Biržai City
City in Panevėžys, known for its history
Northern Lithuanian Biržai attracts visitors to its 17th‑century star fort, lakes formed by limestone sinkholes and a tradition of farmhouse brewing-small taverns pour rye beer beside the castle moat.
Biržai at a Glance#
Costs: Very affordable small-town budget - expect $45-80/day for meals, guesthouses, and local transport.
Safety: Very safe and peaceful - safe and quiet; common-sense precautions suffice.
Best Time: Late spring to early autumn - may-September for lake activities and festivals.
Why Visit Biržai?#
Karst topography and brewing traditions give Biržai a distinct draw: visitors come to see the sinkholes and limestone quarries around Lake Širvėna and to tour the restored Biržai Castle. Local farmhouse beer and rye-based breads pair well with regionally smoked fish, reflecting centuries-old culinary customs. Quiet cycling routes and castle grounds offer relaxed exploration away from Lithuania’s busier cities. Seasonal folk festivals highlight traditional crafts and music.
Best Things to Do in Biržai#
Biržai Bucket List#
Biržai Castle - Tour Biržai Castle and on-site museum about the Radziwiłł family and region.
Biržai sinkhole belt - Walk the Biržai sinkhole belt in the regional park highlighting karst formations and lakes.
Rinkuškiai Brewery - Sample local beers at Rinkuškiai Brewery and learn about Biržai’s brewing traditions.
Biržai Regional Park Visitor Centre - Visit the Biržai Regional Park visitor centre for maps, exhibits, and sinkhole information.
Širvėna Lake promenade - Stroll Širvėna Lake’s shoreline for quiet paths and castle reflections at sunset.
Local artisanal bakeries - Try traditional pastries from family-run bakeries showcasing Lithuanian recipes and seasonal fillings.
Panevėžys - Short drive to Panevėžys for theatres, galleries, and larger city services.
Aukštaitija National Park - Day trip to Aukštaitija National Park for lakes, traditional villages, and hiking trails.
Best Time to Visit Biržai#
Biržai shines from late spring to early autumn with mild summers and excellent cycling. Winters are cold with snow and ice, making rural exploration slower and less comfortable.
December - February
-6-1°C (21-34°F)
Cold winters bring snow and frozen lakes-attractive if you enjoy quiet, frosty landscapes, but dress for heavy winds and low temperatures.
March - May
3-14°C (37-57°F)
Spring is cool and gradual; mud and brisk mornings give way to budding trees and enjoyable cycling by late May.
June - August
14-24°C (57-75°F)
Summers are pleasantly mild-great for biking, exploring karst caves, and beer festivals; mosquitoes can annoy in wetlands near rivers sometimes.
Biržai's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (618 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (40 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Biržai#
Biržai is reached mainly by road: regional buses from Šiauliai, Panevėžys, Kaunas or Vilnius are the usual public-transport option, while nearby small airports (Šiauliai) handle limited services. A car is convenient for exploring the surrounding countryside and historic sites.
Šiauliai Airport (SQQ): Šiauliai is the closest airport to Biržai (roughly 70-90 km depending on route). From Siauliai you continue by road (bus or car) to Biržai; travel time is commonly around 1-1.75 hours and taxis or transfers are available though less frequent than at major airports.
Vilnius Airport (VNO) / Kaunas (KUN): Vilnius and Kaunas are the main international airports for longer-distance travel. From Vilnius to Biržai expect a 2.5-3.5 hour bus or car journey; from Kaunas it’s shorter (around 1.5-2.5 hours) depending on connections.
Train: Biržai has no significant national rail passenger hub; rail is not the primary public-transport link to the town.
Bus: Lithuanian regional bus operators (such as Kautra and regional carriers) provide regular services to Biržai from Šiauliai, Panevėžys and Vilnius. Buses are the main public-transport option-journey times vary from about 1 hour (Šiauliai) to 3 hours (Vilnius) with fares typically €3-€12 depending on distance.
How to Get Around Biržai#
Biržai relies on regional bus connections for most arrivals; a rental car makes exploring the lake district and nearby attractions much easier. The town itself is compact and walkable.
- Regional bus (Kautra / local carriers) (€3-€12) - Buses are the primary way to get to Biržai from Lithuanian cities such as Šiauliai, Panevėžys and Vilnius. They are inexpensive and relatively frequent; check schedules ahead for weekend services. The main bus station in Biržai sits close to the town centre.
- Car rental / driving (€25-€60/day) - Driving gives you the most flexibility to visit Biržai’s lake district, manor houses and caves. Roads are generally in good condition and parking in the town is straightforward. A car is especially handy for rural side trips.
- Taxi / private transfer (€30-€80) - Taxis and private transfers are available but can be costly for longer intercity trips compared with buses. Useful for early arrivals or if you need a direct connection from a nearby airport.
- Local cycling (€5-€20/day) - Biržai and its surroundings are well suited to cycling in good weather; bike rental options may be available seasonally. Trails and quiet roads make for pleasant day rides.
- Walking - The compact centre and nearby parklands are best experienced on foot; the fortress and breweries are an easy walk from the bus station.
Where to Eat in Biržai#
Biržai cuisine leans on rye bread, potato dishes, smoked fish and hearty stews-comforting plates that pair well with local beers.
The town’s beer culture and small taverns offer fried pastries, open sandwiches and simple bar snacks alongside regional brews.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Biržai’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Biržai#
Shopping in Biržai is focused on everyday needs: small supermarkets, local shops and market stalls. You can pick up regionally produced foods and basic souvenirs, but don’t expect large department stores. For a bigger retail selection, travel to larger regional centres.
Nightlife in Biržai#
Nightlife is small-scale - local bars and cafés are the evening options, with occasional events tied to town festivals. There are no major clubs, so evenings are relaxed and community-oriented.
