Bicycle Routes in Lithuania 2026: The Best Routes from the Coast to Aukštaitija

1. Curonian Spit: Smiltynė–Nida (~50 km, asphalt)

The Curonian Spit route has already become a summer holiday classic for many cyclists. It is one of the most popular cycling paths in Lithuania, recommended by both local riders and foreign travelers. The entire route follows a cycling path resurfaced in 2024, running through pine forests, dunes and cozy settlements. There are no particularly steep climbs or descents, and short rest areas are available along the way, making it enjoyable even for less experienced cyclists.

The route begins after taking the ferry from Klaipėda to Smiltynė. The cycling path passes Juodkrantė, the Hill of Witches, Vecekrugas dune and ends in Nida near Parnidis dune.

During summer, it is worth checking return options in advance. Buses operate from Nida, but bicycle spaces are quite limited during the season, so some cyclists choose to ride the route both ways, while others plan an overnight stay in Nida.

2. Seaside route: Klaipėda–Palanga–Šventoji (~40 km, asphalt)

This route is perfect for a relaxed summer ride by the sea. Most of the path runs on asphalt alongside pine forests and dunes, with many stopping points along the way, making it suitable both for active cyclists and families with younger riders. The most popular section connects Klaipėda and Palanga, but it is worth continuing all the way to Šventoji, passing the Karklė coastline and the Dutchman’s Cap cliff on the way.

A major advantage of this route is the relatively easy logistics. Klaipėda can be reached by train or car, while returning from Palanga or Šventoji is possible by bus. However, during summer we recommend starting earlier in the morning to avoid crowds of cyclists, rollerbladers and pedestrians and enjoy the route more peacefully.

3. Around Lake Plateliai, Žemaitija National Park (~24-25 km, mixed surface)

The Lake Plateliai loop is perfect for those looking for a peaceful route in nature. This trail follows mixed surfaces – part of the route is paved, while other sections run along gravel and forest roads.

To enrich your day trip, we recommend visiting the Cold War Museum, established in a former Soviet missile base, the Siberija observation tower, the Plokštinė nature trail or the Litvak Memorial Garden. Although weekends can be busy, weekdays are much quieter here compared to the seaside.

This route is often chosen by families, but it is also suitable for cyclists looking for a calm weekend gravel ride. There are plenty of campsites and accommodation options around the lake.

4. Aukštaitija National Park: Palūšė–Ginučiai–Stripeikiai (~46 km, mixed/gravel)

Aukštaitija National Park is often described in cycling forums as one of the most authentic places in Lithuania for bike trips. Here you will find lakes, forests, authentic villages and many scenic low-traffic roads.

One of the most popular routes in this region starts in Palūšė and passes the Ginučiai watermill, the Ancient Beekeeping Museum in Stripeikiai and Ladakalnis hill. Although the route is not technically demanding, a city bike is not the best choice – gravel or MTB bikes are much more enjoyable on the gravel sections.

Another advantage is convenient access to the park by train – after arriving in Ignalina, Palūšė can be reached with only a few kilometers of riding.

5. Labanoras Regional Park: 40 Lakes Route (~63-71 km, gravel)

If you are looking for a more serious adventure, try Labanoras Regional Park. This route is usually recommended for cyclists with a bit more experience. The main highlights are dozens of lakes, dense forests and long gravel roads where you will rarely encounter cars. Along the way, it is worth stopping at the Mindūnai observation tower or the Ščiūras Horn nature trail.

Since 2025, an additional attraction has been the ferry across Lake Aisetas, connecting different sections of the route. Labanoras Regional Park is one of those places worth planning for at least two days. The scenery feels comparable to cycling abroad, so our recommendation is to stay overnight at one of the campsites and explore the region at your own pace.

Dzūkija National Park: Panemunės Dzūkija or “Kur Ūla zervena”

Dzūkija is one of the favorite regions for gravel and MTB cyclists. The area is full of forest roads, sandy sections and picturesque ethnographic villages. A popular choice is the “Panemunės Dzūkija” route, ideal for a two-day trip. If you prefer a shorter and more relaxed ride, we recommend “Kur Ūla zervena”.

While cycling in Dzūkija, you can visit Marcinkonys, the valleys of the Merkys and Ūla rivers, the black pottery village of Mardasavas or the surroundings of Čepkeliai. Trips in this region are perfect for escaping tourist crowds, and logistics are easy as trains from Vilnius run directly to Marcinkonys.

7. Neris Regional Park: Left Bank Neris Trail (~25 km, mixed surface)

This route is extremely popular among Vilnius residents looking for a short weekend nature getaway. The trail runs through forested areas of Neris Regional Park and is perfect for a one-day ride.

Along the way, you can visit the legendary Enchanted Wedding Stones, the Pinykla spring, the Ausiutiškės viewpoint or the Paneriai forest observation tower. The route is not very demanding, but wider tires are recommended in some sections.

The starting point is easiest to reach by car, although taking a train to Vievis is also convenient.

8. Vilnius–Trakai historical route (~28-30 km, mixed surface)

This route connects the capital city with Trakai, combining an active ride with historical sightseeing. The trail passes Lazdynai, continues alongside the Vokė river and eventually reaches Trakai. If you still have energy left, it is worth extending the ride around Lake Galvė to Užutrakis Manor.

Some sections run alongside fairly busy roads, so the route is more suitable for adults or more experienced cyclists. One major advantage is that you do not need to return the same way – trains from Trakai back to Vilnius make logistics easy.

9. Kaunas - Kačerginė - Zapyškis - Kulautuva–Raudondvaris – Kaunas (38 km)

A favorite among Kaunas cyclists, this route runs along the Nemunas river and offers scenic views through Kačerginė, Zapyškis, Kulautuva and Raudondvaris. One of the highlights is the small ferry crossing over the Nemunas river. During summer weekends, the ferry between Zapyškis and Kulautuva operates every hour.

There are many interesting stops along the route: Pypliai hillfort, Neapolitan pizza at “Kumeliuko sapnas”, the old Zapyškis church or Raudondvaris Manor. The route itself is very flat and easy, making it ideal for a long and relaxed ride.

10. Around Kaunas (35 km)

This route showcases almost all the most beautiful places in Kaunas – from the Nemunas riverbanks to the Kaunas Lagoon. The route starts near Kaunas Castle and winds through embankments and green city areas. Along the way, you can visit Kaunas Fortress VI Fort, Kaunas Lagoon beach, Pažaislis Monastery and Panemunė pine forest.

A major advantage of this route is that almost the entire trail is adapted for cyclists, making it safe and comfortable even for less experienced riders.