RV travelers seeking a summer getaway in the undisturbed wilderness of Europe may look no further than Lithuania.
With upwards of 6,000 lakes, winded by calm rivers and enchanting forests, lovers of the outdoors can roam the Lithuanian countryside and explore orchards of apple trees, fields of lavender, or hippie-influenced communities.
Despite COVID-19 management rules no longer applying to travelers coming to Lithuania, some travel habits seem to be sticking around. For one, RV Camping is only gaining popularity in countries like Lithuania. Campsites reported a 62% increase in outdoor-loving vacationers last year, and almost half of them came from abroad, including Germany, Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, Latvia, and Estonia.
RV campers in Lithuania can try campsite experiences scattered around the country’s 6,000 crystal-clear lakes. Surrounded by majestic forests, Lithuanian campsites offer a variety of natural activities, such as lakeside saunas, berry and mushroom picking, and rural hiking trails for a truly Lithuanian summer experience.
Here are some of the unique RV camping experiences travelers can find in Lithuania.
1. Nature escape on Apple Island
In the past, the dukes of Molėtai and Utena used to take their midsummer festivities to Apple Island. Situated in the heart of the Grabuostas lake, it presents a camping experience truly isolated from the rest of the world.
On Apple Island, RV campers will find stunning views of the water hugging the island from all directions, hundreds of apple trees that bloom with soft-pink pastels in late summer, and authentic, cozy wooden farmhouses.
Kayak enthusiasts may closely observe the evening sky reflecting on the glass-like surface of the lake Grabuostas, while the lakeside sauna features the subtle fragrance of local pinewood.
2. A tranquil lakeside retreat hugged by pine tree forests
Camping in the Suvalkija region of Lithuania is for those who love a full forest immersion. Here, travelers will find walking paths that invigorate the senses with the smell of pine trees and provide a chance to rummage for berries or mushrooms, while staying in a rural homestead for a night of countryside tranquility.
For those seeking an experience unique to Suvalkija, the Pušelė campsite offers a stretch of land on the shore of the crystal-clear lake Vištytis, reminiscent of the times when Lithuania was the last pagan nation in Europe, worshiping nature. A pagan altar for Baltic Gods and Goddesses hides in the nearby forest for those interested in connection with Lithuanian heritage.
3. Blending Lithuanian heritage, hippie culture and nature
By combining traditional countryside architecture, handmade decorations that feature hippie iconography and nature’s tranquility, some campsites have crafted a carefree atmosphere fit for a flower child. One such example is Sunny Nights Hostel & Camping, which evolved from a century-old post office to a farmstead with a lush apple garden.
A hub for free spirits, it features a mud-clay bath on the edge of the local pond — a more natural substitute for the spas popular throughout Lithuania — and multiple fire pits for spending the night under the stars.
“Sunny Nights,” a yearly music, arts, and community event, is held on the grounds of the Camping & Hostel for travelers looking to hear Lithuanian folk music or taste the natural riches of the surrounding forests.
Only an hour away from the campsite lies the Hill of Crosses — a memorial to the indestructible Lithuanian spirit. With over 20,000 crosses piled on top of each other, the sight is an eerie representation of resistance — the hill had been desecrated three times during the Soviet era, yet was continuously restored by inhabitants and pilgrims.
4. A romantic escape into the fields of lavender
Camping destinations in Lithuania are all teeming with a sense of romance — patches of fragrant wildflowers, open skies to watch the sun set into lakes, and nature untouched by humans can transport travelers into painting-like scenarios.
RV campers looking to park their vehicle in a site that feels otherworldly may look no further than Lavender Village. Only 28 km away from Vilnius, the capital, the quiet retreat is situated amongst fields of purple flowers, used traditionally in folk medicine.
The stunning views of the lavender fields are not the only sights that offer relaxation — the still waters of the Kiemeliai pond, which rests at the edge of Lavender Village, may be explored on rowboats and ease weary minds. Campers may also try their hand at fishing and seeing the diverse marine life found in Lithuanian waters — including reams, carps, and perches.
ABOUT LITHUANIA TRAVEL
Lithuania Travel is a national tourism development agency responsible for Lithuania’s tourism marketing and promotion, acting under the Ministry of Economy and Innovation. Its strategic goal—to raise awareness of Lithuania as an attractive tourism destination and to encourage inbound and domestic travel. The agency closely collaborates with tourism businesses and organizations, presents Lithuanian tourism products, services and experiences on social and digital media, press trips, in international travel exhibitions and B2B events.
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