Driving Through Lithuania: 10 Roads to Take
From the beautiful Curonian Lagoon to the Aukštaitija National Park, Lithuania is home to some of the world's most beautiful sights. And you can get up close and personal with these places in a truly unique way.
One of the best ways to explore Lithuania is by road. Its extensive network allows you to see the length and breadth of the country like nothing else. You'll gain intimate access to scenic coastal roads, lush forests, and historic sites. All the while, you'll be a moment's turn from traditional villages, ornate churches, and hidden gems.
But knowing that you can drive through Lithuanian is only half the battle. You also need to know where to drive and what roads are the best ones to take. With that in mind, let's take a virtual trip through the country and mark them out for you!
Ten roads to drive through in Lithuania
Below, you will find a variety of roads that span the entire country of Lithuania. Each balances exploration with excitement, allowing you to learn about his extraordinary country.
1. Panemunė Road
The Panemunė road is easily one of the most scenic routes in Lithuania. Stretching over 100 km, it includes endless countryside, picturesque glacial lakes, castles, and more. It's the perfect choice for travelers who want to experience a bit of everything.
As one of the country's oldest known roads, it is surrounded by history at every turn. The towns and cities you pass have enormous cultures attached to them. Take Raudondvaris and Raudonė as examples. Both have many fantastic manor houses and castles to explore in the area.
Also within reach of the Panemunė road is the Germanic city of Šilutė. This city has deep ties to World War I, and its location makes it a place to sample beautiful seafood.
History aside, the Panemunė Road also promises spellbinding natural beauty. The road runs parallel to the country's largest river, the Nemunas. You'll have a front-row seat to marvel at local biodiversity across your journey.
And to end your drive, treat yourself to a detour to the nearby Curonian Lagoon. This world-famous freshwater expanse spans over 625 square miles and gives drivers the perfect way to enjoy the Baltic landscape surrounding them.
2. Four Capitals Route
The Four Capitals Route takes you through Lithuanian current and past capitals. As such, drivers can time travel through various eras, from medieval to modern times, in one trip.
For example, you'll visit the country's first capital, Kernavė, nicknamed the "Troy of Lithuania." The settlement dates back to the 1200s and was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2004. Drivers will also get to speed by Trakai, a lake resort that served as the de facto capital for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in the 1500s.
You'll also visit Kaunuas, which served as the capital during the interwar period. Here, you will find some of the country's most loved museums, galleries, and architecture. After that, you can enjoy the official capital, Vilnius. This city offers a blend of history, modernity, and more to end your roundtrip.
3. Neringa Road
The Neringa Road offers drivers a truly unique experience, unlike any other route. If you enjoy nature and want to see the Baltic coastline like never before, it's the definitive road to take.
The road, set across 100 km, takes you across the dunes of the Curonian Spit peninsula. At every stage, you'll pass tranquil villages and resorts. From the Hill of Urbas to the Dune of Preila, endless hiking paths will coax you off the beaten track.
But nothing will prepare you for the biodiversity awaiting you. The Neringa Road is home to several distinct seabirds, including Europe's largest cormorant colony. Remember to pack a pair of binoculars, as you'll see these birds in their native splendor.
One thing though to remember is the location of this road. As it is on the West Coast, the Neringa road is a return trip for many travelers. Unless you continue to Kaliningrad Oblast, which belongs to Russia, you'll be doubling back. Having said that, it's hardly a complaint, given the fantastic beauty found here.
4. A4 Road
In the South East of Lithuania, you will find the A4 road. This 128 km stretch promises endless forests, meadows, and lakes. It passes through the natural paradise known as the Dzūkija region.
Throughout your trek, you'll see beautiful monasteries and natural landscapes living in harmony. A visit to Dzūkija National Park is also highly recommended. The park has several amazing walking, hiking, and cycling paths that serve as the perfect road break.
Moreover, the park has amazing lakes where all drivers are allowed to fish. And if you want to end your drive with the ultimate treat, spend some time at Druskininkai. This world-famous resort has many spa and treatment services to pamper you.
5. Old Postal Tract
Completed in 1836, the old postal tract was a major part of the country's infrastructure. Measuring 200 km, it served two purposes: First, it connected the Lithuanian city of Kaunas with Latvia's Daugavpils. Second, it connected St. Petersburg and Warsaw. This made it a crucial route during World War I when goods and communication passed by daily.
As such, the Old Postal Tract is a road steeped in history. You'll find many historic buildings throughout, including abandoned fortresses, stations, and forgotten buildings.
History aside, the city promises beautiful rivers, lakes, and parks to visit. Moreover, you'll also drive through the picturesque town of Ukmergė, whose history dates back to the 1300s.
6. Aukstaitian Road
Like the old postal tract, the Aukstaitian Road was an artery of the Lithuanian road network. Built between 1937 and 1940, it is a timeline of both WWII and the interwar period.
From one of Lithuania's oldest cities, Kėdainiai, to Biržai in the northern reaches, you're given a timeline of the country's unique history. Across the 180 km stretch of road, you'll also see a variety of history dating back centuries.
For example, you'll find endless castles from the House of Radziwill, who controlled the territory in the 17th century. As such, it is a treasure trail of history that ordinary tourists would miss out on.
7. Southern Via Baltica
As the main road connecting to Poland, the Southern Via Baltica is a busy route. Also known as the Kaunas-Poland A7, it can be ideal for drivers heading from the continent toward Helsinki.
The Southern Via Baltica offers some truly amazing sights and scenery. For example, it takes you through the Sudoyia region, the smallest cultural area of Lithuania.
But don't be fooled by its size; it contains some of the best examples of folk culture. The nearby city of Marijampolė, for example, is the country's cultural capital. It boasts world-class theaters and universities, as well as war monuments galore.
That said, as a main road between Poland and Estonia, this road receives heavy freight traffic. Drivers should remember that driving conditions can vary depending on the time of day.
8. E272 Route
The E272 route is an ambitious trek that covers many areas mentioned already. Spanning over 361 km, it can be well worth the effort if you have the time and ambition.
The overall route takes you from Vilnius toward the Baltic seaside. You'll get to see and experience everything between. From beautiful cities like Šiauliai to historic Ukmergė and beyond, there's a unique blend of old and modern.
Given the length, detours are everywhere. And no doubt you'll take time to visit the amazing parks along the way. The Samogitian National Park, for example, promises a unique blend of nature but a twist. A Soviet nuclear missile base is on-site, as well as a Cold War museum and war dioramas.
The E272 route also brings you close to the Hill of Crosses. This unmissable monument is a pilgrimage site for the country. It also became a site of political protest against Soviet occupation in the 1940s.
9. Samogitians Route
Interested in religion and spirituality? Then the Samogitians Road is the route for you. It includes both pagan and Christian attractions, making it a huge tourist route. You'll pass through endless amounts of Christian shrines, churches and holy sites.
The most popular is the Shrine of Our Lady of Šiluva. This shrine contains an image of the Blessed Virgin Mary and received a visit from Pope John Paul II in 1993. Attracting several hundred thousand pilgrims each year, the shrine is one of the country's most famous sites.
Besides Christianity, you'll pass through the region of Samogitia. This unique area has its own distinct culture, folklore, architecture, and language—like nowhere else in the country. As you drive through this unique area, you'll make your way toward Lithuania's signature Baltic coast.
10. 102 Road
The final road on this list will take drivers along the east side of Lithuania. The 102 road connects the capital, Vilnius, to the northern city of Daugavpils in Latvia. This 164 km route offers a unique way to see some of the less visited parts of the country.
For example, you can pass through the Aukstatija National Park along your journey. It has amazing lakes, forests, and lookout towers, and it is an ideal place to enjoy nature.
Rustic villages along the road offer a chance to experience the older parts of the country. As the 102 Road takes you to the Latvian border, the 102 can be a great way to take a detour into neighboring countries.
Top travel tips for Lithuania
Now that you know the roads across Lithuania, it's time to focus on enjoying yourself. Below are simple tips drivers should remember to make the most of their trip:
1. Ensure you're connected
Staying connected is key when driving throughout Lithuania. Especially if you're taking the scenic route, you need access to maps and navigation apps. Your smartphone is your compass, taking you from A to B.
But often, drivers forget to prepare their smartphones for a trip overseas. Once they drive into Lithuania, their smartphones fail to connect to networks. Or, they're faced with enormous roaming charges.
Thankfully, technology is solving this problem. eSIMs allow you to change operators all within an app on your phone. You no longer have to buy new SIM cards or take out expensive roaming packages when you visit a new country.
With an eSIM, you connect to the best local networks across Lithuania. You'll be charged for data at a local rate, helping you save money throughout your trip, too. All the while, you'll enjoy reliable connections.
The only thing you need to decide on with eSIMs is a provider. One that comes highly recommended is Saily. It strikes the perfect balance between fantastic coverage and affordability. Prices start at $3.99, and flexible options allow travelers to tailor their plans to their trip. Best of all, it only takes three simple steps to sort out your entire package for Lithuania.
2. Pack the right sockets and gadgets
If you're taking gadgets with you, remember to consider electrical requirements. After all, there's no point packing your gadgets if they can't charge or work!
As is typical across the continent, Lithuania uses the European two-pin plug sockets. If your electronics do not have this kind of plug, then you must pack a universal travel adaptor.
Lithuania uses a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. If your device runs on a smaller amount, as is typical with US travelers, you must also bring a converter.
3. Observe the language, currency, and customs
There are also some cultural things drivers should take note of. For example, you should know that Lithuanian is the official language. It could be a good idea to have a few customary phrases to greet citizens, ask for help, and more.
That said, English is often taught as the first foreign language for school students. Younger Lithuanians will have an excellent standard of English, but older locals may struggle to understand you.
Lithuania's national currency is the Euro. You should exchange your money for your trip to get the best rates. Do remember that not every place accepts credit and debit card payments. Carry cash with you, especially when visiting smaller towns, villages, and markets.
Some final thoughts
Lithuania is fast becoming one of Europe's best holiday destinations. It promises everything from history to nature, unique cultures, and more.
Because the country has an extensive road network, it's also a great place for drivers to take to the road. As you've seen, there are a number of iconic routes that you can travel along to explore everything.
That said, drivers must remember to observe the local customs and pack some essentials. eSIM technology, for example, allows you to stay connected no matter what road you choose to take!
Image credit: Depositphotos