Šiaulių apskritis

Šiaulių apskritis (Šiauliai County) is a northwestern Lithuanian county bordering Latvia, characterised by flat agricultural plains, scattered forests and small historic towns. The county lies at the junction of the Samogitia and Aukštaitija regions, giving it a mixed cultural identity. The landscape is predominantly flat, with the Dūkšta and Gėgė rivers winding through the countryside and the iconic Hill of Crosses pilgrimage site standing as a powerful symbol of Lithuanian resilience.

The county's main town, Šiauliai, is Lithuania's fourth-largest city, an industrial centre with a strong leather and footwear heritage. Beyond the city, the county includes towns such as Pakruojis, Radviliškis, Kelme and Joniškis, each with distinctive local character. The town of Žagarė in the north has notable Jewish heritage, while Kuršėnai and Seduva represent the region's quiet rural life. The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai is one of Lithuania's most visited and emotionally powerful sites.

May through September is the best period, with June–August offering average highs of 19–23 °C. Summer is ideal for visiting the Hill of Crosses, cycling through the countryside and attending outdoor festivals. The Šiauliai City Days (July) feature concerts, fairs and street performances.

Spring (April–May) brings wildflowers to the meadows and fewer tourists. Autumn (September–October) is beautiful for foliage and harvest festivals. Winters (December–February) are cold, averaging −3 to −7 °C, but the Hill of Crosses in winter — covered in snow and candlelight — is particularly atmospheric.

Šiauliai is connected to Vilnius by regular trains (2 hours 15 min) and buses (3–4 hours). From Kaunas, trains take 3 hours with a change at Kaisiadorys. The A12 highway links Šiauliai to Riga in Latvia (170 km north) and to Klaipėda (160 km southwest). Buses connect Šiauliai to Pakruojis (30 min), Radviliškis (20 min), Kelme (30 min) and Joniškis (40 min).

For exploring the wider county, a car is recommended, as smaller towns like Kursėnai, Žagarė, Seduva and Tytuvėnai have limited public transport connections. The Hill of Crosses is 12 km north of Šiauliai and accessible by car or bus. Taxis can be booked via the eTAKSI or Taxify apps.

• Šiauliai — the county capital, with the Rooster Clock Square, Angel Museum, Bicycle Museum, Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral and the Chaim Frankel Villa.
• Akmenė — a small town in the western part of the county, known for its industrial heritage and proximity to the Červonė thermal power station.
• Joniškis — a northern border town with historic churches, traditional wooden architecture and connections to the Latvian frontier.
• Kelme — a historic town with a notable church, the Kelme Regional Museum and connections to the surrounding agricultural landscape.
• Pakruojis — a small town known for its manor house and traditional market square.
• Radviliškis — a railway junction town with a historic station and connections to the broader Lithuanian rail network.
• Naujoji Akmenė — a Soviet-era planned town built around a cement factory, with a distinctive modernist architectural character.
• Kuršėnai — a quiet market town with traditional wooden houses and a local museum.
• Žagarė — a northern town with notable Jewish heritage and a historic synagogue.
• Seduva — a small town with a historic church and agricultural surroundings.
• Tytuvėnai — a town known for its Baroque church and pilgrimage site.

Šiaulių apskritis offers traditional Lithuanian cuisine with regional variations. Signature dishes include cepelinai (potato dumplings), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup) and various pork and potato preparations. The region is known for its dairy products and traditional bread-making.

In Šiauliai, restaurants along Vilniaus Street and near the town centre serve traditional Lithuanian fare. The region's smaller towns feature local kaimo turizmo farmsteads serving home-cooked meals with locally sourced ingredients. Freshwater fish from the region's rivers and seasonal forest mushrooms are seasonal specialties.

The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai is one of Lithuania's most significant cultural and pilgrimage sites, with over 100,000 crosses placed by visitors over decades. The site is a powerful symbol of Lithuanian Catholic faith and resistance to Soviet oppression. Religious festivals are held here throughout the year.

Šiauliai has a vibrant cultural scene, with the Šiauliai State Drama Theatre, the Chaim Frankel Villa museum and several art galleries. The Angel Museum and Bicycle Museum are unique attractions reflecting the city's character. Traditional folk music and craft fairs celebrate the region's Samogitian and Aukštaitijan heritage, particularly during the summer months. The Šiauliai Jazz Festival brings international musicians to the city.

• Hill of Crosses pilgrimage — visit one of Lithuania's most emotionally powerful sites, where over 100,000 crosses stand as a testament to faith and resistance, 12 km north of Šiauliai.
• Šiauliai museum trail — explore the Angel Museum, Bicycle Museum, Photography Museum and Chaim Frankel Villa, each offering a unique perspective on the city's industrial and cultural heritage.
• Rooster Clock Square — watch the mechanical rooster flap its wings and squawk at noon and 6 pm in the heart of Šiauliai's pedestrianised Vilniaus Street.
• Sundial Square and Old Cemetery walk — stroll through the atmospheric lakeside park commemorating the 1236 Battle of Saule, past the sundial and the historic woodland cemetery.