Biržai Travel Guide
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.
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.
Top Things to Do in Biržai
All Attractions ›
- 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.
Best Time to Visit Biržai #
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’s compact center is easy to walk, and short-distance bus services connect to the surrounding region. Trains and longer-distance buses run less frequently, so check schedules if you’re making intercity trips. The town is pleasant to explore by bike, and a car is useful for visiting rural sights and the lake district around Biržai.
Where to Stay in Biržai #
Where to Eat in Biržai #
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Biržai's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
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.
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.
