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Discover Dzūkija National Park – the largest national park in Lithuania

What makes Dzūkija national park unique is its territory stretching over 55,000 hectares, making it the largest national park in Lithuania. Almost all of it is situated in Varėna region, with smaller parts located in Alytus and Lazdijai. Čepkeliai nature reserve surrounded by the park is the largest wildlife island in Lithuania and the only Lithuanian site enjoying membership of the European Wilderness Society since 2019. During the Dzūkija national park tour the Discover Lithuania team will take you to the most picturesque and authentic villages in Dzūkija region as well as unique architectural and cultural monuments, giving you a glimpse of the fruits of nature and picturesque landscape of Dzūkija.

A region where history meets natural wonders

During your visit at Dzūkija national park you must see the village of Zervynai. This is an authentic and still populated ethnographic village dating as far back as the Palaeolithic period. Cute wooden huts, carved shutters, wooden fences look like an open-air museum. There are 52 homesteads having the status of a cultural monument, 8 homesteads and 32 decorated buildings.

It is through this location that the fastest river of Lithuania – the Ūla river – is flowing. River banks overgrown with forests and the picturesque precipice of Mančiagirė are favourite tourist attraction site. Those opting for private tours in Lithuania must visit the mystical Eye of Ūla – a round fount several metres wide from the bottom of which water is bubbling out as if boiling. There are several legends about the Eye of Ūla, the most famous of which claiming this water having miraculous healing and beautifying powers.

During Dzūkija national park tour visit the Grūtas park, still full of the Soviet spirit

Grūtas park, which takes you back to the Soviet times, has been recognised as one out of ten weirdest museums in the world. Following the restoration of Lithuania’s independence in 1990, the majority of sculptures from the then important locations were brought here. To its visitors Grūtas park unveils the Soviet ideology which used to inhibit and destroy our national spirit. With its watch towers, fragments from concentration camps and other abundant Soviet relics, the whole territory of 20 hectares resembles severe conditions in Siberia. Grūtas park is also home to a zoo, restaurant and picture gallery.

Mesmerising little towns of Dzūkija

Discover Dzukija National Park and visit the most picturesque little towns of this region, such as Liškiava, situated on the left bank of the Nemunas river. Liškiava is a Baroque gem in southern Lithuania, often visited by tourists from all over the world. The ensemble of the Holy Trinity Church and Dominican Monastery is the site attracting many visitors.

Very close to Liškiava visitors may go to the famous Merkinė – one of the oldest populated territories of Lithuania, a town of glorious past, and a former defence, administrative, commercial, educational, and religious centre. Visitors are welcome to climb up the hill of Merkinė and a 25-metre-high Merkinė observation tower offering a remarkable view of the landscape.

In Dzūkija travellers may also visit the famous Veisiejai – one of the oldest settlements in Lithuania, the authentic part of which has been declared an urban monument. Meanwhile, the village of Meteliai in Lazdijai region is regarded as a fishermen’s settlement boasting Meteliai observation tower with its splendid panoramic view. If you fancy a realm of birds, Žuvintas must be your next stop to take a closer look at the world of nature and visit Žuvintas biosphere reserve.

Visit Dzūkija with Discover Lithuania

Pine forests in Dzūkija national park, mainland dunes, marshland and rivers hide a unique natural world, which is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. There are 3 reserves and 28 protected areas, 42 natural heritage sites, of which 18 have been declared natural monuments. Dzūkija national park tour presents a possibility to set off on an adventurous journey to experience the magic of untouched nature and visit exclusive sites in Dzūkija national park. Discover Lithuania is your private tour operator in Lithuania, offering travel solutions refined to the last detail and accommodating individual traveller needs.

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Why travel with Discover Lithuania?

Discover Lithuania UAB has been successfully operating for many years and organizing private and group tours around Lithuania and other Baltic States. Depending on individual wishes, one can choose either a one-day tour or multi-day tours in Lithuania and Latvia. Our company pays special attention to the wishes and preferences of our customers so that the tours are adapted to their preferred lifestyle, travelling speed and personal preferences. For those who want to discover the true beauty of the Baltic States, Discover Lithuania offers 6–7 day tours in Lithuania and Latvia, including transportation services, hotels, private and guided tours. Simply decide where you want to go and we will offer you the best travel solution. There is plenty to see!

The most beautiful sites for your private tour in Lithuania and Latvia

The romantic Vilnius. If you are preparing for a multi-day sightseeing tour to the Baltic States, begin your trip in Lithuania, in its capital Vilnius. Start by exploring the main UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Vilnius Old Town, then walk around the bohemian Užupis neighbourhood and visit one of the most beautiful churches in the Baltic States – the St. Peter and St. Paul Church. Continue your tour by visiting the tourist-beloved town of Trakai and the authentic Paneriai Memorial Park. Trakai is famous for its exceptional landscape and the medieval castle, which is the only island castle in all of Eastern Europe.

The most picturesque sites of Lithuania. During the sightseeing tour, you must visit the beautiful district of Anykščiai to see the tallest church in Lithuania and the ethnographic museum to learn more about the Lithuanian culture. You should also climb the Hill of Crosses on the Jurgaičiai (Domantai) mound near Šiauliai to witness a breath-taking outdoor memorial with more than 200,000 crosses of different sizes and designs. Later, make sure to take a stroll in the lush-green Dzūkija National Park, followed by a visit to the unique Grūtas Park, where you will learn more about the former Soviet regime in Lithuania.

A trip to the seaside. To make your multi-day tour in Lithuania truly unforgettable, you must spend at least one day at the seaside. Visit the Curonian Spit National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for the largest sand dunes in Europe, and spend an hour or two by the Baltic Sea, beloved by holidaymakers, fishermen, kiters and cruise-ship travellers. Enjoy some cosy moments in the quiet, romantic surroundings of Juodkrantė, Pervalka, Preila and Nida. Take time to visit Klaipėda, one of the oldest cities of Lithuania, mentioned in written sources in 1252, and the only seaport of the country. You will definitely enjoy a walk around its charming old town full of examples of German architecture. On your way to Latvia, visit the impressive Cold War museum in Plateliai, the only one of this kind in Lithuania.

The picturesque Latvia. Having admired the most beautiful places in Lithuania, continue your trip to Latvia and take time to look around the Rundale Palace Museum, one of the most outstanding examples of Baroque and Rococo architecture in Latvia with a vast French garden, often referred to as the “Baltic Versailles”. Not far from there you will find a unique example of wartime architecture form the 15–17th centuries – the legendary Bauska Castle, situated in a picturesque confluence of two rivers. Then let the tour take you to the delightful Riga, where you are guaranteed to create some wonderful memories. Take a stroll down the cobbled old town streets and see the famous landmarks, including the House of the Blackheads and the St. Peter’s Church. Later, see the Laima’s clock, famous for its romantic stories, the magnificent Riga Opera House and the amazing Art Nouveau neighbourhood. If you decide to travel from Riga to Tallinn, make sure to stop in Sigulda, located in the beautiful valley of the river Gauja, full of awe-inspiring historical and architectural monuments like the Sigulda Castle, the Turaida Castle, the Gutman’s Cave and many more.

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