Lithuanian summer activities that you should try at least once
Dear community members,
Hope you are doing great and are enjoying the summer!
In today’s blogpost I would like to introduce you with activities that are common in Lithuania over the warmest three months of the year! While it is already August, there is still a plenty of time to enjoy the sunny weather and spend some time outdoors. So, if you are looking for any ideas or if you have just recently arrived in Lithuania for your upcoming exchange mobility semester, keep reading below.
Swimming at the Baltic Sea
Marius Morkūnas, Real is Beautiful
While it might not be the warmest body of water, Baltic Sea coast is still a great place to visit over summer. There is only around 90 kilometers of coastline within Lithuanian territory, but you will be able to enjoy the sandy beaches along its whole stretch. Swimming might be challenging at first if you are not used to rather cold temperature of water, but it is still worth the experience!
If you will be planning to stay at one of the coastal towns, Palanga or Nida are two of the most popular places to visit among locals. Palanga is a bit more noisy and might get quite crowded over summer due to its many restaurants, caffes, markets and other attractions, while Nida is significantly calmer since it is part of UNESCO enlisted Kursiu Nerija National Park. So, if you have an opportunity, I suggest visiting both of these places as each of them can offer something different.
Camping
Marius Dizaineris, Real is Beautiful
Camping in Lithuania during summer can be a wonderful experience for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Lithuania is a country known for its beautiful landscapes, serene lakes, dense forests, and picturesque coastal areas.
In Lithuania, camping is generally allowed in designated camping areas within national parks, camping sites, and private lands with the owner's permission. It's essential to respect nature and local rules, such as no open fires outside designated areas, proper waste disposal, and avoiding damage to vegetation.
Be prepared for varying weather conditions, including occasional rain, so pack appropriate clothing and gear.
Camping regulations and available camping spots may change, so it's always a good idea to check with local authorities or tourist information centers before heading out on your camping adventure.
I personally suggest checking the Aukstaitija National Park, since it has an endless number of lakes and many of them are easy to access by public transport or bicycles. Camping at the coastal areas is not allowed, so if you are thinking to set up a tent closer to sea, I advise to choose private official camping sites in Klaipeda, Nida or Palanga.
Kayaking
Kasparas Pochyla, Real is Beautiful
Kayaking is a popular and enjoyable outdoor activity, and you will hear numerous stories from your colleagues or fellow Lithuanian students about their experiences of kayaking. This activity is usually organized in bigger groups and can be done in nearly any river or lake within the country. If you don't have your own kayak, you can rent kayaking equipment from various rental services available near popular water bodies and touristic areas.
Some of the most popular rivers for kayaking include Merkys and Minija, but it is done all around Lithuania and you can even go for kayaking tour in Nemunas or Neris, country’s longest and widest rivers.
Relaxing in the countryside
Marius Morkūnas, Real is Beautiful
Spending time outdoors is a popular activity among locals, and that includes taking time off and leaving the city for the weekend to enjoy peacefulness of Lithuanian countryside.
Historically, just less than a hundred years ago a majority of Lithuania’s population used to live in rural areas, and many still have relatives living in the less populated villages. Due to this, as well as the general appreciation towards nature, it is very common to have your own summer house or rent one for a few days to get away from the daily routine.
If you are curious to try this activity, there are plenty of options to choose from all around the country, and renting prices depend on the nights you will be staying and additional options you will be adding to your stay. I can recommend trying sauna, since it is a very popular activity among locals and many summer houses are equipped with it.
Have you tried any other activities during your time in Lithuania? Maybe you would like to learn more about the local traditions and the way of life? Let’s talk about this in the Living Abroad forum!
Yours,
Gytis
OLS Lithuanian language community manager