29 Best Places To Visit In Lithuania - Updated 2024

Josiah
Contributing Writer
Updated
| 15 min read
best places to visit in lithuania

One of the Baltic States, Lithuania is a beautiful country with many incredible places to visit and countless things to do when visiting. First, virtually every city in Lithuania has an old town and plenty of museums committed to preserving the rich heritage of the region which dates back to the 13th century. Many events on Lithuanian history are held at these monuments which make the country worth exploring and a perfect destination for historians and enthusiasts. Secondly, Lithuania has a beautiful landscape consisting of pristine rivers, lakes, mountains, lush vegetation and a variety of nature reserves which hold a lot of fun for children and lovers of great outdoors. We believe every city in Lithuania has something unique to offer so read through this article to discover the best places to visit in Lithuania.

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1. Kernave

Kernavė is a town in Southeast Lithuania with a beautiful landscape and renowned historic sites among many other attractions. There is no better place to experience the beauty of this region than at the Hillforts of Kernave. Here, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the valleys, as well as the beautiful vegetation and wildlife living in the area. Next, Kernavė has burial sites of notable figures in the history of Lithuania, cultural monuments and important archeological remains of ancient land usage. Many of these items, including articles recovered in the burial sites, bronze artworks, clay vases, and other incised pottery are preserved at Kernave Archaeological Site Museum.

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2. Palanga

On the shores of the Baltic Sea lies Palanga, one of the busiest seaside resort towns in Lithuania. There are so many things to do here, from spending some time at the beach to exploring the numerous museums, nature, and historic reserves in Palanga. For instance, at The Palanga Amber Museum, you can browse through the extensive collection of amber artworks and exhibits containing beautiful inclusions of plants and insects. In addition to that, the museum is surrounded by a picturesque botanical garden that is a favorite spot for romantic getaways, weddings, and nature lovers. Here, you can take leisure walks as you admire the ponds, fountains, lush vegetation and wooden statues in the garden.

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3. Kėdainiai

Didžioji street in Kėdainiai001
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Matasg used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The old town in Kėdainiai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city. The old town is home to valuable historic buildings that draw their glamour from gothic, baroque, renaissance and classical styles of architecture. An example of such buildings is the Evangelical Reformed Church that has retained most of its original décor including its oak panels and stunning chandelier. Also, at the Evangelical Reformed Church is the Mausoleum of Dukes Radvilas, which holds an important piece of ancient art and sarcophaguses of notable figures in the history of Kėdainiai. Czesław Miłosz, the great poet, writer, translator, and Nobel winner, was also born in Šeteniai village in Kėdainiai. So, a visit to the village will give you a firsthand experience of its beauty and different aspects as described by the writer in his works.

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4. Raudondvaris

Raudondvaris
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wojsyl used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Raudondvaris Village, along Nevėžis River, has spectacular gardens, ancient churches, museums, parks and historic buildings that have remained unexploited, besides their great charm. A major highlight in this town is the Raudondvaris Manor Castle which, besides its beauty, boasts great paintings, artworks and an extensive book collection, some dating back to the 17th century. You can check out these items and much more at the Kaunas District Museum, which is found in Raudondvaris Manor Castle.

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5. Druskininkai

Druskininkai, Water park tubes
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user arz used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Bordering Poland and Belarus is another great tourist destination called Druskininkai. The town is nestled in an area with an amazing natural forest reserve which is home to a wide array of fascinating plant and animal species. In addition to that, Druskininkai is blessed with picturesque lakes, rivers and many natural features that will make your visit worthwhile. The town itself has many areas you can visit. For instance, there is the Water Park in Druskininkai, which guarantees an amazing time with its saunas and long water slides. Besides, you can indulge in skiing at The Snow Arena.

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6. Šilutė

Šilutė01
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Žiedas used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Šilutė is the perfect destination for historians and enthusiasts of hiking, among other outdoor activities. For historical enlightenment, you can check out the extensive collection of fishing, culinary and other historical and cultural exhibits at Šilutė Museum in the Manor of Hugo Scheu. Further, the Aukštumala Cognitive Trail is a favorite spot among many visitors. This hiking trail includes a large wetland spanning over 2500 ha (6178 Acres), that features one of the longest hiking trails in Lithuania. The trails present visitors with a good opportunity to see rare herbs, shrubs, and animals. However, you should be careful when exploring these marshes as they can be habited by the Common European viper.

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7. Nida

Nida, Lithuania 04
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user GiW used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Thomas Mann Museum, Ethnographic Fishermen’s Museum, and Nida Lighthouse are some of the most visited areas in Nida. Although Thomas Mann Museum was almost destroyed during the war, it has since been refurbished and today, it hosts a comprehensive exhibition of works dedicated to Thomas Mann’s and family. Next, if you are interested in the fishing history of Nida and Lithuania at large, you should check out the huge collection of relics, tools, clothing and important information on ice fishing at Ethnographic Fishermen’s Museum. Finally, the Nida Lighthouse is an important landmark in Nida and an excellent spot for picnicking and sightseeing.

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8. Panevėžys

Panevezys-Senvages panorama-2006 09
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Cajetonas used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Panevėžys holds fascinating and some of the most unique artifacts in the cultural heritage of Lithuania. For example, the Narrow Gauge Railway of Aukštaitija has been in existence since the late 19th century and it has remained operational up to date. Here, you can take a scenic drive with these important pieces of history to different destinations including Lake Rubikiai and Troškūnai. Secondly, in terms of outdoor recreation, Panevėžys has Skaistakalnis Park where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful sceneries of the river, lush vegetation and a wide range of wildlife. Skaistakalnis Park also has an amusement park featuring a variety of amenities, games, and activities to keep your kids entertained.

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9. Raseiniai

Biliūnai (Raseiniai), atokvėpio vieta
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Vilensija used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Raseiniai, just like other cities in Lithuania, is a land with a rich history as evidenced by the many museums in the area. For example, a short distance from the city center lies the Raseiniai Area History Museum which presents a huge collection of artifacts and state of the art exhibits that tell fascinating stories about the history of the area. Elsewhere, outdoors in Raseiniai can never get better than at Padubysio Mound. Here, you can enjoy hiking the beautiful trails on the slopes of the mountain and kids can take a dip in the nearby Dubysa River. You do not need to worry a lot about their safety while swimming because the river has shallow ends that are ideal for beginners

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10. Zarasai

Zarasai
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bloodless used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Zarasai is a relatively small town north of Lithuania that is surrounded by many rivers and lakes that make it a great destination for water enthusiasts. One of the most notable lakes in the area is Lake Zarasai, which is equipped with an observational deck to view the lake and the wonderful sculptures surrounding it. Sunsets from the observational deck are breathtaking, so if you happen to be in the area in the evening, it would be a great opportunity to experience this thrill. Would you believe that a tree can last for over 2000 years? Well, in Zarasai, there is Stelmuze Oak Tree which has stood the test of time and over two millennia later, it still thrives, making it one of the oldest in the world.

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11. Utena

Utena, muzikālās strūklakas- Musical fountains in Utena, Lithuania - panoramio (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Modris Putns used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you love games and fun activities, Utena is one of the few places in Lithuania that you can experience this and much more. Take, for instance, in Labyrinth Park, there is a maze park with several mazes of varying complexity, where people irrespective of their age, come to test their orienteering skills. Close by, there is another amusement park called Dauniškis Lake Park. The park features a kids’ playground and illuminated fountains that allure visitors. Various concerts and other events are often held here. For additional fun, you can head to Utenio Square, where you will discover another set of fountains, a small exhibition of local art and benches that allow visitors to relax on nature’s lap.

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12. Alytus

Alytus, Lithuania - panoramio (23)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user VietovesLt used under CC BY 3.0

Alytus is a municipality South of Lithuania that has been transformed over the years into a big tourist destination. The city holds important historic landmarks that tell the rich history of the Dzūkija region and Lithuania at large. An example is the Alytus Museum that is an important Lithuanian heritage site that has become well known in recent years for its great exhibitions, craft fairs, and educational conferences among other events. Besides learning the history of Alytus, the White Rose Bridge is another element of beauty in the area. From here, you can enjoy unobstructed views of lush forests, surrounding parks, and River Nemunas. Besides, the bridge has a nice track that is ideal for cycling and evening walks.

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13. Birštonas

Birštonas, Lithuania - panoramio (4)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user VietovesLt used under CC BY 3.0

Birštonas is a spa town along the banks of River Nemunas, and it boasts beautiful landscape and topnotch therapeutic recreation. The best place to view the stunning landscape of Birštonas is at Birštonas Viewing Tower. Climbing to the main observation deck is relatively easy and everyone can attempt. In fact, it takes approximately seven minutes, but you can still stop to catch a breath in any of the six resting spots available in the tower. Elsewhere, spas are good for body relaxation and rejuvenation, and Birštonas offers some of the best amenities and services towards that end. For instance, in Versmė Rehabilitation Centre, you can benefit from a wide range of rehabilitation therapies and recreations including massages, mud therapies, and various mineral bath treatments.

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14. Kretinga

Kretingos Dvaro rūmai
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Meandras used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kretinga is a city in Klaipėda County committed to preserving its rich heritage. To that end, the museums in the town are at the forefront in ensuring area archeological monuments, traditions, artifacts, and other ethnographic treasures are preserved well for recreation and future reference. An example of such museums is Kretinga Museum, which was greatly affected during the war but has since recovered. Today, it houses stunning sculptures, folk artworks, and antiquities among other collectibles. The famous Winter Garden also resides in the museum. If you love trees, you will definitely have an amazing time in Winter Garden, admiring over 150 species of plants including mulberry, dracaena, water lilies, and epiphytes.

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15. Telšiai

Masčio ežeras
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Homo ergaster used under CC0

Telšiai presents the best of outdoor recreation. In Mastis Lake, there is a recreational area along its shores that features a nice track that can be used for early morning jogging, bicycle riding, and leisure walks. The park also has a picnic site where you can hang around and enjoy a delicious dish overlooking the lake. About 9.2 km (5.7 miles) from Mastis Lake lies another similar attraction, Germantas. The lake has an observatory deck where you enjoy beautiful sceneries of the lake and the beautiful landscape. In addition, there is a beautiful trail in the woodlands surrounding the lake, which is quiet and very scenic, both of which are ideal conditions for hiking, meditation, and romantic walks.

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16. Marijampolė

Marijampolė, Lithuania - panoramio (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Michal Gorski used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Besides the many industries, Marijampolė is a city famous for pristine parks, gardens, historical monuments, and beautiful landscapes. One of the most visited places in Marijampolė is Poetry Park that is often frequented by people seeking to unwind in its tranquility. At Marijampole Poetry Park, you can stroll on the gardens as you view the beautiful sculptures, paintings, water cascades, and fountains. Further, established in the 18th century, St. Michael Archangel Church is another important attraction in Marijampolė which wows visitors with its elegance despite the time that has passed and the rich religious history it holds for the Catholic Church.

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17. Tauragė

Lomiai public square and Community center building in Taurage district, Lithuania
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kazys used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Tauragė is a paradise for kids and the major reason for this is because of the fun found in its amusement parks. For example in Tauru Parkas, there is an array of amenities and activities that guarantee fun for kids. Here, they can take part in tree climbing, skating, building castles and countless playground games aimed at promoting physical health and creativity. From the amusement park, ensure you check out the spectacular displays of the city’s history on the interactive exposition at the Museum of Tauragė.

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18. Biržai

Biržai, Lithuania - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Laima Gūtmane (si... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Biržai is a great destination for anybody traveling in search of good food and beer in Lithuania. The city features some of the breweries in the country. An example is Rinkuskiai Brewery, which is frequented by many tourists from all over the world looking to taste its variety of beers, snacks and a delicious local meal. Besides food, Biržai is also rich in history and that’s why your journey here is never complete without visiting the Biržai Region Museum, which is one of the most notable museums in the city. In the museum, you will see meticulous exhibits of warfare, religion, and ethnography artifacts.

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19. Visaginas

Visaginas, Lithuania - panoramio (89)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user VietovesLt used under CC BY 3.0

Visaginas is a natural haven and gem in Lithuania because not many cities in the country have the amenities in this great city. An example of such amenities is the beach at Lake Visaginas. The golden sand in the shores of the lake is ideal for sunbathing, picnicking and strolling. Besides, the water is relatively calm, hence you can indulge in boating and paddling among other water activities. Fishing is also common in Lake Visaginas, and the best part is that it is not limited to a given system, hence you can fish uninterrupted from summer to winter. Some of the fishes you expect to catch in Lake Visaginas include pikes, catfish, bleaks, and crucian carps to name but a few.

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20. Jonava

Jonava
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Matasg used under CC BY-SA 3.0

If you are feeling adventurous during your vacation, you should try the activities in Jonava. Lokės Pėda is one of the few places in Jonava offering such a thrill. At Lokės Pėda, you can choose to do any of the following activities: exploring the hilly terrains on quad bikes, soaring the 20 m (65.6 ft.) high catapult launch, and jump down the tallest oak tree in the region using a set of hooks to help clients overcome their phobia of heights. Lokės Pėda Park has so many activities that are virtually impossible to exhaust in a single day. Therefore, if the night falls before you are done with your escapade, you can spend the night at the onsite campsite which features a beautiful lawn and volleyball court.

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21. Ukmergė

Ukmergė, Lithuania
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user VietovesLt used under CC BY 3.0

The Mound in Ukmergė is one of the greatest tourist attractions in the area. This is a top sightseeing spot with a nice view of the river, the Orthodox Church and the surrounding beauty. Also, there has been a proposal to remodel the mound to include cozy terraces which will make the park more attractive. The plan is brilliant and once the proposal is accepted, Ukmergė will become the next big tourist destination in Lithuania. That aside, the Old Fire Tower of Ukmergė is another area you explore. The tower is about 18 m (59.1 ft.) high and it features an observatory deck that boasts panoramic views of the city and its environs.

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22. Šventoji

Šventoji, Lithuania - panoramio (1)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Laima Gūtmane (si... used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Šventoji is a relatively small seaside resort situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea in Palanga, which is famous for its magnificent pier. Luckily, the pier is easily accessible from Šventoji. Palanga Pier is a world-class sightseeing spot providing guests with breathtaking views of the sea, beaches, swimmers and sand dunes that are scattered on the shores. Along the coastline, you will also discover several beach hotels where you can enjoy delicious meals and quality accommodations featuring an array of amenities to make your stay fun and memorable. For example, in Resort Hotel Elija, besides quality accommodation, you can enjoy many offsite activities including cycling, hiking, fishing, and a game of tennis.

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23. Joniškis

Joniškis, Lithuania - panoramio (14)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user VietovesLt used under CC BY 3.0

Basketball is a common game in Joniskis City and besides having great courts, there is also a museum called Joniskis Basketball Museum which is dedicated to preserving the game and passing it to the next generation of players. If you love Basketball, you will be amazed by the great stories and vast collection of shoes, signed uniforms, balls, and medals in Joniskis Basketball Museum. Secondly, the greatest regret you can have in Joniskis is visiting the city and failing to try the delicacies at Zap’o Baras. This is the one spot in Joniskis where you can enjoy superb dishes served by a friendly staff in a clean and comfortable environment.

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24. Panemunė

The Queen Louise bridge.
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Aleksander Kaasik used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The last place to visit in Lithuania is its smallest city called Panemune. Nestling on the banks of Nemunas River, the town enjoys a couple of attractions related to the river. For instance, the Bridge of Queen Louise, which links Lithuania to Russia, offers spectacular views of the landscapes of both countries. However, to get the best views of the river and the surrounding features, climb up the Rambynas Hills just on the right bank of the river. From the top, you will be fascinated by the beauty of Panemune. Besides, this is a recreation area with nice trails, benches, and a well-maintained lawn which form a great spot for sunset views.

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25. Trakai

best places to visit in lithuania | trakai
Source: www.klook.com

Trakai is a lakeside town that is renowned globally for its magnificent Peninsula Castle and beautiful monuments exhibiting gothic architecture. Peninsula Castle dates back to the 14th century and despite its age, it still stands strong on the island with most of its ancient glamour. A trip to this monument offers historical enlightenment as you will be interacting with a variety of ancient artifacts and ruins including the defensive structures built by Kestutis to shield the locals from attacks by Teutonic Knights. Peninsula Castle is surrounded by water, so you will also have a great time exploring the pristine waters of Lake Galve by boat.

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26. Kaunas

best places to visit in lithuania | kaunas
Source: www.klook.com

Kaunas, the second largest town in the country, is another great destination for sightseeing and historical enlightenment, among other outdoor activities. With River Neris on one side of the city and Nemunas on the other, Kaunas boasts breathtaking views of the rivers and its beautiful aquatic life. Kaunas also has a vast collection of museums, historic structures, and nature parks that present visitors with plenty of things to do and see. An example is M. K. Čiurlioni National Art Gallery, which is dedicated to paintings, writings, and other pieces of art by one of the most notable artists in Lithuania, Čiurlionis. Also, there is the Devil’s Museum, which offers a unique opportunity to interact with its huge collection of carvings and representations of the devil from different parts of the world.

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27. Šiauliai

šiauliai

Šiauliai is the perfect destination for anybody seeking historical and religious enlightenment. Although the city was almost destroyed completely during WWI, it still has a lot to be admired from its museums to churches, and shrines. For example, the once residence of Industrialist Chaim Frenkel is today a world-class museum dedicated to collecting, safeguarding and popularizing the historical and cultural heritage of Lithuania. Next to the museum is a great restaurant where you can try great kosher food before heading north of the city to one of the creepiest places on earth, the Hill of Crosses. The shrine features hundreds of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, and statues of Mary planted here by Catholic Pilgrims to symbolize the peaceful resistance and endurance.

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28. Klaipeda

Klaipeda
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Ernis020 used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Klaipeda is a great seaside resort in Lithuania, situated along the coast of the Baltic Sea. Just like other towns along this shoreline, Klaipeda also has clean beaches boasting great sands and pristine waters that are ideal for an evening stroll and a relaxing dip respectively. Some of the most notable beaches in Klaipeda include Smiltynės Beach, 2 Melnrage Beach and Melnrage Beach. Besides the beaches, Klaipeda has plenty of other areas of interest including museums, nature reserves, historic sites, and cinema centers. If you are interested in understanding the history of Klaipeda, the Castle Museum should be at the top of your list. The museum features a huge collection of magnificent jewelry, crockery, and interactive exhibits to spark your creativity.

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29. Vilnius

vilnius

Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius is an amazing city with plenty of modern and ancient attractions that continue to attract visitors from all over the world. An important attraction in this city is the baroque old town which wows visitors with its offbeat elegance, vibrant history dating back to the early 14th century, and multicultural highlights as displayed in the area shops, churches, cuisines, and buildings. A must-visit in Vilnius is the Bohemian Užupis, a neighborhood featuring incredible angel-like murals, sculptures, and great cafes serving the best of local cuisines. Generally, the entire area is photogenic so remember to pack your HD camera on this exhilarating adventure.

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Explore Lithuania

Pilies Street at dusk, Vilnius, Lithuania - Diliff
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Diliff used under CC BY-SA 3.0

As can be seen, Lithuania is a great country blessed with plenty of modern and historical attractions that make it an ideal destination for people looking for relaxation, adventure, and historical enlightenment in Eastern Europe. Therefore, if you are planning a trip to the Baltic Region, consider our list of best places to visit in Lithuania.

Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Josiah Ndung'u is a Mechanical Engineering graduate and a travelling enthusiast who loves networking with new people, learning new cultures, having fun (especially at the beach), and sampling new...Read more

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