Mūša Tyrelis (Mūšos tyrelis)

Mūša Tyrelis (Mūšos tyrelis) is a unique and untouched wetland complex located in Northern Lithuania, within the Joniškis district and the Žagarė Regional Park. Situated close to the Latvian border, it holds great geographical significance for both nations as it serves as the headwaters of the Mūša River, which later flows into Latvia and merges with the Mėmelis to form the Lielupe River. The entire mire system is designated as a protected telmatological reserve and is a recognized site under the Europe-wide NATURA 2000 network.

The swamp remains remarkably pristine, featuring a rare landscape where raised bogs, transitional mires, fens, wet forests, and peatlands coexist naturally. Nestled within the reserve is Lake Miknaičiai, the only natural lake in the Joniškis district. This scenic lake achieved international prominence when its aerial view was featured on the cover of a National Geographic special edition dedicated to Lithuania. Together with the Juodupis River, the aquatic network supports an incredibly rich biodiversity of flora and fauna.

Beyond its ecological value, Mūša Tyrelis carries a profound historical legacy. During and after World War II, the dense, inaccessible terrains of the bog provided refuge for Lithuanian anti-Soviet partisan fighters, a history commemorated today by a dedicated memorial stone within the swamp. Today, the wetland is a premier destination for ecotourism, renowned for hosting the country's longest continuous swamp boardwalk.