Žemaitija National Park

TL;DR: Žemaitija National Park is Lithuania’s mystical wonderland featuring Europe’s only underground Cold War museum, pristine Lake Plateliai perfect for diving and cycling, ancient forests hiding legendary ash trees, and charming Samogitian villages where time seems to stand still. Best visited May-September for outdoor adventures, accessible by car from Vilnius (3 hours) with affordable accommodations starting from €30/night.

Ready to escape the tourist crowds and discover one of Europe’s best-kept secrets? Lithuania’s Žemaitija National Park isn’t just another pretty forest – it’s a mesmerizing blend of Cold War history, ancient legends, and Instagram-worthy landscapes that’ll make you wonder why you ever bothered with overcrowded European hotspots.

What Makes Žemaitija So Special?

Picture this: you’re standing in an underground Soviet missile silo that once could have flattened half of Europe, then 20 minutes later you’re floating in crystal-clear waters watching ancient bridge poles through a transparent-bottom boat. Welcome to Žemaitija, where history meets nature in the most unexpected ways.

Žemaitija National Park sits on the Samogitian Upland, just 45 km from the Baltic Sea, with lakes covering more than 7% of its territory. The crown jewel? Lake Plateliai – a stunning 12.05 km² lake reaching depths of 47 meters that serves as the park’s beating heart.

The Cold War Museum: Europe’s Most Mind-Blowing Underground Experience

Let’s be real – you’ve probably never been inside a nuclear missile base, and Žemaitija offers the only chance in Europe to safely explore one. The Cold War Museum sits on the former Plokštinė missile base, where four R-12 nuclear missiles were deployed from 1963 to 1978, each carrying 2-megaton thermonuclear warheads capable of reaching Turkey and southern European countries.

In 2024, 35,000 people from around the world visited this eerie underground complex, exploring subterranean rooms, passages, and a missile silo plunging 100 feet beneath the ground. The experience is genuinely spine-tingling – visitors walk through the complex learning about each room’s purpose before ending up in one of the four large missile silos, with tours lasting about an hour.

Pro tip: Don’t go alone! The experience is much richer with a guide to contextualize what you’re seeing – book guided tours in advance for groups of 10 or more.

Admission: Adults €5, students/seniors €2.50
Hours: May-Sept: 10am-7pm daily | Oct-April: 10am-5pm daily
Location: 8km from Plateliai: follow the main road to Plokštinė, then 5km along a signposted gravel road through the pines

Lake Plateliai: The Heart of Lithuanian Mysticism

Forget your typical lake experience – Plateliai is where legends come alive. This isn’t just swimming and sunbathing; you can dive with certified instructors, kayak in transparent boats that reveal underwater archaeological treasures, or cycle the scenic 24km path around the entire lake.

The lake hides incredible secrets beneath its surface. Underwater archaeological finds include 16th century bridge poles that once connected “Castle Island” to the mainland – remnants of a castle that belonged to Lithuanian Dukes in the 15th century. Seven islands dot the lake, each with its own stories and mystique.

Unique Lake Activities You Won’t Find Elsewhere

Transparent Boat Tours: Night boat rides with lights and knowledgeable local guides offer a unique way to explore the lake and see what’s underneath while sailing in the dark – an amazing and truly unique experience.

Diving Adventures: The Oktopusas diving center, one of Lithuania’s largest since 1999, offers everything from beginner courses to advanced diving with internationally certified instructors. The lake’s crystal-clear waters provide visibility you won’t believe.

Cycling Paradise: The 24km lakeside cycling path offers constantly changing scenery – dense forests, traditional villages, hidden coves, and panoramic viewpoints.

The Witch’s Ash: Lithuania’s Most Legendary Tree

Every national park has its iconic natural monument, but few are as mystically captivating as Žemaitija’s Witch’s Ash. This massive ash tree grows to 7.2 m in volume, 2.1 m in diameter, and 34 m in height – it’s the thickest ash tree in all of Lithuania and a protected botanical natural heritage object.

Local legends swirl around this ancient giant, and standing beneath its enormous canopy feels like stepping into a fairy tale. The tree grows in the park surrounding Plateliai Manor, easily accessible from the main visitor areas.

Wildlife & Nature: More Than Pretty Scenery

Wolves and lynxes have found their home in Žemaitija’s forests, though you’re more likely to spot deer, foxes, and an incredible variety of birds. The park provides habitat for majestic white-tailed eagles and elusive black storks, making it a paradise for wildlife photographers and birdwatchers.

Bird species protected in Europe nest here, including Hazel Grouse, Corn Crake, and Whooper Swan. The park even preserves relics of ice age plants. The diverse ecosystems span from wetlands to ancient forests, offering different experiences in every season.

Best Walking & Hiking Trails

Šeirė Educational Trail (4.1km): Perfect for families, this trail winds through untouched forest with informative signs revealing local nature, wildlife, and forest secrets.

Paplatelė Trail (2.3km): A shorter option focusing on the lake’s cultural and natural heritage.

Lake Plateliai Circuit (24km): The most popular tourism route in Žemaitija National Park, featuring interesting tourism objects, natural sights, and cultural heritage sites.

Forest Trail Section: Part of the E11 European long-distance trail, this route leads through beautiful coniferous forests covering the Žemaitija Upland slopes, passing the Cold War Museum and forming wide circles around Ilgis and Beržoras lakes.

Cultural Heritage: Step Back in Time

Žemaitija isn’t just about nature – it’s home to the Samogitian people who’ve preserved their unique dialect, customs, and traditional architecture for centuries. More than 200 cultural heritage sites are carefully maintained throughout the park.

Shrove Tuesday Museum: The only museum in Lithuania dedicated to traditional carnival masks, featuring over 300 authentic pieces that reveal the region’s festive traditions.

Traditional Craft Center: Located in Plateliai Manor’s cellar, visitors can participate in hands-on workshops learning traditional Samogitian crafts.

Historic Churches: St. Stanislovas Church in Beržoras village, built in 1746, and the 14 chapels of the Cross Way create a spiritual journey through the landscape.

When to Visit: Timing Your Žemaitija Adventure

Summer (June-August): Peak season with pleasant weather, long sunshine-filled days perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling, plus vibrant wildflowers and lush greenery creating picturesque backdrops. Expect more crowds but all activities fully operational.

Spring & Autumn: Ideal for birdwatching as migratory birds pass through the park, with excellent crowd-free hiking and cycling in various areas, plus the added attraction of leaves changing color in autumn.

Winter: Cold and rarely visited, but budget-conscious travelers might appreciate the solitude and lower prices.

Getting There: Your Journey to Žemaitija

By Air: Vilnius International Airport is the closest international airport, about 150km southeast. The journey takes around three hours by car or bus. Riga is also about 3 hours away by car.

By Car: Essential for exploring the park freely. It’s difficult to reach the national park without a car, and having one allows access to remote hiking trails and the Cold War Museum.

By Public Transport: Take a train from Vilnius to Plungė, then a local bus or taxi to the park entrance. Limited but possible for budget travelers.

Where to Stay: Accommodation for Every Budget

Plateliai Village: The park’s administrative center offers the most accommodation options, from guesthouses to small hotels, ranging €30-80 per night.

Camping: Camping is your best bet for budget accommodation, as limited budget options exist nearby. Several designated camping areas around the lake offer basic facilities.

Holiday Villages: Small lakeside settlements provide vacation rentals and guesthouses with stunning water views.

Nearby Towns: Plungė offers more hotel options for those preferring urban amenities, just 20 minutes from the park.

What to Eat: Samogitian Flavors

Traditional Samogitian cuisine emphasizes hearty, warming dishes perfect after outdoor adventures. Local restaurants around Plateliai serve:

• Cepelinai: Lithuania’s national dish – potato dumplings with meat filling
• Fresh lake fish: Including the rare vendace and lake whitefish found in Plateliai
• Traditional rye bread: Dark, dense, and incredibly flavorful
• Local honey and herbal teas: Perfect for warming up after forest hikes

Dining options are limited, with one main restaurant on the opposite side of the lake from Plateliai in a hotel, so consider stocking up on picnic supplies for trail lunches.

Budget Planning: Costs & Money-Saving Tips

Daily Budget Breakdown:

• Budget traveler: €35-50/day (camping, self-catering, basic activities)
• Mid-range: €60-90/day (guesthouse, restaurant meals, all major activities)
• Luxury: €100+/day (hotel, guided tours, premium experiences)

Free Activities:

• Most hiking trails
• Lake swimming
• Wildlife watching
• Village exploration
• Photography

Money-Saving Tips:

• Entrance to the park is free
• Bring picnic lunches for trail days
• Camp instead of staying in hotels
• Visit in shoulder season for lower prices

Essential Practical Information

Visitor Center: 8 Didžioji Street, Plateliai | Phone: +370 448 49231 | Email: info@zemaitijosnp.lt

Park Map: Available online at zemaitijosnp.lt/en/park-map/

What to Pack:

• Waterproof hiking boots
• Rain jacket (weather can change quickly)
• Swimwear for lake activities
• Camera with extra batteries
• Insect repellent (summer months)
• Flashlight for Cold War Museum

Language: Lithuanian is official, but English is spoken at tourist sites. German and Russian are also commonly understood.

Currency: Euro (€) – cards accepted at most tourist facilities

Inclusive Travel: Accessibility Notes

The Traditional Craft Centre and first floor of the Visitor Centre are adapted for people in wheelchairs. The Shrove Tuesday Exposition is partly adapted. However, the trail stretch to Siberia watching tower and the tower itself are not accessible for wheelchair users.

Most hiking trails are on natural surfaces and may be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors, but the lakeside areas and main village paths are generally accessible.

Why Žemaitija Should Be Your Next Adventure

In a world of overtourism and Instagram-perfect but soulless destinations, Žemaitija offers something genuinely rare: authenticity combined with extraordinary experiences. For travelers seeking tranquility and natural beauty without tourist hustle, Žemaitija could be your perfect spot.

You won’t find crowds of selfie-stick wielding tourists here. Instead, you’ll discover a place where Samogitians have preserved their dialect, customs, features of character, buildings and original small-scale architecture – a living museum of culture within pristine nature.

Whether you’re fascinated by Cold War history, passionate about outdoor adventures, seeking spiritual connection with ancient forests, or simply wanting to experience authentic Lithuanian culture, Žemaitija National Park delivers experiences you literally cannot find anywhere else in Europe.

Pack your sense of adventure and prepare to be surprised. This mystical corner of Lithuania might just become your new favorite European destination.

Ready to plan your Žemaitija adventure? The park awaits with its secrets, legends, and unforgettable experiences. Just remember – in a place where Soviet missiles once threatened the world and ancient ash trees whisper forest secrets, every moment holds the potential for magic.