Lithuania's best-kept secret is not located in the Alps or densely forested Scandinavia - it's actually right in its own geographical center.
With untouched landscapes of greenery, vast ancient forests, and a profound cultural legacy, Lithuania's national parks are at last receiving the attention they are due, as the country has been recognized by Lonely Planet as one of the world's top travel destinations in their 'Best in Travel 2025' list.
This accolade did not surprise Olga Gončarova, General Manager at Lithuania Travel, as Lithuania's cultural offerings and national parks have been quietly impressing those in the know for a long time now. "Lithuania is an undiscovered gem in Europe," she notes. "There's no overtourism here… just natural beauty and cultural authenticity."
The recent Lonely Planet recognition, Gončarova believes, is a "gift" to Lithuania, "not only for tourism professionals but for all of us Lithuanians who contribute to creating a warm and genuine experience for visitors."
Exploring Lithuania's National Parks: Which Offers the Ultimate Combination of Nature, Hiking, and Swimming?
Lithuania's five national parks highlight the nation's rich cultural legacy, diverse ecosystems, and dedication to sustainable tourism, featuring historic lake regions near the capital, Vilnius, extensive coastal sand dunes, and ancient forests.
The area is increasingly forested," notes Goncharova. "The infrastructure is becoming more developed every year... we now have over 150 different trails accessible for hiking.
Each park brings together nature and history, with small villages nestled alongside vast areas of lush landscapes teeming with rare flora and fauna.
From the charming accessibility of Trakai Historical National Park to the vast expanses of the UNESCO-designated Curonian Spit area dunes, these parks provide a tranquil travel experience for travelers seeking to avoid the crowded destinations in Europe.
This beautiful national park boasts a wealth of attractions, but one of its main draws is the stunning architecture of its medieval castles. While the Karaim District of Trakai is known for its lovely Jewish museum and some gorgeous baroque architecture, the park's main lure is easy to see: the baldashorae. Sorry, the answer to that is still no.
Trakai National Park, Lithuania’s smallest at 82 square kilometers and a UNESCO-listed site, is an alluring blend of history, lakes, and dense forests.
“Trakai is situated extremely close to Vilnius...approximately 25 kilometres away,” comments Gončarova, underlining the park’s easily accessible location.
A major attraction in the park is Trakai's Island Castle, a medieval fortress located on Lake Galvė that draws visitors throughout the year. Approximately 700 meters south lies the historic Peninsula Castle remains, adding to the park's captivating historical appeal. Since lakes make up about 20 percent of the park's total area, Lake Galvė turns into a lively hub for canoeing and kayaking during the warmer months.
Beyond the castle, the park’s crystal-clear lakes and wooded hiking trails are ideal for kayaking, hiking and picnicking. With its convenient location and rich history, Trakai has long been a preferred destination for Lithuanians and tourists alike.
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Traditional wooden houses built in the Karaite style are a feature of the village of Trakai. Here visitors can discover Lithuania's distinctive cultural combination and try traditional dishes, such as 'kibinai', a savoury pastry that originated with the Karaite community many centuries ago.
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Head west to the Curonian Spit National Park to discover the wild side of the Baltic coast, a unique region described by Gončarova as "very unique". This UNESCO World Heritage site stretches along a narrow sandbar between the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea.
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Tourists can explore the largest mobile dunes in Europe, known as the "Dead Dunes," where shifting sands have covered entire settlements over the centuries. The Curonian Spit is also renowned for its amber deposits, sometimes referred to as "Baltic gold," which locals have skillfully crafted into jewelry and other items for generations.
Avid travelers can discover the coastline by bike, with trails stretching along the entire spit, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and the lagoon.
* **There is limited human impact on the area due to limited exports, and non-profit tourism helps to preserve the environment.
In northwestern Lithuania, Žemaitija National Park is the place where nature, mythology and history meet. Encircled by the legendary Lake Plateliai, this park features dreamy landscapes that according to locals, are full of legend.
By day, the lake is a magnet for swimming, kayaking, or cycling along its picturesque shores. Families rush to its sandy, shallow coastline, particularly near Hotel Linelis, where a playground, volleyball, and basketball courts make it a family favourite destination.
However, the lake's serene charm takes on a more ominous tone at night. Local legends caution against evening swims when eerie moans from the lake's depths and stories of long-haired woodland spirits are said to surface. Whether one believes it or not, it all contributes to the rich tapestry of folklore that makes Žemaitija such a fascinating destination.
This unusual missile base-turned-museum gives a chilling look into an era during which nuclear threats were a profound concern.
Inside the underground silos that once stored SS-4 medium-range missiles, each equipped with 2-megaton warheads, exhibits recreate the intense atmosphere of the Cold War era.
Visitors pass through multi-stage security areas and control rooms, examining exhibits featuring missile technology and Cold War propaganda messaging.
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Located in Lithuania and being the country's oldest national park, Aukštaitija National Park consists of a combination of lakes, forests, and traditional villages.
, and water sports.
"It's a must-see location in Aukštaitija. The historic Ladakalnis hill provides a breathtaking panoramic view of six surrounding lakes. "We have more than 30 observation towers in our national parks," says Gončarova.
Historically, Ladakalnis was a place of reverence for ancient Baltic tribes, and many people visiting today continue the tradition of leaving pebbles as offerings to the goddess Lada, who, according to legend, was once revered here.
Beyond its picturesque landscapes, Aukštaitija is heavily invested in safeguarding Lithuania's age-old crafts and customs. "We have special programs to connect with local heritage," Gončarova describes. In the village of Meironys, on the banks of Lake Lūšiai, the Nature School provides entertaining activities that focus on the natural surroundings.
The park also features another cultural attraction, the Beekeeping Museum, where visitors discover Lithuanian beekeeping through interactive programs, artistic expression, and practical experiences.
Dzūkija National Park: Lithuania's largest forest
Dzūkija is also a magnet for bird enthusiasts.
The forests of Dzūkija come alive from April to September with a vibrant chorus of bird song. The sound of corncrakes echoes across the Merkys Valley, while kingfishers dart above the Ūla River, with black storks and goosanders regularly found on the riverbanks.
A cherished custom in Dzūkija is gathering wild mushrooms, particularly during autumn. Visitors may participate in guided foraging excursions led by the region's inhabitants, who share their expertise on the forest's edible fungi and the cultural importance of foraging in Lithuania.