Biking Through History: The Best Cycling Routes In Vilnius

With its seasonal shared public bike system, Cyclo City Vilnius, bike lanes and parks often become a stream of orange in the summer. Biking Vilnius is an excellent way to sightsee in Vilnius’ UNESCO World Heritage listed old town and the beautiful new city. Visitors should keep in mind that while Vilnius encourages bike riding, drivers struggle to share the road with bikers, so cyclists should practice caution on busy roads and during rush hour.

Old Town and Užupis Bike Route

Covering about 10 km, the Old Town and Užupis Bike Route takes visitors past most major sights including Cathedral Square, Gediminas’ Castle, Pilies Street, the central campus of Vilnius University, Town Hall Square, Užupis, and more. Though visitors can begin from anywhere, it is recommended to begin your self-guided cycling tour near Cathedral Square, where bikes can be borrowed from Cyclo City Vilnius. A map has been created by the Vilnius Tourism Board with suggested old town biking routes.

Route along the Neris River

The recently renovated walkway along the Neris River is an excellent cycling route, providing unique views of Vilnius’ old and new towns. This flat, paved route is an approximately 5 km loop, taking cyclists along both sides of the Neris River. Unique artwork can also be spotted along this route including an arched pipe and a “needle” going through one of the pedestrian bridges.

Biking and walking along the Neris River

Trails in Vingis Park

With 162 hectares of green, Vingis Park is the largest park in Vilnius. It provides ample running and biking trails on flat, well-maintained terrain. Cyclists can opt for both shorter or longer routes (1 km to 5+ km). Depending on the season, bikes can be rented from the activities facility in Vingis Park.
M. K. Čiurlionio g., Vilnius, Lithuania

Green Lakes Bicycle Route

Serious cyclists might opt for the Green Lakes Bicycle Route that leaves the city center in favor of the nature found surrounding Vilnius. Several different paths are possible along the Green Lakes Route, including a 15.3 km route, passing by Verkiai Palace and Balsio Lake, or the more challenging 11.1 km route through forests and over hills to the surrounding villages of Staviskes, Ozkiniai, Kryzoikai, and Pagube.

Vilnius–Trakai–Kernave–Vilnius Bike Route

For a longer, scenic route, the Vilnius to Trakai, to Kernave, with a return to Vilnius route follows a beautiful, historic trail. Starting and ending at Cathedral Square in Vilnius, this 108 km, the two- to three-day long bike route passes by important sights in Vilnius including Gediminas’ Castle and Gediminas Avenue. From Vilnius, the route will take you through scenic roads by the Varnikai Mound to Trakai Castle. The following day will take cyclists to Kernave, the first capital of Lithuania. This impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site features castle mounds and archeological remains. A detailed map and guide to this route has been created by the Vilnius Tourism Board.