The Magical Map of Lithuania. Discover over 50 Places Where Wishes Come True

1. Fisherman’s Shoes

Do you dream of catching a fish of your life? We suggest you try on a magical pair of fisherman's shoes in the city of Molėtai—the inscription on them reads that anyone who tries the shoes on will receive happiness beyond words.

2. The Cow

There's a mystic cow standing nearby the country’s biggest sinkhole called the Cow’s Cave (Biržai district). If you make a wish and rub its udder, the most secret wishes will surely come true.

3. The Manor Lions

For a prosperous year, caress the lion sculptures near Astravas Manor in the town of (Biržai).

4. Kelukis, The Guardian of Travelers

The age-old tradition of Kelukis—a sculpture on the Mythological Trail (Sirvėta Regional Park, Švenčionys district), representing the patron of travelers—says that one should leave a pebble near this stone sculpture as a good luck charm for safe future travels.

5. The Boar’s Muzzle

The ancient Lithuanian mythology had a god of pigs Kremata, also known as Kriukis—its sculpture depicting a boar jumping out from a cave can be found on the Mythological Trail (Sirvėta Regional Park, Švenčionys district). To fulfill one's wishes, every visitor must rub the boar's muzzle. If you tell anyone about it, the wish won't come true!

6. The Grass Snake

The main aspect of "Aušlavis" sculpture (a sculpture on the Mythological Trail in Sirvėta Regional Park, Švenčionys district) is a grass snake surrounded by water. This mythological creature is the guardian of health and medicine, so travelers throw coins into the water pool around it and wish for good health, happiness, and prosperity.

7. The Goddess Laima

Nearby a gazebo shaped from 30 linden trees (Švenčionys district), there is a sculpture of Laima, the Baltic goddess of faith. When Marija Civinskienė, the owner of Šventa Manor in the 20th century, got sick, she would go to the gazebo of linden trees and rest under the trees until her health got better. As the goddess of faith stands now in the place, people come here to ask for a blessing and good health.

8. The Spring of Lino Verdenė

The water spring (Švenčionys district) has an aura of mystery around it—up to this day people believe it is magical, as the water immediately heals the sick who drink from it.

9. The Nightingale’s Bench

The city of Marijampolė (Vilkaviškio str. 2) has a monument dedicated to Violeta Urmanavičiūtė-Urmana, a world-renowned Lithuanian opera soloist—it depicts a nightingale on a bench. Some say that if one sits on the bench and thinks of a wish as beautiful as a song of a nightingale, it will come true.

10. The Countess’ Cats

Legend has it that Countess Pranciška Ščiukaitė-Butlerienė, the founder of the city of Marijampolė, loved and cared for cats. In fact, she loved them so much that it is not surprising that there is a sculpture of her three cats playing in one of the Old Town's courtyards (Kęstučio str. 1). The yard quickly became a favorite spot amongst the locals—it did not take long to notice that caressing all three cats at the same time would make one's wishes come true. Unfortunately, the cats do not grant the wishes for money, although it is definitely worth a try.

11. Tribute to the Goddess

Do not forget to bring a pebble when heading to Ladakalnis—the most famous observation deck in Aukštaitija National Park (Ignalina district). It will act as a tribute to Lada, a Slavic mythological goddess of harmony, love and beauty, who fulfills the wishes in return.

12. The Cyclist

Guests of Ignalina town are always greeted by the Cyclist—a sculpture found in the middle of Town Square. Thus for any trip to be successful, don't miss a chance to give it a high five.

13. The Roadworker

A 3-meter-high sculpture of a metal man rolling a stone is located in Kaukiškė, Aukštaitija National Park and hides a secret: people say that once found, it prolongs your life.

14. The Svilė Springs

People believe that bathing in Svilė springs (Kurtuvėnai Regional Park, Šiauliai district) can make one ten years younger. Svilė springs are among the largest in Lithuania. The legend says that a manor, once ruled by a cruel master, stood on the site of the springs. When the old woman cursed it, the estate with its master sunk into the ground. The locals say the master still tries to dig out, causing the water to bubble. The fresh and low-sodium water is used for food and medicine - it can treat gastrointestinal, eye, and skin ailments.

15. The Bear’s Muzzle

Telšiai city has a bear named “The Legends of Samogitia” (Respublikos str., Near the Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua) that grants wishes. The animal carries its cubs and human children on its back—it is a reference to the legends about the bears that helped Samogitians raise and nurture their children. If you gently rub the bear’s muzzle, all of your well-meaning wishes just might come true.

16. The Horseshoe Sun

The Potato Museum in Kudirkos Naumiestis has a horseshoe sun. Lithuanians believe horseshoes bring luck, so if you touch the top of the sun, you might get lucky enough to make all your wishes come true.

17. The Little Frog

The hostess of the Frog House (Lukšiai, Šakiai district) encourages everyone to always carry a little metal frog to avoid running out of money. You can also buy such frogs with a coin in their mouths at the Frog House.

18. The Angel

The locals and the guests of Plutiškės town (Kazlų Rūda) tell all of their greatest wishes to a sculpture of an angel. All you have to do is tell the angel your deepest desires through a prayer. One way or another, they will come true. The angel holds a little baby in his arms as if protecting the wishes.

19. The Hare

The hare in Rokiškis sits by the library in the town’s Independence Square, waiting to grant any passenger's wishes. All one has to do is rub his nose, whisper a wish into its ear, and wait.

20. The Stone

Obeliai Park has a magical stone (Rokiškis district). Do you seek happiness and success? Then sit down on the stone and think about them for a bit.

21. The Firefly

A sympathetic glow-worm with a magical tail lives by a local dollhouse and theatre in Bajorai village (Rokiškis district). Once you pay a visit, make a wish, rub the tip of its tail, squeeze your fist, and depending on the type of a wish, put it into your heart, a handbag, or a pocket.

22. The Mouse

The Old Town of Klaipėda is famous for its tiny sculpture "The Magical Mouse" made of stone and bronze. The inscription around it reads “Transform your ideas into words—words will become miracles.” According to the authors, the mouse is magical and it will grant any wish once it is whispered into its ear.

23. The Cat with a Gentleman’s Face

For many years, the granite sculpture of a cat with a gentleman’s face was one of the main attractions in Klaipėda Old Town (Kalvių str. 13). After two vandalism incidents, the sculpture was restored, but disappeared once again. In 2006, on the port town’s birthday, the cat finally returned back to its place. After all, this is what cats do—they walk out and come back whenever they wish. Back then, the Old Town cat had secret powers. To check if it still does, rub its tail and make a wish.

24. The Button of the Chimney Sweep

In order to revive the legend of chimney sweeps and bring more happiness to Klaipėda Old Town, the sculpture "The Chimney Sweep" was placed on the roof of the house next to the sailboat "Meridianas" (Kurpių str. 8). People believe that by touching the button of the chimney sweep on the wall, or gluing your own next to it, you will receive happiness. Chimney sweeps have always been a vital part of the old cities although now the profession is nearly gone. Only a few people remember that touching the clothes or a button of a sooty chimney sweep meant the fulfillment of one’s wishes.

25. The Gate of Antanas

A couple of hundred years ago, Klaipėda Old Town buzzed with craftsmen and merchants. Hence the popular profession-inspired city streets: Baker (Kepėjų) st., Blacksmith (Kalvių) st., and Butcher (Skerdėjų) st. "The Gates of Antanas to Success," a sculpture by Svajūnas Jurkus and Sergejus Plotnikovas, was created to commemorate the craftsmen of Klaipėda. If you want to be successful, do as the oak board on the sculpture says: “knock on wood three times.”

26. The Detective

The sculpture was unveiled on Criminal Police Day to commemorate the officers of the criminal police and their usually invisible yet vital duty. Like many sculptures in Klaipėda, this one has a secret too. The cloak of the detective has a hidden badge that, once rubbed, brings peace and success.

27. The Stone of Wishes

The stone near Lopaičiai hillfort (Rietavas district) is believed to grant wishes. Some say that you need to put a pebble on it, while others argue that the heart-shaped stone has many heart-shaped markings on it, so the best chance to get your wish granted is to come empty-handed with a clear conscience and a well-thought-out wish in your heart. If you rest your palms on the stone, the wishes will come true soon enough.

28. The Lucky Belly

Do you want to attract success? Look for a 40 cm diameter bronze bas-relief of a belly in the centre of Lithuanian capital. The piece by Romas Kvintas and Alvydas Songaila is located on the wall of hotel "Novotel Vilnius Center." It depicts a fragment of a chubby male belly tied with a ribbon. One needs to rub it if they want their business to succeed.

29. The Miracle Tile

This is the legendary Vilnius tile with the inscription that says "Stebuklas" (Miracle). If you find yourself walking by the Cathedral Square, stop on the tile by the bell tower and make a wish. It is believed that the tile, created by Gitenis Umbras, will grant your wish if you spin around yourself when standing on it.

30. The Cat

“Rub my ear and gone is the fear,” whispers the cat in one of the squares of Užupis District (Polocko st. 2, Vilnius). Article 13 of the Constitution of the legendary Republic of Užupis declares that “a cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need.” This cat promises to grant wishes and eliminate fear for everyone who dares to touch its ear.

31. The Monkey Bridge

Suspension bridge over Venta River in Viekšniai is one of the most famous attractions in the region. It is said that one should make a wish and if they cross the bridge successfully, it will come true. Others believe that the wish will come true if the traveler carries a pebble in their pocket and throws it into the river after crossing it.

32. Waiting for the Trip

The sculpture "Waiting for the Trip" by Arvydas Ališanka is placed behind the new post office in Utena. It greets the passers-by who need to sit on it, close their eyes, think about their dream journey, and maybe it will come true.

33. The Mushroom Forager

According to the townspeople, anyone who wants to successfully forage for mushrooms, must rub the mushroom cap in the bag of the sculpture "The Young Mushroom Forager" (Varėna).

34. The Elk of Nida

If you want to encounter an elk during your trip, rub the muzzle of Saulius Juchnevičius’ sculpture "Elk" (Naglių st. 8, Nida).

35. The Witch

Look for the sculpture of a witch with different-sized breasts and an owl on her shoulder (Witches Hill, Juodkrantė) if you want to have a child of the desired sex. There is also an adult version of the legend—if men wrap their hands around the witch and grab her breasts, their wives will “never have a headache again.”

36. The Lynx

In the 18th century Raseiniai put a lynx on the city's coat of arms. Two hundred years later, in 2015, a sculpture of a wish-granting family of lynx was put in Maironis Park. Small children can rub their ears, while adults should grab a lynx by the paws, and spin around to make their wishes come true.

37. The Hoopoe

Raseiniai town is proud of its famous people. One of them is a well-known poet, essayist, writer, and playwright Marcelijus Martinaitis. In 2020 the town built Hoopoe Square, named after a character in Martinaitis’ book. Whisper into the bird’s left ear while standing on your left foot, and he will grant your strangest and deepest desires.

38. Lucy the Squirrel

We often make New Year's resolutions but rarely achieve them. To prevent this from happening, come to Alytus and pet a sculpture of Lucy the Squirrel. This will give you courage and determination for the whole year. The sculpture was named after a squirrel that lived in the park, was very brave, and used to come when called by her name. Lucy died in 2020 and the sculpture was dedicated to her memory.

39. The Squirrel with a Book

Sometimes using modern technologies wins over reading a book. If you want to change that—come to Alytus Old Town square and look for a sculpture of a reading squirrel that says “a book is a good way to become a better version of yourself.” Petting this cute animal will produce an irresistible desire to read.

40. Migrausėlė

Even though love is one of the most beautiful feelings in the world, sometimes it can be unrequited. Right by the hillfort of Alytus, there is a wooden sculpture of Migrausėlė that can help you with that. You should think about your chosen one when touching Migrausėlė, and if the love is already there, it will become stronger, and if it’s not, that person will fall in love with you.

41. The Tail of a Donkey

Are you tired of failing and hearing about your mistakes? In this case, stroke the tail of Hodja Nasreddin’s donkey (Jotvingių st. 10, Alytus) and get a boost of confidence. According to the legend, when Nasreddin was asked why he was riding the donkey backwards, he said that it was the donkey that was going the wrong way.

42. The Bridge

The Bridge of Vytautas the Great in Kaunas was called "the longest" in the world by the locals in the 19th-20th century because it took 13 days to cross it—the river separated Aleksotas, which was a part of Prussia, and Kaunas which belonged to Russia then. Because of the calendar differences, you could leave Kaunas at the end of September and arrive in Aleksotas in October. In 1915 Lithuania adopted the Gregorian calendar, thus "shortening" the crossing of the bridge. Nevertheless, we suggest you cross it and have your wish come true. Instructions are as follows: after crossing the bridge, make a wish and throw a coin into the river. After 13 months, your wish will come true.

43. The Puppet with a Croissant

Lukas Šiupšinskas’ piece sits by the Kaunas Puppet Theater as if it was one of the employees. The puppet does not depict any specific character of a fairytale but instead creates a new legend of the city. The sculpture has a crow next to it, looking greedily at the croissant. Sit beside it, make a selfie, and make a wish. Who knows, it may come true.

44. The Thinking Man

Among the few other sculptures in Kėdainiai Old Town, there is "The Thinking Man" (Smilgos st. 12). Some townspeople say that stroking his head helps you solve all of your problems.

45. The Spring of Youth

You will find a gushing spring of beauty decorated with a sculpture of two hand-holding nymphs next to the spa and the water park in Druskininkai. The water gushes from a 300-meter deep spring, brightens the skin, and gives eternal beauty.

46. The Clogs

Plungė town believes clogs are a symbol for dance-lovers. All symbols inscribed into the clogs have meanings. You will find the coat of arms of Plungė amongst them. Touch it and you will be bound to return back to the town once again.

47. The Tree of Keys

Some consider ash to be a tree of men. Men are encouraged to visit the Tree of Keys (Birutės st., Panevėžys) and ask for their wishes to come true. Just touch the tree, and Gauseklis (the mythological Santa) will take care of the rest.

48. The Monument Beacon of Happiness

Think of a wish when climbing the hill to the Monument Beacon of Happiness (Jonas Biliūnas’ grave, Anykščiai). But there is one condition: the wish will only come true if you do not look back when climbing!

49. The Thumb

Think of a wish when rubbing the sculpture "The Thumb" in Anykščiai city park, and it will no doubt come true!

50. The Angel’s Ear

When visiting the Museum of Angels, write a wish on a piece of paper, put it in the angel’s ear, and ring the bell.

51. The Pigeons

There are many pigeon sculptures all around Ukmergė. Not only do they sing after you scan the QR code, but they also have magical powers. If you hug the family of pigeons, harmony and prosperity will come to your family, while turning around three times will guarantee a trip to your dream country in three years.

52. The Mysterious Stone

Dūkštai Trail (Neris Regional Park, Vilnius district) has a stone with some mysterious markings on it. Leaving a gift such as a pebble, a coin, or a flower on it will grant one’s wishes.

53. The Hill of Angels

Several dozen wooden angels on the Hill of Angels in Trakai district will grant visitors' wishes if they hang a small angel on the Hill.

54. The Beaver

The beaver in Šilutė town (Hugas Šojus Park) does not build dams but fulfills wishes instead. It is a gift from Germany as a symbol of friendship and cooperation. He who finds the beaver and strokes its tail will always be surrounded by true friends.