Things To Do
in Naujoji Akmenė
Naujoji Akmenė is a quiet market town in Šiauliai County in northern Lithuania, set near the Venta River and pine forests. It blends agricultural roots with a friendly, small-town atmosphere. Visitors can explore a compact town center, enjoy local meals, and use it as a base for nearby nature trails.
The surrounding rural landscape offers easy day trips to forests, wetlands, and traditional Lithuanian countryside.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Naujoji Akmenė and check into a cozy guesthouse near the town center. Savor a warm cup of coffee at a local café while taking in the quiet streets lined with linden trees. Chat with friendly residents as you map out your next days and pick up a paper brochure with museum hours and walking routes.
Wander through the compact town center, admiring Soviet-era architecture alongside modern additions on Akmenė Boulevard. Drop by the Tourist Information Center to learn about the industrial heritage and pick up a handmade souvenir. Pause for a light lunch at a family-run bistro, sampling a rye bread sandwich topped with smoked fish.
Enjoy a traditional Lithuanian dinner at a nearby restaurant, tasting cepelinai with crispy bacon bits and sour cream. Listen to live folk music drifting from the dining hall as you sip a glass of locally brewed kvass. Take a leisurely stroll along a riverbank path lit by vintage lanterns as dusk settles.
Start your day with a hearty breakfast of fresh farmer’s cheese and dark rye bread at a café near Jūros Street. Embark on a guided walking tour of the town’s historical sites, including the monument dedicated to the region’s ironworks heritage. Feel the cobblestones beneath your feet as your guide shares stories of 19th-century workers and local folklore.
Head to the Akmenė River to watch fishermen cast their lines in search of pike and perch, then enjoy a picnic by the water stocked with smoked fish and crisp vegetables. Visit the small town museum to view exhibits on local ceramics and traditional costumes with intricate needlework. Snap photos of vintage factory buildings reclaimed as art galleries, their brick facades glowing in the afternoon sun.
Dine at a farm-to-table restaurant featuring seasonal produce from surrounding fields, tasting wild mushroom soup garnished with dill. Attend a workshop on Lithuanian folk dancing, letting the rhythmic drums and violins guide your steps. As stars appear overhead, relax by a bonfire with locals swapping legends of ancient forest spirits.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🧃Milk or groceries (1L) | $1-2 |
| 🚆Local transit ticket (one-way) | $1-2 |
| 🏨Hotel night (mid-range) | $60-110 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Quaint, authentic Lithuanian town experience
- Calm pace and friendly locals
- Good base for nature trips and river activities
- Cost-effective compared to major cities
- Limited nightlife and attractions
- Fewer direct international flight options
- Public transport outside town is less frequent
- "Labas rytas" - Good morning
- "Laba diena" - Good afternoon
- "Ačiū" - Thank you
- "Prašau" - Please / You're welcome
- "Ar kalbate anglų kalba?" - Do you speak English?
- "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much is this?
- "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Aš norėčiau šio" - I would like this
- "Atsiprašau" - Excuse me / I'm sorry
- "Kur yra prekybos centras?" - Where is the market?
Places to Visit in Naujoji Akmenė
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide river views, sunset reflections, and calm water ideal for landscape and portrait photography.
Central square framing with the church spire; great for architectural shots and candid street scenes.
Traditional wooden façades and cobbled lanes offer nostalgic rural-Lithuanian character.
Pine forest edge with open skies; ideal for early morning or golden hour photography.
Food in Naujoji Akmenė
Naujoji Akmenė Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Potato dumplings stuffed with ground meat, typically served with sour cream and bacon sauce.
Must-Try!
Baked potato pudding often enriched with onions and bacon; a classic Lithuanian comfort dish.
Cold beet soup with kefir or yogurt, fresh cucumbers, dill, and a boiled egg; perfect in summer.
Buckwheat pancakes (Grikių blyneliai) served with mushrooms or sour cream; a traditional rural dish you’ll encounter in old-town eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Local farmers sell produce, dairy, bread, and seasonal specialties; try freshly baked pastries and local cheese.
Seasonal stalls along the river offering quick bites, pastries, and coffee during warmer months.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A polite handshake; greet people with a courteous 'labas' (hello) or 'sveiki' in Lithuanian.
Be on time for appointments; speak politely and avoid loud behavior in public spaces.
Ask before photographing people or private spaces; show appreciation for local customs.
Safety
Tipping in Naujoji Akmenė
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory but appreciated for good service; 5-10% at restaurants if service is satisfactory.
Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments and mobile wallets are common in towns.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures with frequent showers; nature begins to bloom and trails become lush but muddy.
Warm, long days with ample daylight; ideal for outdoor strolls, river walks, and markets.
Cooler days and vibrant foliage; good for photography and comfortable walks.
Cold with possible snow; some outdoor trails may be icy; warm interiors and seasonal cafés are inviting.
Naujoji Akmenė at Night
Hiking in Naujoji Akmenė
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Scenic hike along the river with opportunities for wildlife watching.
Quiet woodland trails nearby offering seasonal color and fresh air.
Airports
How to reach Naujoji Akmenė by plane.
The closest regional airport with domestic and limited international flights.
Coastal airport offering more seasonal international and charter flights.
Primary international hub in Lithuania; good for connections beyond the Baltic region.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority residents with rural and urban communities.
Presence in some areas with bilingual signage and cultural ties.
Smaller communities, language use varies, mostly Lithuanian with some Russian speakers.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A national favorite; you’ll see local leagues and courts in towns.
Popular among locals; recreational leagues and accessible fields around towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Naujoji Akmenė.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose potato and mushroom dishes, salads, dairy, and vegetable sides; ask for cheese or egg additions and avoid meat-based broths.