This Lithuanian city has many churches and is popular among students. It's located in a valley, making it ideal for walking and cycling. Pubs and cafes are plentiful.
Šiauliai, Lithuania's fourth-largest city, played a significant role in the country's history and offers visitors a range of experiences. Located in northern Lithuania, the city is home to the Hill of Crosses, a site symbolizing Lithuanian resistance and faith. In Šiauliai, you can explore museums dedicated to bicycles and chocolate, and stroll along a lively pedestrian boulevard filled with shops and cafes.
Getting to Šiauliai
You can reach Šiauliai by train, bus, or car. The city has a railway station with regular connections to major Lithuanian cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda. If you're driving, you'll find Šiauliai connected to main highways. For those coming from abroad, the nearest international airports are in Kaunas and Palanga.
The Hill of Crosses
The Hill of Crosses, located about 12 km north of Šiauliai, is the city's most well-known site. This place features thousands of crosses of various sizes, creating a striking and moving spectacle. The hill became a symbol of peaceful resistance during the Soviet occupation and continues to attract visitors from around the world.
Museums and Culture
Šiauliai has several museums worth exploring. At the Bicycle Museum, you can learn about the history of cycling and see a wide range of bicycles from different eras. The Rūta Chocolate Museum allows you to learn about chocolate production and even make your own treats. The Photography Museum houses exhibits on photographic history and techniques, and provides a rooftop view of the city.
City Center and Architecture
The heart of Šiauliai is Vilniaus Gatvė, a pedestrian boulevard that opened in 1976 as the first of its kind in the Soviet Union. Today, you'll find many shops and restaurants along this street. As you walk through the city, you'll see the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul with its distinctive architecture. The Chaim Frenkel Villa, a restored mansion, gives you a glimpse into early 20th-century life in the region.
Parks and Nature
Šiauliai has many green spaces despite its industrial past. Lake Talkša, in the city center, has a walking trail around its shores. At Centrinio Park, you can take a walk or play a game of frisbee golf. For a unique experience, visit Rabbit Island, a small island where friendly rabbits roam freely.
Local Cuisine
To taste traditional Lithuanian food in Šiauliai, go to Juonė Pastuogė. This restaurant serves authentic dishes in a rustic setting. While in the city, try some locally produced chocolate from the Rūta factory, which has been making sweets since 1913.
