Europe’s best-kept wilderness isn’t hidden in the European Alps or found in Scandinavia’s dense forests – it’s right in the heart of Lithuania.
With untouched green landscapes, ancient forests and a vibrant cultural heritage, Lithuania’s national parks are receiving the international recognition they merit, as the country was named one of the world’s top destinations by Lonely Planet in their ‘Best in Travel 2025’ list.
This recognition didn’t surprise Olga Gončarova, General Manager at Lithuania Travel, as Lithuania’s cultural offerings and national parks had been quietly impressing those in the know for years. “Lithuania is an often-overlooked gem in Europe,” she explains. “There’s no overtourism here… just natural beauty and authentic culture.”
The Lonely Planet recognition, Gončarova believes, is a “gift” to Lithuania, “not only for tourism professionals but for all Lithuanians who contribute to creating an inviting, authentic experience for visitors.”
Lithuania’s national parks: Which is the best for nature, hiking, and swimming?
Lithuania’s five national parks display the country’s thorough reserve of cultural heritage, varied wildlife and dedication to eco-friendly tourism, from historical lakeside areas near the capital, Vilnius, to large sandy coastlines and centuries-old forests.
“Is forested,” notes Goncharova. “The infrastructure is becoming more developed each year… we now have more than 150 different routes where people can hike.”
Each park combines nature and history, with tiny villages situated alongside richly vegetated landscapes teeming with rare plants and diverse wildlife.
From the charming accessibility of Trakai Historical National Park to the vast stretches of the UNESCO-protected Curonian Spit, these parks provide a leisurely travel experience for travelers seeking to escape Europe’s more heavily frequented destinations.
Trakai Historical and Cultural Park is home to several castles, including a 14th-century island castle that features a reconstruction of a medieval village with traditional houses, as well as a collection of exhibits at the Museum of Motorcycles and a Bone Chapel. Visitors can also explore the natural beauty of the surrounding area by kayaking through the Lake Galve Lake’s many coves and inlets or by hiking along the park’s winding trails.
Lithuania’s UNESCO-listed Trakai National Park, the nation’s smallest at 82 square kilometres, is a captivating combination of history, lakes, and dense forests.
“Trakai is about 25 kilometres away from Vilnius,” says Gončarova, pointing out the park’s convenient location.
Central to the park is Trakai’s Island Castle, a medieval fortress situated on Lake Galvė that draws visitors throughout the year. Approximately a 700-metre walk to the south is the Peninsula Castle, whose remains are steeped in an air of mystery and contribute to the park’s enthralling historical appeal. With lakes covering roughly 20 per cent of the park’s area, Lake Galvė becomes a vibrant centre for canoeing and kayaking during the warmer months.
Beyond the castle, the park’s clear lakes and wooded trails are ideal for kayaking, hiking and picnicking. With its accessible location and rich history, Trakai has long been a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
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Traditional wooden houses in the Karaites’ architectural style can be seen in the village of Trakai. This is a place where visitors can gain insight into Lithuania’s diverse cultural heritage and experience local culinary specialties, including ‘kibinai’, a savory pastry that was introduced to the country by the Karaites many centuries ago.
Being only 98 kilometers in length, the Curonian Spit is a long, thin peninsula jutting into the Baltic Sea. Offshore, it’s bisected by a spread of water known as the Curonian Lagoon, a mecca for marine life. Visitors can walk the sandy shores and observe birds such as kestrels, bee-eaters and egrets. Watching dolphins and several other marine species also aren’t uncommon.
Head west to Curonian Spit National Park to discover the remote and untamed areas of the Baltic coast, described by Gončarova as “very unique”. This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches along a thin strip of land that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the open waters of the Baltic Sea.
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Travelers can explore Europe’s largest shifting dunes, known as the “Dead Dunes”, where drifting sands have engulfed whole villages over the centuries. The Curonian Spit is also renowned for its amber reserves, sometimes called “Baltic gold”, which locals have skillfully crafted into jewelry and other objects for generations.
Thrill-seeking travelers can explore the coastline by bike, with trails that run the length of the landstrip, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and the lagoon.
Žemaita National Park: Legends of the Lakes
In northwestern Lithuania, Žemaitija National Park is where nature, history, and mythology meet. Centered around Lake Plateliai, a lake famous in local legend, this park presents enchanting landscapes that locals believe are steeped in myth and legend.
During the day, the lake is a magnet that draws people in for swimming, kayaking, or cycling along its picturesque shoreline. Families frequently visit its sandy and shallow coast, particularly near Hotel Linelis, which offers a playground, volleyball, and basketball courts, making it a popular spot for families.
However, the lake’s serene beauty takes on a more ominous tone at night. Local legends caution against evening swims when eerie sounds from the lake’s depths and tales of long-haired woodland spirits are said to manifest. Whether you believe it or not, it all contributes to the folklore-rich atmosphere that makes Žemaitija such an entrancing destination.
This unusual museum gives a chilling look into a time when nuclear threats were a major concern, making a nuclear missile base.
Exhibits located within the underground bunkers that once housed SS-4 medium-range missiles, each carrying a 2-megaton warhead, recreate the tense atmosphere of the Cold War era.
Visitors pass through multi-stage security areas and control rooms, examining exhibits related to missile technology and Cold War-era propaganda efforts.
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Lithuania’s oldest national park, Aukštaitija National Park, is a blend of lakes, forests, and traditional villages.
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One of Aukštaitija’s must-see attractions is Ladakalnis, a historic hill that provides a breathtaking panoramic view of six surrounding lakes. “We have more than 30 observation towers in the national parks,” notes Gončarova.
Historically, the Ladakalnis site was a place of worship for ancient Baltic tribes, and many present-day visitors still follow the tradition of leaving pebbles as offerings to the goddess Lada, who, according to legend, was once revered in this location.
Beyond its breathtaking views, Aukštaitija is deeply dedicated to preserving Lithuania’s traditional skills and cultural heritage. “We have exclusive programs to connect with local customs,” Gončarova explains. In the village of Meironys, located on the shore of Lake Lūšiai, the Nature School provides interactive learning activities that focus on the environment.
An additional cultural attraction in the park is the Beekeeping Museum, where visitors are introduced to Lithuanian beekeeping through education, art, and hands-on activities.
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Dzūkija is also a destination popular among bird enthusiasts.
Between April and September, Dzūkija’s forests reverberate with the melodies of birdsong. Throughout the Merkys Valley, the distinctive call of the corncrake can be heard, while kingfishers dart above the Ūla River, and black storks and goosanders regularly frequent the riverbanks.
A cherished local custom in Dzūkija is foraging for wild mushrooms, particularly during autumn. Guests can participate in guided foraging tours with local guides who share their expertise on the forest’s edible mushrooms and the cultural importance of foraging in Lithuania.
