Šiauliai District: Culture and Regional Experiences

• The Hill of Crosses is about 12 km north of Šiauliai, near the Šiauliai–Riga railway line.
• The Photography Museum is Lithuania’s only specialized museum dedicated to the history of photography, photographic art and photographic technology.
• The VU ŠA Botanical Garden covers 6.54 hectares and cultivates more than 4,600 plant species and varieties.
• In Kuršėnai, you can try Kuršėnų vyniotinis at tastings.

The Photography Museum focuses on the history, art and technology of photography. It is Lithuania’s only specialized museum dedicated to these three areas. The Chaimas Frenkelis Villa Museum offers a different perspective: the villa is one of Lithuania’s few Art Nouveau buildings from the early 20th century. The exhibition “Fabrikantai Frenkeliai” introduces two generations of the Frenkel family and also explores the history of Jews in Šiauliai.

Cycling history is also represented by a specialized museum: the Bicycle Museum is Lithuania’s only museum dedicated to the history of the bicycle. There is more to do here than just view the exhibits. On the third floor, visitors can try road cycling; there are also bicycle-related facilities and activities. Those interested in the history of transport will find a different focus here than in the art and cultural history museums.

The Hill of Crosses is an important religious site and bears witness to devotion and fidelity to the sacrifice of the cross. Pope John Paul II visited it on 7 September 1993. Its location about 12 km north of Šiauliai and near the Šiauliai–Riga railway line helps place the site geographically; its proximity to the railway line does not, by itself, indicate a specific train connection.

A historic trail passes the Bubiai burial mound, with information boards covering several topics: the history of the burial mound, archaeological finds, and the legends and traditions of the people who lived there. In Naisiai, a nature trail connects Baltic culture with the Museum of Baltic Gods. This one-of-a-kind museum in Lithuania is adorned with more than 50 oak sculptures of Baltic gods. The trail and the museum offer different ways to explore Baltic culture.

The VU ŠA Botanical Garden offers a contrast to the historical and thematic museums. Its 6.54 hectares and more than 4,600 cultivated plant species and varieties give an idea of the garden’s size and the diversity of its plant collections. The garden regularly holds events for the university, city and district communities.

The summer festival is also part of the cultural program at Chaimas Frenkelis Villa: it takes place every summer in the villa’s park. The Cat Museum features cats from various parts of Lithuania and many countries around the world; educational activities are also held there. Next to the Cat Museum is the “Gyvūnijos sodas” zoo, home to various exotic animals. These places are quite different from the historical museums and may interest visitors who are especially interested in animals or educational activities.

Another regional specialty is Kuršėnų vyniotinis, which you can try at tastings in Kuršėnai. In Naisiai, the stud’s Žemaitukai horses are used for performances and photo shoots, as well as for lessons for children and adults.

For regional orientation, you can also find pages about Radviliškis District Municipality, Šiaulių rajono savivaldybė, Joniškio rajono savivaldybė, Pakruojis District Municipality, Akmenė District Municipality, Šiaulių kaimiškoji seniūnija, Kelmė District Municipality, Jurgaičiai, Gaugariai, Vijoliai, Kuršėnai, Margiai, Meškuičiai, Radviliškis, Pakruojis, Kelmė, Šiauliai, Joniškis and Bubiai.

How far is the Hill of Crosses from Šiauliai?

The Hill of Crosses is about 12 km north of Šiauliai, near the Šiauliai–Riga railway line.

What can visitors try at the Bicycle Museum?

On the third floor, visitors can try road cycling. The museum also offers bicycle-related facilities and activities.

What do the information boards at the Bubiai burial mound cover?

They cover the history of the burial mound, archaeological finds, and the legends and traditions of the people who lived there.

Where can you try Kuršėnų vyniotinis?

The cake can be tried at tastings in Kuršėnai.

For the broader travel overview: Lithuania.