The Beautiful National Parks Of Lithuania

Lithuania’s five national parks are representative of the country’s heritage, history, and diverse natural landscapes. Providing refuge to endangered plant species, 200-year-old trees, foxes, wolves, and numerous bird species, Lithuania‘s national parks abound with natural beauty. All of the national parks contain inhabited, historical villages with old buildings constructed of wood and cultural monuments depicting local folklore. For an easy visit from Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city, Trakai Historical National Park is only approximately 45 minutes by public transport, yet still allows for cultural exploration and appreciation of pristine, blue lakes. Further afield are Zemaitija, Dzukija, Aukstaitija, and the Curonian Spit National Parks.

1. Zemaitija National Park

Park

Zemaitija National Park was established in 1991 due to its importance for Lithuanian biodiversity and culture. Exceptional as a site of cultural heritage, Zemaitija, or Samogitia in English, is an ethnic region of Lithuania, and the people of this region were historically the last to adopt Christianity during the Crusades, although some pagan beliefs remain in place to this day. Some traditional experiences can be had at Zemaitija National Park, including Shrove Tuesday celebrations (in February or March depending on the date of Easter) and an art festival in late June.
Zemaitija National Park comprises several lakes, Plateliai, Berzoras, Ilgis, and Ziedelis, thus water sports such as boating and windsurfing are popular activities. Plateliai Lake is especially notable because it is 1,200 hectares and contains seven islands that are home to important biodiversity and surrounded in Samogitian legend.

2. Dzukija National Park

Forest, Park

© Eden, Janine and Jim/Flickr

3. Curonian Spit National Park

Park

© Elizabeth Georgian | ©Elizabeth Georgian

5. Aukstaitija National Park

Building, Church, Forest, Park

© Hugo.arg/Wikimedia Commons

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.