Europos Parkas

Europos parkas

An open-air sculpture park marking the geographical centre of Europe, set in rolling woodland north of Vilnius. It showcases large-scale contemporary artworks by international artists amid forest trails and meadows.

Things to do

• See the LNK Infotree — Wander through Gintaras Karosas's monumental sculpture made from over 3,000 old television sets, one of the park's signature installations.
• Stand at the Centre of Europe — Visit the marker celebrating the geographical centre of the continent as calculated by France's National Geographic Institute in 1989.
• Walk the forest sculpture trails — Follow winding paths through woodland and meadows to discover more than 100 large-scale works by artists from over 30 countries.
• Find Magdalena Abakanowicz's 'Space of Unknown Growth' — Explore the field of 22 abstract boulder-like concrete forms by the renowned Polish sculptor.
• See Sol LeWitt's 'Double Negative Pyramid' — Admire the geometric white brick sculpture by the American conceptual and minimalist art pioneer.
• Photograph the 'Chair Pool' — Capture Dennis Oppenheim's surreal oversized furniture installation set among the greenery.
• Relax in the meadow picnic areas — Take a break on the open grassy spaces between artworks, popular with families in warm weather.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Try Lithuania's national dish of large potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream and bacon.
• Šaltibarščiai — Cool off with the vivid pink cold beetroot soup made with kefir, served alongside hot boiled potatoes in summer.
• Kibinai — Sample these savoury Karaite pastries filled with meat, a regional speciality found in nearby Trakai and Vilnius area cafés.
• Café at the park — Stop by the on-site café for coffee, snacks and simple Lithuanian fare after exploring the trails.
• Gira — Refresh with the traditional Lithuanian fermented bread drink, a mildly sweet non-alcoholic beverage.
• Šakotis — Taste the spit-baked tree cake with its distinctive spiky branches, a festive Lithuanian dessert.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy tickets and bring cash — Entry is ticketed and it is wise to have euros on hand, as card acceptance can be limited at the smaller kiosk.
• Wear sturdy shoes — The park spans dozens of hectares of forest and meadow with uneven paths, so comfortable walking footwear is essential.
• Come by car or arrange transport — The park lies about 20 km north of Vilnius near Purnuškės with no direct public transport, so driving or a taxi is easiest.
• Respect the artworks — Many sculptures are touchable and even climbable, but check signage as some pieces are fragile and off-limits.

Nearby

• Hill of Three Crosses — 13 km
• Gediminas Tower and Castle Hill — 14 km
• Užupis — 14 km
• Vilnius Cathedral and Square — 14 km