Zemaitija National Park

Zemaitija Overview

Žemaitija National Park, known locally as Žemaitijos nacionalinis parkas, is a natural treasure located in the northwestern part of Lithuania, near the town of Plateliai. Spanning approximately 82 square miles (210 square kilometers), the park is a serene expanse that embodies the beauty of Lithuania’s Žemaitija region.

Established in 1991, it preserves the unique cultural, historical, and ecological landscape of this part of the country while offering a refuge for diverse plant and animal species. The terrain of Žemaitija National Park is a mix of rolling hills, dense forests, and glistening lakes, with its most prominent feature being Lake Plateliai.

Covering an area of 4.9 square miles (12.7 square kilometers), Lake Plateliai is the largest and deepest lake in Samogitia (Žemaitija). Its pristine waters and surrounding islands, such as Pilies Island, which hosts the remnants of an ancient castle, are key highlights of the park. The park also includes several bogs, meadows, and ancient woodlands, particularly home to species of oak, pine, and birch. Its diverse vegetation contributes to the picturesque landscape, especially in autumn when the trees blaze with vibrant colors.

Wildlife enthusiasts visiting Žemaitija National Park will be delighted by the variety of species inhabiting the area. Among mammals, visitors may encounter red deer, roe deer, foxes, and occasionally European badgers or wild boars. The park is also home to the rare European mink and Eurasian otter.

For bird lovers, Žemaitija offers the chance to spot species such as the white-tailed eagle, black stork, and great crested grebe, which often nest near the lakes. The park’s wetlands and woodlands also support a wide array of smaller birds, insects, and amphibians, making it a haven for biodiversity.

One of the most popular features of Žemaitija National Park is its well-preserved cultural and historical heritage. In addition to Pilies Island and its medieval castle ruins, the area includes wooden churches, ethnographic villages, and traditional Samogitian homesteads.

Visitors can also explore Cold War-era relics, including a former Soviet missile base that has been converted into an educational museum detailing the region’s 20th-century history.

The park is a hub for outdoor activities, offering ample opportunities for hiking, cycling, and boating. Nature trails wind through the forests and along the shores of Lake Plateliai, providing stunning views of the landscape and access to scenic spots for picnicking and birdwatching. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy paradise, perfect for cross-country skiing.

Conservation efforts in Žemaitija National Park focus on preserving its natural ecosystems and cultural landmarks. Challenges include mitigating the impacts of tourism and managing the delicate balance between human activity and wildlife habitats.

However, the park has seen successes in raising awareness about its ecological and cultural value, engaging local communities in sustainable practices, and protecting endangered species. Through continuous efforts, Žemaitija National Park remains a pristine example of Lithuania’s dedication to its natural and cultural heritage.

Park Map

Zemaitija National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The birdlife of Žemaitija National Park is equally remarkable, offering a haven for numerous species that inhabit its forests, wetlands, and open landscapes. Below are some of the popular bird species to look out for:

White-tailed Eagle
One of Europe’s largest birds of prey, the white-tailed eagle is a symbol of the park, often seen soaring above lakes and wetlands.

Common Crane
Known for its distinctive calls and elegant dances, this bird frequents the park’s wet meadows and marshlands.

Black Stork
A shy and elusive bird, the black stork nests in remote forested areas and feeds in the park’s wetlands.

Eurasian Bittern
This secretive species is often heard rather than seen, with its distinctive booming call resonating across the marshes.

Barn Swallow
A common sight in open fields and near human settlements, the barn swallow is known for its graceful flight and long tail streamers.

Great Spotted Woodpecker
Often heard drumming on tree trunks, this colorful woodpecker is a resident of the park’s mature forests.

Eurasian Hoopoe
Recognizable by its striking crest and black-and-white wings, the hoopoe frequents open grasslands and forest edges.

Northern Lapwing
With its unique crest and tumbling flight displays, the lapwing is a characteristic bird of the park’s wet meadows.

Goldeneye
This diving duck can be found on the park’s lakes, where it forages for aquatic invertebrates and plants.

Eurasian Eagle-Owl
The largest owl species in Europe, the eagle-owl inhabits the park’s dense forests and rocky outcrops, preying on a variety of small mammals and birds.

Žemaitija National Park in Lithuania is a stunning destination known for its pristine lakes, rolling hills, and rich biodiversity. The park offers a variety of wildlife species, especially mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and fish, that thrive in its diverse habitats, such as wetlands, forests, and meadows. Below are some of the popular species you might encounter within the park:

European Bison
This large herbivore is Europe’s heaviest land animal, known for its impressive stature and grazing habits. Although rare, bison can occasionally be spotted within protected areas of the park.

Eurasian Beaver
A keystone species, the Eurasian beaver is famous for its dam-building abilities, which help shape wetland ecosystems and provide habitats for numerous other species.

Red Deer
These majestic mammals are often seen in the open meadows and forested areas of the park, especially at dawn and dusk during the rutting season.

European Roe Deer
A smaller and more agile species of deer, the roe deer is common in the forests and open fields, often spotted grazing on grasses and shrubs.

Wild Boar
Known for their adaptability, wild boars are frequently found in the park’s woodlands, digging through the soil in search of roots and insects.

European Otter
A semi-aquatic mammal, the otter thrives in Žemaitija’s rivers and lakes, where it feeds on fish and other aquatic prey.

Gray Wolf
An elusive predator, the gray wolf roams the dense forests of the park, playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

Brown Hare
A common sight in meadows and open fields, the brown hare is known for its speed and agility, particularly when evading predators.

Common Frog
This amphibian is widely seen in wetlands and around lakes, thriving in the park’s aquatic environments during breeding season.

Northern Pike
A top predator in the park’s lakes, this fish is highly valued by anglers and plays an important role in maintaining aquatic ecosystem balance.