Lithuania
Trakai Castle, Vilnius and the dunes of the Curonian Spit.
Where do you go when you want to head off with the kids, the car and the tent? On this page we've gathered everything about Lithuania for you: what there is to see, where to camp and what you need to know on the way.
Compiled and checked by Arjan (Zuidlaren) · sources are given with the text · updated 20 October 2026 · About this site
Introduction
To Lithuania with the family
Lithuania is the southernmost Baltic country and the first one you reach when travelling via Poland. The water castle Trakai on an island is a hit with children, Vilnius has a baroque old town, and on the coast are the high dunes of the Curonian Spit.
Overview
In brief
- Travel time
- 7–10 days (our estimate)
- Best time to travel
- jun–Aug (our estimate · Full table)
- Distance from London
- ± 2,100 km to Vilnius (approx., via route planner · plus the Channel crossing by Eurotunnel or ferry)
- Driving days
- 3 driving days (our estimate)
- Tolls and vignettes
- No vignette for passenger cars (Details and source)
- Paying
- euro
- EU member
- yes
Distances were calculated once with OpenStreetMap (OSRM) from London to the capital; your actual route may be longer or shorter. For London, the Channel crossing (Eurotunnel or ferry) is not included. Driving days assume at most about 750 km per day with children (our estimate).
Practical
Good to know
Money and payments
You pay with the euro. With a map and contactless pay works in cities, supermarkets and larger campsites usually easily. Nevertheless, have some cash with you for small campsites, market stalls and parking machines (our experience).
More about costs and saving money
Photo: Avij · Public domain · all photo credits
Language and handy words
A few words work wonders, even with the campsite neighbour's kids:
- Laba diena: good day
- Ačiū: thank you
- Prašau: please
- Viso gero: goodbye
Documents and border
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.
Source: nederlandwereldwijd.nl (travel advice)
More about what is compulsory in the car
Photo: Horizon206 · CC0 · all photo credits
Health and safety
Take your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC, on the back of your health insurance card or available from your health insurer): it gives you necessary care in public healthcare under local conditions. Travel insurance is still wise, for example for repatriation. The European emergency number is 112.
Source: europa.eu (EHIC)
Photo: Friedrich Haag · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Traffic rules that matter
The limit is 0.4 and 0 for everyone with less than two years driving license. You also drive during the day with low or daytime running lights. From 10 November to 1 April winter tyres are mandatory. Mandatory in the car: warning triangle, warning vest, bandage box and fire extinguisher. Children under 135 cm drive in a suitable child seat. For cars you do not need a vignette.
Source: ANWB
More about tolls and vignettes
Photo: Igor123121 · CC BY 4.0 · all photo credits
Best time to travel
June to August; by the sea July is the warmest (our estimate).
Always check the current rules (tolls, vignette, entry requirements) just before you leave.
🚗 Getting there & distance from Utrecht (NL)
- Destination
- Vilnius
- Distance
- ± 1,677 km (one way)
- Driving time
- ± 17.0 h (one way)
- Route via
- NL → DE → PL → LT
- Fuel (estimate)
- ± € 411 (return)
Estimate for the return trip: 6.5 l/100 km Euro 95 at each country's average price (EU Weekly Oil Bulletin, price date 19-10-2026). - Vignettes
- none
- Tolls
- Distance-based tolls in Poland: not calculated, see the official toll operator.
Route: OSRM/OpenStreetMap, calculated 21-10-2026, without breaks or traffic. 2026 vignette prices from the official sellers, checked 21-10-2026. For an 8-day trip, 7-day vignettes count twice.
On the road by car
Tolls and vignettes
| What | Price passenger car | Where to arrange it | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vignette | none for passenger cars (M1); but for buses and vans | No action needed | Via Lietuva price checked Oct 2026 |
Destinations
Most beautiful places in Lithuania
Curonian Spit
A narrow strip of dunes with high sand dunes, reachable by ferry at Klaipėda.
Where are you going?
Regions explained
Vilnius
A large baroque old town, UNESCO World Heritage, with churches, courtyards and the alternative district of Užupis.
Source: UNESCO: Vilnius
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Trakai
A red brick castle on an island in the lake, near Vilnius. You can pedal and swim there.
Source: trakaimuziejus.lt
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Curonian Spit
A narrow headland between the sea and Haff, with high dunes and pine forests; World Heritage. You can reach them by ferry from Klaipėda.
Source: UNESCO: Curonian Spit
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
Aukštaitija
The lake plate in the northeast: forests, canoes and simple storage sites on the water.
Source: lithuania.travel
More about where to stay by country · More about campsites in this country
On the road
Suggested route by car
A route of 7 to 10 days; Lithuania is the first Baltic state when you drive over Poland (our assessment). Check the travel times in your route planner.
- Days 1-2: Trakai.
- Days 3-4: Vilnius.
- Days 5-6: Aukštaitija: canoeing.
- Days 7-10: Klaipėda and the Curonian Spit.
Where to stay
Camping
Where do you camp?
Camping spots in state forests
The State Forestry Administration has free storage places in the forest; Elsewhere, rules for responsible camping apply.
Source: aad.lrv.lt
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Campsites on the coast and near Trakai
Campsites are located around Trakai and on and near the Curonian Spit; In the summer it is quickly full (our experience).
Source: lithuania.travel
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping gear
Gear for this region → (tent, gas, mosquitoes, sleeping bag)
Outings
With kids
Trakai Castle
Over a wooden bridge you go to the island castle with museum; There are pedal boats to rent on the lake.
Source: trakaimuziejus.lt
Maritime museum near Klaipėda
The Lithuanian Maritime Museum in an old fort on the spit, with an aquarium and a dolphinarium.
Source: muziejus.lt
Dunes of the spit
On wooden paths to high dunes with views over the sea and Haff. Stay on the paths; the dunes are sensitive.
Source: UNESCO: Curonian Spit
Outings
Fun activities with kids
Water parks, karting, trampolines, bowling, zoos and outings for a rainy day: concrete addresses, chosen with children of about 7 and 9 in mind. We only mention places with their own website, which we checked on 14 October 2026. Opening times and prices change: always check the website.
Our favourites
Vichy Vandens Parkas
An indoor water park with a Polynesian theme and many slides.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Bearas · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Lietuvos zoologijos sodas
The national zoo of Lithuania.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Stanislovas01 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Adventica Vilnius
Large indoor family park with, according to the website, the largest inflatable trampoline in the Baltic States, a ninja course (from 1.30 m or with one parent), rope garden, 100 meters long obstacle courses and electric karts.
🎟️ Tickets & prices → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Vbenetis · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Žirmūnai Bowling
Bowling with 12 lanes, since 1998, and mini golf. According to the website, there are automatic bumpers and lighter balls for children.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Illustrative photo · Photo: Warszawska róg Szerokiej, Tomaszów Mazow · Public domain · all photo credits
Trakai Castle
A water castle on an island in Lake Trakai.
🎟️ Tickets/tour via Viator → 🎟️ Also on GetYourGuide → Ad · affiliate link
Photo: Julo · CC BY-SA 3.0 · all photo credits
Snow Arena
An indoor ski hall which according to the website also has outdoor attractions in summer.
🎟️ Book tickets → official website
Photo: Zairon · CC BY-SA 4.0 · all photo credits
Winter
Winter sports in Lithuania
Lithuania is flat; Druskininkai has an indoor ski centre where you can ski all year round.
Ski areas (checked on the official websites, October 2026)
- Snow Arena (Druskininkai): Indoor ski centre, with an outdoor slope in winter too. Website: snowarena.lt
Ski pass: Day ticket adult €23 (Mon–Thu) or €31 (Fri–Sun and holidays) (price list checked on 20 October 2026). Source: Snow Arena: prices
When we checked on 20 October 2026, most 2026/27 prices had not yet been published; see the ski area's website for current rates. We only quote amounts that appear in an official price list.
Renting skis: at home or on the spot?
At the ski areas above you can rent skis, snowboards and boots from rental shops by the lifts or in the village; you can often book online in advance. We do not quote rental prices, because we found no official price lists for them.
Renting on the spot saves carrying and car space, and you can swap boots that pinch. Renting at home or bringing your own gear makes sense if you combine several ski areas, already know which boots fit, or the area is small with little choice.
Winter packing list
Pack layers (thermal underwear, fleece, waterproof jacket and trousers), ski socks, gloves, a hat, goggles and sunscreen. A helmet is strongly recommended for children.
Insurance
Check whether your travel insurance covers winter sports; it is often a separate add-on. Also check mountain rescue and transport after an accident (for example by helicopter). Some ski passes include mountain insurance, as in Bansko.
Winter tyres and snow chains
- Winter tyres are mandatory from 10 November to 1 April. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Lithuania
- Minimum tread depth: 3 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Lithuania
More rules per country: winter tyres and mountain passes.
🏨 Stay in Druskininkai on Booking.com*🎟️ Winter tours nearby on GetYourGuide*🚗 Rental car (ask for winter tyres) via DiscoverCars*
* Affiliate link: if you book through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
Rules
Rules, fines and quiet places
Wild camping, fines, camper stops, quiet places, smoking, alcohol and nature rules in this country, only with a verifiable source.
Show all rules (19)
Wild camping and fines
- Anyone may visit Lithuanian state forests, but staying is only allowed at designated recreation areas, resting spots and campgrounds. The State Forest Service maintains about 1,100 public recreational facilities, including campsites (map on vmu.lt). Source: vmu.lt
- Fires are only allowed at designated, marked fire pits. Dogs in the forest must be on a leash or wear a muzzle. Source: vmu.lt
Nature rules: drones, fishing, picking and dogs
- Picking mushrooms, berries and herbs is allowed in all forests except reserve forests and forests where it is temporarily prohibited. Source: vmu.lt
Alcohol
- Drivers: 0.4 per mille. Total alcohol ban for drivers with less than two years' licence, drivers of mopeds, motorbikes, trikes or quads and vehicles over 3,500 kg (watch out with a heavy camper). Having an open bottle or can of alcohol in the car or camper is prohibited. Source: anwb.nl
Emergency numbers and breakdown
- Emergency number: 112. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Lithuania
- Green card: recognised, but not mandatory. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Lithuania
Health, drinking water and ticks
- The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) is valid here for medically necessary, state-provided care. It is not travel insurance. Source: European Commission: European Health Insurance Card
- Tap water is not safe to drink; boil it first or use bottled water. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Lithuania
- Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE): ECDC reported 13.4 cases per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022 (EU/EEA average in 2022: 0.81). Protect yourself against tick bites; ask your doctor about vaccination. Source: ECDC: annual epidemiological report on tick-borne encephalitis 2022
Money and mobile
- Currency: euro. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Lithuania
- Debit and credit cards are accepted almost everywhere; there are enough cash machines in the cities. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Lithuania
- Withdrawing cash with a debit card is not always free in the eurozone; ask your bank which cash machines are free. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Lithuania
- You can pay contactless with a watch or phone. Source: ANWB: travel preparation, Lithuania
- Within the EU you pay no extra roaming charges thanks to 'Roam like at home'. Source: Council of the EU: 'Roam like at home' and the Western Balkans
Fuel and LPG
- For LPG you need the dish (schotel) adapter, a filling nipple for your tank inlet. Source: Prins Autogassystemen: refuelling LPG
Winter tyres and mountain passes
- Winter tyres are mandatory from 10 November to 1 April. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Lithuania
- Minimum tread depth: 3 mm. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Lithuania
Children in the car
- Children under 135 cm must be in a suitable child car seat. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Lithuania
- If a child sits rear-facing in the front, the airbag must be switched off. Source: ANWB: traffic rules, Lithuania
Rules and fines may change and confuse by municipality. Each line contains the source; see if you're in park management before you go. This isn't legal confuse.
All countries compared: rules, fines and quiet places → · Smoking and alcohol by country → · Practically by country →
Local cuisine
Food to taste
A few dishes you can try with the whole family:
Show all dishes (4)
Cepelinai
Large potato buns in zeppelin form, filled with meat or curd, with sour cream.
Šaltibarščiai
Bang pink cold beetroot soup with buttermilk, cucumber and egg, with warm potatoes. Children love the color.
Kibinai
Filled dough pockets from Trakai, originally from the Karaites.
Šakotis
A 'tree cake' with spikes, baked on a rotating spit.
Look further
Discover more
Campsites by name, day trips, events and things you had better avoid, each with a source.
Show all tips (3)
Curonian Spit
A narrow strip of dunes between the Baltic Sea and the Kurische Haff, UNESCO World Heritage Site. By car you pay an entrance fee; This is done online or on site beforehand.
Source: UNESCO: Curonian Spit
Trakai Castle
A red brick castle on an island in a lake, near Vilnius. The museum is in the castle; around the lake you can also rent a boat (our tip).
Source: trakaimuziejus.lt
Avoid: phone in hand
In Lithuania, you are not allowed to hold a mobile phone at the wheel, not even at a standstill. From 10 November to 1 April winter tyres are mandatory, also on the trailer.
Source: ACSI Eurocampings: Lithuania
Camping & on the road
Rules worth knowing
Camping in state forests
In Lithuanian state forests, you are only allowed to set up a tent or stay overnight on designated tent or rest areas. Fire only at fireplaces. In protected areas, camping is only allowed in official places. Source: aad.lrv.lt (Lithuanian environmental agency)
More about wild camping and campsites by country · More about camping for beginners
Sources
Where does this information come from?
- aad.lrv.lt (Lithuanian environmental agency)
- UNESCO: Vilnius
- trakaimuziejus.lt
- UNESCO: Curonian Spit
- lithuania.travel
- muziejus.lt
- ANWB (traffic rules)
- ACSI Eurocampings: Lithuania
Checked on 14 October 2026. "Our estimate" is personal advice, not official information.
Affiliate disclaimer: Some links on this site are affiliate links. If you book or buy through one, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Our experiences and tips remain independent.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette in Lithuania?
No, no vignette for passenger cars. Prices, where to buy it and the official source are in the ‘Tolls and vignettes’ block on this page. To tolls and vignettes
Can you wild camp in Lithuania?
Allowed in the countryside and in national parks (sometimes for a small fee); on private land only with permission. (source: ACSI Eurocampings)
What is the best time to travel to Lithuania?
June to August; by the sea July is the warmest (our estimate).
How far is Lithuania from London?
From London to Vilnius it is about 2,100 km (calculated with OpenStreetMap; check your route planner). The Channel crossing is not included: with the Eurotunnel (LeShuttle) it takes 35 minutes according to the operator; a Dover–Calais ferry is the alternative. With children, expect about 3 driving days (our estimate).
What must you carry in the car in Lithuania?
Must be carried: warning triangle, safety vest, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher. Source: ANWB. All traffic rules are on our Traffic rules & equipment page. To traffic rules · ANWB
Which travel documents do I need for Lithuania?
This is an EU country: you travel with a valid passport or ID card, and children also need their own valid travel document. Check the travel advice just before you leave.