Žemaitija National Park, National park in Plungė District Municipality, Lithuania
Žemaitija National Park is a nature preserve in northwestern Lithuania characterized by a varied landscape shaped by glacial activity. The park features numerous lakes interspersed with forests and gently rolling terrain across its protected area.
The area was shaped by glacial processes roughly 12,000 years ago, creating the geological foundation visible today. The park was officially established as a protected area in 1991 following Lithuania's return to independence.
The park holds deep meaning for residents who have shaped this landscape through generations of living and working in harmony with its natural rhythms. Local communities maintain traditions tied to the land and its seasonal cycles.
The best time to visit is during warmer months when trails are easily walkable and the landscape is most active. An administration center at Plateliai provides visitors with information, maps, and guidance for exploring the park.
The park preserves a former Soviet missile launch site from the Cold War era that now functions as a museum visitors can explore. This unexpected location offers insight into 20th-century European military history within a natural setting.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
