Lithuania holds Europe’s best-kept wilderness, although it’s not nestled in the Alps or within the dense forests of Scandinavia – it’s actually located in the heart of Lithuania.
Lithuania’s national parks, boasting unspoiled green landscapes, ancient forests, and a rich cultural heritage, are at last receiving the recognition they are due, with the country being named among the world’s top destinations in Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel 2025” list.
This acknowledgment doesn’t surprise me,” says Olga Gončarova, General Manager at Lithuania Travel, as Lithuania’s cultural offerings and national parks have been quietly impressing those who are aware of them for years. “Lithuania is a hidden treasure in Europe,” she explains. “There’s no overtourism here… just natural beauty and cultural authenticity.
The Lonely Planet recognition, according to Gončarova, is a “gift” to Lithuania, “not only for tourism professionals, but for all Lithuanians who help create a welcoming and authentic experience for visitors.”
Lithuania’s National Parks – Which one is the best for nature, hiking and swimming?
Lithuania’s five national parks display the country’s profound heritage, wide-ranging biodiversity, and dedication to ecotourism, which encompasses historic lake-filled areas near the capital city, Vilnius, and wide coastal dunes and ancient forests.
The area is becoming increasingly forested, says Gončarova. “The infrastructure is becoming more developed every year… we now have more than 150 different paths where people can hike.”
Each park combines nature and history, with quaint villages situated alongside verdant expanses of land teeming with exotic plants and diverse wildlife.
From the cottage-like warmth of Trakai Historical National Park to the vast expanses of the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit’s dunes, these parks provide a leisurely travel experience for visitors seeking refuge from Europe’s more vibrant and bustling destinations.
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The Trakai National Park, a UNESCO-listed gem in Lithuania, covers an area of 82 square kilometers and offers a unique blend of historical significance, serene lakes, and vibrant forests.
“Trakai is only about 25 kilometres from Vilnius,” points out Gončarova, noting the park’s convenient location.
Quoting Wikipedia, Trakai Island Castle, a medieval fortress situated on Lake Galvė, is the main attraction of the park, appealing to visitors throughout the year. Approximately 700 meters south of the castle, the PENINSULA CASTLE park area holds the remnants of the Peninsula Castle, adding complexity to the site’s historical charm. The lakes cover roughly 20 percent of the park’s territory, becoming a popular kayaking and canoeing destination during warmer months.
Beyond the castle, the park’s crystal-clear lakes and wood-lined trails are ideal for kayaking, hiking and picnicking. With its accessible location and rich heritage, Trakai has long been a popular destination for both locals and visitors.
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Wooden houses constructed in the Karaite architectural style are a common sight in the village of Trakai. This location offers a chance to explore Lithuania’s distinct cultural diversity and experience local specialties, including “kibinai”, a savory pastry that the Karaite community brought to the area centuries ago.
People who have spent time there live for nature, to come to the Curonian Spit National Park, “there you can relax, be as close to nature as possible, and return home happy with unforgettable impressions”.
Head westwards to the Curonian Spit National Park to experience the untamed beauty of the Baltic coast, characterized by Gončarova as “very unique”. Located along a slender sandbar, this UNESCO World Heritage site divides the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.
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Travelers can explore Europe’s largest shifting dunes, known as the “Dead Dunes,” where drifting sands have overrun entire villages throughout the centuries. The Curonian Spit is also known for its amber deposits, often referred to as “Baltic gold,” which locals have transformed into jewelry and other treasures for generations.
Thrill-seeking travelers can explore the coastline on bike, with pathways that stretch along the entire spit, providing breathtaking views of the sea and the lagoon.
Žemaitija National Park: Legend-filled lakes abound in this enchanting region
In northwestern Lithuania, Žemaitija National Park is where nature, myth and history come together. Anchored by the famous Lake Plateliai, this park presents landscapes that locals claim are steeped in legend.
By day, the lake is an extremely appealing destination for swimming, kayaking, or cycling along its picturesque shores. Families head to its sandy, shallow coastline, particularly near Hotel Linelis, where a playground, volleyball, and basketball courts make it a popular family attraction.
However, the lake’s serene beauty takes on a more ominous tone at night. Local legend warns against evening swims, citing eerie sounds from the lake’s depths and stories of long-haired forest spirits said to appear. Whether you believe it or not, it all contributes to the folklore-rich ambiance that makes Žemaitija such an enigmatic destination.
This unusual museum offers a chilling glimpse into the era when nuclear threats dominated the concern.
Inside the underground bunkers that previously stored SS-4 medium-range missiles, each capable of carrying 2-megaton warheads, exhibits bring the tense Cold War era back to life.
Visitors traverse multiple levels of security checkpoints and monitoring centers, delving into displays on rocketry engineering and Cold War-era propaganda materials.
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Aukštaitija National Park, Lithuania’s oldest national park, is a mixture of lakes, forests, and traditional villages.
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One must-visit destination in Aukštaitija is Ladakalnis, a historically significant hill with a breathtaking panoramic view of six surrounding lakes. “We have more than 30 observation towers within the national parks,” notes Gončarova.
Ladakalnis historically served as a sacred site where old Baltic tribes worshipped. Nowadays, a lot of visitors maintain the tradition of leaving pebbles to honour the goddess Lada, who, according to local legend, was once worshipped at this location.
Beyond its picturesque landscapes, Aukštaitija is deeply dedicated to preserving Lithuania’s cultural heritage by maintaining its traditional crafts and customs. “We have distinctive programs to connect with local traditions,” Gončarova explains. In the village of Meironys, located on the banks of Lake Lūšiai, the Nature School offers stimulating activities focused on environmental education.
A notable cultural attraction in the park is the Beekeeping Museum, which provides visitors an educational, artistic, and hands-on experience into Lithuanian beekeeping practices.
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Dzūkija is a significant attraction for bird enthusiasts as well.
Between April and September, Dzūkija’s forests are filled with the melodious sounds of birdsong. Throughout the Merkys Valley, the chorus of corncrakes echoes through the air, as kingfishers dart above the waters of the Ūla River, and black storks and goosanders regularly visit the riverbanks.
A treasured tradition in Dzūkija is foraging for mushrooms, particularly during autumn. Travellers can partake in guided tours led by residents who share their expertise on the edible species found in the forest and the cultural importance of foraging in Lithuania.
