10 Best Day Trips From Vilnius Lithuania

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Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, is a beautiful city worth exploring. Its historical value as a UNESCO World Heritage Site means that there is street after street of notable buildings and historical markers. There are so many things to do in Vilnius and so many foods to try in Vilnius. If you’re lucky enough to have extra days in the area, venture beyond the city. Here are the best day trips from Vilnius.

BEST DAY TRIPS FROM VILNIUS

NINTH FORT

Vilnius is such a beautiful destination. However, you can do plenty of amazing day trips from the City to explore more of Lithuania. No matter if you jump on the bus or rent a car to create your own Lithuania road trip, there is one spot everyone needs to visit. This is the Ninth Fort. 

You will arrive at the Ninth Fort in Kaunas just over an hour outside of Vilnius. The Ninth Fort is an important historic site in Lithuania that everyone needs to visit. This military complex has played a significant role throughout history. Many lives were lost here during the Cold War and World War II. This spot today is now a museum and memorial that remembers the lives lost to victims of the Holocaust. 

Arriving at the Ninth Fort from Vilnius is relatively easy by car or bus. A visit here costs 3 Euros-6 Euros per person, but you can get a guided tour for 18 Euros which lasts around one hour. The guided tour is worth paying a bit more for as you better understand the events that took place at the Ninth Fort. 

The Ninth Fort is open Tuesday-Sunday (10 am-6 pm), and you should expect to spend at least three hours here. If you are planning to visit in the winter or get cold very easily, be prepared, as there is no heating. 

It is important to learn about this time in Lithuania’s and Europe’s history. It is worth taking a day trip from Vilnius to get an insight into the role of the Ninth Fort in history. If you want to see even more of Lithuania, take a 15-minute drive from here to discover Kaunas.

Recommended by Lowri of Many Other Roads

GREEN LAKES

The Green Lakes are only a 30-minute drive north of downtown Vilnius. It’s mostly popular with locals if you are passing by Vilnius during your 3-week vacation in East Europe. It’s worth checking out. This spot has a man-made beach and is open to the public. In summer, most locals head to the Green Lakes for a dip to cool off, young people love to jump off from the walkway to the water. Visitors can also rent a kayak, canoe, and an electric boat for big groups. 

During winter, the lakes freeze, and people can walk on the frozen lakes, but be mindful to avoid any accidents. It’s also a great area to go for a picnic, hike, and even explore biking trails. Head to Lake Balsis Observation Deck for a nice view of the lake. 

You don’t have to worry about bringing food since there is a little cafe where you can order quick meals such as hot dogs, sandwiches, and even burgers. They also sell ice cream and drinks. However, in winter, the food stalls are closed, so remember to pack your own snacks.

If you are getting there with your own car, there is a parking lot. For those taking the bus, you might have to walk a little bit to the entrance. Regardless, the main entrance will take you right to the man-made beach. Walk around a little bit if you are looking for a quieter spot.

Recommended by Elizabeth of Three Week Traveller

DRUSKININKAI

Looking for a SPA resort town? Druskininkai is located in Southern Lithuania, about a 2-hour drive away from Vilnius. The town is surrounded by lush forests and boasts mineral waters with healing properties. This has turned Druskininkai into one of the best places in Lithuania for relaxation and recreation.

There are many SPA hotels in Druskininkai where you can get different treatments, have a nice meal, and relax for a few days. And if you are visiting Druskininkai just for one day, you can still check out the SPA offers as they are what the town is famous for.

If you are looking for more adventure, you can find a great aquapark in Druskininkai. There are many adrenaline-filled water slides and an abundance of different saunas.

One more unique place to visit in Druskininkai is Snow Arena – a slope for skiing and snowboarding open year-round. If you are visiting in the summer, it’s incredibly unique – you can go from +30 degrees outside to the snowy slope under the roof and start skiing and snowboarding on snow.

And after all of the activities are done, you can also take a walk and soak in the beautiful architecture, parks, and lakes that Druskininkai offers. On your walk, you may find some local restaurants to enjoy Lithuanian cuisine.

Recommended by Una of Wandernity

KAUNAS

Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania, can be a perfect day trip from Vilnius. Both places are well connected by trains and buses, and the journey time is around 1 hour and 30 minutes and plenty of connections to choose from. There are so many great things to do in Kaunas that you surely will be busy during your one-day stay there. 

The city has a long history. Back in the 15th century, it was an important trading center in the region. Still, today you can admire many great remains of those times, such as the remnants of the castle or numerous beautiful Gothic churches. 

Another important period for Kaunas happened in the interwar period, between 1920 and 1939 when the city was the capital of Lithuania. You will see so many interesting buildings from then as Kaunas is a heaven for fans of modernist architecture, one of the best centers of this style in Europe (many of the modernist houses were even granted the “European Heritage Label” award). There are even two modernist funiculars you can ride, the only funiculars in Lithuania. 

Once you are done sightseeing, you can enjoy the city’s vibrant atmosphere, look for its amazing street art, or sit down in one of the many cafes and restaurants. Kaunas is one of the best places to visit in Lithuania, and you don’t want to miss it.

Recommended by Kami of My Wanderlust

TRAKAI

Located half an hour away from Vilnius, is the historical town of Trakai. One of the top places to visit in Europe, Tarkai is known for the Trakai island castle.

It’s a fairytale-like castle located right in the middle of Lake Galve. A bridge helps connect the castle with the shore; alternatively, you can take a boat. A small entry fee will entitle you to enter and explore the castle’s interior. However, you can freely walk around the Castle walls.

The castle was originally established in 1320 and went through reconstruction several times. As history goes, the castle and the city were founded by the then ruler of Vilnius, Gediminas. Interestingly, it was on a hunting trip he stumbled upon the lake region.

As you step inside, you will be welcomed by a huge courtyard, continue to the fabulous Ducal Palace and the armory museum. For a relaxing experience, take a paddle boat cruise on the lake surrounding the castle.

Some of the other top attractions in Trakai include – Užutrakis Manor, The Hill of Angels, and old traditional wooden houses. Built in the 19th century, Užutrakis Manor, the beautiful white building belongs to the Tyszkiewicz family.

Getting to Trakai is quite straightforward, numerous buses ply between Vilnius and Trakai, and get down at a stop near the castle.

Recommended by Vidyut of Triplyzer

RAUDONÉ

Set on the Nemunas River, Raudonė is a charming little town that is home to the iconic Raudonė Castle. This neo-Gothic castle would be the highlight of the trip for many. It is a 19th-century residential manor that had passed through the hands of many owners, from Polish nobility to a Russian prince. Today, it’s used as a secondary school and tourist attraction. 

You can climb up the 35-meter tower and marvel at the surrounding landscape, which includes the Nemunas River. Surrounding the castle grounds is a lovely park complex called Pilies parkas, which is nice to stroll through.

After that, head over to Nemunas, a major Eastern European river and the largest one in Lithuania. It rises in Belarus and flows all the way to Kaliningrad Oblast in Russia. The river used to be a vital part of transporting goods across the country and has integrated deeply into Lithuanian culture and folklore. Driving or walking along the river can be a wonderful experience as it stretches for hundreds of miles! So, in effect, you can just go on and on. 

Raudonė is around a two-hour drive from Vilnius and can perfectly fit into your Lithuania itinerary. Several bus options are also available, although the journey might take longer—almost three hours. 

Recommended by Bradley of Dream Big Travel Far Blog

PANEMUNÉ ROAD

The Panemunė Road is a beautiful scenic pathway in Lithuania, and it thrives on the nature and history of this charming European country. This road is built adjacent to the Nemunas River, the longest river in Lithuania, and it leads to Panemunė Castle in Panemunė town.

Exploring this road can be the perfect day trip because of the age-old castles that reside by the road. The first stop on this way is the Raudondvaris. It is a manor initially built during the renaissance era in the 17th century. It presently functions as a museum that showcases the culture of this country. 

The red-walled architecture of this building is quite admirable. The name Raudondvaris means “red manor.” The Raudonė Castle comes next. It was built in the late 16th century and is known for its neo-gothic architecture. Climb the 33.5 meters tall tower to get a spectacular view of the castle ground by the river. The last site on this road is the famous Panemunė Castle. It’s considered the most beautiful castle, from the Renaissance period, in Lithuania. It’s atop a high hill by the right bank of river Nemunas.

The castle is famous for its beautiful architecture and 17th-century Lithuanian arts and crafts exhibition. It houses a market selling traditional goods and food items. Activities like horse riding, shooting, and crossbow are available for tourists and visitors.

This road trip is an absolute treat of nature, history, and culture. Apart from these historical monuments, the road will take you through abandoned buildings, small villages, and mounds while the mighty river accompanies you.

Recommended by Ruma from The Holiday Story

HILL OF CROSSES

Looking for something out of the ordinary? Then head to the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai in northern Lithuania. This populous monument represents faith, hope, and freedom. The Hill dates back to the 19th Century when the Lithuanian people participated in frequent uprisings against the Russian Tzar. Crosses placed by family members commemorated those who died in these skirmishes.

During the Soviet occupation, the Hill of Crosses was a forbidden destination. The Soviets grazed the site and tried to destroy it. But the more they did so, the more the Lithuanian people would come at night and place more crosses. It became the symbol of freedom.

Today, this small hill serves as a religious pilgrimage for some and a curiosity for others. There are an estimated 300,000 crosses of all sizes on this small hill. Though located out of the way, it is worth visiting if you’ve got the time. Plus, it’s free! It is included on the tour bus going from Vilnius to Riga.

Recommended by Annick of The Common Traveler

RIGA

A three-and-a-half-hour drive from Vilnius is the Latvian capital of Riga. Old Town Riga is over 800 years old and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Take a walking tour of the art deco buildings. Gothic churches, wooden buildings, and modern architecture coexist. Discover the beautiful historic sights. Or visit Riga’s Central Market, the largest market in Europe. Take the time to sample some of the delicious Latvian foods. Attend a concert or ballet at the Latvian National Opera. At the end of the day, stop by the 24-hour flower market before heading back. 

If you have more time, Riga is worth spending more than just a day. Don’t forget to bring back loads of Latvian souvenirs.

Recommended by Annick of The Common Traveler

What is your favorite type of day trip? Do you have other recommendations to add?

Check out these related links:

• Best Things to do in Vilnius
• Best Souvenirs from Lithuania
• Lithuanian Foods to Try
• How to Go From Vilnius to Riga

Happy travels!
Annick, The Common Traveler

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