Lithuania has more than 800 rivers and almost 3000 lakes. Many of them are great for kayaking, whether you are a beginner or an experienced paddler. In this guide you will find specific places with practical tips: what level they suit, how long the route takes and what to know before you set off.<\/p>\n\n
Read also:<\/strong> How to choose a kayak<\/a>, Where to paddle board<\/a>, Kayak touring<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are interested in a paddle board rather than a kayak, read our guide Where to paddle board in Lithuania<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These spots are also great for SUP boards. If you are looking for a board for longer routes, the JBAY.ZONE Comet J3<\/a> with its extended waterline and excellent tracking is a good choice for touring.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lithuanian rivers are mostly calm and slow. That means even a beginner can feel safe and enjoy nature without much stress. There are canoe rental points on almost every popular river, but if you paddle more than a couple of times a season, your own kayak soon pays for itself. With your own kayak you can choose any route at any time, regardless of rental opening hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The advantage of a sit on top kayak over a traditional sit in boat is stability and comfort. Sit on top kayaks are especially popular because they are easy to get on and off, and if you capsize the kayak does not fill with water. If you do not have a kayak yet, start with our guide to choosing your first kayak<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The \u017deimena is probably the most popular river in Lithuania for paddling. It flows through Auk\u0161taitija National Park, and the water is clean and clear. The current is gentle and there are almost no obstacles. The route from Ginu\u010diai to Kaltan\u0117nai (about 12 km) takes 3 to 4 hours and is perfect for families with children. There are campsites with fire pits along the banks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best for:<\/strong> beginners, families, relaxed weekend paddles. The \u0160ventoji flows through Auk\u0161taitija and is one of the longest rivers in Lithuania (246 km). The most popular stretch for kayaking is from Anyk\u0161\u010diai to Ukmerg\u0117. The river is wide, the current slow, and there are hardly any logs or other obstacles. It is great for longer overnight trips, as there are plenty of campsites along the banks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best for:<\/strong> beginners and intermediate paddlers, overnight trips. The Minija is one of the most beautiful rivers in Lithuania. It flows through Samogitia and reaches the Curonian Lagoon. The most popular stretch for beginners is from Kartena to Minija village (about 15 to 20 km). The current is slow and the scenery stunning. In summer the river can be shallow in places, so a sit on top kayak with a shallow draft is the better choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best for:<\/strong> beginners, nature lovers. The Dubysa is the fastest flowing river in Lithuania. The stretch from Bubiai to Sered\u017eius has faster sections and bends that call for boat handling skills. It is a great river for those who already have experience and want some adrenaline. In spring, when the water is high, the Dubysa gets even faster. In summer some sections can be shallow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best for:<\/strong> experienced paddlers looking for a challenge. The \u016ala flows through the forests of Dz\u016bkija and is one of the most beautiful and wildest rivers in Lithuania. The water is dark from peat, with nothing but pine forest all around. In places the river is narrow and winding, and you have to manoeuvre between trees. It is not a river for beginners, but for experienced paddlers it offers an unforgettable experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best for:<\/strong> experienced paddlers, nature lovers looking for wilderness. The Neris is one of the largest rivers in Lithuania, and the stretch from Vilnius to Kaunas (about 100 km) is a great multi day route. The current is moderate, but the long distance takes stamina and experience. Paddling through Vilnius lets you see the city from a completely different angle. The trip to Kaunas takes 2 to 4 days depending on your pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Best for:<\/strong> experienced paddlers, trips with overnight stays. Lakes are a great alternative to rivers, especially if you want a calm paddle with no current or are planning to fish from the water<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lake Galv\u0117 is probably the most beautiful place in Lithuania to paddle a kayak. The view of Trakai Castle from the water is worth the trip alone. The lake is big enough (3.7 km\u00b2) to paddle for several hours, but not so big that you lose your bearings. Suitable for paddlers of all levels. On summer weekends there are lots of motorboats, so it is better to paddle in the mornings or on weekdays.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The largest and deepest lake in Samogitia. The water is clean and the landscape calm, surrounded by forest. A great place for a longer paddle with some exploring. There are campsites and picnic areas along the shore. On windy days waves can build up, so beginners should pick a calm day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Auk\u0161taitija National Park has dozens of smaller lakes linked by streams and channels. It is an ideal place for a multi day kayak expedition, paddling from lake to lake. Tauragnas (the deepest lake in Lithuania, 60.5 m) and Dringis are the most popular. Some lakes are very calm, with almost no other paddlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Kaunas Lagoon (63.5 km\u00b2) is the largest man made body of water in Lithuania. There is room here for open water paddling as well as more sheltered bays. Because of its size, significant waves can build up, so experienced paddlers will find a challenge here, while beginners should stick to the shoreline. A life jacket<\/a> is mandatory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fishing kayak<\/a> opens up spots you cannot reach from the shore or with a big boat. The most popular places for kayak fishing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most important thing for kayak fishing is stability. Sit on top fishing kayaks with a wide hull let you stand and cast. You will find a wider kayaks<\/a> selection in our fishing kayaks category<\/a>. Also read: How to choose a fishing kayak<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wherever you paddle, a few things are a must:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you are paddling with children, read our family guide to water sports<\/a>. If you are planning longer trips with a light kayak, it is worth considering a packraft<\/a>that fits in a backpack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is no single universal answer, but these general guidelines will help you choose:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The full kayak range<\/a> can be found in our store.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Two large lakes joined by a channel. You can paddle from one to the other in a day. Surrounded by Dz\u016bkija's nature, with relatively few visitors. Especially good for kayak fishing. About 160 km from Vilnius.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A classic route of about 35 km. You can do it in a day or split it into two with an overnight stop. The current is gentle, the banks are beautiful and the route is steeped in history. Suits intermediate paddlers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The open Baltic is a whole different level. You need a sea kayak, experience and a constant eye on the wind. On a calm day the routes along the Curonian Spit are some of the most beautiful in Lithuania. Less experienced paddlers are safer on the Curonian Lagoon on the Nida side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always wear a life jacket<\/a>when kayaking. For recreational paddling, light and comfortable WALLYS buoyancy aids<\/a> are a great choice: they do not restrict movement and are affordable. We offer sizes for children and adults based on body weight. More about safety gear: life jacket comparison<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On most Lithuanian rivers no permit is needed. However, national parks (Auk\u0161taitija, Dz\u016bkija, \u017demaitija) may have specific rules and a visitor fee. Before paddling in a national park, check the park authority's website.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best time is from May to September. June and July are the warmest but also the busiest. In spring (April to May) water levels are higher and rivers flow faster. September is great for the peace and the golden colours, but you will need warmer clothing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, if you choose calm places (the \u017deimena, the \u0160ventoji, lakes) and have a properly sized life jacket for your child. Tandem kayaks are ideal for families, as the child sits in front of the adult. You will find more tips in our family guide<\/a>.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Lietuva turi daugiau nei 800 upi\u0173 ir beveik 3000 e\u017eer\u0173. Dalis j\u0173 puikiai tinka plaukioti kajaku, nesvarbu ar esi pradedantysis, ar patyr\u0119s vandens turistas. \u0160iame gide rasite konkre\u010dias vietas su praktiniais patarimais: kokiam lygiui tinka, kiek trunka mar\u0161rutas ir k\u0105 verta \u017einoti prie\u0161 plaukiant. Skaitykite taip pat: Kaip i\u0161sirinkti kajak\u0105, Kur plaukioti su irklente, Vandens […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5443,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[500,638],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-260413","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-kajakai","category-marsrutai-keliones"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\tWhy go kayaking in Lithuania?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Which rivers are best for beginners?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u017deimena (Auk\u0161taitija National Park)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDistance:<\/strong> 12 to 25 km (depending on the route).
\nDuration:<\/strong> 3 to 8 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u0160ventoji river<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDistance:<\/strong> 20-60 km.
\nDuration:<\/strong> 1 to 3 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMinija (Samogitia)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDistance:<\/strong> 15-40 km.
\nDuration:<\/strong> 4 to 12 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhere can more experienced paddlers find a challenge?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dubysa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDistance:<\/strong> 15-30 km.
\nDuration:<\/strong> 4 to 8 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u016ala (Dz\u016bkija National Park)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDistance:<\/strong> 10-20 km.
\nDuration:<\/strong> 4 to 6 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\nNeris (Vilnius to Kaunas)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\nDistance:<\/strong> 50-100 km.
\nDuration:<\/strong> 2 to 4 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhich lakes are good for kayaking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Trakai lakes (Galv\u0117, Akmena, Luka)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lake Plateliai (Samogitia)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Lakes of Auk\u0161taitija National Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kaunas Reservoir<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to fish from a kayak in Lithuania?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What do you need before you go kayaking?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Which kayak to choose for different places?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Three more places worth knowing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Dusia and Metelys (Dz\u016bkija)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Neris from Vilnius to Kernav\u0117<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nida and the Baltic coast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Safety on the water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do you need a permit to paddle a kayak on Lithuanian rivers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When is the best time to go kayaking in Lithuania?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Can you go kayaking with small children?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n