Planning a trip to the Baltic and looking for the best things to do in Lithuania? From beaches and sand dunes to ancient castles, beautiful lakes and the slightly spooky - here are the best things to do in Lithuania!

Updated Jan 2021

“Veins, do, I no!”

I quickly placed my spoon atop a plate and reluctantly reached for yet another glass of Lithuanian moonshine. Six glasses in, the burning that accompanies each shot subsides quicker than the last, however upon locking eyes with my dinner mates it becomes clear I’m not the only one feeling the effects of this Samotogian spirit.

Dining under candle light, a roaring fire beating away the the coolness of a summer not quite arrived, we eat cold herring soup and potatoes smothered in cannabis seeds and sour cream.

Illegal liquor and cannabis? Why, Lithuania, you are full of surprises.

When we were invited to experience this hereto unexplored country, I had no idea what to expect. Quickly counting up the Lithuanians I had met in person, I was shocked to realise I was yet to speak with anyone who has visited this wonderful Baltic country on a vacation.

Indeed, whilst Eastern and Central Europe has become increasingly popular for long-weekends and budget backpackers, curiously Lithuania has been left out of the party.

As it turns out, Lithuania is, well, kind of awesome. Beautiful old cities, pretty beach towns, sand dunes, stunning lakeside hideaways - and a whole lot of weird. But in a fantastically, wonderful sort of way.

Here are the best things to do in Lithuania!

Weird and Wonderful things to do in Lithuania

Vilnius

Vilnius is the very definition of a perfect weekend break. It's got cool bars, a beautiful old town, oodles of history, epic views, a thriving coffee shop scene and some great street art - we're actually kind of surprised that we'd never considered it.

Waiting on the other side of the river, it also happens to have something rather unusual... an independent republic where cats rule supreme! Created by bohemians and artists on April Fools' day in 1997, Užupis is a home for the dreamers, and a place where the only requirement for entry is a smile.

In fact, there's so much to do here, that we've written an entire article dedicated to great things to do in Vilnius - we think you're going to like it!

The Hill of Crosses

They say it all started with a vision, and a pilgrimage across the country to save the life of a farmer's daughter. A single cross for a miracle, which multiplied to include hundreds of thousands.

Perhaps the most unusual of sites in all of Lithuania, the Hill of Crosses in the north of the country is a must-see on any road trip through the country.

Even on a sunny day, as we weaved between the overflowing rows, fascination gave way to dark thoughts. Rotting handmade wooden crosses sat alongside colourful rosaries, beautifully ornate stone crucifixes and garish metal constructions.

A group of schoolkids once tried to count them, but so many arrived overnight it proved futile. They got to just over 300,000. It seems that many in Lithuania want a miracle of their very own...

Things to do in Lithuania - Hill of Crosses

The Essentials

Where | Found on Google Maps here

Cost | There is no entry fee for the site

By Car | Ideally accessed with your own car, the hill is 12km north of the central city of Šiauliai along Highway A12 near the village of Jurgaičiai. From the highway, it's another 2km east from a well-marked turn-off ('Kryžių kalnas 2').

By Bus |Take a Joniškis-bound bus (€1.20, journey time of 10 minutes, up to seven daily) from Šiauliai to the 'Domantai' stop and walk for 15 minutes, or grab a taxi (around €20).

Facilities | There is a gift shop in the car park where you can buy a variety of different size crosses to add to the Hill's collection.

The Sand Dunes of the Curonian Spit

If Lithuania is as unfamiliar to you as it was to us, vast sand dunes are probably not what you'd expect from this little-known Baltic state - and yet vast sand dunes you will find, along a narrow stretch of land known as the Curonian Spit.

Separating the Curonian Lagoon to the east, and the cold waters of the Baltic Sea to the west, this 98km peninsula stretches all the way from Lithuania’s coast to the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, and was - in 1991 - granted UNESCO status.

Comprising a number of picture-perfect colourful fishermen towns (collectively known as ‘Neringa’ - more on those later), pine forests, white sand beaches and the largest drifting dunes in Europe, the Lithuanian portion of the Curonian Spit remains one of the most popular holiday destinations within the country, and a fascinating place for visitors to explore.

The Dead Dunes

Located within the Nagliai Nature Reserve (between the towns of Juodkrante and Pervalaka), this is the most popular attraction within the Curonian Spit.

Formed by wind and time, they hide as many as ten towns and two cemeteries, lost to this world from as long ago as 1675; deforestation in the region causing the dunes to move up to 15 metres a year.

Because of this, the dunes are now very much a protected attraction, with a designated path and clear signs as to where you can and cannot walk - as tempting as it may be to sneak off to get the perfect photo, it is strictly prohibited.

Where | To locate the dunes, enter ‘Educational Trail in Grey Dunes’ (here on Google Maps).

Cost | €2 per person

Access | There is no public transport here, so your only options are by car or tour. There is a small carpark but it does get very busy during the summer months.

Parnidis Dune

At 52 metres high, the Parnidis Dune is the highest in the Curonian Split National Park and makes for some spectacular views of the region. Indeed, within a 360° turn you can take pine forests and sand dunes, the Curonian Lagoon plus the endless blues of the rough Baltic Sea.

There is a 1700m path that weaves its way around the dune.

Given its geographical position along the peninsula, this is quite impressively the only place in Lithuania where you can watch the sun rise above the water from the east, and set below the water in the west, and whilst it’s a super busy throughout the day during the warmer months, we’d highly recommend making a beeline for the viewing platform (also a sundial!) for sunset or sunrise.

Where | Head for the sundial here

Cost | Free to access

Access | The dune can be accessed from a small car park not far fro the sundial, or you can choose to walk along the small hiking trail (easy level) from Nida.

The Tree-Top Walking Path

Located in one of the most famous forests in Lithuania (thanks to a poem by Antanas Baranauskas), the 300m long Treetop Walking Path is the first of its kind in Eastern Europe. Sitting 35m above the forest, it allows you to discover the nature of Anyksciai Regional Park from above, at the level of treetops.

A unique way to experience the wilds of Lithuania, our time amongst the pines was unfortunately interrupted by a torrential downpour - we even had to miss the biggest stone in the country (yes, it's a thing here). Still we’re certain it would be a delightful way to spend a couple of hours on a fine weather day, whether that be spring, summer or winter.

If you’d like to explore beyond the treetop path, there’s a 5km ground-level trail that takes in the beauty of the Anyksciai Regional Park woodland.

You can find further details of the nearby walks and surrounding area here.

The Essentials

Where | Find it here on Google Maps

Cost | €1 per person.

Access | Only really accessible with your own transport, it is a 1.5hr drive from either Kaunas or Vilnius. Should you wish to spend the night, there’s a campsite within the park.

the Hill of Witches

Minutes from the dead dunes, within woods of century old pines, it is another local legend that lends its name to a hill. A forest of devils, witches and diabolical acts, played out through beautifully rendered wooden sculptures. Trace the path up to the top of the hill and pass creatures of fairytales until you reach the highest point with spectacular views over the spit. Those not so keen to look evil in the eye, may want to make a quick descent back to the road - and keep to the right!

Oh, and in case this place couldn't get any weirder, Europe's largest colony of cormorants live down the road, and their poop (yes, their poop!) has killed all the trees!

The Essentials

Where | Can be found here on Google Maps

Opening times | All day

Cost | Completely free.

Access | The trail can be accessed through a forested sand dune just off the main road in Juodkrante.

Things to do in Lithuania - Hill of Witches

Take a Trip to Trakai Castle

Just 28 km from Vilnius, Trakai castle - located on an island in the middle of Lake Galve - makes a wonderful day trip for those basing themselves in the capital.

Built in the 14th Century, it was a home away from Vilnius for the country’s Grand Dukes, until the town of Trakai (once the second most important city in the Lithuania) began to pass into decline in the 17th century. A massive restoration was undertaken in the 19th century, returning it to its former glory before opening to visitors.

Undoubtedly a popular tourist attraction (both with foreigners and locals alike), the crowds can feel a little overwhelming at times, so we’d recommend combining a visit here with a boat ride around the lake - although the castle is impressive up close, we kind of think it's prettier from the distance!

Top tip | If you’ve got time, be sure to spend a little while exploring the small town of Trakai to learn a little more about Before Karaim culture, a small yet unique ethnic group (descendents of a Crimean family) that has called Trakai home for more than seven centuries.

The Essentials

Where | Found on Google Maps here.

Cost | It’s free to walk around the castle grounds and entry costs €8 per person.

Access | Trakai (the castle and the quaint town) is accessible by rental car, public transport and tour, with multiple direct bus and train connections.

For those that would prefer to take a tour from Vilnius, we’d recommend this half day one, or if you’d prefer a private option, this one comes highly rated.

The pretty seaside town of Nida

Colourful clapperboard houses, fishing boats and holiday homes. In the warmer summer months, Nida feels distinctly Scandanavian - and is a hugely popular spot for weekenders and holiday-makers.

One of the four villages along the Curonian Spit, it is a top spot for outdoorsy types, with ample opportunities to kayak or canoe on the lagoon, cycle or run along the waterfront path or hike into the forest it's also a got some great beaches and a vibrant restaurant/bar scene. It's kind of the perfect summer town!

Top tip | Don’t have your own transport? It’s possible to take a full-day tour from Vilnius to the Curonian Spit. Find out more here.

The Essential things to do in nida

| Take a stroll along witches hill

Mentioned above, the Hill of Witches just down the road from Nida is a worthwhile visit whilst you’re in the area.

| Get your hands on some amber

There are a number of stalls and souvenir shops selling amber in Nida as well as a small museum in an old fisherman’s hut on the northern side of town. Further details can be found here.

| Visit the Fisherman’s Museum

Built in 1927, this curious museum aims to show visitors what life was really like for the local fishermen that once called this hut a home. Further details can be found here.

| Take a Moment with a Maestro

A much-loved Lithuanian singer, songwriter and TV personality, Vytautas Kernagis lives on through a memorial by the waterfront, overlooking the serene Lagoon.

To discover more, check out the local tourism office or this useful post.

| Hit the beach

Given its location on the Curonian spit, it is unsurprising that some of Lithuania’s best beaches are within walking distance to Nida.

| Get active

As we outlined above, Nida is the perfect place for water-based adventures with the option to enjoy sailing, kayaking, SUP-ing - and of course, swimming.

| Catch the sunrise - or sunset - at the Parnidis Dunes

As we discussed above, these dunes are an absolute must do - especially at sunrise or sunset!

Pas tėvukus

At the edge of Beržoras lake, set deep within a national park lives a little taste of history and a truly beautiful place to spend a few days. Pas Tevukus (translated as 'at my parents' place') is a family run homestead replete with stunning wooden cabins, hand-made saunas and some of the prettiest lake-side views I've ever seen.

It's also the place where two women who should know better force-fed us all far too much moonshine. But that's beside the point.

Like many small communities across the world, history, heritage and tradition is incredibly important to Jurgita and Marijona (the mother and daughter duo who run Pas Tevukus), and it is impossible to spend time here and not learn a little of Samotogian culture. The clothing, the food and the way of life are strikingly different to outside of this region - even the language was difficult for our guide and driver to understand.

You can of course simply stay for the peace, the quiet and the relaxed way of life, but we'd implore you to have at least one traditional meal in the family home - if only for the potatoes, cannabis seeds (purely nutritional we're told) and soured cream, it really is rather excellent!

For more information, including prices and to make a booking, see this link.

Klaipeda

Sailing boats and bristled fishermen, colourful Germanic style buildings and world-class restaurants, Klaipeda has a lot going on. Rarely visited by foreign tourists, it has something of a weekend-break feel - it's just nobody seems to know it yet!

A place perfect for exploring on foot, if only embarking upon the pseudo-treasure hunt dispersed throughout the old town. You see, the local council had a fairly novel concept of wishful thinking, and have placed several sculptures around and about to grant wishes. Half the fun is to track them all down, but be sure not to miss the magic mouse - and whisper, ever so quietly, your secret dreams. Maybe they'll come true...

The essential Things to Do in Klaipeda

| Explore the Old Town.

A colourful palette of pastel hued buildings, Klapeida’s old town is a truly beautiful place to explore. Given the city was part of the Prussian empire for much of its history, there’s a strong germanic influence to many of the buildings lining the cobbled streets.

| Visit the Sculpture Park.

Once a cemetery, it was converted into an exhibition space by the Soviet government in 1977. Contains more than 100 sculptures from 67 Lithuanian artists. You can find more info here.

| Wander Along the Dane River.

The perfect activity on a sunny day, be sure to take a look at Meridianas, a beautifully restored large sailing boat (that’s also a restaurant)

| Eat at Monai.

If you’re keen to experience a more contemporary take on Lithuanian cuisine, be sure to book a table at the very lovely - and very fancy - Monai Restaurant. Find out more here.

| Lose Yourself in the Botanical Gardens.

Located a little outside of the city centre on the grounds of the university, this paradise of all things flora and fauna is a wonderful retreat from the city.

We’re going to put together a short guide to Klaipeda, with lots of further information.

The City of Kaunus

Lithuania’s second largest city, we have to admit that we haven’t actually been here. However, given that it will be the 2022 European Capital of Culture (as well as the first city in Central and Eastern Europe to be designated a City of Design by UNESCO), it would be remiss to not include it on this list of the best places to visit in Lithuania.

the essential Things to do in Kaunus

| Discover the Street Art

Known as the epicentre for Lithuania’s street art scene, the walls of Kaunus have told stories for decades. Find further information and a street art map here.

| Explore the Old Town

A relatively small area that packs a big punch, Kaunus old town is a wonderful combination of Gothic and Renaissance influences. Don’t miss the delightful - and pedestrianised - Vilnius gatve (Vilnius Street), or ‘The House of Perkunas’, both the oldest street and the oldest building in Kaunus.

| The Ninth Fort Museum and Memorial Complex.

Located atop a hill overlooking the city, this early 20th century fort has been used for all manner of dark deeds since its creation, and now sits alongside a 32 metre tall, Soviet-era concrete memorial (erected in 1984) to the 30,000 Jews that were murdered here during the Holocaust. Find out more here, including times and tickets.

| Visit the churches

There are a surprisingly large number of churches in Kaunus, all with very different architectural designs and histories (you can find them all here with photos to see what we mean) and whilst most people won’t be keen to visit them all, three of the most popular are: Pazaislis monastery and Church of the Visitation, Kaunas Cathedral Basilica and Vytautas’ the Great Church.

| Kaunus Castle

This 14th century castle - and museum - is one for the history lovers. Further information including tickets and times can be found here.

| Hit up the museums.

Don’t miss the National M. K. Ciurlionis Art Museum or the Devil’s Museum (yep, that’s a museum solely dedicated works depicting the Devil!).

The Alpine Coaster

In a world of high-speed roller-coasters and death defying theme park attractions, you may think that a small, trundling ride, powered it seems by gravity alone, could not be that enjoyable. Yeah, you'd be wrong - The Alpine Coaster is awesome! Especially when you get to go four times before the big group of 10 year olds turn up.

NB - apologies for no photo - turns out I look dreadful screaming my lungs out!