Žemaitija National ParkAbout Žemaitija National Park
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.
Nearby Attractions to Žemaitija National Park
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -6° - -2° | -9° | 55 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| February | Poor | -6° - -1° | -9° | 35 mm | overcast | 95% | 3.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.3h |
| March | Poor | -4° - 2° | -5° | 45 mm | overcast | 90% | 3.6 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.7h |
| April | Acceptable | 1° - 8° | 2° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.4 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 14.0h |
| May | Good | 6° - 15° | 10° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 16.2h |
| June | Good | 10° - 18° | 14° | 69 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 17.3h |
| July | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 89 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.9 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.8h |
| August | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 92 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.7 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 14.9h |
| September | Acceptable | 8° - 15° | 12° | 85 mm | partly cloudy | 84% | 3.2 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 5° | 87 mm | overcast | 89% | 3.5 m/s | 0.2 low | 10.2h |
| November | Poor | 0° - 4° | -2° | 93 mm | overcast | 94% | 3.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.0h |
| December | Poor | -4° - 0° | -6° | 73 mm | overcast | 96% | 3.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
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.