Kaunas District: Discover Castles, Nature and Trails

• Kaunas Castle was built in the mid-14th century and is the city’s oldest historic landmark.
• Kadagių Valley covers five hectares and is part of Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park.
• The Šaltinių Trail opened on September 8, 2026; its routes are 2.6 to 6 km long.
• Educational and health trails in Kaunas District range from 2 to 17 km in length.

Kaunas Castle is one of Lithuania’s oldest brick castles. Exhibitions in its restored and reconstructed tower explore the castle’s history: important historical facts and figures, changes to its walls, and how its functions have evolved from the 14th century to the present day. The castle also offers guided tours and educational programmes. This makes it possible to consider its architectural development and historical use together.

Another architectural landmark is Raudondvaris Manor Castle, a Renaissance castle in Lithuania dating from the early 17th century. The interactive audio tour “Dramaturas” uses artificial intelligence to guide visitors through the history of the manor and the romantic tragedy of Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilaitė. Its 14 stops take visitors through halls, cellars and the park, as well as the surrounding manor ensemble. Check in advance whether the tour is available at the time of your visit.

Obelynė Botanical Park was founded by naturalist Tadas Ivanauskas in Akademija, Kaunas District. Kadagių Valley offers a different landscape: its five-hectare slope on Kaunas Lagoon is covered with wild common juniper and is part of Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park.

A 1.3 km educational hiking trail runs along the upper part of Kadagių Valley. It was laid out in 2010 along the edge of the steep slope. From there, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the broadened Nemunas, Dabinta Island and impressive geological exposures. The combination of slope, juniper and views makes the trail a concrete option for travellers who want to experience the landscape up close.

Kaunas District has educational and health trails ranging in length from 2 to 17 km. The Šaltinių Trail consists of routes from 2.6 to 6 km through the Kačerginė pine forest. Viewpoints offer views of the Nemunas, and the routes lead to Pypliai Hillfort and back.

In the Dubrava Reserve, a 1.9 km educational trail passes through particularly interesting areas. Eight information boards explain features of the local flora and fauna. Together with the 1.3 km educational hiking trail in Kadagių Valley and the longer Šaltinių routes, these offer a concrete comparison of distances: the specified routes range from 1.3 km to 6 km. This can help you fit nature stops into your trip’s time budget, without judging the routes by walking times that have not been specified.

When looking for a hotel in Kaunas District, these differences can be a useful starting point. Consider whether you want to include a castle and exhibitions, a forest trail or a botanical park in your itinerary. Then decide on your specific destinations and check which accommodation location suits your own plans.

The wider destination of Lithuania has five UNESCO World Heritage sites. One of them is the Vilnius Historic Centre, which was inscribed in 1994. Modernist Kaunas: Architecture of Optimism, 1919–1939 is also on Lithuania’s World Heritage list; it was inscribed in 2023. These cultural themes from across the country add to the picture of Lithuania without being equated with individual nature and castle attractions.

For culinary inspiration, the “The Tastiest Cities of Lithuania” map connects regions with characteristic dishes served in cafés, restaurants and farmsteads, as well as gastronomic experiences. It offers creative suggestions for food lovers; participating places and offerings may change. The Baltic Song and Dance Celebration also provides a nationwide cultural context: it takes place in Lithuania every four years and brings together thousands of performers for singing and dancing. Check the dates of a specific edition separately.

Discover more destinations: Kaunas, Garliava, Birštonas, Kėdainiai, Karmėlava, Kaišiadorys, Jonava, Ramučiai, Prienai, Pašuliai, Gabšiai, Ringaudai, Altoniškiai, Čekiškė, Rumšiškės, Kulautuva, Ariogala, Piliuona, Šiluva, Kaišiadorys District Municipality, Raseiniai District Municipality, Jonava District Municipality, Kėdainiai District Municipality, Kaunas District Municipality, Prienai District Municipality and Jurbarkas District Municipality.

What do the exhibitions in the tower of Kaunas Castle show?

They cover the castle’s history, important historical facts and figures, changes to its walls, and how its functions have evolved from the 14th century to the present day.

How do the routes mentioned differ in length?

The educational hiking trail in Kadagių Valley is 1.3 km long, while the trail in Dubrava Reserve is 1.9 km. The Šaltinių Trail routes range from 2.6 to 6 km.

What can visitors learn at the Antanas and Jonas Juška Museum of Ethnic Culture?

During an educational activity on traditional cord braiding, visitors learn the braiding technique and how to coordinate colours.

For the broader travel overview: Lithuania.