Things To Do
in Ukmergė

Ukmergė is a historic Lithuanian town in the Vilnius region, surrounded by green countryside. It has a compact, walkable center with a river valley and a mix of traditional and neoclassical buildings. Strolling its streets reveals a blend of wooden facades, market squares, and small museums that reflect regional history.

Beyond the town, nearby forests and lakes invite outdoor exploration and day trips to rural Lithuania.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Explore Ukmergė Old Town
morning
:

Start your journey in the heart of Ukmergė's Old Town, where you can admire the charming architecture and historical sites. Don't miss the Church of St. Peter and Paul, which features stunning interiors and intricate details. As you stroll, be sure to take in the local shops and cafés that line the streets.

afternoon
:

After a leisurely lunch at a local eatery, visit the Ukmergė Museum to learn about the town's rich history and cultural heritage. The museum offers fascinating exhibits that showcase local traditions and historical artifacts. Take some time to relax in one of the nearby parks and appreciate the serene atmosphere.

evening
:

As the sun sets, find a cozy restaurant to enjoy a traditional Lithuanian dinner, sampling dishes like cepelinai or šaltibarščiai. Afterward, take a walk along the banks of the Shventoji River, where you can unwind and take in the beautiful views. End your night at a local pub to experience some Lithuanian craft beers.

day 2
Visit the Regional Park
morning
:

Head out to the nearby Ukmergė Regional Park for a day surrounded by nature. The morning is best spent hiking picturesque trails that wind through lush forests and by tranquil lakes, offering opportunities to spot local wildlife. Bring along a picnic to enjoy amidst the beautiful scenery.

afternoon
:

In the afternoon, participate in outdoor activities like cycling or canoeing, which are popular in the area. The park is a haven for adventure lovers, and you can either explore the peaceful landscapes at your own pace or join a guided tour. Take time to appreciate the panoramic views from higher vantage points.

evening
:

Return to Ukmergė for dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant, where you can savor fresh, seasonal dishes. Spend your evening chatting with locals and gaining insights into their way of life. Wrap up your day with a stroll through the town’s playful street performances or community events.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$8-12
Coffee or tea$2-4
🛏️One-night hotel/guesthouse$40-70
🚆Local transit ticket$1-2
🛒Groceries (basic items)$2-5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Compact and walkable town with easy access to nature
  • Affordability and friendly locals
  • Good base for countryside day trips
  • Cultural events and markets
  • Limited nightlife and fewer English-speaking services
  • Fewer direct international flights
  • Some sights may be seasonal or dependent on weather
  • "Sveiki" - Hello
  • "Ačiū" - Thank you
  • "Kur yra tualetas?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Kiek tai kainuoja?" - How much is this?
  • "Ar kalbate anglų?" - Do you speak English?

Places to Visit in Ukmergė

Visit one of these nice places.

Town Hall Square at sunrise

Golden light illuminating the historic façades around the square.

Old town street with traditional wooden houses

Cobblestone lanes and timbered houses provide quintessential Lithuanian scenery.

Riverside promenade

Calm waters and reflections, ideal for long exposure and evening shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ukmergė

Lithuanian cuisine in Ukmergė centers on hearty potato dishes, dairy, rye bread, and seasonal produce. Expect rustic meals made with local ingredients and comforting flavors that reflect regional traditions.

Ukmergė Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Cepelinai (Zeppelins)

Potato dumplings filled with minced meat, served with sour cream and crispy bacon.

Must-Try!

Kugelis

Potato pudding baked with onions, eggs, and sometimes bacon.

Šaltibarščiai

Bright pink cold beet soup served with potatoes and dill.

Skilandis

Smoked, cured sausage made with coarse pork and spices.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ukmergė Central Market

A hub for fresh dairy, rye bread, vegetables, and seasonal treats.

Seasonal street stalls near Market Square

Seasonal snacks such as pancakes, soups, and warm beverages.

Climate Guide

Weather

Ukmergė experiences a temperate continental climate with four seasons. Summers are generally warm but not extreme, winters are cold, springs and autumns are mild with variable rainfall.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings and conversation

A handshake is typical; address people with appropriate titles; speak softly in public spaces.

Religious and cultural sites

Dress modestly and remove hats when entering churches; ask permission before taking photos in religious spaces.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ukmergė is generally safe for visitors. Practice standard travel safety: keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings at night in quiet areas, and know local emergency numbers. In emergencies dial 112.

Tipping in Ukmergė

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

If service is not included, a tip of 5-10% is customary in restaurants and cafes.

Payment Methods

Cards are widely accepted; cash is common at markets; contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly used.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long days with pleasant temperatures around 20-25 C; outdoor patios and markets are in full swing; mosquitoes can be present near water.

Autumn

Colorful leaves and harvest markets; cooler days and layered clothing recommended.

Winter

Cold and often snowy; daylight is shorter and some attractions close; cozy cafes and museums provide indoor options.

Spring

Mild days with blooming trees; spring rains are common; ideal for outdoor walks and photography.

Nightlife Guide

Ukmergė at Night

In Ukmergė the nightlife revolves around cozy bars and cafes; options are limited compared with bigger cities, but there are occasional live music events and outdoor concerts in summer in the town center.

Hiking in Ukmergė

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Forest trails around the outskirts

Several easy to moderate hikes through pine and mixed forests within a short drive.

Riverbank walks

Gentle routes along the local river and rural countryside ideal for day hikes.

Local viewpoints

Several low hills offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and plains.

Airports

How to reach Ukmergė by plane.

Vilnius International Airport (VNO)

Main international gateway for the Vilnius region; about 70-90 km from Ukmergė by road; frequent connections to Europe.

Kaunas Airport (KUN)

Secondary option with regional and some international flights; roughly 100-120 km away.

Getting Around

Walkability

The town center is compact and highly walkable; most attractions, markets, and eateries are within a short stroll. For exploring the surrounding countryside, a bicycle or car makes it easier to reach forested areas and lakes.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Lithuanians

The dominant ethnic group in the town with a strong local culture.

Polish

A small but established community contributing to local culture and cuisine.

Russian

A minority group with historical roots in the region.

Other

Residents from various European backgrounds living in Ukmergė.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Basketball

The most popular sport in Lithuania with local clubs and youth participation.

Football (Soccer)

Widely played in schools and local teams; matches can be attended for a local atmosphere.

Athletics

Track and field clubs are active; opportunities for running and jumping events.

Cycling

Popular for weekend rides and access to scenic countryside routes.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the town is generally light; main highway connections to Vilnius and Panevėžys are well maintained. Public transport includes buses and a regional train network; winter weather can affect travel and driving conditions on rural roads.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ukmergė.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Most taverns offer meatless options like mushroom dumplings or beet soups; ask for vegetarian versions and watch for cross contamination.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Ukmergė has a local hospital and several clinics. EU residents can access care with the European Health Insurance Card; for serious emergencies, major hospitals in Vilnius or Kaunas are reachable by road or rail. Dial 112 for emergencies.

Discover Lithuania

Read more in our Lithuania 2025 Travel Guide.

Lithuania Travel Guide