Things to Do in Siauliai

Šiauliai is Lithuania’s fourth-largest city, called the City of the Sun after a battle fought in 1236. It sits on the Vilnius to Riga road and rail line, and most visitors spend one or two days here. The centre is compact: the long pedestrian boulevard Vilniaus gatvė, Sundial Square and Lake Talkša all lie within about 1.5 km of each other. Prices are in euros.

Getting here

Šiauliai’s own airport is a Lithuanian Air Force and NATO base, so plan to fly into Riga (137 km), Kaunas (146 km), Palanga (160 km) or Vilnius (216 km) and continue by train or bus. Vilnius airport has had repeated closures since October 2025, so check your flight status before you set out.

The Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas) stands about 12 km north of the city and is a Catholic pilgrimage site and a symbol of Lithuanian resistance. There are over 100,000 crosses on a low mound in flat country. Soviet authorities bulldozed it several times and the crosses came back each time. Entry is free and the site is open at any hour. Go quietly, and leave the crosses where they are.

Without a car, take a bus from Šiauliai Bus Terminal (Tilžės g. 109, stop 12, direction Joniškis) and buy a ticket to Domantai, the third stop. The ride takes 10 to 15 minutes and costs roughly 1 to 1.50 EUR. From there it is a walk of about 2 km, and the lane is unlit, so go in daylight. A taxi from the city is about 20 EUR one way. The visitor centre and its souvenir shop open on weekdays only, and the Šiauliai District tourism page gives current hours.

Rūta Chocolate Museum

The museum on Tilžės g. 133 covers the story of the Rūta confectionery brand, founded in 1913. Entry is from about 5 to 6 EUR. Guided visits with a chocolate tasting last two hours and cost 20 EUR per person for groups of 6 to 20, and they must be booked ahead by phone on +370 610 41 050. Adults are the recommended audience for the tasting.

Leather workshops at Frenkel Villa

At Vilniaus g. 74 you can try leather craft: a keychain costs 4 EUR, and bracelets, pendants and tree toys cost 5 EUR per person. Sessions are open to adults and school pupils from grade 2 upward. Book by phone on +370 41 524 389. The rose park outside is free and open daily from 10:00 to 22:00.

On Lake Talkša

Marionette Wakepark (Žvyro g. 34) is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00 and offers cable wakeboarding with lessons, water-bike and boat rides, and inflatable paddleboard hire. Prices and season dates are set by the operator, so ask when you arrive. Swimming in Talkša is not recommended.

Short stops in the centre

  • The Cockerel Clock on Vilniaus gatvė greets passers-by in 14 languages at 12:00 and 18:00 and takes about 15 minutes to watch.
  • The Photography Museum rooftop terrace has a camera obscura. It costs 1 EUR and is open from 1 March to 31 October.
  • Hot-air balloon flights over the city run only by prior arrangement and in suitable weather.

Tips

Museum branches of the Aušra Museum charge 8 EUR for adults, and admission to all of them is free on the last Sunday of the month. Winter paths at the Hill of Crosses and around Talkša can be icy, so wear shoes with grip from December to March.

Read more: sightseeing in Siauliai and walking tours in Siauliai .

The city’s own routes are listed on Visit Šiauliai . Guided experiences can be compared on GetYourGuide .