The lakes of Lithuania
Lithuania is a small country with a great history and beautiful nature. Tourists discover here the sandy beaches of the Baltic and charming towns. We offer something unique and pioneering!
Not far north of the capital of Lithuania - Vilnius, there is a mysterious land of forests and lakes. It is a magical corner, rarely discovered by tourists. There are hundreds of picturesque lakes and rivers with crystal clear water. Wooden villages and towns like from children's fairy tales, old noble residences. And on top of that, Scandinavian wilderness, elegance and modernity at a reasonable price.
We invite you on a seven-day trip full of unusual attractions to the heart of the Lithuanian lake region Aukštaitija (literally: Upland) starting and ending in Ukmergė. Accommodation in five towns, easy and short stages. More demanding cyclists on mountain bikes or e-bikes can choose more ambitious variants of the route.
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrival in Ukmergė
There is an expressway to Ukmergė so If you live in Europe, you can get there conveniently by car. You can also arrive by plane or train to Vilnius and then take an hour by bus or taxi. .
The town is located on the high bank of the river Šventoji, with a viewing platform on the castle hill. Numerous wooden villas, a Jewish synagogue and a beautiful Old Believer prayer house (molenna) have been preserved here. Overnight in the four-star chamber hotel "Big Stone". You can spend your free time on short rides (e.g. to the miniature park), on the beach by the river or drinking the excellent local ‘Vilkmergės’ beer.
Day 2 (Monday): Ukmergė - Molėtai 55 or 66 km
We set off to the east and – in the case of the easier version of the route – after 15 km we see the azure blue surface of a large lake and the beach in the village of Balninkai. A more ambitious option leads along gravel roads through undulating moraine landscape. The wooden church in Šešuoliai is definitely worth a visit, and then you can relax on an island on the lake in Žalvariai. A new elegant hotel is also waiting in Molėtai, the local tourist center.
Day 3 (Tuesday): Molėtai - Ignalina 65 km
We are entering the very heart of the lake area. From the 36-meter high lookout tower, we can admire Lake Baltieji Lakajai. Labanoras is the smallest Lithuanian town, which is built entirely of wood and abounds in unusual beauty. However, the biggest attraction of the stage is the historical water mill in Ginučiai. Foamy water flowing through a wooden trough creates a place for fun like in an aquapark. The road continues along the scenic path along Lake Lusiai.
Day 4 (Wednesday): Ignalina - Utena 50 km
In Ignalina, the center of the Aukštaitijos National Park, we turn west. Today's stage is pure nature! Forests and lakes, wild beaches, footbridges and paths right along the shores. We pass Lake Baluošas with eight islands and the long ribbon lake Tauragnas.
Day 5 (Thursday): Utena - Anykščiai 45 km
There is one more lake on the route – Rubikių, one of the largest in Lithuania. Then, in the village of Burbiškis, we visit the extensive manor house complex, which once belonged to the gentry family of Węcławowicz, with well-preserved palace interiors. Anykščiai is a resort popular with artists. There is a narrow-gauge railway station-museum, shops with original souvenirs and art galleries. And the hotel with SPA where we stay.
Day 6 (Friday): Anykščiai - Ukmergė 48 km
After the lakes, there is time for the river adventure. We cycle along a comfortable path on the banks of Šventoji (the holy one) - the longest river that flows entirely in the territory of Lithuania. Its waters are crystal clear and the sandy shore invites you to take a bath. Further, the route leads through forest reserves to a very impressive treetop walking path with another lookout. In Ukmergė we close the loop by spinning the rotating stone sculpture in front of the Big Stone hotel.
Day 7 (Saturday): End of tour
You can supplement the cycling trip with a visit to baroque monuments in Vilnius, Kaunas and the island castle of Trakai, where you can stop for another night before or after the trip. You can also go to Klaipeda and spend another week cycling on the Lithuanian Baltic coast (We can send details upon request).
See photo gallery
Character of the route: The terrain is flat or slightly undulating. Lithuania is a sparsely populated country, so traffic on local roads is minimal. A significant part of the route leads along field and forest gravel roads. They are solidly built, free of sand and mud. We tried to choose sections with the best possible and undamaged surface. In cities and along some main roads, there are separate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists. Examples in the pictures:
Dates of tours in 2025:
PLT-1 27.04 - 03.05
PLT-2 18.05 - 24.05
PLT-3 08.06 - 14.06
PLT-4 15.06 - 21.06
PLT-5 06.07 - 12.07
PLT-6 20.07 - 26.07
PLT-7 03.08 - 09.08
PLT-8 10.08 - 16.08
PLT-9 24.08 - 30.08
PLT-10 07.09 - 13.09
Prices:
self guided tour
1 person sharing twin EUR 580
1 person in single EUR 690
Included in the basic price:
- 6 nights accommodation in good 3 and 4 star hotels, examples: Hotel Big Stone in Ukmergė, Molėtai SPA Hotel in Molėtai, Hotel Nykščio namai & SPA in Anykščiai.
- 6 x breakfast
- Transfer of luggage from hotel to hotel
- Route description, map and GPS data
Not included in the price: Travel to Ukmergė
Additional services:
Half board supplement (6x three course dinner) EUR 120
Bicycle rental: EUR 90
E-bike rental EUR 190
Public bus ride Vilnius centre - Ukmergė (buses leave every 40-50 minutes) EUR 7 (per person)
Taxi transferto Ukmergė from Vilnius centre EUR 60-70 Vilnius Airport EUR 70-80 (per ride)
Extra night B&B in Ukmergė or Vilnius
- 1 person sharing twin EUR 40-58
- 1 person in single EUR 65-80