Best Things to Do In Lithuania
Discover the rich history and vibrant culture with our guide to the best things to see in Lithuania.
Molėtai: Lithuanian Ethnocosmology Museum
What is it?
A unique museum where astronomy meets Lithuanian folk culture.
Why you should go?
The Lithuanian Ethnocosmology Museum stands as an avant-garde facility that marries the science of the cosmos with ethnology. Featuring an observatory, it provides a rare glimpse into the universe through powerful telescopes. The museum also explores the relationship between humanity and the heavens as seen through Lithuanian myth and tradition. For an enlightening experience and to appreciate Lithuania's natural beauty under starry skies, this is one of the best things to do in Lithuania.
Kernavė: Kernavė Archaeological Site
What is it?
A UNESCO World Heritage site revealing Lithuania's ancient past.
Why you should go?
Once the medieval capital, Kernavė today invites visitors to its vast archaeological complex, comprising ancient settlement sites, fortification mounds, and burial grounds. Walking through these historic landscapes, one can almost hear the whispers of the past. Educational trails and informative displays make Kernavė a comprehensive journey through the millennia, securing its spot among the essential places to visit in Lithuania for history buffs.
Žemaitija National Park: Plateliai Lake
What is it?
Scenic lake within a national park, perfect for outdoor recreation.
Why you should go?
Žemaitija National Park hosts the serene Plateliai Lake, a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and picturesque hikes. Nestled amidst dense forests and rolling hills, the lake's clear waters mirror Lithuania's sky and woodlands, providing a peaceful escape and one of the naturistic Lithuania activities. Additionally, the park offers cultural attractions, like the Cold War Museum, adding depth to the experience.
Biržai: Fortress of Biržai
What is it?
A magnificently restored 16th-century fortress with rich historical significance.
Why you should go?
Sitting at the edge of a lake, the Fortress of Biržai is a testament to Lithuania's defensive architecture. Its museum showcases regional history including the military and local brewing traditions. The fortress, with its bastions, gates, and bridge, creates a dramatic backdrop that transports visitors to another era. For those discovering what to see in Lithuania, the fortress serves as an intriguing historical narrative.
Kretinga: Winter Garden of Kretinga Museum
What is it?
An indoor botanical garden offering year-round floral exhibitions.
Why you should go?
The Winter Garden of Kretinga Museum, adjacent to a former Franciscan monastery, blooms with extravagance regardless of the season outdoors. This oasis houses exotic plants, a fish pond, and an assortment of sculptures. For visitors, it’s not just a diversion but a tropical retreat, and with its linking to local history and culture, it becomes one of the can't-miss Lithuania tourist attractions.
Palanga: Palanga Amber Museum
What is it?
An alluring museum dedicated to the Baltic gold, amber.
Why you should go?
Nestled within the verdant surroundings of the Palanga Botanical Park, the Palanga Amber Museum is housed in a grand 19th-century mansion. Housing a vast collection of amber pieces, some containing entrapped prehistoric insects and plants, this museum tells the captivating story of amber's formation and use throughout history. A visit here is one of the best things to do in Lithuania for cultural and scientific enthusiasts, offering an enchanting look into the country's gemstone heritage.
Nida: Parnidis Dune
What is it?
A majestic sand dune offering surreal landscape views.
Why you should go?
Soaring above the Curonian Spit near Nida, Parnidis Dune is an impressive natural spectacle, providing panoramic vistas of the Spit's undulating sand expanses and the Baltic Sea. Ascending the dune, visitors are treated to an awe-inspiring skyline dominated by the drifting sands. It’s a crowning jewel among the Lithuania attractions, promising a memorable excursion for those seeking the best things to do in Lithuania amidst nature.
Druskininkai: Grūto Parkas (Grutas Park)
What is it?
An outdoor museum showcasing Soviet-era sculptures and memorabilia.
Why you should go?
Grūto Parkas, also known as Grutas Park, is an open-air repository of Soviet-era statues and artifacts, set in a bucolic forest. This 'Soviet theme park' offers a quirky take on Lithuania's involuntary historical association, allowing visitors to wander among the stark reminders of the recent past. It ranks as a unique 'must-see', aiding tourists to apprehend the contexts shaping modern Lithuania.
Anykščiai: The Treetop Walking Path
What is it?
An elevated walkway offering a different perspective of Lithuania's forests.
Why you should go?
With the distinction of being Lithuania's first treetop walking path, this attraction in Anykščiai takes guests on an enchanting journey above the forest canopy. It's an experience that marries environmental education with unrivaled scenic views, especially at the pathway's culmination with an observation tower. It's a refreshing way to appreciate what to do in Lithuania for families and nature lovers.
Panevėžys: Juozas Miltinis Heritage Centre
What is it?
A cultural centre honouring the legacy of a renowned Lithuanian theatre director.
Why you should go?
Honoring the distinguished theatre director Juozas Miltinis, this centre in Panevėžys serves as a repository for theatre arts and his pedagogical legacy. Through interactive exhibitions, personal objects, and multimedia, it embodies the best of Lithuania's theatrical traditions. Engaging for dramatists and thespians, it stands out as a sophisticated spot among Lithuania activities, pulling back the curtain on a storied artistic history.
Vilnius: Gediminas Tower
What is it?
A historic fortress offering panoramic views of Lithuania's capital.
Why you should go?
The iconic Gediminas Tower, standing atop Gediminas Hill, is deeply entwined with Vilnius' founding legends. As the remaining part of the Upper Castle complex, it is a symbol of the city and a tribute to Lithuania's storied past. Visitors can not only learn about the country's grand ducal history but also enjoy breathtaking vistas of the sprawling old town below, making it a pinnacle among the places to visit in Lithuania.
Kaunas: Ninth Fort
What is it?
A poignant memorial and museum dedicated to historical memory.
Why you should go?
The Ninth Fort is a stark reminder of Lithuania's tumultuous past, serving both as a fortress in the old Kaunas Fortress network and as a site of tragedy during WWII. Today, it stands as a museum and a memorial, offering visitors the chance to engage with the country's complex history through sobering exhibits and memorials. A visit here is an insightful addition to Lithuania tourist attractions, providing context and reflection.
Trakai: Trakai Historical National Park
What is it?
A national park mixing natural beauty with rich history.
Why you should go?
Encapsulating the stunning Trakai Island Castle and surrounded by pristine lakes, Trakai Historical National Park is a blend of Lithuania's natural and historical treasures. The park invites exploration of its scenic landscapes via activities such as boating and hiking, alongside learning about the area's heritage amidst ancient ruins. It exemplifies some of the best things to do in Lithuania for those enamored by nature and history alike.
Klaipėda: Curonian Spit
What is it?
A unique geological formation and UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Why you should go?
Stretching along Lithuania's coastline, the Curonian Spit is a natural wonder characterized by its vast sand dunes, quiet seaside communities, and dense forests. Bridging Lithuania and Russia's Kaliningrad region, this slender land strip offers sublime nature experiences, cultural insights into the coastal way of life, and an idyllic retreat from the hustle of urban centers. It's one of the top things to do in Lithuania for all types of travelers.
Šiauliai: Hill of Crosses
What is it?
An evocative pilgrimage site dotted with thousands of crosses.
Why you should go?
Šiauliai's Hill of Crosses is one of the most extraordinary Lithuania attractions, symbolizing resistance and peace. Embellished with crosses of varying designs and sizes, the site offers a meditative atmosphere unlike any other. Visitors immerse themselves in the deep spiritual and historical significance of this open-air sanctuary, making it a quintessential point of interest for those pondering what to do in Lithuania to connect with its soulful aspects.
TOP-5 Free Tours in Lithuania
- Explore the cobbled streets of Vilnius Old Town, delving into the heart of Lithuania attractions, and admire the architectural wonder of the Vilnius Cathedral.
- Uncover the serene beauty of Trakai Island Castle, one of the top things to do in Lithuania, surrounded by the tranquil waters of Lake Galvė.
- Stroll through the quaint alleys of Klaipėda, absorbing the maritime charm and historical sights that make up essential Lithuania activities.
- Visit the Hill of Crosses, a poignant site revealing the spiritual depth and resilience, a must on the list of things to do in Lithuania.
- Wander through Kaunas Old Town, where vibrant culture and history converge, showcasing what to see in Lithuania at its most picturesque.