Zarasai

Zarasai is a town in eastern Lithuania, the capital of Zarasai district municipality, located in Utena County within the Aukštaitija region. The town sits in a lake-rich part of the country, with access to numerous lakes and forests that support outdoor recreation and tourism. It serves as the administrative center for the surrounding district and acts as a local service hub for the area.

The Zarasai area has a long history, with settlement activity dating back to the medieval and early modern periods. Zarasai began to develop as a local center for trade, crafts, and fishing, growing in the 19th century under the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and later under the Russian Empire. In the 20th century, it continued to evolve as a regional municipal and cultural center of eastern Lithuania.

As the administrative center, Zarasai hosts district offices and municipal institutions. The population is modest, with the town supporting a range of services, educational facilities, and cultural organizations.

The economy combines services, small-scale manufacturing, and tourism, especially for visitors attracted by lake scenery, boating, fishing, and seasonal recreation. Cultural life includes libraries, museums and events that reflect Lithuanian heritage and regional traditions.

The town and surrounding area feature wooden architecture, churches and other historical buildings, as well as extensive lake landscapes and forests that are characteristic of the region. Zarasai is accessible by road and is connected to regional transport networks; the nearest rail connections are in neighboring towns, while bus services link Zarasai with Vilnius, Utena, and other cities.