Overlanding & Car Camping in Aukštaitija: Best Routes, Hikes & Campsites

Aukštaitija, or Highlands, is the largest region in Lithuania, with the Labanoras forest at the heart of it. Hiking trails and overland routes are plentiful in Lithuania's best outdoor destination. The Lakelands region of Aukštaitija is popular among car campers due to its abundance of over 1000 lakes.

Labanoras, Lithuania's largest forest, with around 300 lake systems is a popular summer location. Ginučiai's forests are home to the 19th-century Ginučiai watermill and the Lithuanian Museum of Ancient Beekeeping, where visitors can sample honey and learn about the curative powers of bee products. Palūšė is the primary tourist destination in Ignalina, with the wooden church of St. Joseph, hiking trails, and campsites.

Lithuania Lake District is a camping hotspot with both official and wild camping areas. For official information and listed places, visit the Regional Park directories of Asveja, Labanoras, and Aukštaitija National Park in Palūšė, as well as the tourism centre in Molėtai. I encourage overlanders to explore forest paths and uncover their favourite spots hidden in more distant areas. The Labanoras forest area offers limitless hiking opportunities. While the Labanoras Cognitive Trail is less than 3 kilometres long, the Trenkturas website offers multiple routes for people with varying physical capacities.

Kačėniškė mound

Why Aukštaitija is a Top Destination for Overlanding & Car Camping

Aukštaitija is home to many of Lithuania’s most scenic roads. The distinctive narrow and hilly road between Dubingiai and Molėtai. Have you ever been on a rollercoaster ride? You can experience a sense of free fall while driving through Lakeland Lithuania. When you go over a hill fast enough for your stomach to jump. Roads between Molėtai and Dubingiai or Labanoras, between Labanoras and Ginučiai or Utena are especially scenic and will keep you alert on the road.

Lake Asveja and Dubingiai town on the left

Lithuanian camping rules prohibit parking within 25 meters of water or damaging berry bushes by parking on the forest floor. In many campsites areas closest to water are usually protected by wooden poles preventing driving any closer. As car campers, we might want to be as close as possible to the scenic views you can wake up to but Lithuanian camping rules are strict and should be followed. Needless to say, you should follow the “leave-no-trace” principles and look after yourself as well as leave the place better than you found it.

The best seasons are from Spring to Autumn when the road conditions are most favourable. In Autumn you can especially enjoy the colourful rides and even the bumpiest road will feel enjoyable.

Best Overlanding Routes in Aukštaitija for Scenic Drives & Adventure

- Molėtai to Dubingiai: A scenic drive through historic and natural sites. You can start on either destination and visit all the sights along the way. In Dubingiai the bridge over the Asveja Lake is a popular photography location. There is a cognitive path leading through the Dubingiai Hillfort. Nearby, you will find the old tavern building now turned Regional Park Visitor’s Centre. Visiting is recommended and won’t break a budget. The building is kept authentic with many tools and crafts preserved in the exhibition rooms. Between these towns, if you come on the weekend it’s recommended to visit the Vintage Transportation Museum and meet nostalgic vehicles. Molėtai is a paradise for fishermen and there are fun statues of fish and fishermen shoes you can “try on” - you can find these and other art objects in the town’s park.

- Labanoras Forest Route: Remote and serene trails with wild camping spots. The hilly road snakes through the middle of Labanoras Woods but more exciting are little forest roads leading to hiking trails and hidden lakes with plenty of choices for car campers.

- Ignalina to Ginuciai: Adventure through Aukštaitija National Park with must-see stops. Aukštaitija National Park is the largest in Lithuania with its base in Palūšė - a starting point for most travellers in the region. The building and info centre is located beside the old wooden Palūšė church and next to the large lake. There is a campsite and a starting point for easy cognitive hike trails.

- Practical tips for navigating roads and trails. The signal works fine through most of the region whether you’re hiking or overlanding through the middle of Labanoras forest, and you can use your preferred navigation. I usually go with Waze, and Google Maps for specific locations. Gaia GPS or Topo Maps are other common navigation apps you can use.

Must-Visit Hiking Trails in Aukštaitija National Park

- Labanoras Cognitive Trail – official hiking trail introducing to the old forest, typical flora and fauna of the region. Part of the trail contains wooden planks and at certain times of the year or weather be careful of slipping and wear appropriate footwear.  

- Ginučiai to Ladakalnis Trail – scenic lakes, hillforts, ethnographic village and historical landmarks.  

- Palūšė Hike – panoramic views of the lake region introducing the flora and fauna.  

- Dubingiai Cognitive Trail – history blended with nature.  

Ginučiai watermill

For more trails visit Trenkturas website or download the map and choose from one of the many solo hike routes. I have personally tried the  Aibutiškio pelkės prieigose Labanore (11 km) easy and scenic hike that also includes the Labanoras Cognitive Trail. To fully immerse yourself in nature try Labanoro girios takais (34 km) trail. Experience the beautiful nature of Aukštaitija National Park and visit preserved ethnographic villages by choosing the Paežeriais per etnografinius kaimus (23 km) trail. Legendary Lithuanian film Tadas Blinda was filmed in one of the villages.

Top Car Camping Spots & Wild Campsites in Aukštaitija

- Official Campsites: if you prefer official campsites with more or less infrastructure and more comfort you can try camping in Žalvaris Park, Mindūnai camping, Apple Island Campsite, Lake Asalnai camping, and glamping.

- Wild Camping Spots: to locate the best wild camping spots you can check the Park4Night app, iOverlander site. Labanoras is one of the most popular destinations for camping in summer with plenty of large and small lakes in a quiet forested area. Dubingiai is also a good location for camping with many campsites in the area including Asveja Lake - the longest lake in Lithuania.

- Essentials for a Successful Car Camping Trip: waterproof gear, swimming gear, and bug spray are all obvious. When camping in summer prepare to make breakfast oats or pancakes with the berries you will find in abundance. Or, if you’re fishing, a catch-yourself dinner might be plausible. In Autumn keep your eyes peeled for mushrooms but only pick the ones you can identify as edible.

Outdoor Activities in Aukštaitija Beyond Hiking & Camping

- Kayaking and canoeing in the lakes and rivers. Ignalina is a haven for outdoor adventures. Lakes Lusiai and Žeimena, river Žeimena are among the few kayaking sites. Watersport enthusiasts will have more than enough options to choose from. 

- Fishing hotspots and permits. Day permit for fishing starts at 5 Eur and Aukštaitija has the biggest fishing lakes in Lithuania.

- Cultural heritage: local museums, churches, and historical sites. Molėtai and the surrounding area are abundant in unique museums: Molėtai Transportation Museum, Žalvaris Park (which also offers camping), Lithuanian Museum of Ethnocosmology, Beekeeping Museum and Lake Fishing Museum.

From notable architecture in the region, you shouldn’t miss Palūšė and Labanoras wooden churches. Salakas Church built out of rocks is also an interesting building.

Salakas Church

Essential Tips for Sustainable Camping & Responsible Travel

- Leave-no-trace principles for hikers and campers. While official campsites might have garbage collection points wild camping you will have no access to the basic amenities meaning you will need to pack out the things you pack in. Not everything can be burnt in the campfire either. I might never banish some disgusting things I found left behind in the fire pits. Don’t be that person and enjoy off-grid camping in Lithuania responsibly. 

- Supporting local communities and eco-friendly businesses. Farmer markets and people selling berries, mushrooms and honey along the major roads are a good way to support local businesses and acquire fresh food.

- Wildlife conservation and respecting nature. Road trip through Aukštaitija National Park in Lithuania sustainably and avoid driving and parking outside the roads and parking lots. Be mindful if the place is a nature reserve which might forbid any activity whether hiking in a certain part of forest, fishing, picking berries, or car camping. Only start campfires in designated places and don’t cut wood for your fires.

Ladakalnis - tallest hill in Aukštaitija, surrounded by lakes

Plan Your Aukštaitija Overlanding Trip: Maps, Gear & Local Tips

Aukštaitija National Park, especially the Ignalina and Labanoras areas is popular with holidaymakers, car campers, hikers, fishermen and kayaking enthusiasts. Large wooden areas with hundreds of hidden lakes attract overlanders to explore and relax in quiet nature spots. Hikers will find a variety of trails to choose from. 

To keep this beautiful nature for others use common sense and follow leave-no-trace principles.

If you have spent your vacation here, let me know. And if you plan a trip in the future you can refer to my free map for ideas or receive a personal itinerary tailored to suit your expectations.