21 Best Day Trips From Vilnius (in 2026)

Wondering what to do around Vilnius? Trakai Castle is the most popular day trip from Vilnius!

Just 30 minutes by bus or train from Vilnius, the charming town of Trakai is a must-visit day trip destination.

Known for its picturesque lakeside castle, Trakai offers visitors a glimpse into Lithuania’s medieval past. Explore the castle, relax by the lake, take a boat ride, and indulge in some traditional Lithuanian cuisine at one of the lakeside restaurants.

I visited the castle in winter and practically had the whole place to myself. There are some interesting historical exhibits within the castle, but my favourite part was walking around the castle walls and taking in the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Trakai

Trakai Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Trakai is located approximately 30 minutes from Vilnius by bus or train.

You can take a train or bus from Vilnius to Trakai. The journey takes around 30 minutes, and both options are relatively inexpensive, although the bus is slightly cheaper.

Once you arrive in Trakai, it is around a 3km walk from the train station to the castle or 2.5km from the bus station. The walk is fairly pleasant, though. I enjoyed the scenery on the way.

💁🏻‍♀️ JJ’s Top Tip: I’d recommend starting your day trips early, especially in winter when the days are shorter. I visited Vilnius in winter and found that getting out of the city in the morning gave me plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed before it got dark.

Trakai Castle Tour From Vilnius 

This tour is very popular for a day trip to Trakai from Vilnius. It includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Vilnius, a guided tour of Paneriai Memorial Park and Trakai Castle, entrance fees and free time in Trakai.

2. Kaunas

If you want to experience a different side of Lithuania, then head to the country’s second-largest city, Kaunas.

Known for its vibrant art scene, historic architecture, and delicious food, this city is just over an hour away from Vilnius by bus or train.

Spend your day exploring Kaunas’ charming Old Town, visit the impressive Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, and don’t miss out on trying some local delicacies at one of the many restaurants or street

Must-Sees And Things To Do In

Kaunas Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Kaunas is located  104 km (64 miles) away from Vilnius.

The most convenient way to get from Vilnius to Kaunas is by train. Trains depart regularly from Vilnius Central Station, and the journey takes just over an hour and typically costs between €5-€10 depending on the time of day, making it very convenient to take a day trip to Kaunas from Vilnius. 

Kaunas Tour From Vilnius

If you are short on time, then this full-day tour of Kaunas, Trakai and Paneriai Memorial Park is perfect for you.

Starting in Vilnius, you will visit Trakai Castle, explore the historic city of Kaunas and learn about Lithuania’s dark history at Paneriai Memorial Park.

3. Hill Of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is a unique pilgrimage site located about 12 km (7.5 miles) north of the city of Šiauliai.

It is estimated that there are over 100,000 crosses and other religious symbols on this small hill, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lithuania.

The exact origin of the Hill of Crosses is unknown, but it is believed that people started placing crosses there after an uprising against Russian rule in the mid-19th century.

During Soviet rule, the hill was repeatedly bulldozed, and crosses were removed, but people continued to rebuild and add new crosses. It became a symbol of resistance against the Soviet regime.

Must-Sees And Things To Do At Hill Of Crosses

Hill Of Crosses Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

The Hill of Crosses is approximately 200 km (124 miles) from Vilnius and can be easily reached by car or bus. The drive takes around 2.5 hours, making it a perfect day trip from the capital city.

If you prefer to take public transportation, regular buses depart from Vilnius Bus Station to Šiauliai. The journey takes about 3.5 hours and tickets can be purchased directly at the station. Once you reach Šiauliai you can take a taxi to the Hill of Crosses.

The most convenient way to visit the Hill of Crosses on a day trip from Vilnius is to take an organised tour.

Hill Of Crosses Tour From Vilnius 

This tour to the Hill of Crosses from Vilnius will teach you about the history and significance of this unique site.

4. Ninth Fort

Ninth Fort is located in Kaunas which we’ve already talked about, but I think it is worth a day trip in its own right. 

The Ninth Fort is part of the Kaunas Fortress. During Soviet rule, the fort was used as a prison and place of execution for political dissidents. Between 1941 and 1944, it became a site of mass executions during the Holocaust, with over 30,000 Jews killed there.

Today, it serves as a museum and monument to those who lost their lives there.

Must-Sees And Things To Do At Ninth Fort

Ninth Fort Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Ninth Fort is approximately 100 km (62 miles) from Vilnius and can be reached by car or train in just over an hour.

Ninth Fort Tour

If you plan on visiting Ninth Fort, it is highly recommended to take a guided tour. This will provide you with a deeper understanding of its history and significance. Tours are available Tuesdays – Fridays and must be pre-booked by email.

5. Riga, Latvia 

While you’re in the Baltics, why not take a day trip to Riga, Latvia? 

Just a 4-hour drive from Vilnius, Riga is the capital and largest city of Latvia. It is known for its medieval Old Town, beautiful architecture, and vibrant nightlife.

Although it can be done as a day trip, if you leave early enough, consider staying overnight in Riga to make the most of your trip.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Riga

Riga Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Riga is about 300 km (186 miles) from Vilnius and can be reached by train or bus in around 4 hours. Flixbus have several daily departures starting at 05:30 am.

Riga Tour From Vilnius

This tour offers comfortable transportation from Vilnius to Riga and allows you to explore spectacular sights en route, such as the unique Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and the stunning Rundale Palace and Bauska Castle in Latvia.

6. Europa Park (Europos Parkas)

Europa Park is an open-air museum founded by Gintaras Karosas in 1991 and covers an area of 55 hectares.

The park is located 19 kilometres north of Vilnius in the Village of Joneikiškės.  It is known for its large collection of sculptures and installations from Lithuanian artists, as well as international artists.

The park also offers various cultural events, concerts, workshops and exhibitions throughout the year.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Europa Park

Europa Park Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Europa Park can be reached by car, taxi, or public transportation from Vilnius. The journey takes around 30 minutes. Bus number 66 runs regularly from Vilnius directly to the park.

Europa Park Tour From Vilnius

If you want to learn more about the Park and its many artworks, you can take a private guided tour.

This tour offers a closer look into the park’s art collection, history and landmarks. The tour is led by an experienced guide who will provide interesting facts and stories about the sculptures and their creators.

7. Druskininkai Aqua Park

Druskininkai Aqua Park is the largest indoor water park in the Baltic States and is a popular destination for families and tourists.

The park covers an area of 30,000 square meters and offers various water slides, pools, saunas, and relaxation areas.

Must-See And Things To Do In Druskininkai Aqua Park

Druskininkai Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Druskininkai is located 130km from Vilnius and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car, while a direct bus ride from Vilnius to Druskininkai takes about 2 hours.

8. Grūtas Park

Grūtas Park, also known as Stalin’s World, is a unique outdoor museum located near Druskininkai.

It features a collection of Soviet-era sculptures and monuments that were removed from public spaces after Lithuania gained independence in 1990.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Grūtas Park

Grūtas Park Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Grūtas Park is located approximately 120km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or public transportation.

The journey takes around 2 hours by car, while taking a direct bus from Vilnius to Druskininkai and then transferring to another bus or taxi is also an option.

Grūtas Park Tour From Vilnius

A visit to Grūtas Park is included in several popular tours from Vilnius. I recommend this one.

9. Anykščiai

Anykščiai is a ski resort city in Lithuania, located in the north-eastern part of the country. It is known for its beautiful nature and popular ski slopes.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Anykščiai

Anykščiai Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Anykščiai is located approximately 112km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or public transportation.

The journey takes around 1.5 hours by car, while taking a bus from Vilnius to Anykščiai takes around 2 hours and requires you to change buses in Ukmergės.

Anykščiai Tour From Vilnius

This Anykščiai day trip from Vilnius will show you all the most important sights in this historic and beautiful town.

10. Aukštaitija National Park

Aukštaitija National Park is the oldest and largest of Lithuania’s national parks, located in the northeastern part of the country. It is known for its beautiful lakes, forests, and unique cultural heritage.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Aukštaitija National Park

Aukštaitija National Park Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Aukštaitija National Park is approximately 115km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or public transportation.

The journey takes around 2 hours by car, while taking a bus from Vilnius to Ignalina and then changing to another bus to Palūšė takes around 3 hours.

Once you are in the park, you will need your own car or bike to get around as there is no public transportation within the park. Another option is to join a guided tour from Vilnius that includes transportation and activities in the park.

Aukštaitija National Park Tour From Vilnius

This guided tour will take you from Vilnius to Aukštaitija National Park, where you will enjoy a variety of activities.

The tour explores the geographical center of Europe; the Museum of Ancient Beekeeping; Labanoras Regional Park; the Museum of Ethnocosmology; Paluse village; Ladakalnis; Ginuciai watermill; and Ginuciai hillfort.

11. Kernavė

Located just an hour away from Vilnius, Kernave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive archaeological site of medieval settlements.

Take a walk through history as you explore the archaeological site, visit the museum, and learn about Lithuania’s ancient civilization.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Kernave

Visit the Archaeological Site

Learn about Lithuanian History at the Museum

Hike in the Surrounding Nature Reserve

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Kernave is located approximately 35km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or public transportation. The journey takes around an hour by car, while taking a bus from Vilnius to Kernave takes around 1.5 hours.

Kernavė Tour From Vilnius

12. Rumšiškės Open Air Museum

Experience a journey back in time at the Rumšiškės Open Air Museum, which showcases traditional Lithuanian architecture and way of life from the 18th to 19th century.

The museum covers an area of over 195 hectares and includes authentic buildings, artefacts, and exhibitions.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Rumšiškės Open Air Museum

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

The museum is located approximately 80km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or via an organised tour. The journey takes around an hour by car. I don’t recommend public transport as there is no direct bus service to the museum from Vilnius.

Rumšiškės Open Air Museum Tour From Vilnius

For a hassle-free experience, there are guided tours available from Vilnius that include transportation, entrance fees, and activities in the Rumšiškės Open Air Museum.

This tour also includes a visit to Paneriai Memorial and Trakai Castle.

13. Raudonė Castle And Nemunas River

Explore the picturesque Raudonė Castle, situated on a hill by the Nemunas River. Built in the 12th century, this castle boasts stunning architectural details and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Raudonė

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Raudonė Castle is located approximately 162km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or public transport. The journey takes around 2 hours by car.

Several direct buses to Raudone leave from Vilnius bus station and take around 3 hours.

14. Vilkija

Located on the banks of the Nemunas River, Vilkija is a charming small town with a rich history and picturesque scenery.

There’s not too much to do here, but if you want to get off the beaten path and see a part of Lithuania that does not get as many tourists, Vilkija is worth a visit.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Vilkija

Visit the Juškos Museum of Ethnic Culture

Explore the historical Jewish quarter

Hike the nature trail in the nearby Lekečiai forest

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Vilkija is approximately 130km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or public transport.

The journey takes around 1.5 hours by car, and public transport options include direct buses from Vilnius, which take around 2.5 hours.

15. Lithuanian Museum Of Ancient Beekeeping

For a unique and educational experience, visit the Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping located in Stripeikiai village.

The museum showcases the history of beekeeping in Lithuania with exhibits featuring traditional beekeeping tools, hives, and honey production methods.

The museum is open from May to October. A Honey Harvest festival is held in August, and the museum features a “Honey Bar”.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Stripeikiai

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Stripeikiai is approximately 112km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or on an organised tour. The journey takes around 1.5 hours by car.

Lithuanian Museum Of Ancient Beekeeping Tour From Vilnius 

This tour from Vilnius includes a stop at the beekeeping museum as well as lots of other interesting places, including the geographical center of Europe, Labanoras Regional Park, the Museum of Ethnocosmology, Paluse village, Ladakalnis, Ginuciai watermill, and Ginuciai hillfort.

16. Zarasai Town

Zarasai is a charming town located in the northeastern part of Lithuania. It’s also known as ‘Lithuania’s Little Switzerland’ due to its beautiful lakes and unspoiled nature.

It’s a perfect destination for those seeking relaxation and outdoor activities.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Zarasai

Enjoy swimming, fishing, or boating on Lake Zarasai

Visit the Antazavė neoclassical manor house, where you can try some crafts typical for this region

Visit the Stelmužė oak – a 1500-year-old oak tree

Take in the views from the observation bridge

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Zarasai is approximately 165km from Vilnius and can be reached by car, bus, or train.

The journey takes around 2.5 hours by car or 3 hours by bus. However, buses are infrequent so I don’t recommend taking public transport for a day trip.

17. Belmontas

Belmontas is a scenic resort park located on the outskirts of Vilnius. It is a sprawling combination of parks, walkways, rivers, cafes, and many more activities.

It’s a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering various outdoor activities and stunning nature views.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Belmontas

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Belmontas is only 10km from Vilnius and can be easily reached by car, bus, or taxi. It’s a short 20-minute drive from the city centre. If you prefer to take public transport, there are regular buses that depart from Vilnius.

Tour Highlight 

If you fancy getting a little active, I recommend this mountain biking tour to Belmontas

18. Birstonas

Known as the spa capital of Lithuania, Birstonas is a town located in southern Lithuania. It’s known for its picturesque nature, mineral waters, and health resorts.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Birstonas

Relax and rejuvenate at the Vytautas Mineral SPA

Take a stroll through the beautiful forest trails

Relax on one of the sandy lakeside beaches

Climb the Birštonas Observation Tower

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Birstonas is approximately 90km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or bus. The journey takes around 1.5 hours by car and around 2 hours by public transport.

19. Geographical Center Point Of Europe

Located near the village of Purnuškės, in the district of Elektrėnai, it is considered to be the geographical center point of Europe.

The exact location was determined by scientists using mathematical calculations, and it marks the spot where Europe’s main continental axis intersects.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In The Geographical Center Point Of Europe

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

The center point is approximately 30km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or bus.

It is most convenient to get to the Geographical centre of Europe by car. From Vilnius, follow the A14 toward Molėtai until you see a sign for the Geographical Centre of Europe.

You can also get to the Geographical Centre of Europe by taking a shuttle bus (Vilnius – Radžiuliai) from stop 32 at the Vilnius Bus Station. It takes about 30 minutes to get there, and you can buy your tickets right on the bus from the driver.

20. Užutrakis Manor Estate

Located on the picturesque shores of Lake Galvė, Užutrakis Manor is a stunning Neo-Renaissance-style mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens.

It was built in the late 19th century as a summer residence for the wealthy Tyszkiewicz family and is now open to the public as a museum.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Užutrakis Manor Estate

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

Užutrakis Manor is about 30km from Vilnius and can be reached by car or public transportation. Driving is the most convenient way to get there, as it takes approximately 40 minutes.

You can also take a bus from Vilnius Bus Station to Trakai and then walk or take a taxi to Užutrakis Manor.

21. Wolf’s Lair, Poland

Wolf’s Lair, also known as “Wolfsschanze,” is a complex of bunkers and buildings in the forests of Poland.

It was used as Adolf Hitler’s Eastern Front military headquarters during World War II. Today, it is open to visitors as a museum.

Must-Sees And Things To Do In Wolfs Lair

Distance From Vilnius And How To Get There

The distance from Vilnius to Wolf’s Lair is approximately 420km and can be reached by car or on an organised tour from Vilnius. 

The drive takes around 4.5 hours, but the scenic route through the Polish countryside is worth it.

Wolf’s Lair Tour From Vilnius

This 16-hour tour will take you from Vilnius to Wolf’s lair in a private minivan.

Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips From Vilnius

One of the best things about staying in Vilnius is how much you can see without travelling too far. Some of my favourite experiences in Lithuania actually happened outside the city, and taking even just a one-day trip really adds another layer to your trip.

If you’re short on time, I’d recommend starting with Trakai Castle; it’s the easiest and most popular for a reason. But if you have a bit more flexibility, places like Kaunas or the Hill of Crosses offer something completely different and are well worth the journey.

Whether you’re looking for nature, history, or something a little more unusual, there’s no shortage of great day trips from Vilnius; you just need to pick the one that fits your travel style.