Aukštaitija (Hill of Crosses, lakes)
Land of a thousand lakes and ancient legends 🌲🛶
Aukštaitija, meaning 'Highlands', is the largest ethnographic region in Lithuania and a premier destination for families seeking immersion in nature. The landscape is defined by its rolling hills, dense pine forests, and a spectacular network of over 1,000 lakes. Summers here are warm and vibrant, making it the ideal season for swimming, renting rowboats, or embarking on family-friendly kayaking trips down the Žeimena or Šventoji rivers. The water currents are generally gentle, safe for beginners and children equipped with life vests.
A major highlight for cultural exploration is the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai. While sombre, this UNESCO-recognized site with hundreds of thousands of crosses is visually striking and offers a unique history lesson about Lithuanian resilience. Closer to the nature parks, the town of Anykščiai has developed into a family tourism hub. Here, you can walk above the forest canopy on the Treetop Walking Path, ride a historic narrow-gauge railway, or visit the Horse Museum, where kids can try traditional crafts. The region is also famous for the Ethnocosmology Museum near Molėtai, where evening stargazing sessions capture the imagination of young astronomers.
Accommodations in Aukštaitija range from modern spa hotels in Anykščiai to rustic lakeside cabins and campsites in the National Park. Dining here is hearty and comforting; families should try blynai (potato pancakes) and locally caught freshwater fish. The region's infrastructure supports road trips well, with scenic drives connecting the major sights. Whether you are counting crosses, spotting wildlife in the woods, or splashing in a clear lake, Aukštaitija offers a grounding, peaceful retreat away from city crowds.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
A pristine landscape featuring over 100 interconnected glacial lakes and ancient forests within Lithuania's first national park. Peak summer offers mild temperatures (15-22°C) ideal for exploring water trails, while shoulder months provide quiet, authentic wilderness experiences away from the domestic summer rush.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Home to the globally unique Hill of Crosses and well-preserved ethnographic villages that showcase Lithuania's deep spiritual and folk heritage. The experience is most authentic and accessible during the warmer months when outdoor heritage sites and open-air museums are fully operational and comfortable to navigate.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Features unique sites like the Museum of Ethnocosmology and traditional beekeeping museums, offering sophisticated families deep insights into Baltic science and history. Summer provides optimal conditions for stargazing and interactive educational tours, whereas winter weather and short days significantly limit the educational value.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
June features the authentic Joninės (Midsummer) celebrations, a world-class display of traditional fire rituals and folk music. Late summer shoulder months host various harvest and lake-themed festivals that maintain a high degree of cultural authenticity for sophisticated visitors.
Spa retreats, wellness centers, peaceful getaways
The region specializes in high-quality eco-retreats and authentic 'pirtis' (Baltic sauna) culture set against tranquil lakeside backdrops. Peak summer allows for the integration of lake swimming with wellness treatments, while shoulder months offer the deep silence and privacy preferred by discerning international travelers.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Well-maintained roads wind through a scenic landscape of rolling hills, historic manors, and shimmering lakes. Summer offers the best visibility and longest daylight hours for exploration, while October is a strong shoulder month for experiencing the vibrant autumn foliage across the region's vast forests.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Exceptional for family-friendly kayaking and canoeing through safe, interconnected lake systems that allow for multi-day water journeys. Peak summer is the only time water temperatures and air conditions (avg max 22°C) are truly comfortable for extended active recreation on the water.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
The 'Lithuanian Highlands' offer pristine lake swimming and rowing, though it lacks the infrastructure of international beach resorts. Water and air temperatures only reach comfortable levels for children in July and August, with the rest of the year being significantly too cold for water-focused holidays.
Winter sports, ski resorts, snow activities
While the region experiences cold, snowy winters suitable for gentle winter walks, it does not possess the world-class ski infrastructure or reliable deep snow coverage required for international-standard ski and snow sports. January and February offer the most consistent snow for basic snow activities, with December and March providing variable conditions; other months are unsuitable due to lack of snow.
Attractions (66 total)
Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path
Anykščiai
An elevated 300-meter walkway through the forest canopy ending in a 34-meter observation tower with views of the Šventoji River valley.
Visit website →Dainuva Adventure Park
Anykščiai
A forest adventure park offering six climbing courses of varying difficulty levels, high-altitude zip lines, and a giant swing over the river.
Visit website →Wake Inn Zarasai
Zarasai
One of the longest cable wakeboarding systems in Europe, located on a scenic island and offering water-based obstacle courses.
Visit website →Kalita Hill Summer Toboggan
Anykščiai
A year-round outdoor sports center featuring a 500-meter alpine coaster track that winds down a scenic hillside at speeds up to 40 km/h.
Visit website →Labyrinth Park
Anykščiai
A family-oriented outdoor complex featuring various hedge mazes, a mirror labyrinth, and numerous interactive outdoor games and activities.
Visit website →Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Aukštaitija Lake District Scenic Drive
Zarasai
Approx. 150km paved route (1-2 days). A winding journey through Lithuania's lake-richest region, passing the Zarasai Observation Bridge, the 1,500-year-old Stelmužė Oak, the Ginučiai water mill, and the panoramic Ladakalnis Hill in Aukštaitija National Park.
Visit website →The Northern Heritage Route
Šiauliai
Approx. 180km paved route (1 day) connecting the iconic Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai with the gateway to the Aukštaitija lakes. This route highlights Lithuania's spiritual heart and the transition from the northern plains to the eastern highlands.
Visit website →Anykščiai and Molėtai Highlands Road
Anykščiai
60km paved scenic route (3-5 hours) through the rolling hills of the Anykščiai Regional Park. Highlights include the Treetop Walking Path, the Puntukas Stone, and the Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology in Molėtai.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Burbiškis Manor Tulip Garden
Radviliškis
Famous for its massive annual tulip festival and meticulously restored 19th-century landscape architecture.
Visit website →Ilzenbergas Manor and Park
Rokiškis
A restored 500-year-old estate featuring a biodynamic farm and a large landscape park with artistic sculptures.
Visit website →Šiauliai University Botanical Garden
Šiauliai
A diverse collection of mountain plants and flowering species offering educational paths for families.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Camino Lituano - Northern Branch
Germaniškis
A 90km pilgrimage and hiking segment leading to the Hill of Crosses and Šiauliai. Easy difficulty, 4-5 days duration, mostly flat agricultural and forest terrain. Detailed maps available on the official Camino Lituano website.
Visit website →Forest Trail (Mežtaka) - Northeastern Section
Zarasai
Approx 140km segment of the E11 European Long Distance Path. Moderate difficulty, typically completed in 7-9 days. Elevation gain is low with rolling hills through lakes and forests. Bike rental: Zarasai Tourism (visitzarasai.lt)
Visit website →Šventoji River Left Bank Educational Path
Anykščiai
15km easy day hike, 4-5 hours duration. Trail follows the Šventoji river, passing the Puntukas stone and the Treetop Walking Path. Bike rental: Info Anykščiai (infoanyksciai.lt)
Visit website →Zarasas Lake Observation Circle
Zarasai
10km easy loop around Lake Zarasas, 2-3 hours duration. Includes the famous 17-meter high observation wheel and shore paths. Suitable for both walking and cycling. Bike rental: Zarasai Tourism Center.
Visit website →Aukštaitija National Park Cycling Circle
Palūšė
70km moderate cycling loop through the heart of the national park. 1-2 days duration. Includes lake views and ethnographic villages like Ginučiai. Bike rental: Palūšės Valtinė (palusesvaltine.lt)
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Chaimas Frenkelis Villa-Museum
Šiauliai
An opulent Art Nouveau mansion showcasing fine art, historic luxury interiors, and a beautiful public rose garden.
Visit website →Dusetos Art Gallery
Dusetos
A prestigious professional art hub in the lake district hosting high-quality modern Lithuanian paintings and sculptures.
Visit website →Šiauliai Art Gallery
Šiauliai
A central contemporary art space featuring rotating exhibitions of modern painting, photography, and installation art.
Visit website →Angel Museum
Anykščiai
A unique art collection featuring over 500 angel-themed works by professional artists in a serene, family-friendly setting.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Hill of Crosses
Šiauliai
A powerful and unique pilgrimage site featuring over 100,000 crosses that children will find fascinating for its scale and history.
Visit website →Pakruojis Manor
Pakruojis
The largest manor complex in Lithuania offering immersive historical re-enactments, craft workshops, and seasonal light festivals for families.
Visit website →Palūšė St. Joseph's Church
Palūšė
A rare 18th-century wooden church built without any iron nails, serving as the iconic historic landmark of Aukštaitija National Park.
Anykščiai Narrow Gauge Railway Museum
Anykščiai
A historic railway station where families can explore vintage steam locomotives and take short rides on a functioning century-old narrow-gauge train.
Visit website →Biržai Castle
Biržai
A well-preserved Dutch-style bastion fortress housing a regional museum with interactive exhibits about the Radvila ducal family.
Visit website →Burbiškis Manor
Radviliškis
A romantic Neo-Gothic estate famous for its scenic ponds, island bridges, and an annual tulip festival that paints the grounds in vibrant colors.
Visit website →Rokiškis Manor
Rokiškis
A beautiful Neoclassical palace that hosts a regional museum and features one of the most impressive wooden folk art collections in the Baltics.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Horse Museum
Anykščiai
A unique rural heritage museum offering horse-drawn carriage rides, traditional bread-baking workshops, and insights into Lithuanian farming history.
Visit website →Bird Village
Ignalina
An interactive rural experience specializing in poultry and local folklore, featuring the world's largest bird's nest and hands-on farm activities.
Visit website →Žaliūkiai Windmill Keeper's Homestead
Šiauliai
An authentic 19th-century urban farmstead and windmill offering traditional crafts demonstrations and rural life education in the heart of the city.
Visit website →Anykščiai Safari Park
Anykščiai
A 50-hectare park where families can drive through and feed zebras, fallow deer, and ostriches in a natural rolling hills landscape.
Visit website →Rabbit Valley
Utena
A massive petting farm featuring over 50 breeds of rabbits along with deer, ostriches, and llamas in a scenic lakeside setting.
Visit website →Theme Park / Amusement Park
Labirintų Parkas
Anykščiai
A comprehensive family entertainment park featuring multiple hedge and wooden mazes, an upside-down house, and various interactive amusement rides.
Visit website →Kalita Hill Alpine Coaster
Anykščiai
A thrill-seeking summer toboggan run featuring a 500-meter stainless steel track with sharp turns and speed jumps down a scenic hill.
Visit website →Raubonių Parkas
Pasvalys
A large multi-themed park including a dinosaur trail with moving sculptures, a zoo, and a variety of mechanical carousels and family rides.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Lithuanian Ethnocosmology Museum
Molėtai
A unique cultural facility exploring the relationship between mankind and the cosmic world through history and modern science.
Visit website →Ginučiai Water Mill
Ginučiai
An authentic 19th-century water mill and museum that remains one of the symbols of Aukštaitija National Park's rural heritage.
Visit website →Narrow Gauge Railway Museum
Anykščiai
A charming museum housed in a 19th-century station where families can explore vintage locomotives and ride a hand-car.
Visit website →Ancient Beekeeping Museum
Stripeikiai
Located in Aukštaitija National Park, this village-style museum showcases traditional honey-making heritage in a beautiful forest setting.
Visit website →St. Joseph's Church in Palūšė
Palūšė
A stunning 18th-century wooden church built without iron nails, serving as a masterpiece of Lithuanian folk architecture.
Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Palūšė Beach
Palūšė
The central recreational hub of Aukštaitija National Park, featuring sandy shores and wooden piers ideal for family swimming and boating.
Visit website →Baltieji Lakajai Beach
Mindūnai
A picturesque recreation area within the Labanoras Regional Park, providing families with a quiet sandy beach surrounded by dense pine forests.
Visit website →Rėkyva Lake Beach
Šiauliai
A major recreational site in Šiauliai offering a sandy beach and a long promenade pier on one of Lithuania's largest glacial lakes.
Visit website →Sudeikiai Beach
Sudeikiai
Renowned for its exceptionally clear water and shallow sandy entry, this beach on Lake Alaušas is one of the premier swimming spots in Northeastern Lithuania.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
Safari Parkas
Anykščiai
A 50-hectare park where families can experience a drive-through safari to see zebras, camels, buffalos, and ostriches in the Lithuanian countryside.
Visit website →Dargaičiai Zoo
Šiauliai
Located near the Hill of Crosses, this popular zoo offers hands-on experiences with one of the largest collections of alpacas, llamas, and camels in the region.
Visit website →Pašilių Bison Paddock
Panevėžys
A dedicated wildlife enclosure managed by the state where visitors can observe the majestic European bison from a tall wooden observation tower.
Visit website →Rabbit Valley (Triušiukų slėnis)
Utena
A vast interactive animal park featuring over 50 different breeds of rabbits alongside llamas, kangaroos, and deer in a peaceful rural setting.
Visit website →Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Anykščiai Regional Park Visitor Centre
Anykščiai
A discovery center featuring an interactive exhibition on the natural history, geology, and unique ecosystem of the Anykščiai forest.
Visit website →Bicycle Museum
Šiauliai
A specialized technology museum showcasing the history and development of the bicycle from ancient prototypes to modern racing bikes.
Visit website →Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping
Stripeikiai
A natural history and cultural museum in the heart of Aukštaitija National Park dedicated to the biology and history of bees.
Visit website →Photography Museum
Šiauliai
The only specialized museum of photography in Lithuania, featuring technical exhibits on optical history and a camera obscura.
Visit website →Ski Resort / Winter Sports Center
Kalita Hill
Anykščiai
75-120m elevation range, 3 runs, 0.5km total pistes, Dec-Mar season, features snowmaking cannons, floodlighting for night skiing, and equipment rental.
Visit website →Lithuanian Winter Sports Center
Ignalina
120-170m elevation range, 4 alpine runs, approx. 1.2km total pistes, Dec-Mar season, includes biathlon stadium and 40km of groomed cross-country trails.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Ladakalnis
Ignalina
A 175-meter high hill in Aukštaitija National Park providing a legendary panoramic view of six interconnected lakes.
Visit website →Puntukas Stone
Anykščiai
Lithuania's second-largest boulder, an iconic natural monument featuring bas-reliefs of legendary Lithuanian pilots.
St. Matthias Church Observation Deck
Anykščiai
The tallest church in Lithuania, offering a stunning neo-Gothic exterior and an observation deck with views of the Šventoji River valley.
Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology
Molėtai
A unique architectural landmark and observatory exploring the relationship between mankind and the cosmic world.
Visit website →Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Rokiškis Swimming Pool
Rokiškis
A newly built, high-quality municipal aquatic center with a modern swimming pool, water attractions for kids, and high-end spa facilities.
Visit website →Utena Swimming Pool
Utena
A comprehensive regional aquatic facility offering lanes for sport, a dedicated children's splash area with slides, and therapeutic wellness baths.
Visit website →Anykščiai Swimming Pool Bangenis
Anykščiai
A modern aquatic center in a popular resort town featuring multiple swimming pools, a water slide, and a extensive sauna complex.
Visit website →Water Inn Zarasai
Zarasai
One of the largest seasonal inflatable water trampoline parks in the Baltic states, located on the scenic Great Island of Zarasas Lake.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Stelmužė Oak
Zarasai
One of the oldest trees in Europe, this legendary oak is over 1,500 years old and stands as a powerful symbol of Lithuanian nature.
Ladakalnis Hill
Ignalina
A historic 175-meter high hill in Aukštaitija National Park offering one of the most beautiful panoramic views of six different lakes.
Visit website →Mindūnai Observation Tower
Molėtai
Lithuania's second tallest observation tower, providing a breathtaking 36-meter high vantage point over the Labanoras Forest and the Siesartis Lake district.
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Ginūčiai Watermill
Ignalina
A 19th-century wooden watermill that still contains its original machinery and serves as a museum of traditional grain processing.
Visit website →