Raudone Castle

Raudones pilis

A neo-Gothic red-brick manor castle overlooking the Nemunas River, surrounded by a scenic park. Visitors climb its tower for river views and explore the romantic estate grounds.

Things to do

• Climb the castle tower — Ascend the neo-Gothic tower's spiral staircase for panoramic views over the Nemunas River valley and surrounding forests.
• Explore the castle interior — Wander the restored red-brick manor, once home to the Zubov family, now partly used as a school and museum space.
• Stroll the castle park — Walk the romantic English-style landscaped grounds featuring rare old trees, including centuries-old oaks and exotic plantings.
• Walk down to the Nemunas River — Follow the paths from the estate to the riverbank for scenic views of one of Lithuania's largest and most historic rivers.
• Visit the Raudonė mound and old cellars — Discover the historic terraces and vaulted cellars that hint at the site's medieval origins beneath the 19th-century remodel.
• Photograph the castle facade — Capture the fairytale red-brick towers and Tudor-Gothic details, especially striking in autumn against golden park foliage.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Lithuania's iconic potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream and bacon bits, found in nearby regional eateries.
• Kugelis — A baked grated-potato pudding with bacon, a hearty staple of central Lithuanian home cooking.
• Šaltibarščiai — A vivid pink cold beet soup made with kefir and served with boiled potatoes, refreshing on warm days by the river.
• Smoked river fish — Try locally smoked fish reflecting the Nemunas River's long fishing tradition, sold at markets in nearby towns.
• Kastinys — A whipped sour-cream butter delicacy from the region, traditionally eaten with hot potatoes.

Local customs & good to know

• Check tower access hours — The tower and castle are partly a working school, so viewing hours can be limited—confirm opening times before visiting.
• Combine with the Panemunės castle route — Raudonė sits along the scenic Nemunas valley chain of castles, so pair it with nearby Panemunė and Vytėnai for a full day.
• Bring cash for small fees — Entry to the tower or park facilities may require a modest cash payment, as card options can be limited in rural areas.
• Respect the estate's quiet setting — The grounds are peaceful and locally cherished, so keep noise down and stay on marked paths through the park.

Nearby

• Panemunė Castle (Tauragė Region) — 40 km
• Sudargas Hillforts (Marijampolė & Suvalkija) — 40 km
• Ninth Fort — 47 km
• Paežeriai Manor (Marijampolė & Suvalkija) — 50 km