Merkinė sits at the confluence of the Nemunas and Merkys rivers at the northern edge of Dzūkija National Park. The town was one of the most important commercial centres in the region in the 16th and 17th centuries, and the hilltop position above the river junction was once defended by a substantial castle — only earthwork remains survive. The Regional Museum covers the history of the Dzūkija region and the park.
The hill above the confluence is one of the finest viewpoints in southern Lithuania: the Nemunas curves in a broad sweep below, the rivers meet, and the forest stretches to the horizon. The town is a reasonable base for exploring the park's northern section and has accommodation options. Reachable by bus from Druskininkai.