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.
Location: Plungė District Municipality
Location: Skuodas District Municipality
Inception: 1991
Website: http://zemaitijosnp.lt
GPS coordinates: 56.04400,21.88900
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:42
Lithuania combines medieval architecture with expansive natural areas and a complex history. The capital Vilnius presents Gediminas Tower, baroque churches such as Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Gate of Dawn, as well as reminders of Soviet occupation including the KGB Bunker Museum and Lukiškės Prison. Trakai Castle, situated on an island in a lake, ranks among the country's most recognized historical structures. Kaunas, the second-largest city, holds the baroque Pažaislis Monastery, the Christ's Resurrection Basilica, and the Ninth Fort, a memorial to Second World War victims. The Baltic Sea coast features the port city of Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit, a narrow land formation with shifting dunes and fishing villages. Inland, several national parks extend across the landscape, including Aukštaitija with its lakes and forests, Žemaitija surrounding Lake Plateliai, and Dzukija in the south. The spa town of Druskininkai is known for its mineral springs, wellness facilities, and Grūtas sculpture park, which exhibits Soviet-era statues. Other sites include the archaeological area of Kernavė, the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, the Nemunas Delta, and several castles such as Kaunas, Biržai, Medininkai, Panemunė, and Raudondvaris. The Užupis district in Vilnius draws visitors with its alternative arts scene.
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Raganos uosis
4.6 km
Church of St. Peter and St. Paul, Plateliai
4.6 km
Church of St. Stanislaus the Bishop, Beržoras
5.2 km
Paplatelė Educational Trail
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Stone Ubagų kalnas
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Liepijų miško pėsčiųjų trasa
6.5 km
Siberijos Watchtower
4.9 km
Šeirė Educational Trail
3.9 km
Paplatelė Trail Watchtower
432 m
Paparčių kaštonas
10.8 km
Šarnelė hillfort
10.5 km
Mikytų piliakalnis
10.9 km
Žemaičių Kalvarijos piliakalnis
10.3 km
Church of St. Matthew, Gintališkė
10.3 km
Gegrėnų piliakalnis
5.8 km
Sorai chapel
5.4 km
Bukantė chapel
11.4 km
Church of Jesus of Nazareth in Gegrėnai
6.5 km
Pūčkorių 1 hillfort
5.7 km
Užpelkių piliakalnis
5.1 km
Girkantų piliakalnis
7.2 km
Gelindėnų piliakalnis
12 km
Žernių piliakalnis
5.9 km
Plateliai Lake Lookout
3.8 km
Rotinėnų piliakalnis
9.5 km
Pūčkorių 2 hillfort
6.4 km
Alsėdžiai churchyard chapel
9.8 kmReviews
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