The 15 most beautiful places in Lithuania / Travel Guide

Fancy sightseeing in one of the most beautiful countries in Europe? We present you the 15 best places in Lithuania!

Welcome to Lithuania, land of mountains, lakes and seas, sand dunes, fairytale towns and digital nomads who settle here due to the lightning fast internet (no, honestly, here you have perfect reception even in the middle of nowhere!). To help you get the most out of your next trip to Lithuania, we have identified the most beautiful places in the whole country for you below and broken them down into four sections.

Before we start, we want to introduce you to Lithuania in general. For a time, the country was at the head of Europe’s largest empire, so you’ll find plenty of old buildings here too. But the roots of the Baltic nation go back much further. In fact, even Lithuania’s language is an archaeological treasure, being one of the oldest languages ​​in the world. All these peculiarities make Lithuania the cool, crazy place it is today.

And now, like the Lithuanian internet, let’s explore every corner of this wonderful country!

Vilnius Old Town & the “Independent Republic” of Užupis

Cobblestone streets made just for walking, idyllic views from Gedimas Castle and the Hill of Crosses – there are many reasons why Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but to get to know the “real” Vilnius leads there is no avoiding a visit to Užupis. This district of the city, about a 15-minute walk from the old town, presents itself as a little rebellious. In fact, it’s technically its own country, run by artists, with its own anthem, constitution and all that goes with it. As a result, the area is full of cool art, chic cafes and fascinating people, all of which will amaze you.

Trakai Castle and islands

Trakai is known for its fairytale castle – but there is much more to discover here, such as the idyllic countryside all around, complete with islets. You can reach Trakai in just half an hour from Vilnius, but plan a full day trip here – especially if you also want to do a sailing tour around Castle Island. And while you’re here, don’t miss the fantastic sunset and photo opportunity.

Kernave

At first glance, the green hills of Kernavė’s could easily remind you of the landscapes from Lord of the Rings – but soon you realize that you are standing in the medieval birthplace of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and at the center of numerous pagan legends. Anyone who stays here will feel a little like a great ruler after a while – and will love it.

Dzukija National Park

Dzūkija National Park and its swamplands are teeming with life: rare eagles soar above its dense pine forests, while moose, rabbits and other representatives of the local fauna frolic in the thickets, nibbling on nature’s prime fruits. And when we say first class, we mean it: the national park’s berries and mushrooms are cooked in Lithuania’s most awarded restaurants.

Druskininkai

Time to recharge your batteries? How about a spa holiday in beautiful Druskininkai? Don’t forget to take in the fantastic views of the region’s forests, preferably during a cable car ride, or treat yourself to a therapeutic mud bath. Are you traveling with children? Then the local water park is also a great destination. Who knows, you might even be tempted by the many slides there yourself!

Kaunas and nearby attractions

The country’s second largest city, Kaunas, is worth a trip to Lithuania alone. Why? Because it is surrounded by numerous historical wonders, spiced with modern cultural sites, picturesque villages and idyllic landscapes.

Lithuanian sights in Kaunas

Some of the best destinations in Lithuania can be found in its second largest city – and Kaunas Castle is one of them. The Courtyard Gallery, home to many local street art works, too. Continue to the Pazaislis Monastery for stunning Christian art, as well as the Devil’s Museum if you want to go in the opposite direction. On the other hand, if basketball is your religion, then Kaunas is a perfect fit for you as well. Speaking of the city’s sights, NBA legend Arvydas Sabonis is also from here.

Rumšiškė’s open-air museum

At most historical sites, one learns primarily about the rich and powerful of their day, but not so here. In Rumšiškės village you can see for yourself how the remaining 99 percent of the population used to live. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to admire this miniature of old Lithuania with its mills and thatched wooden houses, and don’t miss out on trying your hand at the various activities, including working with amber, horseback riding or making music. But don’t worry, you don’t have to sing. Allegedly.

Birštonas

And here we are, in Birštonas, another Lithuanian spa town. The country is best known among tourists for its forests and coasts, as well as for its culture and history, but there is also a large wellness scene in Lithuania. In particular, the town of Birštonas is completely dedicated to the well-being of its visitors. Sealed off from the stressful outside world by a park with tall trees, you can take advantage of relaxing treatments such as mud baths and really relax. We also recommend that you take one of the leisurely boat tours.

Palanga

What would you say about a holiday on the northern beaches of Lithuania? You could benefit from fewer tourists, enjoy the cool waters and gentle breezes here, and still get a summery tan on Blue Flag beaches. As a change from sunbathing and splashing around, you could also visit the Amber Museum (no dinosaurs, sorry) or Birute Park – or go in search of amber on the beach itself.

Klaipėda

Classic sailing boats, epic sunsets, fine sand, lively streets and idyllic parks – in short: the port city of Klaipėda. Explore the wonderful old town here and you’ll definitely notice the German influences in its wooden and red brick buildings. Visit the city at the end of July and you can also take part in the Klaipėda Sea Festival while getting carried away from one activity to the next, from parades to markets to sailboat races.

The Curonian Spit & Nida Sand Dunes

The main reason tourists flock to the Curonian Spit are its sand dunes, but there’s a whole lot more to see and do here. For example, you can admire the sunrise over the lagoon, look at the witch sculptures of Juodkrante or in the evening follow the delicious smell towards the best smoked fish you have ever had.

Mountain of crosses

There is no better way to describe the Hill of Crosses than through and through impressive. The pilgrimage site near Šiauliai is home to over 200,000 crosses, crucifixes, statues and relics. Some of them are big, some small, some simple, some full of details, but one thing is certain: they all together form a sight that will stay in your memory forever. You can reach the Hill of Crosses from Vilnius in around three hours, and believe us, the drive is worth it.

Anykščiai

Anykščiai knows how to make its visitors feel like they are right on top of the world. Not only can you take walks along the treetop paths here and admire the wonderful evergreen trees, Anykščiai is also the best ski resort in all of Lithuania. Small warning though: Don’t expect any alpine giants here. In addition to natural wonders, you will also find the Church of the Apostle Matthew here, whose silver-adorned towers make it the highest church in Lithuania.

Plokštinė missile base

After all that idyllic beauty, are you craving something a little spooky? Then how about an underground Soviet nuclear missile silo? It’s hard not to get goose bumps as you wander the tunnels of this former military base, which now serves as a Cold War museum and chilling memorial to a dark period in the country’s history. You would never guess that such a place is nestled in a peaceful forest just an hour from beautiful Palanga.

Aukštaitija & Ignalina National Park

Need some hard evidence why the Aukštaitija Highlands are one of the most beautiful places in Lithuania? No problem: Here you will not only find the longest lake in the country, but also the (probably) oldest oak tree in Lithuania. And if you’re a movie and TV fanatic, you might also recognize Ignalina as the filming location of the HBO series Chernobyl.