Top Things To Do In Lithuania: Explore The Rich Culture And Scenic Beauty Of Baltic Region

A scenic countryside view of Duokiškis, Lithuania, with houses surrounded by trees

Lithuania is a famous country located in Northeastern Europe. Often referred to as the ‘gem’ of the Baltic region, it has a complex blend of nature, culture and history. Things to do in Lithuania range from relaxing on the beach to enjoying the scenic, historically significant cities and their traditions. Lithuania is home to charming towns with great cuisine and national parks filled with distinctive traditions. If you are looking for a place to relax, go on an adventure or immerse yourself in culture, Lithuania has something amazing for you.

10 Amazing Things To Do In Lithuania

Here is a carefully curated list of the top things to do in Lithuania that will make your trip unforgettable.

1. Visit Grutas Park

A tall statue of Stalin placed on the green grass in Grutas Park, surrounded by trees and greenery.

Photo: Wojsyl / Wikimedia Commons

Grūtas Park houses remnants of the Soviet era, which people call “Stalin’s World”. The park has Soviet statues and monuments that remind people of the occupation era. Lithuania has preserved these memories even after independence. This park gives the necessary historical context for tourists. Monuments made of granite of famous figures like Lenin and Stalin can be seen. It is considered one of the unique things to do in Lithuania. This park gives visitors a chance to learn about the history of Lithuania. You can stroll through the heritage and see how Soviet rule affected the country. The tranquil forest setting serves as a great balance to the stern Soviet monuments.

Location: Grutas Village, about 130 km from Vilnius
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM

2. Explore Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum

Traditional wooden buildings at the Open-Air Museum showcasing Lithuanian heritage.

Photo: Derbrauni / Wikimedia Commons

The open-air ethnographic museum in Rumšiškis displays the rural lifestyle of different regions of Lithuania. This architectural village consists of many structures. The area has farms, workshops, churches, and schools from the 18th to the 20th centuries. The museum displays the old lifestyle of Lithuania. Visitors can see craft workshops, and children especially enjoy the bread-baking demonstrations. The museum is spread over a huge space. Each region of Lithuania has a separate section. People can see how people from different parts of the country used to live. Authentic buildings were collected from different regions and assembled here. This is one of the best things to do in Lithuania with kids. The peaceful countryside setting makes for a perfect day trip.

Location: Rumsiskes, about 27 km from Kaunas
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

3. Visit The Ninth Fort

The IX Fort Memorial, Kaunas, is a historic site remembering Lithuania’s wartime past.

Photo: Andrius Vanagas / Wikimedia Commons

The Ninth Fort in Kaunas tells a sad story in the history of Lithuania. In the old days, it was built to protect the city from enemies. During the Nazi rule, it became a prison and execution site. The fortress has a 32-meter-high monument that is unique in design and pays tribute to the victims of the war. Its shadows are extremely beautiful, yet its tragic nature makes it one of the most beautiful places in Lithuania. The museum where the monument is located houses the personal belongings of the victims, which tell the story of that dark time. The fortress-like architecture is very attractive, as it makes the landscape even more attractive. People from all over Europe come here to see the monument which is an important site in European history. The site is a strong reminder of the devastation and reminds us of what happened so that we do not repeat history.

Location: Zemaicių pl. 73, Kaunas
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

4. Visit The Devil’s Museum In Kaunas

Inside the Zmuidzinavičius Museum displaying an eerie collection of devil sculptures.

Photo: Doyle of London / Wikimedia Commons

With over 3,000 sculptures and carvings, the Museum of Devils in Kaunas is one of the most special places to visit in Lithuania. The collection was started by Antanas Žmuidzinavičius, a Lithuanian artist. The museum looks at the devil from different perspectives in different cultures. The collection is filled with wooden, stone and ceramic devils, each with a unique story to tell, some humorous and others horrifying. The museum is spread over several floors and keeps growing as people donate new devil figures. There is no other museum like it in the world. People of all ages find the exhibits interesting.

Location: V. Putvinskio g. 64, Kaunas
Timings: 11 AM – 5 PM

5. Attend A Performance At The Romuva Cinema In Kaunas

Romuva Cinema, Lithuania’s oldest cinema, offers classic and contemporary films.

Photo: Vilensija / Wikimedia Commons

Romuva Cinema is a well-maintained Art Deco cinema from 1940. Watching a film or attending a cultural event here is among the most memorable things to do in Lithuania. From the vintage seating to the original detailed elements, every part of the cinema evokes nostalgia. The cinema is a particular favourite at the Kaunas International Film Festival and screens independent and art-house films. Admired by movie lovers around the world, this cinema offers a unique movie-watching experience unmatched by modern-day theatres. Kaunas is one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Lithuania and this 1940s Art Deco cinema serves as the cherry on top.

Location: Laisves al. 54, Kaunas
Timings: Varies depending on screenings

6. Visit The Ancient Beekeeping Museum In Aukstaitija National Park

Traditional wooden beehives at the Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping in Aukštaitija.

Photo: Wojsyl / Wikimedia Commons

The Ancient Beekeeping Museum educates its visitors on the topic of honey and its production in Lithuania. The museum’s collection displays many old beekeeping tools. At this place, one can find different varieties of hives. The exhibits explain folklore customs and traditions related to bees. Kids can join candle-making workshops. They can also taste different types of honey. This museum is located in the gorgeous Aukštatia National Park. Lithuania is famous for being home to many beekeepers throughout history. This establishment shows the evolution of this practice over the centuries. The friendly staff shares interesting stories about bees. It teaches how beneficial bees are to nature. This is one of the great things to do in Lithuania with kids. The natural setting makes the visit even more enjoyable.

Location: Stripeikiai Village, Aukštaitija National Park
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM

7. Relax At A Spa In Druskininkai

A cosy private SPA wooden cottage, ideal for relaxation and wellness in Lithuania.

Photo: Park Weggis / Wikimedia Commons

Since the 19th century, Druskininkai has been considered a spa town. Tourists come for the mineral springs and therapeutic mud. Spending time at a spa in Druskininkai is one of the most relaxing things to do in Lithuania. Modern spa complexes have been built in the town. Traditional sanatoriums offer wellness services. The water amusement park has a variety of saunas, water slides and swimming pools. The town is surrounded by beautiful lakes and pine forests. Clean air enhances the relaxing effect. The town is known for health and wellness tourism. Many hotels offer pampering spa packages. Druskininkai is ideal for any kind of holiday. It is a great place to relax and rejuvenate.

Location: Druskininkai, southern Lithuania
Best Time To Visit: Year-round

8. Explore The Lithuanian Sea Museum

Dolphins performing at the Lithuanian Sea Museum, a fun attraction for visitors.

Photo: ViršuLF / Wikimedia Commons

The Sea Museum in Klaipeda, Lithuania, is dedicated to showcasing the life of the sea and marine creatures. It is located in an ancient monument, which is a fortified building from the 19th century. The museum has a variety of aquariums that house animals from the Baltic Sea. Apart from this, it also has an exhibition depicting maritime history. The famous dolphin show features dolphin trainers who attract many visitors. Watching a dolphin show is one of the best things to do in Lithuania with kids. The museum also has a reconstructed fisherman’s village and old ships for people to watch. Old ships are displayed and can be viewed. The museum gives information about the environment. You get any information about Lithuania’s connection with water.

Location: Smiltynes g. 3, Klaipeda
Timings: 10:30 AM – 7 PM

9. Attend Folk Dance And Music Performances

Performers in traditional Lithuanian attire presenting a folklore dance and music show.

Photo: Gailė Paštukaitė / Wikimedia Commons

Lithuania’s folklore and customs are all intact and very much alive. Nothing is more rewarding from a cultural point of view than watching a folk performance in Lithuania. It is one of the most culturally enriching things to do in Lithuania. There are colourful costumes, ancient instruments such as the kankles (a stringed instrument), and spirited dances. The most fascinating is the Song Festival which takes place once every four years, attracting thousands of participants from different places in the country. Lithuanian dances are full of emotions as they reflect events from history. Through the dances, the wonderful music helps the audience connect with their roots. A unique feeling can only be described as passion emanating from the performers. Such shows are held throughout the year, but there are more of them during the summer, leading to more outdoor summer festivals. This experience broadens one’s perception of Lithuanian identity and culture.

Major Attraction: Lithuanian National Philharmonic, Vilnius; Various cultural centres
Duration: 1 – 2 hours

10. Visit The Lithuanian Zoo

A view of Kaunas Zoo showing animal enclosures and animals for wildlife lovers.

Photo: BigHead / Wikimedia Commons

The Lithuanian Zoo located in Kaunas has around 2000 animals from more than 250 species. Visiting the zoo is one of the most popular things to do in Lithuania with kids. The zoo is very active in the conservation of endangered species and they have several breeding programs for them. Remarkable exhibits showcase Baltic wildlife where the animals are from the region. Visitors of all ages have a chance to enjoy and learn through educational programs and feeding activities. The grounds are clean and the zoo takes part in animal welfare. Facilities are provided to ensure a natural environment for the animals. The zoo strives to promote awareness of animal conservation issues. The petting area with the animals is very popular among children. The zoo makes for a perfect family day out. It combines fun with learning about wildlife.

Location: Radvilėnų pl. 21, Kaunas
Timings: 9 AM – 7 PM
Duration: 2 – 3 hours

Lithuania has many unique treasures eagerly waiting for explorers, making it a breathtaking country. With a richness of history, folklore and even stunning natural wonders, as well as other modern and contemporary activities, the things to do in Lithuania are endless. Plan your trip to Lithuania with TripXL, which will allow you to create unforgettable moments. This country guarantees a memorable vacation as well as amazing views that will invite you to come back again.

Cover Photo: VietovesLt / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Lithuania is known for amber, also known as Baltic gold, its baroque architecture, basketball culture and being one of the last countries in Europe to adopt Christianity. They also have a rich tradition of folk music and the dunes of the Curonian Spit are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The best months to go would be from May to September, when Lithuania is at its warmest, with temperatures ranging between 15 to 25°C. July and August are the warmest months but also the busiest. Winter from November to March also offers unique outdoor activities, but temperatures can drop below 0°C.
Lithuanian food is unique and worth trying, such as cepelinai (a type of potato dumpling), šaltibarščia (cold beetroot soup), kibinai (pastry filled with meat or cheese), kepta duona (fried bread with garlic) and gira (kvass, a fermented bread drink).
Visitors in winter can try out ice fishing on frozen lakes, cross-country skiing in national parks, traditional steam baths, and ice skating in city centres. They can also enjoy cozy moments in cafés tasting seasonal specialties like hot wine with spices.
To visit the main cities (Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda) and observe some natural beauty, it is wise to spend 5-7 days. Those who want to see the full view of the Curonian Spit, national parks and small towns and villages should spend 3-4 days more.

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