Ignalina

A lakeside resort town serving as the main gateway to Aukštaitija National Park and the region's lake district. Popular for winter sports, water activities and its calm resort atmosphere.

Things to do

• Explore Aukštaitija National Park — Wander Lithuania's oldest national park with over 100 lakes, ancient pine forests and traditional ethnographic villages.
• Visit the Ancient Beekeeping Museum in Stripeikiai — Discover Lithuania's beekeeping heritage with old hives, tools and folklore in this open-air museum within the national park.
• Ignalina Winter Sports Centre — Ski, snowboard or tube down the slopes and enjoy biathlon facilities at this popular winter resort just outside town.
• Boat or kayak the lake chain — Paddle the interconnected lakes like Lūšiai and Baluošas, exploring islands and quiet coves from Ignalina's shores.
• Climb Ladakalnis Hill — Ascend this sacred hill for a panoramic view over six lakes, one of the most photographed vistas in Aukštaitija.
• See the Palūšė wooden church — Admire the 18th-century log-built Church of St. Joseph, one of the oldest surviving wooden churches in Lithuania.
• Swim and relax at the town beach — Enjoy the calm resort atmosphere by Ignalina's lakeside beaches in summer with gentle waters and pine surroundings.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Hearty potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream and bacon, a Lithuanian staple found in local eateries.
• Smoked lake fish — Freshly caught and smoked bream, perch or eel from the surrounding lakes, sold at markets and lakeside stalls.
• Šaltibarščiai — Cold pink beetroot soup made with kefir and dill, served chilled with a side of hot boiled potatoes, ideal in summer.
• Kastinys — A whipped sour cream and butter delicacy from the Aukštaitija region, traditionally eaten with hot potatoes.
• Forest berry and mushroom dishes — Seasonal wild bilberries, cranberries and boletus mushrooms gathered from the national park's forests feature in local meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the national park rules — Camping, fires and fishing are only permitted in designated areas within Aukštaitija National Park, so check regulations at the Palūšė visitor centre.
• Pack for changeable weather — Even in summer lakeside mornings can be cool and mosquito-heavy, so bring layers and repellent for forest and water activities.
• Learn a few Lithuanian greetings — Locals appreciate a simple 'labas' (hello) and 'ačiū' (thank you), as English is less common in rural resort areas.
• Buy from local vendors — Support villagers selling honey, smoked fish and handicrafts along the roads, and carry cash as cards are not always accepted.

Nearby

• Palūšė — 6 km
• Aukštaitija National Park — 9 km
• Ginučiai Watermill — 10 km
• Labanoras Regional Park — 24 km