Bees do not sleep during winter, can slow down ageing, and extend their lifespan from 30 days to as long as 5 months!
We learned about these and many other incredible secrets during our visit to Papilė, where beekeeper Vytautas Čiapas generously shared knowledge gained over 40 years of experience.
The moment we stepped off the bus, we were immediately surrounded by buzzing hosts. At first, it was a little overwhelming, but we soon realized it was the warmest and friendliest welcome imaginable. A special harmony reigns in this apiary: alongside people and bees, parrots, a green iguana, and even charming Australian sugar gliders call this place home!
A diverse and engaging educational experience
Bee therapy
We entered a special relaxation cabin in pairs. Did you know that Vytautas was the very first person in Lithuania to create a relaxation space above beehives, inspired by a concept he discovered in Ukraine? The gentle humming of the bees and the scent of the hive work like magic, relaxing every muscle and clearing the mind.
The daily life and secrets of the apiary
We explored the hives up close, visited the bees’ “dining area,” where not a single drop of honey from old combs goes to waste, and learned fascinating insights into the real life of a bee colony.
Traditional crafts up close
We watched beeswax being melted from old honeycombs and even made our own beautifully scented candles.
Tasting experience
We sampled pure honey and other bee products. Although this year’s drought prevented the linden trees from producing much nectar, Vytautas’s shelves still offer a remarkable raspberry honey that is well worth discovering!
If you are looking for a place where you can not only taste and purchase some of the finest honey but also truly relax and recharge your soul, Papilė is waiting for you!
This educational activity is organised as part of the 2021-2027 Interreg VI-A Latvia-Lithuania Cross-Border Cooperation Programme, Priority 4 “Economic Potential of Tourism and Heritage”, project “Enhancing Tourism Through the Development of the Bee Route from Kuršėnai to Ventspils” (Project Code: LL-00198, Acronym: Busy Bee).
This publication has been produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Šiauliai District Municipality Adminiatration and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
