The landscapes of Lithuania: a guide for nature lovers

If you like to spend your vacations immersed in nature, with a dose of culture and a little recreational activity on the side, Lithuania is the destination you never knew you needed. The country’s geography is a captivating blend of unusual coastal scenery, tranquil lakes, verdant pine forests and enchanting castles, making it a compelling destination for nature lovers and photographers.

Picture emerging from a dense pine forest onto white sandy beaches and dunes or one of the numerous lakes and rivers dotted around the countryside. It goes some way to explaining the Lithuanian character. Just like their Nordic counterparts, Lithuanians love to be outdoors and hiking, kayaking, and spending time in nature are important to their lifestyle.

Many of Lithuania’s medieval towns, ancient castles and spas nestle amidst its natural landscape, meaning a vacation here has the best of everything at your fingertips – and its small size means you can see some diverse terrain in a relatively short time. Read on for our guide to the best ways of experiencing nature in Lithuania.

The jewel in the crown: the coastal dunes of the Curonian Spit

The Curonian Spit is a narrow peninsula stretching approximately 100km along the Baltic Sea coast. This unique promontory is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional natural beauty and ecological significance. Its stunning coastal dunes are among the tallest in Europe, with some towering up to 60m above sea level. These massive sand formations were shaped by wind and waves over thousands of years, creating a dynamic landscape that continues to evolve.

The dunes are home to a diverse ecosystem characterised by sand, grasses, shrubs and forests. This fragile environment supports a variety of plant and animal species, including rare birds and insects, and you might spot elk, deer and wild boar. The dunes attract visitors from around the world who come to admire the breathtaking scenery and go hiking, birdwatching and even sandboarding, or simply to enjoy the pristine beaches and tranquil surroundings.

The area has a rich cultural heritage, dotted with picturesque fishing villages, historic lighthouses and traditional wooden architecture, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s maritime history and local way of life. Cycle the 52km route from Smiltynė to Nida through picturesque pine forests and stop for lunch at Preila for fabulous views and food.

Lithuania’s sprawling forests

With over a third of the country covered by pine and birch forests, the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) might as well have been invented for Lithuania. This simple practice of being calm and quiet amongst the trees, observing nature around you whilst breathing deeply is something that Lithuanians already have in their DNA. They cherish their forests and spend weekends hiking, camping, picking mushrooms and berries, and enjoying a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

The country has over 200 maintained walking routes with many going right into the heart of the forest landscape. Less than two hours from Vilnius, the forests of Labanoras Regional Park are known for their hiking and cycling trails, plus an astronomical observatory from where you can observe the clear night sky and learn about the constellations. A little further on, you can hike through the Aukštaitija National Park and explore traditional Lithuanian villages. Visit the Ethnology Museum or make like one of the golden eagles soaring above the canopy, and get a bird’s-eye view of the forest from the top of the 30m observation tower.

For the dedicated hiker, the Miško Takas is a 747km forest trail passing through some of the greenest areas of the country. It takes in the Dubysa Regional Park, where it meanders along the riverbank past castles, churches and cultural sites, followed by a stretch of historic settlements, before trekking through the Tytuvėnai Regional Park – a wetland bursting with rare bird species.

Escape to scenic lakes

Like the forests, Lithuania’s lakes are an integral part of its landscape and of its citizens’ love of the great outdoors. The country has hundreds of lakes, from tiny ones beloved of local fishermen, to vast expanses of water with facilities on the shore for boating, kayaking and canoeing.

One of the best of these is Lake Tauragnas, the deepest of all the lakes with a sandy beach, outdoor changing facilities, gazebos, and even volleyball courts. The surrounding forest is a peaceful backdrop to the lakeside activities, while two floating footbridges offer vantage points for spotting wildlife. In summer, the shore is a gathering place for nature lovers, families with children, fishermen and travellers alike, while in winter the lake becomes a stunning ice rink.

Many of Lithuania’s lakes freeze in the winter, and when we say freeze, they really freeze! Lake Sartai is famous for its annual winter event, the Sartai Horse Racing Festival, held on the frozen lake surface. But if sub-zero temperatures aren’t for you, we recommend a summer visit to Lake Plateliai in the heart of the Žemaitija National Park, where you can cycle around the lake’s 24km shore at your own pace and spend the night at one of the local campsites or lake houses. Birdwatchers should head for Lake Dusia in northeastern Lithuania, where it’s possible to spot over 130 species.

Perhaps the most celebrated of all the lakes is Lake Galvė. Surrounded by lush forests, the lake is where you can witness the fairy-tale Trakai Castle floating ethereally on the water, making it one of the most picturesque spots in the country. Access the castle by crossing a long wooden bridge, and visit the home of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

The wild reaches of the Čepkeliai Marsh

The Čepkeliai Marsh is one of the wildest and most preserved natural corners of Lithuania, where pine trees rise up from pristine swamp, and over 150 bird species make it their natural sanctuary. The marsh is a strict nature reserve and closed for visitors from mid-spring till mid-summer to protect the breeding grounds of its rare birds. During the rest of the year, you can walk the 1.5km educational path that winds across the marsh, through pine forests to the observation platform and tower which allow you to see far across the wide, foggy bog and its small, forested islands.

The historic Kernavė Mounds

Also known as the Kernavė Hillfort Complex, the Kernavė Mounds represent one of the most significant archaeological sites in Lithuania, with evidence of human habitation dating back over 10,000 years. These ancient settlements overlooking the Neris River valley served as strategic defensive positions, providing protection for the inhabitants and controlling trade routes and communication networks.

Excavations uncovered a wealth of archaeological artefacts and structures, including defensive walls, residential buildings, workshops and burial sites. The discoveries shed light on the daily life, social organisation, and technological advancements of the people who inhabited the area throughout history, and the mounds were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.

Go in search of the Devil’s Pit

Deep in the forests of the Aukštadvaris Regional Park lurks the ominously named Devil’s Pit. According to legend, the pit was created by the Devil himself, who dug it out with his bare hands in a fit of rage. In reality, it’s a natural funnel-shaped depression in the earth formed by the process of karst erosion, creating a 40m-deep crater. The place has become a popular tourist attraction and there are hiking trails and observation platforms nearby, allowing visitors to enjoy panoramic views of the pit and its surroundings.

Best outdoor activities: cycling, treetop walks and more

One of the most-visited tourist attractions in Lithuania is the treetop walking path through the pine-filled woods of Anyksciai Regional Park. It’s an immersive journey though a unique environment, rewarding visitors with a deep connection with nature. Getting away from it all? Lithuania’s low population density and large green spaces mean it’s a country where you can enjoy the tranquillity of the outdoors relatively undisturbed. There are miles of self-guided trails where you can enjoy the woodlands and lakes in solitude.

Cyclists should hit the Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route, a 100km trail which follows the picturesque coastline of the Baltic Sea with breathtaking views of sandy beaches, windswept dunes, and charming coastal towns. Can’t decide? Try something new while at the Curonian Spit, such as a guided canoe tour – from Klaipeda you can even do one at night! Go glamping and spend the night in a yurt on the picturesque shores of Lake Medinis, waking up to the sounds of the forest.

If you don’t mind a side order of weird and wonderful with your hike, explore the Hill of Witches where art intertwines with nature, to wander through the trees and among carved wooden demons.

Make it happen

If you’re looking to make a trip into the great outdoors of Lithuania, check out our beginner’s guide to this vibrant country and chat with one of our local experts to start planning – they’ll help you craft the ultimate, tailor-made trip.