Žemaitija National Park

Žemaitijos nacionalinis parkas

A protected landscape of forests, lakes and traditional Samogitian villages centred on scenic Lake Plateliai. It is ideal for hiking, boating and exploring the region's folk culture and mythology.

Things to do

• Sail or kayak on Lake Plateliai — Explore the park's largest and most scenic lake, dotted with seven islands, by boat, kayak or yacht from the Plateliai harbour.
• Visit the Cold War Museum — Descend into a former underground Soviet ballistic missile base at Plokštinė, one of Europe's most unusual military sites.
• Walk the Šeirė Nature Trail — Follow the cognitive path through forest and bog to learn about the park's flora, fauna and glacial landscape.
• Explore Plateliai village and manor park — Wander the old lakeside settlement with its wooden church and centuries-old oak trees in the former manor grounds.
• Climb the Šventorkalnis and lake overlooks — Take in panoramic views of Lake Plateliai and the surrounding wooded hills from marked viewpoints.
• See the Devil's Footprint stone and mythology sites — Seek out sacred stones, springs and legend-laden spots that reveal Samogitian folk beliefs across the park.
• Cycle the forest and lakeside routes — Ride marked trails linking villages, mounds and viewpoints through the park's beech and spruce forests.

Food to try

• Kastinys — A traditional whipped, sour Samogitian butter-cream dish eaten warm with boiled potatoes.
• Samogitian pancakes (Žemaičių blynai) — Potato pancakes shaped like a half-moon and stuffed with minced meat, often served with sour cream.
• Cepelinai — Large potato dumplings filled with meat or curd, a hearty staple across the region.
• Smoked lake fish — Fresh perch, pike or bream from Lake Plateliai, smoked or fried at local eateries.
• Kūčiukai and honey — Small baked dough pieces and local forest honey sold at village markets and festivals.
• Rye bread and dark kvass — Dense sour rye bread and fermented bread drink offered in traditional homesteads.

Local customs & good to know

• Time your visit for Užgavėnės — Plateliai hosts one of Lithuania's most famous Shrovetide carnivals with carved wooden masks and the burning of Morė.
• Respect sacred natural sites — Stones, springs and old oaks carry pagan significance, so treat them as heritage rather than climbing frames.
• Learn a few Samogitian words — Locals are proud of their distinct Žemaitian dialect, and a greeting is warmly received.
• Register for boating on the lake — Motorized craft are restricted and permits or fees apply, so check park rules at the visitor centre first.

Nearby

• Plokštinė Cold War Museum — 3 km
• Plateliai — 6 km
• Žemaičių Kalvarija — 9 km
• Plungė — 14 km