Žemaitija National Park
National Park National park in northwest Lithuania with lakes, forests
In northwestern Lithuania, Žemaitija National Park centers on Plateliai Lake, mixed forests and hilltops; visitors hike marked trails, rent boats, and visit the Samogitian ethnographic exhibits in nearby villages.
Žemaitija National Park (Samogitia National Park) is a protected area in northwestern Lithuania that conserves the lakes, woods and glacial landforms of the Žemaitija region. The park includes Lake Plateliai, which is its largest lake and a central recreational area.
Visitors come for boating on Lake Plateliai, marked walking trails, and bird and nature watching across mixed forest and freshwater habitats. Facilities in and around the lake area support seasonal tourism while much of the park remains managed for conservation.
The park lies in Telšiai County in the Žemaitija cultural region of Lithuania and is reached by road from regional towns and cities; it is a key natural area within the country’s network of national parks.
- Landscape: The park protects a mix of lakes, forests and rolling hills characteristic of the Samogitian (Žemaitija) region and is one of Lithuania's principal national parks.
What to See #
- Lake Plateliai: Lake Plateliai is the largest lake within the park and a focal point for recreation and nature observation.
How to Get to Žemaitija National Park #
From the regional city of Telšiai, drive or take local buses towards Plateliai and other park towns. Road signage to principal visitor centres (e.g., Plateliai) is clear; car is the most convenient option for exploring multiple sites.
Tips for Visiting Žemaitija National Park #
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching - the park's lakes and wetlands are good for migratory species.
- Rent a bike to explore flat trails around lakes; some interior hikes require a guide for unclear paths.
- Visit the ethnographic sites to see traditional Žemaitija wooden architecture.
Best Time to Visit Žemaitija National Park #
Late spring through early autumn is best for access to trails and visitor centres; autumn offers quieter scenery and migratory birdwatching.
Weather & Climate near Žemaitija National Park #
Žemaitija National Park'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 -6°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (811 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (44 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (87 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. The wettest month with 93 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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