Water activities

Canoes and kayaks

In Lithuania, canoeing is considered to be an unofficial national summer sport. The country boasts many scenic routes, suitable both for experienced athletes and families with children. It’s hard to name the best rivers to kayak, as nearly all of Lithuania’s rivers would fit the description. In addition, canoeing and kayaking fans can also try their luck on lakes (some routes stretch across several) or even at sea. For a truly unforgettable experience, we recommend exploring the city by navigating the rivers traversing downtown Vilnius or Klaipėda, sailing along the coast during spring flood, or perhaps even going on a night-time kayak tour with torches.

Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn

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Wake parks

If you’re a fan of wakeboarding, Lithuania should be your #1 destination – the country’s lakes and reservoirs have almost 50 cable parks, which is more per capita than in any other European country. Here, fans of extreme water sports, regardless of age and fitness level, can rent all the necessary gear, consult with instructors, and find accommodation by the water. Top wake parks in Lithuania can be found at the modern lake island resort territory of Zarasai, the trendy summer resort of Palanga, the capital city Vilnius, and other Lithuanian resort towns located near the biggest cities and regions.

Best time to visit: during the warm season

Power kiting

Western Lithuania, lapped by the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon, is the mecca of power kiting. The country’s modern kiting schools offer professional courses and gear rentals – some even provide single-night accommodation in shipping containers. Join the local power kite community and enjoy active leisure, the vastness of the sea, and the wonders of nature. To catch the wind, kiting enthusiasts typically go to Palanga, Šventoji, Nida, Juodkrantė, Svencelė, and Dreverna.

Best time to visit: late spring to early autumn

Paddleboarding

In recent years, paddleboarding is all the rage in Lithuania. Paddleboarding can be practised not only on rivers, but also lakes, reservoirs, and lagoons. Here, paddleboarding enthusiasts will find quality gear and courses on proper paddle technique, as well as ample opportunity to take part in themed tours, cruises, expeditions, and training sessions. For something truly unique, why not go on a night-time paddleboarding tour with LED lights, or try paddleboard yoga?

Best time to visit: during the warm season

Sailing

Given Lithuania’s winds, the Baltic Sea, the Curonian Spit, as well as many lakes, are often filled with billowing white sails, controlled by amateurs and professionals alike. Lithuanian sailors are well-known for their trips around the world, as well as Olympic medals. Sailing enthusiasts can also take beginner or advanced courses, and enjoy recreational boating, which is perfect for water sightseeing. Top sailing destinations include the Baltic Sea (Klaipėda), the Curonian Spit (Neringa), Lake Galvė (Trakai), etc.

Best time to visit: during the warm season

Water parks

Lithuania’s water parks have everything you could possibly dream of – from the most modern water slides in the Baltics to amber sauna. At the indoor water parks of Vilnius, Druskininkai, Kretinga, and Anykščiai the summer lasts all year. Here you’ll find pools and saunas of all sizes, and numerous attractions for families. Outdoor water parks and water trampolines with inflatable paths and obstacle courses are extremely popular with children. Speaking of water trampoline parks, the ones in Vilnius and Zarasai – suitable for adults and children over 6 years old – are the largest in the Baltics.

Best time to visit: outdoor water parks – during the warm season; tropical zones of indoor water parks are open year-round

Ship sailing

If you like water adventures, Lithuania offers numerous boat tours, perfect for exploring the natural environments of coastal waters. When it comes to water sightseeing, your options are nearly limitless: speedboats, rafts, electric boats, ferries, lake skiff, Kurenkahn (the traditional flat-bottom boat of the Kuren people), or even a Viking boat or gondola. Meanwhile, the captain will tell you all about the surroundings, make a stop at one of the islands, or let to go swimming in the middle of the lake. Some of the routes are also highly popular with the locals, such as Klaipėda-Juodkrantė, Kaunas-Nida, Kaunas-Birštonas, as well as trips in the Pamarys region, e.g., in Mingė, known as the Venice of Lithuania.

Best time to visit: during the warm season

Other water activities

The lakes, rivers, and lagoons of Lithuania, as well as the Baltic Sea, are ideally suited for water tourism. Those attracted to the water element can find plenty of activities in Lithuanian regions and big cities. Here you can rent water bicycles, scooters, surfboards, and even boats with a transparent bottom that afford an exciting look at the depths, with all of its flora and fauna.

Best time to visit: during the warm season

Jurmala

Jurmala is a resort town by the Baltic Sea, where sunsets are nothing but romantic. One of the town’s main attractions is its beaches, but there’s more to Jurmala than the sandy strip! For example, it is home to one of the largest historical wooden architecture ensembles in Latvia. If you are looking for some shopping and modern cafes to entertain your taste buds, the pedestrian-only Jomas Street is for you. Nature lovers will enjoy the 24 kilometres of white sand beaches and nature trails like the Kemeri Bog trail, which leads into a swamp landscape untouched by civilization.

Gauja National Park

As the biggest national park in Latvia, Gauja National Park offers to dive deep in the open arms of nature and enjoy natural springs, sandstone outcrops, picturesque views and fascinating nature trails. There are also two worth-visiting cities on the territory of Gauja National Park – Sigulda and Cesis. In Sigulda, you can fly in the wind tunnel at Aerodium, visit the Sigulda Castle Quarter, go down the bobsleigh track, and if that’s not extreme enough for you, you can bungee jump from a cable car above the River Gauja. In Cesis, home to one of the best-preserved medieval towns in the Baltics, you’ll find a vibrant restaurant scene in a historical environment. You can also visit the Araisi Archaeological Park near Cesis, where you will find a reconstructed wooden lake castle.

Pärnu

If you are looking for a town that’s equally cute and chill, the seaside town of Pärnu is the place to be! A leafy summer capital with surf vibes that will definitely help you take off some of your urban stress. Start with hopping on a bike and getting a feel of the coastline, plentiful parks and cafes, and characteristic wooden architecture. Then stop for a stroll of the tiny Hanseatic old town (you can also go the other way around)! Have we mentioned that your kids will love it as well? Plus, just a 20-minute away, Lotteland theme park awaits those ready for a day of family fun. Pärnu is also a wellness hotspot, with plenty of spa hotels with massages to go with your cocktails.

Tallinn

Tallinn Old Town is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world. Stroll through its winding streets, stop at cafes for a break and climb up to Toompea hill for incredible red rooftop views. It is only a short tram ride (or walk) away from Telliskivi Creative City that offers an entirely different atmosphere. An industrial setting turned into a lively hub of shops, bars, galleries and restaurants, with Fotografiska photo centre as the main star. Then head out to Noblessner, a modern seaside district that gained the summer hotspot status with its people-watching terraces. For romantics, we recommend the Kadriorg Palace and park. It’s filled with art galleries, small restaurants and overwhelming greenery.

Lahemaa National Park

Just an hour away from the capital lies the beautiful area of Lahemaa National Park. Choose between spending the night either in one of the historical manor houses or a traditional farmhouse. Then, the next morning, grab a rental bike and pedal to the sandy seaside hiding behind the pine forest, and enjoy the relaxed settings of the Altja fishermen village or Käsmu, the Captain village. Alternatively, hike along the endless wooden pathways through beautiful bogs and lush forests that the hiking trails of Lahemaa abundantly provide. To top it off, treat yourself to a hearty meal at one of the area’s home restaurants.

Tartu

Welcome to Estonia’s student town! The creative and easygoing vibe will definitely charm you from first sight. Take in the funky graffiti art in Aparaaditehas and bohemian Soup Town and wander the small Old Town streets where the University takes centre stage. Climb up to the green Toomemägi hill, enjoy the impressive ruins of the Cathedral and then dive into the colourful museum scene. Be it the small and quirky Toy Museum, the prominent Estonian National Museum or the fun AHHAA museum for the whole family, you’re sure to find something to your liking. And don’t miss out on the Upside Down House that’ll make your head spin! Tartu, selected as the European Capital of Culture 2024, provides a wide range of cultural activities – everything from student stand up comedy nights to classical music concerts in a church.