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Telšiai

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City
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Telšiai (Lithuania)
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Practical info — Telšiai

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Keep an eye out for the many bear sculptures hidden around the city-the bear is the symbol of the Samogitia region, and spotting them is a fun activity.
  • Take time to walk the well-maintained amphitheater and promenade along Lake Mastis, which beautifully connects the city with nature.
  • Visit the Telšiai Cathedral on the main hill; it is unique for having a two-story altar, a rare architectural feature.
  • Locals are proud of the Samogitian dialect, which sounds quite different from standard Lithuanian. Learning a simple greeting might win you some smiles.

🍽 Food

🍽
Džiugas Cheese

Telšiai is the hometown of the legendary Džiugas hard cheese. Visit a Džiugas House for tastings paired with wine or honey.

🍽
Kastinys

A rich, traditional Samogitian dish made of sour cream, butter, and spices, usually served warm with boiled potatoes in local taverns.

🍽
Cibulynė

A unique, cold onion soup made with roasted herring, traditional to the region. Best tried in authentic countryside-style restaurants.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Cheese Souvenirs

At the dedicated cheese shops in the center, you can buy beautifully packaged aged cheese and related delicacies to take home.

🛍
Samogitian Crafts

Check out small souvenir shops near the main squares for wooden carvings and linen products representing the historic Samogitia region.

🧘
Lake Mastis Promenade

The newly renovated shores of Lake Mastis offer miles of peaceful walking and cycling paths right next to the city center.

🧘
Zakanausis Hill

One of the seven hills of Telšiai, providing a quiet, elevated green space with beautiful views over the town and the lake.

Highlights of 2026

1

Telšiai is the capital of the Samogitia (Žemaitija) region, situated in northwestern Lithuania on seven hills along the shores of Lake Mastis. First mentioned in 1450, the city is the spiritual and cultural heart of the Samogitians, who maintain a distinct dialect and strong local traditions. Architecturally, Telšiai is dominated by the 18th-century Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua, which features a rare two-story altar structure. The city is famous for its numerous bear sculptures, as the bear is the traditional symbol of Samogitia and can be found throughout the public spaces. As the seat of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Telšiai, it hosts a priest seminary and several higher education institutions. The combination of its hilly topography, the lakeside promenade, and a well-preserved old town gives Telšiai a unique character that attracts both cultural tourists and religious pilgrims.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-5-406121518171362-2
Rain mm564243395475867858716759

Geography

Population
21,294
Coordinates
55.98330, 22.25000

Facts

  • Telšiai is famously built on seven hills, drawing comparisons to Rome.
  • The city is recognized as the official capital of the Samogitia region.
  • The St. Anthony of Padua Cathedral features Lithuania's only two-story altar.
  • The bear is the city's mascot, appearing in dozens of artistic sculptures.
  • Lake Mastis features a 5-kilometer-long renovated waterfront promenade.
  • Telšiai was first mentioned in historical records in the year 1450.

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Sights in the town Telšiai (9)

Žemaičių muziejus Alka🏛 museum

A major museum in Telšiai showcasing the history and art of the Samogitia region.

🕒 Nov 1 - Mar 31 Tu-Fr 9:00-17:00; Sa 10:00-17:00; Apr 1 - Sep

Kalnėnų piliakalnis🏺 historical

An ancient hillfort near Telšiai that is an important archaeological monument in Lithuania.

A. Jonušo žemaitiška-japoniška sodyba-muziejus🏛 museum

A unique museum in Telšiai combining Samogitian traditions with Japanese elements.

Žemaitijos kaimo ekspozicija🏛 museum

An open-air museum in Telšiai presenting traditional rural architecture from Samogitia.

🕒 Mo-Fr 09:00-18:00; Sa-Su 11:00-19:00

Apžvalgos aikštelė šalia Telšių bažnyčios🌿 nature

An observation deck next to the Telšiai church with views over the city.

Muzikiniai Varpai📍 landmark

An attraction in Telšiai featuring installed bells that play music.

Telšių menų inkubatorius🎭 culture

A center for contemporary arts and creative projects in the city of Telšiai.

Telšių Šv. Nikolajaus Stebukladario cerkvė⛪ religious

An Orthodox church in Telšiai known for its distinctive architecture.

Telšių Švč. Mergelės Marijos Ėmimo į dangų bažnyčia⛪ religious

A historic and spiritually significant church in Telšiai, inviting visitors to appreciate its peaceful ambiance and architectural beauty.

Frequently asked questions

On how many hills is Telšiai situated?
Similar to Rome, Telšiai is built on seven hills.
What is Telšiai culturally known for?
It is the unofficial capital of the Samogitia region.
Are there bear symbols there?
Yes, the bear is the symbol of Samogitia and can be found everywhere in the city.
Which lake is located by the city?
The city is located on the beautiful Mastis Lake.
Which church should I visit?
The Cathedral of St. Anthony of Padua is impressive.
Telšiai: where is it located?
Telšiai is located in Lithuania.
Telšiai: what is there to see?
Highlights include Žemaičių muziejus Alka, Kalnėnų piliakalnis, A. Jonušo žemaitiška-japoniška sodyba-muziejus.
Telšiai: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Telšiai: why is it worth visiting?
Telšiai is the capital of the Samogitia (Žemaitija) region, situated in northwestern Lithuania on seven hills along the shores of Lake Mastis.
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