Zemaitija National Park

Zemaitija protects the forests and lakes of the Samogitian uplands, centred on the clear waters of Lake Plateliai. Its strangest feature lies underground: a Soviet nuclear missile base, its silos hidden in the forest, now one of the few such sites in Europe you can descend into.

What you actually see

• Lake Plateliai - the clear central lake, good for swimming, sailing and diving.
• The Plokstine missile base - the underground Cold War silo, now a museum.
• Samogitian villages - old wooden hamlets and the region's distinct dialect and culture.
• Forest trails - walking and cycling routes around the lakes.

When to go

Summer for the lake and full access; the missile museum runs on seasonal hours, so check before a special trip. Autumn brings colour and quiet.

Honest expectations

It is remote in the far north-west, a long drive from Vilnius, so it works best as part of a wider Samogitia trip. The missile base is the headline draw and can be busy in season while the museum is open. Otherwise it is a quiet lake-and-forest park.

Nearby

Plunge with its manor and Samogitian art museum is close; the Baltic coast at Palanga is within reach to the west.