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Biržai, Lithuania - Things to Do in Biržai

Things to Do in Biržai

Biržai, Lithuania - Complete Travel Guide

Biržai was once home to one of Lithuania's most powerful families. This northern city of ~12,000 people sits quietly beyond the usual Baltic tourist routes, but the Radziwill dynasty chose it for their Renaissance seat of power. Underground gypsum deposits have carved out caves, sinkholes, and the distinctive landscape of Biržai Regional Park over centuries. You'll find brewery traditions here dating back 500 years, locals taking evening walks around the castle pond, and a pace that feels genuinely unhurried compared to Vilnius or Kaunas. Worth the detour.

Top Things to Do in Biržai

Biržai Castle and Museum

The reconstructed Renaissance castle houses a museum covering Radziwill dynasty history and regional archaeology. These bastioned fortifications rank among the best-preserved in the Baltics, with tower views explaining why defenders chose this strategic spot. Collections range from period furniture to karst landscape archaeological finds.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around €3-4 for adults, with guided tours available for an additional fee. Visit on weekdays if possible to avoid local school groups, and allow 2-3 hours to properly explore both the castle and grounds.

Biržai Regional Park Cave Systems

Over 60 documented caves formed by dissolving gypsum bedrock. Radiališkio Cave offers the easiest visitor access, with underground chambers that stay cool even in summer heat. The karst landscape above ground creates an almost otherworldly atmosphere with sinkholes and unusual geological formations.

Booking Tip: Cave tours typically cost €5-8 per person and require advance booking through the park office. Bring warm clothing as cave temperatures stay around 8°C year-round, and wear sturdy shoes with good grip.

Biržai Brewery Heritage Trail

Beer brewing started here in the 1500s. The heritage trail connects historical brewing sites with the modern Biržai brewery, where traditional Lithuanian beer styles are still produced. Local spring water, regional barley, and centuries-refined brewing techniques explain the lasting quality.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost around €10-12 including tastings and run several times daily in summer, weekends only in winter. Book ahead during festival periods, and note that tours are conducted in Lithuanian with English summaries available.

Astravas Manor Estate

This 19th-century manor complex sits just outside town. The restored buildings showcase aristocratic life during Russian Empire rule through craft workshops, traditional gardens, and period room displays. Seasonal events like harvest festivals feel genuinely authentic. Not touristy at all.

Booking Tip: Manor entry is typically €4-6, with workshop participation costing extra. Check their event calendar before visiting as special programs significantly enhance the experience, though they may require separate booking.

Lake Širvėna Nature Reserve

This protected wetland supports over 180 bird species. Spring and autumn migrations bring the best birdwatching opportunities in northern Lithuania, with shallow waters and surrounding marshes creating ideal habitat. Wooden boardwalks and observation towers let you explore without disturbing wildlife. Early morning visits often reward you with crane, stork, and waterfowl sightings.

Booking Tip: Reserve access is free, though parking costs a small fee. Bring binoculars if you have them, or rent from the visitor center for €3-5. Dawn and dusk offer the best wildlife viewing, so plan accordingly.

Getting There

Biržai sits 180 kilometers north of Vilnius via A10 highway. Drive time: 2.5 hours. Buses run 3-4 times daily from Vilnius for €12-15, connecting to other major Lithuanian cities as well. Riga airport is closer than Vilnius airport at 150 kilometers—useful if you're planning a broader Baltic trip. Train service barely exists. Stick with buses or rental cars.

Getting Around

The historic center is compact and walkable. Most attractions cluster within easy distance of each other, making cars unnecessary for the main sights. Local buses serve surrounding villages and nature sites, though service runs infrequently. For the regional park and distant manor houses, you'll want wheels. Bike rentals work well for the flatter lake areas—several local shops rent them.

Where to Stay

Town Center near Castle
Biržai Regional Park area
Lakeside guesthouses
Astravas village
Vabalninkas nearby
Rural farmstays

Food & Dining

The food scene focuses on Lithuanian classics over international dishes. Restaurants around the castle serve excellent cepelinai (potato dumplings) and local game, often with Biržai's own beer. Market square cafes feel like actual local hangouts rather than tourist traps. Many places source from nearby farms. Don't skip the smoked fish from Lake Širvėna—surprisingly good and authentically local.

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When to Visit

May through September offers the best weather and longest days. Summer brings reliable cave tour schedules and ideal conditions for hiking the regional park trails. Winter has fewer crowds and atmospheric snow-covered castle views. Just know that outdoor attractions run limited winter hours. Some close entirely during the coldest months.

Insider Tips

The castle's evening lights create excellent photo opportunities. Locals gather around the pond after dark for informal socializing.
Cave tours accommodate small groups with advance notice. You'll get a more personalized underground experience than standard scheduled visits.
The regional park's geological trail includes several unmarked sinkholes. Ask at the visitor center for current trail conditions and detailed route descriptions—the tourist maps miss these spots.

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Itineraries

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Getting Around

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Where to Stay

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