Kaunas District: Castles, Culture and Nature

For a trip to Kaunas District, there are several options to choose from: castle and exhibition history, Renaissance architecture, botanical grounds, and trails through forest and lagoon landscapes. If you decide early what to focus on during your holiday, you can also tailor your holiday rental search accordingly.

Castle and Manor: History in Two Forms

Kaunas Castle is the city’s oldest historical landmark and one of Lithuania’s oldest brick castles. It was built in the mid-14th century. Guided tours and educational programmes are part of the visitor offer. Exhibitions in the restored and reconstructed tower explore the castle’s history, presenting important historical facts and figures as well as changes to its walls and the evolution of its functions from the 14th century to the present day. One visit thus brings together architectural history, notable figures and the changing use of the castle.

Raudondvaris Manor Castle offers a different historical and narrative focus: it is a Renaissance architectural monument from the early 17th century in Lithuania. The “Dramaturas” audio tour, created with artificial intelligence, offers an interactive journey through the manor’s history and the romantic tragedy of Žygimantas Augustas and Barbora Radvilaitė. Its 14 stops take visitors through halls, cellars and the park, as well as the surrounding manor ensemble. The tour thus combines architecture, different locations within the ensemble and a narrative. Check seasonally whether the audio tour is available.

Nature Spots and Trails

Obelynė Park is a botanical park founded by naturalist Tadas Ivanauskas in Akademija in Kaunas District. Kadagių Valley offers a very different landscape: it is a five-hectare slope covered with wild-growing common juniper on the Kaunas Lagoon and is part of Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park. In 2010, a 1.3-kilometre educational trail was built along the edge of the steep slope in the upper part of Kadagių Valley. From there, visitors can enjoy panoramas of the widened Nemunas, Dabinta Island and impressive outcrops. While the botanical park puts plants centre stage, the slope, juniper and views shape a visit to Kadagių Valley.

Kaunas District has educational and health trails ranging from two to 17 kilometres in length. One specific example is the 1.9-kilometre educational trail through the points of interest in the Dubrava Nature Reserve. Eight information boards explain features of the local flora and fauna. The Šaltinių Trail in Kačerginė consists of paths ranging from 2.6 to six kilometres through pine forest. Viewpoints offer views of the Nemunas, and the paths lead to Pypliai Hillfort and back. The trail opened on 8 September 2026. You can compare an educational trail with information boards and a forest route with viewpoints and a named destination by their different themes and lengths.

Hands-on Culture and Choosing Accommodation

Culture can also be explored through practical activities: the Antanas and Jonas Juškas Museum of Ethnic Culture offers an educational activity in traditional cord braiding. Visitors learn the braiding technique and how to coordinate colours. Alongside castle and exhibition history, this is an activity focused on craftsmanship and colour choices. When choosing a holiday rental, you can consider whether you would prefer to plan your days around cultural attractions, nature trails or a mix of both. Base your search on the places you want to make the focus of your stay.

Discover more destinations: Kaunas, Garliava, Birštonas, Kėdainiai, Karmėlava, Kaišiadorys, Jonava, Ramučiai, Prienai, Pašuliai, Gabšiai, Ringaudai, Altoniškiai, Čekiškė, Rumšiškės, Kulautuva, Ariogala, Piliuona, Šiluva, Kaišiadorys District Municipality, Raseiniai District Municipality, Jonava District Municipality, Kėdainiai District Municipality, Kaunas District Municipality, Prienai District Municipality, Jurbarkas District Municipality.

For the broader travel overview: Lithuania.