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Biržai Castle

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Biržai Castle (Lithuania)

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Biržai Castle is an outstanding example of Renaissance military architecture and the most formidable bastion fortress in Lithuania. Its construction began in 1586 under the orders of Krzysztof Mikołaj Radziwiłł, known as 'the Thunderbolt,' to defend the country's northern border. The complex is a masterpiece of Dutch-style defensive engineering, featuring water moats, earthwork ramparts, and star-shaped bastions. Serving as the primary residence of the powerful Radziwiłł noble family, the fortress was frequently targeted by Swedish attacks and was almost entirely destroyed during the Great Northern War in 1704. The careful reconstruction of the residential palace and ramparts only commenced in the 1980s. Today, the brilliant white edifice on the shores of Lake Širvėna houses a significant regional museum and a historic brewery.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-6-16121618171261-3
Rain mm564747496582958761716558

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Yes, Biržai Castle is a reconstructed bastion castle serving as a museum. Entry is ticketed, with guided tours available. The inner courtyard and bastions are accessible, along with the exhibition rooms inside.
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Typical hours
The museum is usually open daily from May to September, and Tuesday to Sunday in winter. Typical hours are 10:00-18:00. It is advisable to check the official website for current times.
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Photography
Photography without flash is allowed in the exhibitions. Flash and tripods are usually not permitted to protect exhibits. The bastions and castle courtyard offer great outdoor subjects.
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Time needed
Allow about 1.5-2 hours for visiting the museum and outer grounds. The tour includes several rooms and bastions. With a guide, the time extends by about 30 minutes.
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Combine with
The castle is in Biržai, a town with a nice lake. Combine the visit with a stroll along the lake shore or a trip to the regional beer museum. The Holy Trinity Church in Biržai is also worth seeing.
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Getting there
The castle is in central Biržai, near the bus station. Parking is available on the nearby square. Regular buses run from Vilnius to Biržai, taking about 3.5 hours.
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Insider tip
Join the guided tour to learn more about the Radziwiłł family history. The castle courtyard is excellent for a shady break. Combine the visit with a tasting of local Biržai beer.

Geography

Coordinates
56.20440, 24.75360

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Sights in the town Biržai Castle (10)

Biržai Radziwiłł Castle🏛 museum

Renaissance bastion fortress, best preserved in northeastern Europe, the only one of its kind in Lithuania.

🕒 We-Sa 10:00-18:30; Tu,Su 10:00-17:30💶

Biržų pilies tiltas

Bridge leading to Biržai Castle, crossing the surrounding moat.

Biržų Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia

Church building in Biržai, a Lithuanian place of worship.

♿

Biržų centrinis pliažas

Beach on Lake Širvėna, centrally located in Biržai.

Senovinių arbatinukų galerija - muziejus

Gallery and museum featuring antique teapots in Biržai.

Biržų evangelikų reformatų bažnyčia

Reformed church building in Biržai, Lithuania.

Biržų alaus turas

Beer tour in Biržai, prior arrangement required.

Siaurojo geležinkelio kompleksas

20th-century narrow-gauge railway complex, 750 mm gauge, longest in Europe, protected cultural heritage.

Biržų jungtinė metodistų bažnyčia

Methodist church building in Biržai, Lithuania.

Širvėnos ežero tiltas

Longest pedestrian bridge in Lithuania, spanning Lake Širvėna.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Who built Biržai Castle?
It was built by the Radziwiłł family in the late 16th century.
Is it a water castle?
Yes, it is surrounded by a moat and the Širvėna Lake.
What is in the castle today?
The 'Sėla' regional museum with exhibitions on local history.
Can the fortifications be walked?
Yes, the massive earth ramparts and bastions are accessible to visitors.
Is Biržai known for anything else?
Yes, the region is famous for its traditional brewing heritage.
Biržai Castle: where is it located?
Biržai Castle is located in Lithuania.
Biržai Castle: what is there to see?
Highlights include Biržai Radziwiłł Castle, Biržų pilies tiltas, Biržų Šv. Jono Krikštytojo bažnyčia.
Biržai Castle: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Biržai Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Biržai Castle is an outstanding example of Renaissance military architecture and the most formidable bastion fortress in Lithuania.
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