Telšiai

The capital of Samogitia, set on the hills around Lake Mastis with a charming amphitheatre-like old town and Baroque churches. It is home to the Samogitian bishopric, an art academy, and quirky bear sculptures that symbolise the region.

Things to do

• Stroll around Lake Mastis — Walk the promenade encircling the lake below the old town for the classic amphitheatre-like view of Telšiai's terraced hills.
• Visit the Cathedral of St Anthony of Padua — This Baroque church crowning the hill is the seat of the Samogitian bishopric and dominates the town skyline.
• Explore the Samogitian Museum Alka — The region's main museum showcases Samogitian folk art, ethnography and archaeology on a hill near the lake.
• Hunt for the bear sculptures — Seek out the quirky bronze bears scattered around town that symbolise Samogitia's heraldic emblem.
• Wander the old town and Turgaus square — Amble the historic market square and its wooden and brick houses at the heart of the amphitheatre-shaped centre.
• See the Vincas Kudirka Street stairs and viewpoints — Climb the terraced streets for sweeping panoramas over the lake and rooftops.
• Visit the Telšiai Art Academy galleries — The Vilnius Academy of Arts branch here gives the town a creative buzz, with student exhibitions and public sculptures.

Food to try

• Kastinys — A traditional Samogitian whipped sour-cream and butter dish, warm and tangy, usually eaten with hot potatoes.
• Samogitian pancakes (Žemaičių blynai) — Potato-dough pancakes shaped like half-moons and stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream.
• Kugelis — A baked grated-potato pudding crisped on top and served with sour cream and bacon bits.
• Cepelinai — Zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings filled with meat, a hearty staple across Lithuania and beloved in Samogitia.
• Rye bread and dark beer — Look for local sourdough rye bread and regional craft or farmhouse beer in Telšiai's taverns.

Local customs & good to know

• Samogitian dialect pride — Locals speak the distinct Žemaitian dialect and take great pride in their separate regional identity, so a friendly acknowledgment is appreciated.
• The bear is everywhere — The bear is Samogitia's symbol, appearing on the coat of arms and in sculptures, so notice it in local branding and souvenirs.
• Respect the bishopric heritage — Telšiai is a major Catholic centre, so dress modestly when entering the cathedral and other churches.
• Quiet, hilly walking town — Wear comfortable shoes for the steep terraced streets and expect a slow, peaceful pace especially on Sundays.

Nearby

• Žemaitija National Park — 21 km
• Plokštinė Cold War Museum — 22 km
• Žemaičių Kalvarija — 23 km
• Plungė — 26 km