Lakes are one of the top reasons to visit Lithuania; I’ll definitely put lakes at the top position. From pleasing scenery to calm, soothing nature, the country has a huge number of lakes (6,000), of which 2800 are natural and more than 0.5 hectares.
These lakes offer travelers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, hiking, wildlife watching, photography, and peaceful nature escapes. From castle views at Lake Galvė to untouched forest landscapes around Aukštaitija National Park, Lithuania’s lakes provide experiences for every type of traveler.
This guide covers 15 beautiful lakes in Lithuania with practical travel information to help visitors decide where to go, what to do, and the best time to visit.
Even though Latvia is small, it has done some amazing things. A Latvian inventor created a famous tiny spy camera, and a Latvian helped invent blue jeans. Latvia also argues playfully with its neighbor about who decorated the very first Christmas tree.
1. Lake Plateliai (Platelių Ežeras)
It is the 9th biggest lake in Lithuania. Located in Žemaitija National Park, Lake Plateliai is one of western Lithuania’s most popular nature destinations. The lake is surrounded by forests, islands, beaches, cycling routes, and cultural attractions. Popular for swimming, camping, sailing, and a scenic 25.3-kilometer circular trail for biking or walking around the area.
Travel Information
Location: Telšiai County, Western Lithuania
Best time: May to September
Best for: Families, couples, cyclists, photographers, nature lovers
Things to do: Kayaking, swimming, cycling around the lake, hiking, visiting the Cold War Museum
Nearby attractions: Žemaitija National Park, Siberija Observation Tower, Plateliai Manor.
2. Lake Galvė (Galvės Ežeras)
The lake contains 21 tree-covered islands, spanning a total area of about 15.15 hectares. Lake Galvė is one of Lithuania’s most recognizable lakes because of Trakai Island Castle located on an island in the lake. It combines history, architecture, and natural scenery.
Travel Information
Location: Trakai Historical National Park
Best time: May to September
Best for: First-time visitors, history lovers, photography enthusiasts
Things to do: Boat tours, kayaking, visiting Trakai Castle, exploring Trakai Old Town
Nearby attractions: Karaim Quarter, Trakai Old Town
3. Lake Asveja (Asvejos Ežeras)
Lake Asveja is Lithuania’s longest lake, and it covers an area of 9.78 square kilometers. And a favorite destination for travelers who enjoy kayaking, hiking, and peaceful countryside landscapes. The surrounding regional park offers forests, viewpoints, and historical sites.
Travel Information
Location: Molėtai, Švenčionys and Vilnius districts
Best time: Late spring to early autumn
Best for: Adventure travelers, kayakers, couples
Things to do: Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, camping, visiting Dubingiai Castle Hill
Nearby attractions: Asveja Regional Park, Dubingiai Bridge
4. Lake Tauragnas (Tauragno Ežeras)
Lake Tauragnas is the deepest lake in Lithuania with a maximum depth of 62.5 meters, and is located in Aukštaitija National Park. Its forest surroundings and viewpoints make it a favorite nature destination.
Travel Information
Location: Utena District
Best time: Summer for swimming and outdoor activities
Best for: Nature lovers, hikers, photographers
Things to do: Hiking, swimming, boating, viewpoint visits
Nearby attractions: Aukštaitija National Park, Taurapilis Hill Fort
5. Lake Baluošas (Baluošo Ežeras)
Lake Baluošas is a peaceful forest lake in Aukštaitija National Park. It is known for islands, quiet surroundings, and a less crowded atmosphere. It contains an island named Ilgasalė, which itself features a tiny internal lake (known as “Baluošo akis” or the Baluošas Eye) with a stream flowing out of it.
Travel Information
Location: Aukštaitija National Park
Best time: May to September
Best for: Travelers seeking quiet nature experiences
Things to do: Kayaking, fishing, wildlife watching, relaxing by the shore
Nearby attractions: Aukštaitija National Park villages and trails
6. Lake Dusia (Dusios Ežeras)
Often called the Lithuanian Sea, as it is the largest lake in southern Lithuania. It covers a total area of 2317 hectares. Lake Dusia is famous for wide views, sandy beaches, clean water, and beautiful sunsets.
Travel Information
Location: Southern Lithuania, near Meteliai Regional Park
Best time: Summer
Best for: Families, swimmers, beach lovers
Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, cycling, birdwatching
Nearby attractions: Meteliai Regional Park
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7. Lake Luodis (Luodžio Ežeras)
Lake Luodis offers peaceful scenery, clean water, and a relaxing environment surrounded by Lithuanian nature. It contains 4 islands, and the lake is popular because of the variety of fish here.
Travel Information
Location: Aukštaitija region
Best time: Summer and early autumn
Best for: Fishing enthusiasts and peaceful travelers
Things to do: Fishing, camping, boating, relaxing outdoors
8. Lake Sartai (Sartų Ežeras)
Lake Sartai is known for its long shoreline, countryside landscapes, and traditional Lithuanian atmosphere.
Travel Information
Location: Northeastern Lithuania
Best time: Spring to autumn
Best for: Outdoor travelers and fishing enthusiasts
Things to do: Fishing, hiking, exploring rural landscapes
Nearby attractions: Sartai Regional Park
9. Lake Lūšiai (Lūšių Ežeras)
Located near Palūšė in Aukštaitija National Park, Lake Lūšiai is surrounded by forests and is a popular stop for visitors exploring Lithuania’s lake district.
Travel Information
Location: Aukštaitija National Park
Best time: Summer
Best for: Families and nature travelers
Things to do: Swimming, boating, hiking
Nearby attractions: Palūšė village, national park trails
10. Lake Metelys (Metelio Ežeras)
Lake Metelys is part of Meteliai Regional Park and is known for peaceful landscapes, swimming areas, and birdwatching opportunities.
Travel Information
Location: Southern Lithuania
Best time: May to September
Best for: Families, nature lovers, birdwatchers
Things to do: Swimming, walking trails, wildlife observation
11. Lake Baltieji Lakajai
Surrounded by pine forests in Labanoras Regional Park, Baltieji Lakajai is ideal for travelers looking for kayaking and peaceful outdoor experiences.
Travel Information
Location: Molėtai region
Best time: Summer
Best for: Kayaking, camping, nature escapes
Things to do: Paddling, fishing, relaxing near forests
12. Lake Juodieji Lakajai
Lake Juodieji Lakajai offers quiet forest scenery and is a great choice for travelers who prefer less crowded destinations.
Travel Information
Location: Labanoras Regional Park area
Best time: Late spring to early autumn
Best for: Adventure travelers and photographers
Things to do: Kayaking, hiking, nature exploration
13. Lake Rubikiai (Rubikių Ežeras)
It covers around 968 hectares, and it is around 3.4 kilometers wide and 5 kilometers long. It is located near Anykščiai. Lake Rubikiai is famous for its islands and beautiful countryside views.
Travel Information
Location: Anykščiai district
Best time: Summer
Best for: Families and outdoor travelers
Things to do: Boat trips, swimming, sightseeing
Nearby attractions: Anykščiai attractions
14. Green Lakes (Žalieji Ežerai)
The Green Lakes are a group of 6 glacial lakes that are located close to Vilnius and provide an easy nature escape for visitors who want outdoor activities without traveling far.
Travel Information
Location: Near Vilnius
Best time: Summer and autumn
Best for: Day trips, families, city visitors
Things to do: ASwimming, walking, photography
15. Lake Vištytis (Vištyčio Ežeras)
It is a deep freshwater lake. The lake is around 50 meters deep, with clear, clean water, and it is located in southwestern Lithuania. Lake Vištytis offers peaceful landscapes, hiking opportunities, and scenic natural surroundings.
Travel Information
Location: Southwestern Lithuania
Best time: May to Septemberr
Best for: Nature lovers and peaceful getaways
Things to do: Hiking, photography, relaxing outdoors
Nearby attractions: Vištytis Regional Park
Best Lithuanian Lakes by Experience
Castle views: Lake Galvė
Kayaking and boating: Lake Plateliai, Lake Asveja, Lake Baluošas
Swimming and beaches: Lake Dusia, Lake Metelys
National park scenery: Lake Tauragnas, Lake Lūšiai
Easy trips from Vilnius: Lake Galvė, Green Lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Lithuanian lakes?
Late May through September is generally the best period for swimming, hiking, boating, and outdoor activities.
Can you swim in Lithuanian lakes?
Yes, many lakes have beaches and designated swimming areas.
Which lakes are best for kayaking?
Lake Plateliai, Lake Asveja, Lake Baluošas, and Aukštaitija National Park lakes are popular kayaking destinations.
