Utena's city lake shore
Dauniškis Park is one of Utena's most convenient recreation spaces because it centres on Lake Dauniškis in the northern part of the city. People come not only for the fountain but to walk the shore, sit on benches, use arranged paths, or spend an evening by the water.
Dauniškis is a natural, small lake of about 13 ha. In Utena, water is part of everyday urban life: the park works not as distant nature but as a city square by a lake.
Lake Dauniškis and city history
The lake has long been part of the city. In 1933 Utena municipality bought two lakes, Dauniškis and Vyžuonaitis, each about 25 ha, from landowner Balcevičius for 3,500 litas. The water bodies became community space rather than private property.
Utena is first mentioned in written sources in 1261 and is one of Lithuania's oldest place names recorded in writing. This date explains the 750th anniversary celebrated in 2011 and directly connects to the fountain.
Dauniškis Lake Fountain
Utena District Municipality states that the Dauniškis Lake fountain was installed in 2011 to mark Utena's 750th anniversary. It became not just an engineering device but a sign of the city's celebration and identity.
The fountain is known for water, light, and music programmes; tourism sources also mention a water screen with projections. In the evening it becomes a show rather than a background park element: lights reflect on the lake surface, and water jets are visible from the shore paths and rest areas.
What to do in the park
For a short stop, walk the Lake Dauniškis shore, choose a bench, and wait for the fountain programme. By day it is a calm green city space; in the evenings, especially weekends, it becomes livelier. The park is part of the city's green corridor connecting Utena's parks and streams.
The park is suitable for family walks, with paths, lighting, open lawns, and child-friendly spaces. In 2025-2027, neighbouring Dauniškis Gymnasium and Gandrelis areas are being renewed with EU funds for sport and playground spaces.
Fountain schedule and seasonality
Check the latest Utena District Municipality notices for the fountain’s daytime and evening light-and-music programmes. Holidays and the city’s birthday may have special programmes.
Evening fountain programmes depend on the season and maintenance. Check the latest Utena District Municipality information before going.
Planning a visit
Arrive 15-20 minutes before the evening programme to choose a shore spot. With children, come earlier and leave time for the park, not only the fountain show.
The park is a public city space. Check municipal notices for visiting and event conditions: holidays, events and maintenance may affect access, sound and fountain-programme times.
