Best Things to Do in Lithuania

 Get a different view of Old Town Vilnius and the countryside surrounding the city by taking a hot air balloon ride. Every ride is different depending on the weather and wind direction, but expert pilots will make sure you touch down safely — just remember to bring your passport in case your landing spot happens to be across the Lithuanian border!

Take a trip to the Hill of Crosses outside of Siauliai. Thought to have been the site of an ancient hill fort, the hill is now covered in thousands of wooden crosses placed there by pilgrims and residents of the area as signs of faith and patriotism; the Hill of Crosses remains one of the world’s most important and unique Catholic pilgrimage sites. 

Visit the Europos Parkas just outside of Vilnius. This park & museum marks the exact geographic center of Europe, and features over 130 acres of modern art and sculptures which can be explored by foot or bicycle. 

For a day of muddy outdoor fun, go on a guided walk of Lithuania’s Kulgrindas. The Kulgrindas are ancient stony roads built across swampy areas of the countryside, undetectable from the surface and originally intended as escape routes for locals in case of invasion; now, they’re a testament to Lithuania’s fascinating history and a unique way to see the countryside.

Take a walk through the Hill of Witches outside Juodkrante, in the northern part of the country. The Hill of Witches is an outdoor sculpture park created in 1979, which features locally-made handcrafted carvings depicting the best-known stories and legends of Lithuanian folk history. 

Explore the Lithuanian countryside and learn about the tradition of beekeeping in the rural village of Musteika. Beekeeping is a long-standing part of Lithuanian culture and mythology, and Musteika has maintained the practice amongst other traditional cultural customs; it even has its own beekeeping museum full of information and beekeeping equipment.

Walk along the Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path in the Anykščiai Regional Park outside of Vilnius. The walkway rests 35 meters above the forest floor and offers beautiful views of the woods and a unique outdoor activity. 

Get a taste of traditional Lithuanian cuisine by trying a dish such as chilled borscht (cold beetroot soup) or “spit cake” — cake made by cooking batter on a spit as it turns. Ask your tour guide for recommendations on the best places to try the local food.

Explore one (or several!) of Lithuania’s five famous national parks for plenty of hiking, biking, and water sports. You can even take a boat out to the Trakai Island Castle in the Trakai Historical National Park, or walk through the shifting sand dunes of the Curonian Spit. 

Relax and recharge at one of Lithuania’s resort towns, such as Druskininkai and Birštonas. Located on the Nemunas River, these towns are known for their mineral waters and health spas which offer treatments such as massages, facials, and mud baths.