Just a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of the capital, a completely different world opens up – Vilnius region, often unjustifiably left on the margins of tourist routes. Here, just 35 minutes from the city center, you can stand on a patch of land that is officially considered the heart of all of Europe, admire nature in the place where the secrets of the Earth began to be counted, and walk around a mill in a manor dating back to Napoleonic times. We invite you to discover 15 exceptional objects that allow you to get to know the Vilnius district differently – slower, deeper, and more authentically.
"Our district is a place where time slows down so you can experience the true character of Lithuania: hospitable, multicultural and open. I invite you not only to visit, but also to experience, discover and create a personal connection with our land, which surprises visitors with its diversity and authenticity."
in Vilnius district "Everyone will find something to do – whether you are an active holiday enthusiast, a traveler looking for peace, a history buff or a contemporary culture explorer. The places to visit are accessible and accessible to everyone – whether you are travelling with family, friends or on your own," says Vilnius district the mayor of the municipality, Robert Duchnevič.
"We invite you to visit the Vilnius district - renovated manors, museums and valuable natural sites await you here, which are easy to reach and fun to explore. Each place of interest reflects the cultural richness and historical significance of our district, but at the same time demonstrates a modern approach to the preservation and presentation of heritage. Vilnius district is a place where traditions do not languish in archives, but live in people's hands, hearts and everyday life," says Edita Tamošiūnaitė, Vice-Mayor of Vilnius district.
WALLS THAT REMEMBER: MANORS AND CASTLES
Center of traditional crafts in Houvalts manor in Maišiagala
In Maišiagala, where Lithuanian rulers, nobles and nobles once lived, stands the Houvaltas Manor – a place where the past lives not in exhibitions, but among clay, wax and verbena. The manor was started to be built more than 200 years ago by the noble Houvaltas family, and its design was created by the famous architect Mykolas Angelo Šulcas – the same one who reconstructed the Vilnius Cathedral Basilica and Vilnius Town Hall.
During its existence, the walls of the manor heard everything: the experiences of residents sheltering during the war, the conversations of collective farm workers, the laughter of students and even empty silence. Now the manor is full of life again - it houses the Center for Traditional Crafts, inviting you to try out old crafts: weaving willow, making a candle or tying a garden. This is a place where the past becomes an experience - creative, interesting and real.
Visit: Algirdo St. 4, Maišiagalos mstl., Maišiagalos sen., Vilnius district.
Liubavas Manor Farmhouse Mill
In the Liubavas Manor, where conversations of great personalities once resounded and agaves grew, stands a mill – a place where history revolved not on the pages of literature, but in real millstones. Real life hummed here: talented millers worked tirelessly, flour crumbled, and modern equipment was ahead of its time with its progress.
Today, it is the only mill in Lithuania whose technological equipment has been restored so accurately that it seems that the miller will soon come in, wipe the flour off his hands, and start the mechanism again. This is not just a museum - it is a space where time seems to have stopped, and the spirit of the past has not yet faded.
Visit: Liubavo village, Riešės parish, Vilnius district
The Glitiškės Manor, first mentioned in 1483, changed hands over the centuries, eventually becoming the pride of the Jelenskis family. Its last representative, Kazimieras Jelenskis, founded an impressive palace on the site of the old building in 1860, which has survived to this day.
The manor, which experienced dramatic events in the 20th century, survived the turmoil of wars, the horror of occupations and painful losses, but today beauty, culture and grandeur reign here again. When you arrive at Glitiškės Manor, visit the museum, library and cultural center, where exhibitions, concerts and other events are held. eventsHave you ever looked into the past? You can do this by visiting the 600-year-old Glitiškės oak tree - a majestic tree that, like a silent witness to the past, preserves the legends of the manor.
Visit: Liepų al. 1, Glitiškės, Vilnius district.
Medinkai castle
Medininkai Castle is a place where the spirit of the Middle Ages is still alive and centuries of history lie hidden. Built in the 14th century, it was one of the largest and most important defensive castles in Lithuania, visited by Vytautas the Great himself. At different times, the castle experienced many upheavals: it was devastated by fires, Napoleon's army and wars, but it survived - the restored old brick walls and towers tell of the strength and perseverance of the past. Today, the restored castle hosts events, a museum is open, and the spaces invite you to discover new activities and entertainment.
Visit: Šv. Kazimiero g. 2, Medininkai village, Medininkai sen., Vilnius district.
GREEN SPACES OF PEACE: NATURAL OBJECTS
Geographical Center of Europe
In 1989, scientists from the French National Geographic Institute, using the method of centers of gravity, determined that the central point of the continent is located in Lithuania, in the Vilnius district.
Arriving at the geographical center of Europe, you can not only see symbolic objects - a stone with carved coordinates, a square marking the countries of the world, a monument dedicated to the European Union, or oak trees planted by the leaders of the Republic of Lithuania, but also take a peaceful walk in nature, visit the Bernotai hillfort, the alka hill, and admire Lake Girija.
The Geographic Center of Europe is one of the most visited tourist attractions in all of Lithuania – about 20 thousand tourists from all over the world visit it every year.
Visit: Girijos village, Nemenčinės parish, Vilnius district
The Neris Regional Park is a place where nature and the past merge into one harmonious whole. Among the winding Neris River, old villages and hilly valleys, you can not only relax from the hustle and bustle of the city, but also spend a warm summer day meaningfully.
Various tourist routes wind through here, and the acquaintance with the landscape is enriched by the longest educational trail in Lithuania, adapted for the disabled – the Dūkštų oak grove route. This oak grove is the largest and one of the oldest natural oak groves in all of Lithuania.
Visit: Airėnai I village, Dūkštų sen., Vilnius district.
Struve's geodesic arc
The Struvė Geodetic Arc is a unique example of cooperation between science and humanity, hiding an incredible history of 19th century discoveries and today becoming one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Lithuania.
Near the quiet villages of Meškonai and Paliepiukai in the Vilnius region, symbolic memorial pillars stand marking two of the three points of the Struve Arc in our country. These points were precisely marked in a geodetic triangulation chain that stretches from the Black Sea all the way to the Arctic Ocean – a route 2820 kilometers long, through ten countries.
A visit here is an opportunity to touch the history of world science and at the same time be surrounded by peaceful nature. The surrounding landscape creates a wonderful environment not only for learning, but also for relaxation - it is a great place for slow walks or a family outing.
Visit: Meškonyų village, Nemenčinė sen., Vilnius district (N 54°55′48″ E 25°18′43″); Paliepiukai village, Nemėžys sen., Vilnius district (N 54°37′55″ E 25°26′31″)
High mountain
The Medininkai plateau, which was smoothed by melting glaciers thousands of years ago, today looks calm, even, without pronounced hills or steep slopes. Therefore, standing on the modern wooden observation deck installed at the top of Aukštoji, it is not easy to understand that this is the highest point in the country. However, it is a great place to stop and admire the treetops, breathe in the fresh air and escape from everyday life. Here, the peaks do not pose a challenge, but invite you to relax.
Another advantage of Aukštojis Kalnas is the Medininkai Castle, located just a few kilometers away. A visit to this part of Vilnius district is a great opportunity to combine nature and history.
Visit: Juozapinės village, Medininkai parish, Vilnius district
HISTORICAL RESERVORIES: MUSEUMS
Vladislav Sirokoml Museum
On the outskirts of Bareikiškės village, surrounded by trees, stands a wooden mansion that at first glance looks like a simple farmhouse. However, as soon as you cross its threshold, the flow of time stops and the spirit of 19th-century literary Lithuania comes to life.
Just fourteen kilometers from Vilnius – and here you are in the house of Vladislavas Sirokomlė, one of the most prominent poets of the 19th century. In this manor, which belonged to Count Benediktas Tiškevičius, the poet spent eight years of his life, full of creative inspiration and everyday joys. Within these walls, the poet’s most famous works, such as “Margarita” and “The Cabin in the Forest”, were born. Every object here tells a story and allows you to touch his everyday life, household and creative world.
However, the museum is not limited to just the exhibition - various educational and cultural activities are organized here: classes in ceramics, calligraphy, weaving, candle casting, and straw toys are held, and the poetry and music festival "Sirokomlės Lyre" is organized annually in the amphitheater in the courtyard.
Visit: Sirokomlės St. 5, Bareikiškės village, Rukainiai sen., Vilnius district.
Czech verbs and household mischief
The Čekoniškės Verbs and Household Items Museum is a living center of Vilnius region culture, where traditions are revealed through ancient household items, textiles, and, of course, Vilnius region verbs.
The exhibition pays special attention to the work of local artisans - here you can see both the oldest and most modern verbs, created using traditional technology that has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries.
Seklyčia not only preserves this unique tradition, but also invites visitors to contribute to its preservation. Visit the museum, take part in a workshop and take home a unique Vilnius region verb made by your own hands!
Visit: A. Mickevičiaus St. 179, Čekoniškės village, Zujūnai sen., Vilnius district.
Museum of Father Prelate Juzef Obrembski
The museum of priest prelate Juzef Obrembskis, located in the rectory of the town of Maišiagala, tells the story not only of a clergyman, but also of a person whose values - loyalty, modesty, and compassion - became the support of the community. in Poland The prelate, born in 80, spent about 50 of his almost XNUMX years of life dedicated to the priesthood in Maišiagala. Throughout his life, the priest sincerely cared for his parishioners, patronized clergy returning from Siberia or hiding from the Bolsheviks, and even saved several villages from destruction during the German occupation.
The museum now operating in his "manor," as he jokingly called his rectory, invites you not only to learn about his life through personal belongings, but also to touch upon the broader legacy of the luminaries of the Catholic Church.
Visit: Šv. Antano g. 5, Maišiagalos mstl., Vilnius district.
Vilnius Regional Museum of Education
Have you ever dreamed of traveling through time? The Vilnius Regional Education Museum, located in the walls of the century-old Ažulaukė School, will take you straight to a classroom from the last century!
Old physics equipment, chemistry laboratory tools, astronomy and sports equipment will reveal the teaching traditions that have shaped entire generations, and more than 400 textbooks stored in the library will remind you of carefree school days.
Young museum visitors are invited to sit at an old school desk, try out calculators, do math problems, ring an authentic, shrill school bell, touch the piano keys, and participate in educational activities.
Visit: Nemenčinės St. 1, Ažulaukės village, Riešės sen., Vilnius district.
ROOTS OF THE NATION: ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES AND TRADITIONAL HABITATS
Bradeliški mound
Bradeliškės Mound is not only an impressive hill in the heart of the Neris Regional Park, but also a silent witness to Lithuanian history. A large wooden castle once stood on this site, guarding the main road between the two legendary capitals - Kernavė and Vilnius.
Visitors can admire the natural hill surrounded by the Dūkšta stream and learn about Lithuania's defensive past. Informative stands installed at the foot of the mound help visualize what the ancient fortifications looked like, and the place itself is perfect for both a short sightseeing visit and a longer walk in nature.
Visit: Bradeliškės village, Dūkštų parish, Vilnius district
Maišiagala hillfort
Maišiagala Hillfort is one of those quietly proud natural objects whose value lies not only in its height, but also in its significance. Once upon a time, there was a wooden Maišiagala Castle here, and the surrounding area belonged to the Grand Duke of Lithuania Algirdas. It is in his memory that a monument stands next to the hillfort today - the personality of the Grand Duke is still an important part of the identity of the town of Maišiagala.
Upon arrival, you can walk along the well-maintained paths, climb the hill and admire the surroundings. panoramaThis is a quiet place, suitable not only for a short stop, but also for a picnic in nature.
Visit: Algirdo st., Maišiagalos mstl., Maišiagalos sen., Vilnius district.
Šilėnai village
Šilėnai is a small village located just outside the city, but as if it has stopped in time. Here, among the old wooden homesteads, an authentic street village structure has survived, protected by the status of an ethnocultural reserve. This is one of the few places in Lithuania where you can feel the spirit of ancestral life - each old hut here preserves its own memory.
The village has a small church of the Holy Virgin Mary, built in 1725, the origin of which is connected with a legend about the image of the Holy Trinity that keeps returning to the village. Šilėnai is best known for the hiking trail established by the Neris Regional Park, which attracts many travelers every day.
Visit: Šilėnai village, Zujūnai parish, Vilnius district
