Cooling down by the Green Lakes

Perhaps to compensate for the drawn-out sleeting, grey wetness of the winter months, Vilnius has been hit by a remarkable one-month long heatwave. Since the Labour day weekend, it’s been warm and sunny without pause, warming up the lakes and waters around Vilnius to a comfortable 21°c. A 20-minute drive from downtown, the Green Lakes in the Verkiai regional park are a big magnet for city people looking for a place to cool down. From late afternoon on weekdays, a mix of teenagers, families with kids, and sporty types converge on the beach at the south end of Balsys lake, renting kayaks or rowing boats, splashing in the sandy beach or just hanging out with a Spotify playlist and a pair of portable speakers.