Alytus

The largest city of southern Lithuania, straddling the Nemunas River with a historic mound, angel sculptures and colourful street art murals. It serves as the gateway to Dzūkija with pleasant riverside parks and the White Rose pedestrian bridge.

Things to do

• Alytus Mound — Climb the historic hillfort on the Nemunas riverbank, once a defensive stronghold of the ancient Dzūkija region.
• White Rose Pedestrian Bridge — Cross this striking suspension footbridge over the Nemunas, one of the longest of its kind in Lithuania.
• Street art mural trail — Wander the city to spot colourful large-scale murals that have earned Alytus a reputation as a capital of Lithuanian street art.
• Angel sculptures — Seek out the whimsical angel statues scattered around the city, including the beloved Angel of Freedom.
• Riverside parks stroll — Relax along the leafy parks and promenades that line both banks of the Nemunas River.
• Alytus Museum of Local Lore — Explore exhibits on the history, ethnography and nature of the Dzūkija region.
• Day trip into Dzūkija National Park — Use Alytus as a base to reach the pine forests, sandy villages and mushroom-rich landscapes of nearby Dzūkija.

Food to try

• Grybai (wild mushrooms) — Dzūkija is famed for mushroom foraging, so try dishes featuring local forest mushrooms in soups and sauces.
• Grikių babka — A traditional Dzūkija buckwheat pudding baked until firm, often served with mushroom or meat sauce.
• Bandukės / bandos — Rustic Dzūkijan bread rolls and baked goods reflecting the region's simple, grain-based peasant cuisine.
• Šakotis — A tall, spiky tree-shaped cake baked over a rotating spit, popular for celebrations across the region.
• Grybų sriuba — A hearty wild mushroom soup showcasing the abundance of the Dzūkija forests.

Local customs & good to know

• Mushroom and berry culture — Foraging is a genuine way of life in Dzūkija, so respect local forests and expect mushrooms and berries in season everywhere.
• Alytus as street art hub — The city embraces its murals proudly, so take time to appreciate them as a real point of local identity rather than mere decoration.
• Basic Lithuanian goes far — English is less common than in Vilnius, so a friendly labas (hello) and ačiū (thank you) are appreciated.

Nearby

• Birstonas (Kaunas Region) — 23 km
• Merkinė — 27 km
• Žuvintas Biosphere Reserve (Marijampolė & Suvalkija) — 29 km
• Liškiava — 35 km