Vilnius, Lithuania’s charming capital, isn’t just about cobblestone streets and baroque churches. It’s also a fantastic gateway to exploring some of the country’s most stunning natural landscapes and unique sites. Whether you’re interested in hiking through ancient forests, discovering the geographical center of Europe, or walking along famous sand dunes, Vilnius makes a great base for diverse national park tours. We particularly enjoyed the opportunity to see Lithuania’s Soviet sculptures at Grutas Park on a full-day trip, and the chance to experience the UNESCO-listed Curonian Spit with its striking dunes and quaint fishing villages. These tours offer a real taste of Lithuania’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
In this list, you’ll find a variety of options: from full-day adventures exploring forests, wetlands, and lakes to extensive trips to the Curonian Spit. Whether you prefer a private guide, small-group experiences, or a more relaxed pace, there’s something that fits your travel style. If you want an easy, comprehensive way to see Lithuania’s outdoor highlights, these tours provide insider access, local insights, and memorable scenery.
Below, we highlight six of the best national park tours in Vilnius — each with its own charm, focus, and appeal.
1. Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park: Full-Day Tour
At number 1, the Dzukija National Park and Grutas Park full-day trip offers an excellent mix of nature and culture. This private tour takes you from Vilnius to Alytus County, with highlights like the Pyramid of Merkine—a striking landmark—and the Cepkeliai Marsh, one of Lithuania’s largest wetlands. The tour also includes a visit to Grutas Park, where Soviet-era sculptures stand as a reminder of Lithuania’s recent history.
What makes this tour stand out is its balance of breathtaking landscapes and quintessential Lithuanian history. The guide provides detailed commentary about the Natura 2000 bog area and points out lesser-known sights along the way, making sure you get an authentic feel for rural Lithuania. The Liskiava Monastery adds a spiritual touch, and the chance to explore nature sites and museums makes it a full sensory experience.
Reviewers consistently praise this trip: “Exsile was a wonderful guide and took us to several places we would never have found on our own,” says one. The tour is ideal for those who like a full day of diverse scenery and stories with a knowledgeable guide.
Bottom line: If you want a well-rounded day exploring Lithuania’s wetlands, forests, and history, this tour offers excellent value and memorable sights.
2. Full-Day Tour to Aukstaitija National Park from Vilnius
At number 2, the Aukstaitija National Park tour provides an immersive experience in eastern Lithuania’s natural and cultural sites. The tour is tailored for those eager to learn about Lithuania’s geography, history, and traditions. It hits the geographical center of Europe in Purnuskes — a fun photo stop — then moves on to visit the Ethno-Cosmology Museum, which explores how ancient Lithuanians related to the cosmos.
This tour’s highlight is the visit to Labanoras Regional Park, with its observation tower offering sweeping views of the forests and lakes. The Museum of Ancient Beekeeping in Stripeikiai provides a fascinating look into Lithuania’s honey traditions, and the tour concludes with a visit to Ginuciai hilfort, a hilltop fortress site. The tour includes a stop in Paluse to see its wooden church, giving a glimpse into local religious architecture.
Guests have called this tour “fabulous,” emphasizing its personalized experience and knowledgeable guide. It’s perfect for travelers interested in nature, archaeology, and local culture. The only downside is the 8-hour duration, so some might prefer a lighter itinerary.
Bottom line: This tour offers an excellent mix of nature, history, and local stories—ideal for curious travelers wanting a broader understanding of Lithuania.
3. Day trip from Vilnius to Curonian Spit National Park
Number 3 on our list, the day trip to Curonian Spit, is perfect for those craving a seaside escape. This full-day tour takes you to the UNESCO World Heritage site with a private vehicle, making the journey comfortable and flexible. The highlight includes walking on the famous sand dunes of Nida and visiting the Hill of Witches, where Lithuanian fairy tales come alive.
This tour’s appeal lies in its ease and scenic stops. You’ll get a chance to stroll along pristine beaches, admire unique coastal flora, and learn about the region’s legends. Since it’s a private tour, your guide can tailor the experience, making it ideal for photography, relaxed exploration, or family outings.
Reviewers praise the guide for “breaking up a 12-hour trip well” and making sure everyone sees the key sights. It’s suited for travelers who want a seamless day at the seaside without the hassle of organizing transport or ferry tickets themselves.
Bottom line: A hassle-free way to enjoy Lithuania’s most iconic coast with plenty of personal attention.
4. From Vilnius: Private Tour to Curonian Spit National Park
The private tour to Curonian Spit offers a comprehensive, personalized experience of this UNESCO site. For about $689 per group, you get a customized itinerary that includes ferry tickets, private transfer, and visits to the key sights. The route covers the dunes, pine forests, and traditional fishing villages, with plenty of time for photos and relaxing.
This tour is a good choice if you prefer more flexibility and want to avoid the bus crowds. Your guide will share legendary stories about the region’s history and folklore, enhancing the visit. The travel logistics are taken care of, including ferry crossings, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery.
Guests describe it as a “beautiful, hassle-free experience,” and the private nature makes it perfect for families or small groups seeking a luxury, tailored adventure. The main potential drawback is the higher cost compared to group tours, but the level of comfort and personalization justifies it for many travelers.
Bottom line: This tour is best suited for those who want a full, flexible day with private transportation and insider insights.
5. Vilnius to Aukstaitija National Park: Full-Day Tour
Coming in at number 5, this Aukstaitija National Park full-day tour combines several key sites in a shared experience for about 8 hours. It covers the geographical center of Europe, the Museum of Ancient Beekeeping, and Labanoras Regional Park, with stops at Ladakalnis and Ginuciai watermill.
This tour is praised for its personalized approach, with a guide who adapts to traveler needs. It’s suitable for families or travelers who prefer a smaller group and want to visit multiple sites in one day. The reviews mention the beautiful lakes and interesting stops, and highlight the guide’s flexibility.
While not the most comprehensive or exclusive tour, it offers a solid introduction to Lithuania’s nature and cultural sites. It’s a good choice for travelers on a budget or those not wanting to rent a car.
Bottom line: A practical, well-organized day that covers Lithuania’s highlights without overloading the itinerary.
6. From Vilnius: Day Trip to Curonian Spit National Park
Finally, number 6 offers a comprehensive day trip to the Curonian Spit, perfect for travelers who want to see the highlight sights without fuss. It includes windblown dunes, pine forests, and authentic homesteads, with a local guide sharing stories about Lithuanian sagas and legends.
This tour tends to be highly rated, with travelers noting the timely pick-up, interesting stories, and stunning scenery. It’s ideal for those who want to combine nature, culture, and a UNESCO World Heritage site in one memorable day.
Bottom line: A well-rounded, fully guided day trip suited for those wanting a complete coastal experience.
How to Choose the Best National Park Tour in Vilnius
When selecting a tour, consider your interests, budget, and travel style. If you love diverse landscapes and historical sites, the Dzukija and Grutas Park tour offers a bit of everything. For a more relaxed seaside experience, the Curonian Spit trips are hard to beat. Want a personalized experience with private transport? The private Curonian Spit tour is your best option. Those traveling with family or a small group might prefer the Aukstaitija National Park or the full-day Aukstaitija tour, which focus on nature and local museums.
Always check the available dates and start times and book early, especially for the popular trips to the Curonian Spit. For the best experience, plan to visit during spring or early autumn, when the weather is mild, and the scenery is at its most striking.
Final Thoughts
Lithuania’s national parks and scenic sites offer a wide range of experiences, from wetlands and forests to coastal dunes and cultural landmarks. Whether you want a full, guided day exploring forests and lakes, or a private trip to UNESCO-listed dunes, Vilnius makes it easy to connect with Lithuania’s natural beauty.
For outdoor lovers and history enthusiasts alike, these tours provide memorable ways to see the country beyond the city. To make the most of your trip, consider your interests and travel style, and book your preferred tour early—these popular trips fill quickly!