An Unforgettable Adventure Wandering Around Lithuania
Planning this group adventure was a labour of love, requiring weeks of meticulous planning to ensure its success. All that preparation paid off beautifully for a fantastic two-day journey through Lithuania, exploring its hidden gems from north to the east and sharing incredible experiences with a wonderful group of colleagues.
We dedicated nearly a month to crafting the perfect itinerary for a group of 15 people, hunting down the most fascinating sites, securing convenient prices, and fine-tuning our schedule for a seamless adventure.
Lithuania’s Iconic Hill of Crosses
And so, our adventure began! On a bright morning in early June, we gathered at 7 AM, fuelled by coffee and buzzing with anticipation. After a brief wait for our (typically!) late colleagues, we were off. Our first destination was one of Lithuania’s most famous and moving sites: the breathtaking Hill of Crosses (Križių kalnas) near Šiauliai.
This is no ordinary hill. It’s a small hummock, profoundly transformed into a powerful symbol of faith and resilience, covered in over one hundred thousand crosses, rosaries, and religious carvings. The atmosphere is palpable.
Its history is as deep as it is turbulent. The site’s history is ancient, with a pagan fortress standing here until the Livonian Order destroyed it in the 13th century. While archives first mention crosses around 1850, many believe the first were placed after the 1831 uprising against the Russian Tsar. Its defiance continued into the Soviet era, when bulldozers repeatedly tried and failed to erase this spiritual sanctuary. The site’s profound significance was globally acknowledged in 1993 with a visit from the Pope, who called it a special place for all European Christians, bearing witness to the suffering and hope of Eastern Europe throughout the last century.
The Enchanting Burbiškis Estate and Park
Next, we discovered the stunning Burbiškis Estate (Burbiškio Dvaras), a true hidden treasure. Often called ‘Lithuanian Holland’ for its vast, colourful tulip gardens in spring, the estate boasts beautiful sculptures, serene ponds that perfectly mirrored the sky and trees, 15 islands, and 12 charming bridges, all set within a sprawling 28-hectare park.
We were incredibly fortunate to have the estate director himself as our guide. He shared captivating stories of its history, former owners, and the meticulous restoration of its buildings. We were even shown the newly finished ‘Owl House’, a recent addition to the park’s ecosystem. Our fascination was so profound that only a sudden, torrential downpour that sent us scrambling could finally drive us back to the bus, reluctantly ending our exploration.
The Fiery Art of Glasremis Glassworks
Our journey continued to the town of Panevėžys and the mesmerising Glasremis Glassworks. Founded in 2000 by the renowned Lithuanian artist Remigijus Kriukas, this studio specialises in breathtaking art glass. They create a stunning array of decorative objects, from delicate sculptures to bespoke business gifts, all designed by the artist and his wife, Indrė Stulgaitė-Kriukienė.
Every piece is exclusively handcrafted by master artisans using first-class materials. While we’ve visited glassworks in the Czech Republic, which often focus on practical items, Glasremis is dedicated to pure, artistic design. Our guide walked us through the process in the showroom, and the persistent rain turned into a blessing in disguise – it allowed us extra time to venture into the production area itself! Watching the masters manipulate molten glass into exquisite artwork was an unexpected and utterly thrilling highlight. Of course, a few of us couldn’t resist taking a piece of this fiery magic home with us.
A Lithuanian Feast and a Lakeside Haven
After our glassblowing immersion, we headed towards our campsite, pausing for a well-deserved lunch at the Karčema Ružava restaurant, conveniently located just off the main E67 road. A quick check after our trip confirms the restaurant is still thriving and even offers lodging – a detail I missed during our visit. Prices seem to be around 50 euros per night.
The owner warmly welcomed us, and we enjoyed a delicious meal, topped off with a delightful surprise – an authentic Lithuanian birthday cake for one of our colleagues! Finding a roadside restaurant in Lithuania that can effortlessly accommodate a group of 15 is no small feat, and we were thoroughly impressed.
We arrived at our final stop, the 4-star Apple Island (Obuolių Sala) campsite, as evening fell. Miraculously, the rain had skipped this area entirely, gifting us a perfect, clear night. We were provided with first-rate BBQ equipment and a large, private area for our group dinner. For value for money, this campsite is exceptional by Baltic standards, offering pitches for tents, caravans, and cosy bungalows. The fact it’s situated on an island in a lake makes it idyllic, with the perfect opportunity for a refreshing morning swim.
More Lithuanian Magic Awaits!
This whirlwind tour only scratches the surface of what Lithuania has to offer. On this trip alone, we also visited a local bakery to see the famous šakotis (tree cake) being made – a delicious, spit-cake dessert.
For your own itinerary, the vibrant capital, Vilnius, is a must-see, along with the charming cities of Kaunas and Palanga, and the unique natural wonder of the Curonian Spit. You absolutely cannot miss the fairy-tale Trakai Island Castle, set majestically on a lake. I highly recommend hiring a guide there to uncover the fascinating layers of Lithuanian history.
To sum up this incredible journey, our two-day corporate excursion was unexpectedly fascinating, wonderfully exciting, and a brilliant showcase of the rich culture, history, and natural beauty that Lithuania holds. It was a trip that truly brought us all together.
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