Plizio Visual Lab

Stelmužė

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Landmark

Weather…

Stelmužė is a small village in the Zarasai district, renowned for its extraordinary natural and cultural heritage. The main attraction is the Stelmužė Oak, estimated to be over 1,500 years old, making it the oldest oak in the Baltics and one of the oldest in Europe. The tree has a trunk circumference of 13 meters and stands as a living symbol of Lithuania's ancient pagan history. Beside the oak sits the Church of the Holy Cross, built in 1650 without the use of a single metal nail. The intricate wood carvings inside are masterpieces of local craftsmanship, and the building is one of the oldest wooden churches in the country. Today, it serves as a museum of ecclesiastical art, showcasing unique baroque wooden altars and pulpits. Visitors can also explore the remains of the Stelmužė manor and the Slave Tower, a stone structure used during the era of serfdom. The surrounding landscape, characterized by lakes and rolling hills, provides a tranquil setting for historical exploration. Located near the border with Latvia, it is best reached by car from the town of Zarasai.

Location: Lithuania
Top sights: Lygumų akmuo · Stelmužės ąžuolas · Stelmužės dvaro sodyba
Nearby: Zarasai suburb (10 km)

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	-7	-6	-1	6	12	16	18	17	12	6	1	-4
Rain mm	51	43	45	46	71	85	96	89	60	71	62	52

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Stelmužė is open for visitors: the ancient oak over 1000 years old, the oldest in the Baltics, is always accessible outdoors. The 17th-century wooden church of St. John the Baptist can be visited inside during opening hours.

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Typical hours

The wooden church typically opens on weekends and public holidays, or by appointment with the local priest. It is advisable to call ahead or check with the nearest tourist information center in Raseiniai.

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Photography

Photography is allowed both for the oak and inside the church, but please do not use flash near the delicate wooden altar and icons. Outside, the oak is well-suited for wide-angle shots.

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Time needed

A visit takes about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Most time is spent admiring the mighty oak from all sides and stepping inside the small wooden church with its historic interior.

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Combine with

Combine your visit with the nearby Žemaičių Kalvarija pilgrimage site, which features a beautiful church and outdoor stations of the cross. The Varniai Regional Park is also worth exploring for its lakes and forests.

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Getting there

Stelmužė is best reached by car from Raseiniai (about 30 minutes). Public bus from Kaunas stops in the nearest town of Užventis, from where you may need a taxi. Limited parking is onsite.

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Insider tip

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to capture the oak in soft daylight and avoid crowds. In summer, the church often hosts small folk concerts.