Discover Lithuania: A Comprehensive Guide to Its Ten Counties

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Lithuania, a Baltic gem bridging Northern and Eastern Europe, is divided into ten distinct counties (apskritys), each offering a unique tapestry of culture, history, and natural beauty. From the bustling capital of Vilnius County to the serene lakes of Utena County, these regions shape the identity of Lithuania and invite both locals and visitors to delve deeper. This article presents an intellectual yet casual exploration of each county—illuminating their highlights, cultural quirks, and why they matter in the broader European context.

1. Vilnius County (Vilniaus apskritis)

Capital & Population: Vilnius (approx. 580,000)

As the administrative and cultural heart of Lithuania, Vilnius County radiates both medieval charm and modern dynamism. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town boasts baroque architecture, winding cobblestone lanes, and a vibrant café culture influenced by both Eastern European traditions and Western innovation.

• Highlights: Vilnius University (est. 1579), Gediminas’ Tower, Užupis Art District

• Economy: Finance, IT, tourism

• Cultural Note: The Užupis micro-nation, with its own constitution, reflects the county’s playful intellectual spirit.

2. Kaunas County (Kauno apskritis)

Capital & Population: Kaunas (approx. 290,000)

Once the interwar capital, Kaunas County is often hailed as Lithuania’s soul—where art deco facades blend with riverside promenades. The city’s rebirth as European Capital of Culture in 2022 solidified its status as an emerging creative hub.

• Highlights: Ninth Fort, Pazaislis Monastery, Laisvės Alėja (Pedestrian Boulevard)

• Economy: Manufacturing, logistics, higher education

• Cultural Note: Home to the Kaunas Jazz Festival, one of the oldest in Europe.

3. Klaipėda County (Klaipėdos apskritis)

Capital & Population: Klaipėda (approx. 150,000)

Klaipėda County, Lithuania’s maritime gateway, is defined by its deep-water port and fusion of Germanic and Baltic influences. The Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, stretches along the county’s western edge, offering sand dunes and pine forests.

• Highlights: Curonian Spit, Sea Festival, Klaipėda Castle Museum

• Economy: Shipping, shipbuilding, tourism

• Cultural Note: The annual Sea Festival merges ancient maritime lore with contemporary celebrations.

4. Šiauliai County (Šiaulių apskritis)

Capital & Population: Šiauliai (approx. 100,000)

Often overshadowed by larger regions, Šiauliai County boasts a unique mix of industrial heritage and spiritual landmarks. The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai city is a powerful testament to Lithuanian resilience.

• Highlights: Hill of Crosses, Aušros museum, Talkša Lake

• Economy: Light manufacturing, agriculture, education

• Cultural Note: The Hill of Crosses draws pilgrims worldwide, symbolizing national identity and faith.

5. Panevėžys County (Panevėžio apskritis)

Capital & Population: Panevėžys (approx. 120,000)

Situated along the Nevėžis River, Panevėžys County balances industrial roots with burgeoning cultural initiatives. Its contemporary art scene and traditional crafts coexist in a county striving to redefine its post-Soviet narrative.

• Highlights: Cido Arena, Panevėžys Drama Theatre, Biržai Regional Park (nearby)

• Economy: Textiles, machinery, agribusiness

• Cultural Note: Panevėžys is home to Lithuanian folk singer festivals and the annual Children’s Song Festival.

6. Alytus County (Alytaus apskritis)

Capital & Population: Alytus (approx. 55,000)

Characterized by rolling hills and lush forests, Alytus County is the country’s green lung. It’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking respite from urban bustle.

• Highlights: Dzukija National Park, Merkinė Hillfort, Nemunas River Loop Cable Car

• Economy: Forestry, eco-tourism, dairy production

• Cultural Note: Traditional Dzukija crafts, including wood carving and weaving, flourish here.

7. Marijampolė County (Marijampolės apskritis)

Capital & Population: Marijampolė (approx. 45,000)

Often dubbed Lithuania’s “gateway to Europe,” Marijampolė County sits at a crossroads of Lithuanian and Polish cultures. Its rural landscapes and architectural motifs reflect a storied past.

• Highlights: Sudargas Castle Mounds, Šeštokai Cultural Centre, Neman River Basin

• Economy: Agriculture (grain, sugar beets), light industry

• Cultural Note: Annual folklife festivals celebrate the region’s multicultural heritage.

8. Tauragė County (Tauragės apskritis)

Capital & Population: Tauragė (approx. 40,000)

Tauragė County, nestled near the Nemunas Delta, is a nexus of nature and history. Its fortifications and water vistas provide a stark contrast to Lithuania’s urban centers.

• Highlights: Jurbarkas Castle, Panemunė Castle, Rusnė Island (fishing traditions)

• Economy: Fish farming, tourism, brick manufacturing

• Cultural Note: Rusnė Island celebrates Saint Casimir’s Fair, blending local legend with Christian traditions.

9. Telšiai County (Telšių apskritis)

Capital & Population: Telšiai (approx. 30,000)

Known as the capital of Lithuania Minor, Telšiai County is steeped in Samogitian culture—a sub-ethnic group with its own dialect. The rolling highlands and lakes create a distinct identity within the country.

• Highlights: Shrove Monday celebrations, Plateliai Lake, Samogitian Museum “Alka”

• Economy: Tourism, peat extraction, small-scale agriculture

• Cultural Note: The annual Shrove Monday festival showcases traditional culinary and religious customs.

10. Utena County (Utenos apskritis)

Capital & Population: Utena (approx. 30,000)

Utena County, dotted with over 1,000 lakes, is Lithuania’s freshwater paradise. Its pristine waters and forested expanses attract nature-lovers and eco-tourists year-round.

• Highlights: Aukštaitija National Park, Ūkojas Lake, Stelmužė Oak (Europe’s oldest oak tree)

• Economy: Timber, eco-tourism, brewing (Utenos Alus)

• Cultural Note: Stelmužė Oak is a living monument, revered in Baltic pagan traditions.

Conclusion

Lithuania’s ten counties form a mosaic of historical depth, natural beauty, and evolving cultural narratives. For Lithuanian readers, this guide not only celebrates familiar landscapes but also invites reflection on regional identities within a European framework. Whether you’re drawn to urban sophistication or rural serenity, each county offers its own intellectual rewards and leisurely pleasures.