National Parks in Lithuania

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Lithuania may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about national parks, but this small country in Europe has a surprising number of natural wonders and protected areas. Lithuania has five national parks, each with unique landscapes and ecosystems, waiting to be explored by nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at these national parks and the amazing experiences they offer. Your trip to Lithuania should include at least one of these. 

Aukštaitija National Park

Located in the northeastern part of Lithuania, Aukštaitija National Park is the oldest and largest national park in the country. This national park is a definite must for nature lovers travelling to Lithuania. The park covers over 400 square kilometers and is home to over 100 lakes, including Lake Drūkšiai, the largest lake in Lithuania. Visitors can enjoy a range of activities, such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, and fishing. Aukštaitija National Park is also rich in cultural heritage, with numerous traditional villages and historic sites to explore. One of the highlights of the park is the Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping. 

Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping

lithuanian-museum-of-ancient-beekeeping
The Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping, part of Aukštaitija National Park, is a unique and fascinating museum located in the small village of Stripeikiai, about 130 kilometers northwest of Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. The museum is dedicated to the ancient practice of beekeeping and offers visitors a rare opportunity to learn about the history of beekeeping and its significance to Lithuanian culture.
 
The museum occupies a complex of several buildings, including a traditional Lithuanian farmhouse, a barn, and a modern exhibition hall. The museum’s collection includes over 5,000 items related to beekeeping, including ancient hives made from straw, bark, and hollowed-out tree trunks, as well as honey extractors, smokers, and other tools used in traditional beekeeping. Visitors can also see an apiary with live bees and observe the beekeeper at work.
 
The museum also offers a variety of educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages. Children can participate in interactive exhibits and learn about the importance of bees in the ecosystem, while adults can take part in guided tours and honey-tasting sessions. Visitors can also purchase honey and other bee-related products at the museum’s gift shop.

Žemaitija National Park

Žemaitija National Park is situated in western Lithuania and covers an area of over 200 square kilometers. The park is known for its scenic landscapes, including the Samogitian Highlands, a range of hills and lakes that offer stunning views. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and boating, as well as exploring the park’s rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional architecture, handicrafts, and folklore. One of the highlights of the park is the Plokstine Missile Base – Museum of Cold War.

Cold War Museum - The Plokstine Missile Base

The Plokstine Missile Base is a former Soviet nuclear missile launch site located in the Žemaitija region of Lithuania. It was built during the Cold War era and served as a key strategic location for the Soviet Union. Today, it has been transformed into a museum that provides visitors with a unique insight into the history of the Cold War and the arms race.
 
The missile base was built in the early 1960s and was designed to house nuclear missiles that could reach targets as far away as Western Europe. The site was heavily guarded and protected by a network of underground tunnels and bunkers, making it virtually impenetrable. The base remained operational until the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, after which it was abandoned. In 2012, the Lithuanian government decided to transform the missile base into a museum in order to preserve the site’s historical significance and to educate visitors about the dangers of nuclear weapons.
 
The museum’s exhibits and guided tours offer a fascinating glimpse into a dark chapter of human history, and serve as a reminder of the dangers posed by nuclear weapons. For anyone interested in history or military technology, a visit to the Plokstine Missile Base is a must.

Kuršių Nerija National Park

Kuršių Nerija National Park is located on the Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of land that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. The park covers over 50 kilometers of the spit’s length and includes sand dunes, pine forests, and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and swimming, as well as exploring the park’s unique cultural heritage, which includes traditional fishing villages and the historic Nida Art Colony. Your trip to Lithuania wouldn’t be complete, without visiting the Curonian Spit. 

Curonian-Spit-Nida

Dzūkija National Park

Dzūkija National Park is located in southeastern Lithuania and covers an area of over 550 square kilometers. The park is known for its pristine forests, rivers, and lakes, which are home to a diverse range of wildlife, including wolves, lynx, and beavers. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and canoeing, as well as exploring the park’s rich cultural heritage, which includes traditional crafts and the historic village of Merkinė.

Trakai Historical National Park

Trakai Historical National Park is located just outside the capital city of Vilnius and is known for its picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage. The park includes Trakai Island Castle, a 14th-century fortress located on an island in Lake Galvė, as well as numerous other historic sites and traditional villages. Visitors can enjoy hiking, cycling, and boating, as well as exploring the park’s cultural attractions. This could be one of the highlights of your holiday in Lithuania and a must do day trip from Vilnius. The best way to visit Trakai is with a private tour, which is included in our Baltic trips. 

In conclusion, Lithuania’s national parks offer a range of unique and unforgettable experiences for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Whether you are looking for scenic landscapes, pristine lakes, or rich cultural heritage, these national parks have something for everyone. So, if you are planning to travel to Lithuania, make sure to include a visit to one or more of these amazing national parks on your itinerary!

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