5 Amazing Day Trips from Vilnius, Lithuania – From Nearest to Farthest
Explore the world with LOT Airlines
Trakai
Castle, Lakes, History
Just 30 km from Vilnius, Trakai feels like another world. Surrounded by forests and shimmering lakes, this small historic town is best known for its spectacular Island Castle, a red-brick Gothic fortress rising from the waters of Lake Galvė. You can reach the castle by a wooden footbridge, and it looks like something from a fairytale.
Inside, you can explore the castle museum and learn about Trakai’s medieval history, including its connection to Lithuania’s Grand Dukes and the Karaite community, a Turkic-speaking people who were brought to Lithuania by Grand Duke Vytautas in the 14th century.
Take a stroll along colourful Karaimų Street to see their distinctive wooden houses, and try a traditional kibinai, a savoury pastry that is one of Trakai’s local specialties.
Beyond the historic centre, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the surrounding area. You can kayak across the surrounding lakes, visit the elegant Užutrakis Manor and its landscaped park on the opposite shore of Lake Galvė, or finish the day with a sunset hot-air-balloon ride over the castle, lakes, and forests. For a cozy break between sightseeing, grab a hot chocolate at this local spot.
Getting there: Trakai is one of the easiest day trips from Vilnius, with trains taking around 35 minutes and buses around 45 minutes.
Kaunas
Culture, Colors & Forts
Around 100 km from Vilnius, Kaunas is Lithuania’s second-largest city and former temporary capital, where the Nemunas and Neris rivers meet. With its colourful streets, historic buildings, cafés, and relaxed atmosphere, it’s an easy city to explore on foot and a great day trip from Vilnius.
Start in Kaunas Old Town, where cobbled streets lead past charming cafés and boutiques towards the impressive Town Hall Square and medieval Kaunas Castle. Dating back to the 14th century, the castle is one of Lithuania’s oldest brick castles. From here, wander through nearby Santaka Park before heading to Laisvės Alėja, the city’s lively pedestrian boulevard.
Kaunas also has a fascinating and powerful history. If you have time, visit the Ninth Fort Museum, located just outside the city centre. The former fortress tells the story of Lithuania’s occupations and the mass murder of Jewish people during World War II. It’s a sobering visit, but an important place to learn about the country’s past.
For something lighter, explore Kaunas’ distinctive churches and street art, or visit the Lithuanian Aviation Museum, which has an interesting collection of aircraft and aviation memorabilia.
Getting there: Kaunas is around 1–1.5 hours from Vilnius by train or bus, with frequent departures throughout the day. Driving takes roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Choose the Unlimited Data e SIM packages of aloSIM for your vacation to Lithuania to already arrive stress free.
Anykščiai
Nature & Adventure
Around 100 km from Vilnius, Anykščiai is a great day trip for nature lovers and anyone looking for a little adventure. The town is surrounded by forests and the Šventoji River, and you’ll spot the impressive twin towers of St. Matthew’s Church rising above the trees as you arrive. There’s plenty to keep you busy for a full day, from peaceful walks to adrenaline-filled activities.
Start with the Treetop Walking Path, which takes you high above the forest canopy and offers beautiful views over the surrounding landscape. For more excitement, head to Kalita Hill, where you can ride the famous alpine coaster down the hillside. It’s a fun experience for both adults and children, and one of the most memorable things to do in Anykščiai.
History comes to life at the Šeimyniškėliai Hillfort, also known as Voruta, where you can explore a reconstructed medieval wooden castle and try activities such as archery, spear throwing, and traditional crafts.
If you’re travelling by car, leave time for Safari Park, where you can drive through a large natural area and see animals including zebras, ostriches, alpacas, deer, and Highland cattle.
Getting there: Anykščiai is around 100 km from Vilnius and takes approximately 1.5 hours by car. Buses from Vilnius take around two hours, making it possible to visit as a day trip without a car.
Private Day Trip to Anyksciai and The Hill of Crosses from Vilnius
Hill of Crosses
Faith, History & Tradition
Around 220 km from Vilnius, the Hill of Crosses is one of Lithuania’s most unusual and moving places to visit. Standing in the countryside near Šiauliai, the hill is covered with thousands of crosses of every size, placed here by pilgrims and visitors as symbols of faith, hope, remembrance, and freedom. The tradition dates back to the 19th century, and the site became especially important during the Soviet occupation. Although the authorities repeatedly destroyed the crosses and even bulldozed the hill, people continued returning at night to put them back.
Many visitors bring a small cross or rosary of their own, while others simply come to walk around and take in the remarkable sight. The Hill also became internationally known after Pope John Paul II visited in 1993 and celebrated Mass here.
Full-Day The Hill of Crosses Tour from Vilnius
If you have time, you can combine your visit with a stop at the Mūšios Forest Park, a memorial dedicated to Lithuanian partisans who fought against the Soviet regime. Some organised tours from Vilnius also offer longer itineraries that continue into Latvia, including a visit to Rundāle Palace.
Getting there: The Hill of Crosses is about a 3–3.5-hour drive from Vilnius, making it a long day trip. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, while organised tours are a convenient option. Be careful! If booking a tour, check that return transport to Vilnius is included.
Curonian Spit National Park
Dunes, Sea & Forests
This is the farthest away, but this is one of those day trips that will reward you with some of the most unforgettable scenery in Lithuania. Around 300 km from the city, Curonian Spit National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where golden sand dunes, pine forests, white-sand beaches, and the peaceful Curonian Lagoon come together.
The journey begins with a short ferry ride across the lagoon before exploring the charming coastal settlements of Juodkrantė and Nida, where colorful fishermen’s houses, quiet streets, and traditional architecture create a unique atmosphere.
In Juodkrantė, take a walk through the Hill of Witches, a forest filled with wooden sculptures inspired by Lithuanian folklore. Further south, Nida is the perfect place to wander along the waterfront, see its traditional wooden houses, and visit the impressive Parnidis Dune and Sundial, which offers panoramic views of the lagoon, forests, dunes, and Baltic Sea.
Nature lovers can also stop at the Nagliai Nature Reserve, where a short wooden trail leads through the famous Grey or Dead Dunes, an area where shifting sands once buried entire villages. Throughout the day, you can enjoy peaceful forest walks, beautiful beaches, fresh smoked fish, and the distinctive scent of the sea.
A little reminder: The Curonian Spit is a protected and fragile landscape, so please stick to marked paths and help keep this beautiful place safe for everyone to enjoy.
Getting there: Due to the distance, it is best to rent a car and drive there or book an organized day trip.
Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article and would like to support my mission, here are a few ways you can help:
- Book your experiences through my affiliate links: It won’t cost you anything extra, and it helps keep this site running.
- Follow us on social media: Stay updated on new travel tips, guides, and stories by following us on your favorite platforms.
Your support is greatly appreciated and helps me continue sharing travel tips, guides, and stories. Safe travels!
