Siauliai City Festival
Annual city festival with concerts, a fair and cultural events in the centre of Siauliai.
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Šiauliai
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ℹ️Practical info — Šiauliai
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- The famous Hill of Crosses is about 12 km from the city. Visit early in the morning to experience its spiritual atmosphere without the large tourist crowds.
- Vilniaus Street is one of the oldest pedestrian boulevards in Europe. It's the excellent place for an evening stroll, lined with unique outdoor sculptures and cafes.
- Don't miss the massive 'Iron Fox' sculpture near Lake Talkša, an iconic photo spot holding the Lithuanian record for the largest animal sculpture.
- The city is relatively flat and has good paths, making a rented bicycle an excellent and eco-friendly way to explore both the center and the lake areas.
🍽 Food
🍽
Cepelinai
Traditional potato dumplings stuffed with meat. Look for classic Lithuanian taverns around the main pedestrian street.
🍽
Šaltibarščiai
A refreshing cold beetroot soup served with potatoes, well-suited for warm summer days. Available in almost every local cafe.
🍽
Gira
A fermented beverage made from rye bread. Try it fresh from draft at traditional pubs or markets.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Rūta Chocolate
The historic Rūta chocolate factory gives a shop where you can buy high-quality traditional Lithuanian sweets and boxed chocolates.
🛍
Linen and Amber
Look for small local boutiques around Vilniaus Street for authentic Baltic amber jewelry and natural linen garments.
🧘
Lake Talkša Shores
A peaceful walking path along the lake, offering scenic views, a labyrinth, and plenty of benches to rest away from the city noise.
🧘
Salduvė Hillfort
A historic mound surrounded by a park on the eastern edge of the city. Climb to the top for a serene, panoramic view of the surroundings.
Water temperature…
Šiauliai, the fourth largest city in Lithuania, has firmly established itself as a dynamic economic and cultural hub in the northern part of the country. With a population exceeding 100,000 residents, the city features a rich industrial history, notably driven by leather processing and the famous “Vairas” bicycle factory. Just a short distance away lies the iconic Hill of Crosses, a globally unique pilgrimage site covered with hundreds of thousands of crucifixes. The city center is dominated by the imposing 17th-century Renaissance-style Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul. Often referred to as the City of the Sun, Šiauliai is home to diverse cultural landmarks, including the elegant Chaim Frenkel Villa, the Bicycle Museum, and the Chocolate Museum, playing a crucial role in the region's education system.
- Location: Lithuania
- Top sights: Šiaulių dramos teatras · Salduvės piliakalnis · Cat Museum
- Nearby: Gytariai (5 km)
- Population: ~99.462
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -5 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 50 | 40 | 41 | 43 | 57 | 76 | 86 | 78 | 54 | 65 | 62 | 52 |
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
A day in the city
Pick weather + travel mode, get a concrete day plan.
09:00→16:494.1 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
Start your day on the bustling Šiauliai Boulevard. In the morning, explore the heart of the city, Sundial Square and the impressive Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. After lunch, dedicate the afternoon to culture: the Museum of Photography and the magnificent Chaim Frenkel Villa. End the day with a relaxing walk by Talkša Lake, where you can admire the famous Iron Fox sculpture.
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🚶 17'0.69 km
🚶 20'0.87 km
📍
11:21 · 47'
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Pay attention to the impressive Renaissance bell tower.
🚶 9'0.29 km
🚶 12'0.43 km
🚶 36'1.65 km
🚶 6'0.13 km
09:00→16:494.1 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
The Šiauliai Boulevard offers many passages and cafes for shelter. At noon, the massive cathedral serves as a dry sanctuary. The afternoon is dedicated to museums, exploring photography history and bourgeois life indoors. The day ends at Talkša Lake, where the wind whips the rain, but the Iron Fox stands firm against the elements.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 17'0.69 km
🚶 20'0.87 km
📍
11:21 · 47'
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
A convenient place to wait out a heavy rain shower.
🚶 9'0.29 km
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12:17 · 47'
Museum of Photography
The roof terrace features a good city view despite the rain.
🚶 12'0.43 km
🚶 36'1.65 km
🚶 6'0.13 km
09:00→16:494.1 km walk7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
In the morning, snow crunches under your boots on the boulevard. The cathedral looks majestic in the winter landscape and offers a quiet sanctuary. Museums are warm refuges for the afternoon. Since the sun sets around 4 PM, the Iron Fox by the frozen lake glows in artificial light.
← swipe for more places →
🚶 17'0.69 km
🚶 20'0.87 km
📍
11:21 · 47'
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
The thick walls keep the cold out of the interior.
🚶 9'0.29 km
🚶 12'0.43 km
🚶 36'1.65 km
🚶 6'0.13 km
09:00→15:013.9 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
Start your bike day fittingly at the Bicycle Museum. From there, pedal to the elegant Chaim Frenkel Villa. At noon, you'll reach the city center to see Sundial Square and the Cathedral. The afternoon is reserved for an extended bike ride to and around Talkša Lake, where you'll find the Iron Fox. Your tour concludes on the Šiauliai Boulevard, the perfect place to relax.
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🚲 5'0.25 km
🚲 7'0.68 km
🚲 8'0.87 km
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11:51 · 47'
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Lock your bike securely before entering the cathedral.
🚲 9'0.94 km
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12:47 · 47'
Talkša Lake & Iron Fox
The bike path around the lake is well-suited for a relaxing ride.
🚲 10'1.13 km
09:00→15:013.9 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
The Bicycle Museum is the perfect starting point in the rain. Short distances between the villa and the cathedral make cycling efficient despite the wetness. At the lake, be cautious on the paths as the ground becomes slippery. The boulevard offers shelter for bikes under its arcades at the end.
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🚲 5'0.25 km
🚲 7'0.68 km
🚲 8'0.87 km
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11:51 · 47'
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
Bicycle racks are located close to the main gate.
🚲 9'0.94 km
🚲 10'1.13 km
09:00→15:013.9 km ride6 places0/6
Day budget: ≈ 29–39 €Entries 22€ · Transport 12€
The winter cold in Šiauliai can be biting, but museums offer warm-up stops. The Bicycle Museum is a must for enthusiasts. Paths by Talkša Lake can be icy, requiring caution. The day ends comfortably on the festively lit boulevard, where bikes can be safely parked.
← swipe for more places →
🚲 5'0.25 km
🚲 7'0.68 km
🚲 8'0.87 km
📍
11:51 · 47'
Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
The square in front of the church is usually well-cleared.
🚲 9'0.94 km
🚲 10'1.13 km
09:00→15:352.4 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
Use your car to explore Šiauliai in three clusters. Start in the west with the Chaim Frenkel Villa and the nearby Bicycle Museum. Then drive to the city center, park, and explore the Cathedral, the boulevard, and the Museum of Photography on foot. End your day with a short drive to Talkša Lake for a relaxing walk and to see the famous Iron Fox sculpture.
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📍
09:10 · 47'
Cluster A: Chaim Frenkel Villa & Bicycle Museum
Park here and start with the magnificent villa.
🚗 4'0.25 km
🚗 5'0.48 km
🚗 4'0.21 km
🚗 3'0.11 km
🚗 7'1.22 km
🚗 3'0.13 km
09:00→15:352.4 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
The car allows parking directly in front of museums and the villa, minimizing contact with rain. The trip to the lake is short and comfortable. Museums offer enough indoor activity to stay dry during the heaviest showers. Near the boulevard, parking is available on side streets close to cafes.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Cluster A: Chaim Frenkel Villa & Bicycle Museum
Free parking spaces are available directly in front of the villa.
🚗 4'0.25 km
🚗 5'0.48 km
🚗 4'0.21 km
🚗 3'0.11 km
🚗 7'1.22 km
🚗 3'0.13 km
09:00→15:352.4 km drive7 places0/7
Day budget: ≈ 22–30 €Entries 26€ · Transport 0€
A pre-heated car is the best way to explore Šiauliai in winter. Trips between clusters are short, so you are never exposed to the cold for long. The cathedral and villa look magical in the snow. In the late afternoon, your car lights guide you through dark streets to the frozen lake.
← swipe for more places →
📍
09:10 · 47'
Cluster A: Chaim Frenkel Villa & Bicycle Museum
The parking lot is regularly cleared of snow in winter.
🚗 4'0.25 km
🚗 5'0.48 km
📍
10:53 · 47'
Cluster B: Center & Cathedral
Parking spots near the boulevard are popular in winter.
🚗 4'0.21 km
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11:44 · 47'
Šiauliai Boulevard (on foot)
The main path is usually well-salted and safe for walking.
🚗 3'0.11 km
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12:34 · 47'
Museum of Photography (on foot)
Shake the snow off your shoes before entering the museum.
🚗 7'1.22 km
🚗 3'0.13 km
Sights in the town Šiauliai (15)
Šiaulių Aušros muziejus🏛 museum
The Aušros Museum in Šiauliai displays exhibits on Lithuanian history.
🌐 ausrosmuziejus.lt🕒 We-Fr 10:00-18:00; Sa-Su 11:00-17:00
Venclauskių namai🏺 historical
The historical home of the Venclauskiai family in Šiauliai, now part of the city museum.
🌐 ausrosmuziejus.lt🕒 Mo-Th 08:00-12:00,12:45-17:00; Fr 08:00-12:00,12:45-15:45
Frequently asked questions
What is the most important landmark?
The Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas) is located 12 km north of the city.
How long should you stay in Šiauliai?
One full day is enough to see the city and the Hill of Crosses.
Are there museums in the city?
The Rūta Chocolate Museum is very popular with visitors.
How to get there from Vilnius?
Trains and buses run several times a day, the trip takes about 2.5 hours.
Is Šiauliai suitable for families?
Yes, the pedestrian zone and museums offer a lot for children.
Šiauliai: where is it located?
Šiauliai is located in Lithuania.
Šiauliai: what is there to see?
Highlights include Šiaulių dramos teatras, Salduvės piliakalnis, Cat Museum.
Šiauliai: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Šiauliai: why is it worth visiting?
Šiauliai, the fourth largest city in Lithuania, has firmly established itself as a dynamic economic and cultural hub in the northern part of the country.
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