Attraction Guide: Puntukas Stone, Anykščiai, Lithuania

Puntukas Stone Guide

Puntukas Stone: Lithuania's Second Largest Boulder, Etched in History Guide

The Puntukas Stone is Lithuania's second-largest boulder, a monumental glacial erratic located near Anykščiai. More than just a large rock, it's a symbol of Lithuanian history and resilience, bearing the carved likenesses of two prominent Lithuanian aviators, Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who tragically died attempting a transatlantic flight in 1933. A visit to Puntukas Stone is a journey through both natural history and national pride. The Puntukas Stone predates recorded history, deposited during the last ice age. However, its significance was amplified in 1943 when sculptor Bronius Pundzius carved the bas-reliefs of Darius and Girėnas, along with the inscription "DARIUS AND GIRĖNAS FLEW OVER THE ATLANTIC OCEAN ON JULY 15-17, 1933 WITH THE 'LITHUANICA' PLANE." This act of defiance during the Nazi occupation transformed the stone into a symbol of Lithuanian independence and national identity. The carving was a dangerous undertaking, done in secret to avoid detection by the occupying forces. Visitors can admire the impressive size of the Puntukas Stone and examine the detailed carvings of Darius and Girėnas. The surrounding area is part of the Anykščiai Regional Park, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and enjoying the natural beauty of the region. Information boards provide context about the stone's history and the lives of the aviators. As with the Devil's Stone, there are no specific culinary traditions directly linked to the Puntukas Stone, but traditional Lithuanian food can be found in nearby towns.