Things To Do
in Mažeikiai

Mažeikiai is a northern Lithuanian town anchored by the Venta River and surrounded by green landscapes. It blends practical industry with park-lined streets and a welcoming, hometown atmosphere. The town serves as a convenient base for exploring the Samogitia region and its rural charm, while offering markets, cafes, and family-friendly attractions.

Expect a laid-back pace, plenty of outdoor spaces, and warm local hospitality year-round.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Heart of Mažeikiai
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely walk through the picturesque streets of Mažeikiai, where you can admire the charming architecture and local shops. Visit the local market to taste fresh produce and homemade goods, absorbing the vibrant local culture. Don't forget to sip on a cup of traditional Lithuanian coffee at a nearby café to fuel your adventures ahead.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, head to the impressive Church of the Holy Trinity, where you can explore its stunning interior and learn about its history. Afterward, visit the nearby Mažeikiai regional park, perfect for a relaxing stroll or a picnic amidst nature. The trails here offer beautiful views and opportunities for birdwatching, making it a peaceful escape.

evening
:

As the sun sets, savor the local cuisine at a cozy restaurant, sampling traditional dishes like cepelinai or šaltibarščiai. You can also engage with locals and share stories over dinner, adding a cultural nuance to your experience. Wrap up the night with a walk around the town, enjoying the evening ambiance and perhaps catching a local music performance if available.

day 2
A Day of History and Culture
morning
:

Begin your day at the Mažeikiai Museum, where you can delve into the rich history and heritage of the region. Take your time to explore the exhibits, which highlight local artifacts and provide insight into the life of the town through the ages. This educational experience sets a culturally rich tone for the day ahead.

afternoon
:

After leaving the museum, walk to the nearby railway station, which is a notable historical site, and observe the important role it played in the town's development. Spend some time at a local art gallery showcasing works from Lithuanian artists, allowing you to appreciate the local artistic flair. Grab a light lunch at a nearby café that features art displays, creating a stimulating environment.

evening
:

In the evening, attend a local theater performance or cultural event, immersing yourself in Lithuania's vibrant performing arts scene. Enjoy a dinner of modern takes on traditional dishes at a restaurant that emphasizes local ingredients. Finally, take a stroll through the town square, where you can relax and enjoy the night sky.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$6-12
🍽️Meal for 2 at mid-range restaurant$25-40
🧃1 liter of milk$1-2
🚆Public transportation ticket (1 ride)$0.90-1.20
🏠Rent for 1-bedroom apartment (city centre) per month$400-600

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Quiet, safe town with green spaces and a river setting
  • Good base for exploring Samogitia and the Baltic region
  • Smaller nightlife and fewer high-end dining options than larger cities
  • Can require drives to access broader cultural attractions
  • "Laba diena" - Hello
  • "Ačiū" - Thank you
  • "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much is this?
  • "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "Aš kalbu tik šiek tiek lietuviškai" - I speak only a little Lithuanian

Places to Visit in Mažeikiai

Visit one of these nice places.

Venta River Front at Sunset

Open views of the river with gentle light and reflections, ideal for wide landscape shots and silhouettes.

Mažeikiai Town Center Square

A focal point of daily life with a mix of traditional and modern architecture; best photographed in the golden hours.

Forest Edge and Pine Trails

Lush greenery and textured paths providing opportunities for nature close-ups and wide-angle forest shots.

Railway Bridge Overlook

A vantage point where industrial history meets river scenery, particularly striking at dawn or dusk.

Culinary Guide

Food in Mažeikiai

Lithuanian cuisine emphasizes potatoes, dairy, rye, mushrooms, and berries. In Mažeikiai you’ll find hearty, comforting meals as well as fresh local produce at markets. Expect generous portions and options for vegetarians, though some dishes are meat-heavy by default.

Mažeikiai Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cepelinai (zeppelins)

Potato dumplings stuffed with meat or mushrooms; widely available in local eateries and family-run restaurants.

Must-Try!

Šaltibarščiai

Cold beet soup served with boiled potatoes; perfect on warm days and widely available in cafes.

Kugelis

Potato pudding baked with onions and sometimes bacon; a classic Lithuanian comfort dish.

Grybų sriuba

Mushroom soup made with forest mushrooms when in season; a comforting option in cooler months.

Šakotis

A traditional tree-shaped cake often found in Lithuanian bakeries and celebrations; a sweet finish to a meal.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Mažeikiai Central Market

Seasonal produce, dairy, bread, cheese, and local snacks—great for tasting regional flavors and picking up ingredients.

Street Food Alley

Casual stalls and modern food trucks offering quick bites and local snacks, ideal for a lighter lunch.

Climate Guide

Weather

The climate is temperate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold with possible snow, summers are mild to warm, and spring and autumn bring rain and changing temperatures. The area experiences relatively even precipitation spread throughout the year, making a light rain jacket a good staple year-round.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and conversation

Lithuanians are generally reserved; a polite handshake is common. Address people with titles when appropriate and avoid overly loud public conversations.

Respect for personal space

Keep a respectful distance in public; avoid discussing sensitive topics with strangers until rapport is established.

Safety Guide

Safety

Mažeikiai is generally safe for visitors with a low crime rate. Use common-sense precautions: keep valuables safe in crowded areas, watch footing on icy sidewalks in winter, and travel with a map or offline navigation when exploring rural trails. In case of emergency, dial 112 for police, fire, or medical services.

Tipping in Mažeikiai

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% for good service is common in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Card payments are widely accepted, with contactless options popular. Keep some cash for markets and smaller shops; ATMs are plentiful in town.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild and gradually warming, with frequent showers. Trees begin to leaf out and flowers bloom in parks and along trails.

Summer

Warm days with long daylight hours. Ideal for outdoor activities, markets, and riverfront strolls; occasional rain is possible.

Autumn

Crisp air and vibrant foliage. Great for photography and forest walks; temperatures begin to cool toward the end of the season.

Winter

Cold with the possibility of snow. Shorter days; festive lights and cozy cafes provide refuge indoors.

Nightlife Guide

Mažeikiai at Night

Mažeikiai offers a modest nightlife with bars, cafes, and music venues concentrated in the town center. Expect relaxed atmospheres, occasional live music on weekends, and opportunities for quiet conversations over coffee or beer. For a bigger party scene, a short drive to larger towns or cities in the region provides more options.

Hiking in Mažeikiai

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forest Trails around Mažeikiai

Easy-to-moderate trials through pine and mixed forests within a short drive of the town.

Venta River Loop

Scenic riverside paths offering gentle hikes with opportunities for wildlife viewing.

Airports

How to reach Mažeikiai by plane.

Palanga International Airport (PLQ)

The closest international airport serving the region; typically a 60-90 minute drive to Mažeikiai, depending on route and traffic.

Šiauliai International Airport (SQQ)

Alternative regional option with connections to several European destinations; approximately a 1.5–2 hour drive to Mažeikiai.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and walkable, with pleasant riverside paths and market areas. Some neighborhoods are more pedestrian-friendly than others, but most of the main sights are reachable on foot with moderate effort.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Lithuanians

The majority of residents, with rich local traditions and language.

Minority communities

Smaller Russian, Polish, and other communities present in the region, contributing to cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

Widely followed and played at local clubs and in school programs.

Basketball

Popular at community centers and youth leagues; typical indoor sport during colder months.

Cycling

Flat terrain and scenic routes make cycling a common pastime and commuting option.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Mažeikiai centers around a compact core with good local bus services. The road network is generally well-maintained, and parking in the town center is available but can be limited during market days. For longer trips, regional buses and connections to larger cities are reliable, with rail options more limited than road travel.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Mažeikiai.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Lithuanian cuisine can be meat-heavy, but vegetarian dishes like mushroom stews, potato dishes, beet salads, and dumplings filled with vegetables are commonly available. Phrases to know: 'Aš esu vegetaras/vegetarė' (I am vegetarian) and 'Be mėsos, prašau' (No meat, please).

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available in Mažeikiai through local clinics and hospitals with general practitioners and emergency services. For specialized care, residents often travel to larger cities in the region. Pharmacies are widely available in town centers and near supermarkets.

Discover Lithuania

Read more in our Lithuania 2025 Travel Guide.

Lithuania Travel Guide