The right tributary of the Nemunas is the Merkys, Lithuania’s eighth longest river and the most important river of Dzūkija. The river is popular with water tourists from Tabariškės. The Merkys then meanders through Mikniškes, Turgeliai and Merkinė, where the Republic of Paulava existed in the 18th century. Besides, the river flows through non-forested areas and beautifies the landscape with its loops. Approaching Jašiūnai, the Merkys flows into the shelter of the Jašiūnai and Paliepiai forests. Behind Jašiūnai is the interesting village of Sližiūnai, and further on is the Rūdninkai forest. The river winds through it all the way to Varėna and Trakai districts. On the banks of the Merkys in this part of the valley are two large villages – the namesake of the forest, the historic village of Rūdninkai, and Žagarinė.
In some places the Merkys flows very fast, so you won’t get bored cruising along it. Although there are fallen trees every few hundred meters across the river, and there are a few rocky rapids at lower water levels. The Merk River is not difficult to navigate – ideal for less experienced water tourists.
