Description
Lake Sartai is the fourth-largest lake in Lithuania by area, located in the northeastern part of the country, in Aukštaitija, in the Rokiškis and Zarasai districts. In Dusetos, on the shore of this lake, an attractive space has been created for relaxation and exploring the beautiful landscape: there are gazebos, trails, swings, an informational stand, a small bridge, a boat dock, and a sculpture park. The name “Sartai” was first mentioned in 1261 in the deed by which Mindaugas donated Sėla to the Teutonic Knights. Today, it is generally believed that this document is a forgery created during the Teutonic Knights’ military campaign of approximately 1373–1375, but this in no way diminishes the value of the information contained therein. It is also interesting to note that in the 14th century and earlier, the stretch of the present-day Šventoji River between Lakes Luodžiai and Dusetos was called Luode (Latin: Lodenbecke ), between Lakes Dusetos and Sartai it was called Duseta (Latin: Dussethe ), and after flowing out of Lake Sartai—Šventoji (Latin: Swenteuppe ). The latter name is associated with ancient Lithuanian beliefs and sacred sites—in the 14th century, Christianity had not yet taken hold in Lithuania. Even at the very end of the 17th century, the river flowing into Lake Sartai was still called Duseta, but by the second half of the 18th century, the entire river was already known as Šventąja, and the old name had been forgotten.
