window, and round and round we go again ... Until you've finally reached the top, where a breathtaking view unfolds.

All around you are forests and fields. On one side the river winds among the trees, and its water reflects the sky like a mirror. The other side is scattered with city houses. It's time to take photos from ten different angles.

Location.

Is it a spaceship? Is it something alive? It turns out it's a rather unusual structure that produces "healthy" air.

After we've walked through Birštonas Central Park and observed the statues placed along the paths (am I the only one who feels a bit uneasy about those three crows?), in front of you, you'll see what looks like a cylindrical building with windows. It reminds me of a spaceship.

But when you get a few steps closer, you realise the walls are made of small branches. And when you get even closer, you see that water continuously flows through these branches. So this is the source of the soothing sound of flowing water!

You've probably heard a saying that one could stand for hours just watching the water flow. This is a place where that comes true. However, it's even more interesting to enter the water graduation tower.

Inside the cylinder, there's a sort of tunnel where a semi-darkness prevails. You walk through it, breathe the healthy air generated as a result of mineral water evaporation, and the soothing sound of water flowing surrounds you from all sides. Zen. 

Location.

Right nearby, there's also a riverside promenade. So we'll also pop in there to look at the leisure boats moored along the shore. It's said they are offering fun rides. But that's an adventure for another time.

Of course, I must take an Instagram photo in the swings that point to different cities. No market to cities in Latvia, huh?

And what could be better than a peaceful walk along a paved path by the river on a summer evening when the cobblestones still radiate the day's warmth, and all around is pure serenity?

Well, there's one more thing that will help us relax even more.

Well, it's finally time to soak in a hot tub until your fingers get all wrinkled.

There are several spa hotels and sanatoriums in Birštonas, so you can choose the one that suits your budget. 

We chose to save a bit and rented an economy room at Royal Spa Residence, which had both pros and cons. The room had that sanatorium ambiance, and the interior wasn't the most modern, so we didn't want to spend too much time there. But the breakfast, regardless of the room class, is fit for a king. They serve everything from cakes to buckwheat. 

And most importantly, there are two hot tubs, a steam room, a sauna, and a pool where you can soak for an unlimited time. Well, at least until they close the water relaxation area. And if your budget allows, there are also fancier rooms available in this hotel. At least, that's what you can gather from the pictures on Booking. 

I won't share pool photos, so here's a picture of the hotel's spacious courtyard. You'll find swings, a sensory path for your feet, and a little mineral water pool to rinse your feet hidden under the stone dome.

Enjoy your relaxing evening!