Cycling in Lithuania: A tour from Vilnius to the countryside
Our cycling in Lithuania trip was a blast! When it comes to discovering the hidden treasures of Europe on two wheels, Lithuania might not be the first destination to come to mind. However, this Baltic gem has a lot to offer for cycling enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you on a journey through Lithuania’s stunning landscapes and share my personal experiences of cycling in this enchanting country.
Lithuania Cycling Routes: Unveiling the Gems
Lithuania boasts many cycling routes catering to riders of all levels. From leisurely coastal rides to challenging long-distance trails, there’s something for everyone.
The Coastal Cycling Route: EuroVelo 10 and 13
One of the most beautiful cycling routes in the country is the Coastal Cycling Route, a part of the EuroVelo 10 and EuroVelo 13 network. As you pedal along the picturesque Lithuanian coastline, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea. This route is a true gem for those seeking both natural beauty and cultural experiences.
Short Lithuania Cycling Routes
If you’re short on time or looking for a quick adventure, Lithuania offers a variety of short cycling routes that pack a punch. Explore charming villages, lush forests, and historical sites on these compact but rewarding trails.
Lithuania Cycling Tours: Exploring with Experts
Lithuania cycling tours are the way to go for those who prefer guided adventures. Let experienced guides lead you through the country’s hidden gems while you focus on soaking in the sights and culture. Here, I’ll share my top recommendations for cycling tours in Lithuania.
4 short routes by bike in Lithuania
Cycling Tour from Vilnius to Druskininkai
Starting our journey in Vilnius’s vibrant capital, you can embark on a mesmerising cycling tour to Druskininkai. This route takes you through charming towns, dense forests, and serene lakes. Don’t forget to stop and savour some local cuisine along the way!
Bike Tour from Vilnius to Trakai Castle
Another captivating adventure begins in Vilnius, leading you to the iconic Trakai Castle. The route combines history and nature as you pedal through scenic landscapes to reach this mediaeval masterpiece. It’s a journey back in time with a modern twist.
Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route: A Coastal Delight
If you’re drawn to the allure of the sea, the Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route is a must-try. Stretching along the coast, this route offers a unique blend of beaches, dunes, and charming fishing villages. The scent of the sea breeze will be your constant companion.
Bike Routes Vilnius: Exploring the Capital
Cycling in Vilnius itself is a delightful experience. The city offers dedicated bike routes that allow you to explore its historic streets and landmarks leisurely. It’s an eco-friendly and immersive way to get to know the heart of Lithuania.
List of Cycling Routes and Bike Trails Lithuania
For your convenience, here’s a list of some of the best cycling routes and bike trails Lithuania has to offer:
- The Coastal Cycling Route
- Vilnius to Druskininkai
- Vilnius to Trakai Castle
- Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route
- Bike Routes in Vilnius
- Cycling the Baltics: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Our adventure on the two wheels in Lithuania. The route from Vilnius to Druskininkai, passing by Trakai Castle
Thanks to local tourism, I was invited to a four-day cycling tour through the mesmerising natural landscape of Lithuania. The opportunity was fantastic as a cycling enthusiast. The tour was set for medium strengths, mainly because the territory of Lithuania is pretty flat. In fact, just a few hundred metres overall were steep, and just once, the sign said 18% pendency. Well, if you keep scrolling down, you might get some inspiration to plan your own tour or go with Baltic Bike Travel.
We started our trip from Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. A group of six people and the local guide ahead. The first day was easy, and we also explored the Trakai Castle area. Well, I want to make sure the whole tour of Lithuania Cycling is smooth, so keep going down, to see the daily planner.
Day One: Vilnius to Trakai Castle
We met our guide at the hotel on the first day and started the tour a little outside the city outskirts. The cycling lane is well designed to get cyclists into nature straight from the city centre. Within 30 minutes from the centre of Vilnius, we were already surrounded by nature.
You will start to breathe fresh air, which will significantly help you in the long run. Even though I am not a professional cyclist, I did enjoy this first approach to the adventure. Being used to London traffic and heavy pollution while riding in the centre, this was a totally new feeling.
The cycling route from Vilnius to Trakai
On route to our destination to Trakai, we started on the city outskirts. The guide took us to a parking lot close to the city centre. You can start your journey at this Lidl.
The first day, as usual, is to warm up, and from the Vilnius meeting point to Trakai Castle is about 25 Kilometres. The cycling route is mixed with half part through a cyclovia, separate from the urban traffic, and the other half within the carriage. However, we always felt safe riding the bike, even though the cars were passing by. The route is fantastic, and high pines will soon surround you, the wind gently touching you and fresh air.
Arrive at Trakai Castle
We arrived at Trakai Castle around midday, just in time to enjoy the beautiful landscape. Trakai is one of the most popular attractions in Lithuania. However, just fewer people were tourists, and most of them were locals enjoying the sunshine. Trakai Castle is located on a scenic island at the centre of a lake.
One of the most essential characteristics of this lake is that it has more than 200 little islands, and in winter, it gets totally frozen. As said, the centrepiece of Trakai is its Castle. A brick and wood masterpiece gives the landscape a unique blend and charm. The Castle was completed in 1430 and was one of the best fortresses because it was accessible only on one side and definitely challenging to attack.
Stop for lunch at Trakai Castle
We went on a boat tour around the Castle, exploring some mansions by the water. If you are visiting during the weekend, make sure to book a seat at a restaurant in advance as it gets crowded. We had a nice local lunch at Kybynlar. The restaurant is fantastic, offering unique traditional Kybyn dishes.
The Kybyn emigrated to Lithuania centuries ago, establishing a town around Trakai and creating a lively community that offers traditional food and melts with the locals.
Walk around the SPA town of Druskininkai
We were a bit tired after 25 Kilometres on the bike, so our first day cycling in Lithuania concluded in the best way with a nice lunch with a view. Our tour guide drove us through dirt roads toward Druskininkai. About 2 hours away from Trakai castle, and about 20 Kilometres away from the Belarus border.
I had never thought that there was such a town wholly centred on Spa treatments and the pure energy of thermal water properties. We spent the night at the SPA Vilnius SANA, a four-star structure that offers packages and holiday stays. We spent the next three nights recovering from the cycling.
Day Two: From Druskininkai to Marcinkonys and back
Day one was hard because I’m not used to riding a bike for long anymore. However, the long London rides were returning, and I felt good because of the hotel’s fresh air and fantastic facilities. I had a room in the courtyard with a beautiful patio. The morning, I started slow, with a coffee in my hand and fresh, breathable air.
The second day of the Lithuania cycling tour will take us to Marcinkonys, a characteristic village closer to the border and surrounded by forest. Nature is part of your trip to Lithuania, and it might be one of the best I have ever done.
Taste traditional products in the forest.
The second day was harder, with 40 kilometres on the itinerary. We sat on the bike and reached Marcinkonys countryside. A lovely local old lady was waiting for us for a fantastic lunch in the woods.
Traditional break, and unique, never tried before fried dough filled with handpicked mushrooms. The reward for the long ride was highly appreciated. We were in the heart of Čepkelių gamtinis rezervatas.
Visit Čepkeliai Marsh
The day on the bike through the Lithuanian countryside wasn’t yet over. We had five more Kilometres to go on a dirt, non-asphalted road cutting the natural reserve. The final point of our tour was Čepkeliai Marsh.
This is the largest bog in Lithuania and is the attraction of the Varėna District, which includes the little village of Marcinkonys and the Kotra River passing by. In fact, you can also combine the cycling route with other activities, such as kayaking or a quiet morning on the wake-up board.
The Kotra River also marks the border with Belarus. About 12 kilometres away, in full sight, there was the net border. You can explore the woods and the marsh through a fantastic passage and get to the bog, touching it with your hand the wetland.
Day Three: From Druskininkai to Liškiava
On day three, cycling in Lithuania, we had an intense itinerary. The starting point was the parking lot of Vilnius Spa in Druskininkai, riding the two wheels to Liskiava, another little town with a few details that date back to the Russian Regime.
The most iconic attraction in Liskiava is Liskiavos Trejybes Baznycia. The entire cycling tour of today is about 15 kilometres, gaining an elevation of 132 metres. However, you must know that the landscape is pretty flat, and even considerable distances are relatively straightforward. The cycling route in Lithuania is overall easy and suitable for beginners.
Cycle through the countryside
We must dedicate a few words about the landscape, as it was one of the most magnificent. Liskiava is on the side of the Nemunas River and part of your journey to Liskiavos Svc.
Trejybes baznycia will be on the verge of the stream. The whole route, with return included, is about 25 Kilometres, which was fantastic even under the rain. Yes, even though it was raining, riding wasn’t dangerous, and everyone made it back to the hotel safely.
Arrive at Liškiava
The beautiful architecture of the holy church will amuse you. On the top of a hill, the pink church overlooks the valley, and from the windows of the internal salon, you might spot the romantic view of the Nemunas River.
I even enjoyed the view of the Lithuanian countryside, flying the drone above the dome. Liskiava is definitely one of the most hidden gems in Lithuania, mainly known by religious tourism, which sees a predominant presence by Polish travellers.
Return to Druskininkai
The fourth day in Lithuania and the third day on the bike was fantastic. However, it was the last, and we couldn’t enjoy an unusual trip to the Baltic state. The muscles were rolling in the right circles. Perfect for an extra length back to the hotel.
We returned to Druskininkai early in the afternoon for a shower and a power nap. In the late afternoon, we ate in the centre of the thermal town and had a stroll around. However, as you might see, there was not enough time to fully enjoy the thermal village.
So the last afternoon you should dedicate to relaxing the muscles with a walk around. Druskininkai is pleasant, calm and relaxing, so you might think of spending a couple of more days taking advantage of the SPA facilities.
Stay at Druskininkai – Vilnius Spa
We have repeatedly mentioned that Druskininkai Spa Vilnius Hotel was the perfect stay for us. In fact, the facilities are comfortable and customised to give you the proper relaxation you might need. The first things highlighted were the comfy bed, the curated selection of shower gels and the skin care complementary.
You will benefit from an onside Spa, with massage and thermal path. The power of water and the health of Lithuania Spa facilities are rarely mentioned. In fact you are looking for an alternative destination to the popular Spas in Hungary and similar, it is perfect.
No time? But still want to explore Lithuania on two wheels?
Discover Vilnius’ top sights on a bike tour. Cycle through the picturesque Old Town, take a break at the stunning Cathedral Square and immerse yourself in this charming and fascinating city.
Join a 3-hour bike tour of Vilnius, Lithuania, and explore the city’s landmarks along the Neris River. Pedal through six bridges and admire the beautiful skyline while your guide shares insights into the city’s rich history and culture. Biking equipment and bottled water are provided. Book your tour today, and don’t miss the Trinapolis monastery and ancient Jewish cemetery.
Discover Pavilniai Regional Park on a guided mountain biking tour in Vilnius. Experience stunning views, historic sites, and a mix of single-track and cobbled roads. No need to bring your own equipment; a mountain bike and helmet are included. Meet conveniently near Vilnius’s old city and never get lost with a guide.
FAQs: Your Lithuanian Cycling Queries Answered
What is the best time for cycling in Lithuania?
The best time for cycling in Lithuania is during the summer months, from May to September, when the weather is pleasant and nature is at its most vibrant.
Are there bike rental options in Vilnius?
Yes, Vilnius offers various bike rental shops, making it easy for tourists to explore the city on two wheels.
Are the cycling routes suitable for beginners?
Lithuania offers a range of cycling routes suitable for all levels, including beginners. Just be sure to choose a route that matches your skill and fitness level.
What is the length of the Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route?
The Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route spans approximately 99 kilometres, allowing you to explore the picturesque Baltic coastline.
Are there accommodations along the cycling routes?
Yes. You can find a range of accommodations, including cosy guest houses and modern hotels, along the main cycling routes in Lithuania. If you make Druskininkai, you can get a fantastic hotel at competitive rates with Spa facilities, which might help the daily recover after cycling.
Do I need to bring my own bike for cycling in Lithuania?
You can bring your own bike and accessories for a fantastic cycling trip to Lithuania. However, you can rent high-quality bicycles easily when you get to the country without spending extra for shipping. Take advantage of the affordable rates in Lithuania for rental.
Is Lithuania bike friendly?
Biking is a fantastic way to discover Lithuania. With its flat terrain, you can easily cover the ground on two wheels while enjoying expansive views. Along the way, you can explore historical cities and even cycle up to 100 km along the beautiful Baltic Sea coast.
Is Vilnius bike friendly?
Cycling in Vilnius is both safe and enjoyable, making it a bike-friendly city.
Cycling in Lithuania has been an unforgettable adventure
In conclusion, Lithuania is perfect for a cycling adventure off the traditional routes. With its diverse landscapes, rich culture, and well-maintained cycling routes and roads, it’s a destination that caters to both novice riders and experienced cyclists.
So, gear up, hop on your bike, and embark on an unforgettable journey through the Baltic beauty of Lithuania. Whether you’re cruising along the coast or pedalling through historic towns and woodlands like me, this country has something special in store for every cycling enthusiast.
So, why wait? Plan your cycling adventure in Lithuania today and discover the magic of this hidden gem in the heart of Europe.
