Once the largest country in Europe during the Middle Ages, Lithuania is a beautiful country to explore by road. The southernmost of the Baltic countries, it once included territory in Poland, Russia and Moldova. From scenic seaside beaches to imposing medieval castles, there is plenty to see and do with your car rental from National.
Things to See and Do in Lithuania
Lithuania’s vibrant capital, Vilnius, is a lovely mix of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. The spectacular old town is one of the largest in Europe and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kaunas is the country’s second largest city and home to a former citadel of the Russian Empire, while the seaside city of Klaipeda and the resort town of Palanga are popular summer destinations.
Reminders of Lithuania’s past glory include the Trakai Island Castle, a 14th and 15th century fortress at Lake Galve. The symbol of medieval Lithuania is the country’s most famous castle. A pilgrimage site build on a former hill-fort, the Hill of Crosses north of Šiauliai has hundreds of thousands of crosses. Hill forts dating from the Bronze Age to the 13th century are some of the most fascinating sites in the country, including at Kernave and Medvegalis.
Sand dunes mixed with pine forest near Klaipeda stretch along the Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site between Lithuania and Russia. Dzūkija National Park, Aukštaitija National Park and Labanoras Regional Park are popular destinations to see the natural side of Lithuania, from hiking through forests frequented by roaming elk and deer to enjoying water sports at scenic lakes and streams.
A Holiday by Car in Lithuania
A cheap car hire from National gives you the flexibility to explore Lithuania at your own pace. Travel in comfort and style with one of our modern vehicles while visiting the country’s historic cities and castles or some of its breathtaking natural wonders. Lithuania has an excellent road network that lets you drive your car rental to virtually every corner of the country. The Via Baltica connecting Lithuania with other Baltic states and Poland is a major route through the country. Other popular routes include the A1 motorway between Vilnius and Klaipeda, via Kaunas, and the A2 between Vilnius and Panevežys. In addition to cheap car hire rates, we also have a range of options to make holiday travel easy, including GPS navigation systems, child car seats and more.
Famous Road Trips to Take in Lithuania
Some of Lithuania’s most impressive attractions are within a short drive of Vilnius. From the capital, travel southwest to Trakai to visit its famous medieval island castle. From Trakai, continue northeast to historic Kaunas before returning to Vilnius. The entire road trip can be completed in a day with your car rental. Beyond the country’s interior, Klaipeda is a great base for a road trip along Lithuania’s coast. Must-see stops include the sandy Curonian Spit and Juodkrante, a village famous for sculptures linked to national legends and stories at the Hill of Witches.
A cheap car rental in Lithuania also lets you complete the ultimate Baltic road trip. Starting in Vilnius, drive north towards Latvia. After crossing the border, visit the baroque-style Rundale Palace before continuing to Riga. The picturesque Latvian capital is celebrated for its Art Nouveau architecture and its beautiful medieval old town. Once in Estonia, stop at the historic seaside town of Pärnu before continuing to the country’s capital. End your road trip in Tallinn, a city renowned for its well-preserved old town.