Alytaus apskritis / Lietuva
Alytaus apskritis
Explore Alytus County: Lithuania’s Green Heart
Alytaus apskritis, or Alytus County, is nestled in southern Lithuania and is renowned for its lush forests, winding rivers, and picturesque lakes. The region serves as a gateway to the Dzukija National Park, the largest protected area in Lithuania, filled with pine woods, tranquil villages, and sandy soils. The county’s administrative center, Alytus, is a lively city straddling the Nemunas River, offering a blend of urban amenities and access to nature. Alytaus apskritis is known for its strong Dzukija ethnocultural heritage, where age-old traditions, crafts, and folklore are celebrated in local festivals and daily life. Visitors are drawn to its rural landscapes, wooden architecture, and opportunities for outdoor adventures such as canoeing, cycling, and mushroom picking in the forests. The region is also dotted with quaint towns like Druskininkai, famous for its mineral spas and wellness resorts.
Safety
Alytus County is generally very safe for travelers, with low crime rates and welcoming locals. As with any rural area, take care when hiking or cycling in forests and ensure you have a mobile phone for emergencies.
Visas
Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area, so Schengen visa rules apply for Alytaus apskritis. EU/EEA citizens do not require a visa.
Customs regulations
Respect for nature and local customs is appreciated; always ask before photographing people or private homes. It is customary to greet people with a friendly 'Labas' (hello), and shoes are often removed when entering homes.
Prices
Alytus County offers excellent value, with lower accommodation and dining costs compared to Vilnius or Kaunas. Budget travelers can enjoy local guesthouses, while wellness resorts in Druskininkai offer mid-range to premium options.
People and nationalities
The region is home to a predominantly Lithuanian population, with deep-rooted Dzukija cultural traditions. Locals are known for their hospitality, love of nature, and strong community spirit, especially in rural areas.
Weather
Alytaus apskritis has a temperate continental climate, with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to September), when the forests are lush and outdoor activities are at their peak. Winters can be charming but are best suited for spa visits and indoor pursuits.
Health
Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and pharmacies, are available in Alytus and Druskininkai. EU travelers should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC); other visitors should have travel insurance.
Food
Bulviniai blynai
Potato pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft inside, typically served with sour cream or bacon bits, are a staple in southern Lithuania.
Šaltibarščiai
A cold beetroot soup made with kefir, cucumbers, and dill, perfect for refreshing summer lunches; often served with boiled potatoes on the side.
Dzukija Mushroom Soup
A hearty wild mushroom soup using locally foraged mushrooms, potatoes, and onions, reflecting the region’s forest heritage.
Kugelis
Traditional baked potato pudding, sometimes enriched with bacon or pork, commonly enjoyed as a main dish in Alytus County.
Spurgos
Lithuanian doughnuts, deep-fried and dusted with powdered sugar, are a popular sweet treat found in local bakeries and markets.
Transport
Car Rental
The most convenient way to explore rural areas, nature parks, and smaller towns at your own pace.
Regional Buses
Public buses connect Alytus with Druskininkai, Varena, and other towns, though schedules can be limited, especially on weekends.
Cycling
Many visitors enjoy cycling, with established routes in and around Dzukija National Park and along the Nemunas River.
Intercity Trains (limited)
Train service is limited but available between larger towns nearby; buses are more commonly used for regional travel.
What to visit?
History
The area of Alytus is first mentioned in historical records as a borderland between the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and neighboring states.
Alytus is granted Magdeburg rights, allowing the development of self-governance and significant economic growth.
Following the Third Partition of Poland-Lithuania, the region comes under Russian Empire control.
During World War I, Alytus suffers heavy damage as the front line passes through the region.
Alytus County is incorporated into the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic during the Soviet occupation.
Lithuania, including Alytus County, declares independence from the Soviet Union.
Lithuania joins the European Union, ushering in new investment and economic growth for Alytus County.
Activities
Dzukija National Park Exploration
Hike or cycle through pine forests, sandy dunes, and traditional villages in Lithuania’s largest national park.
Druskininkai Spa Experience
Relax in the famous mineral spas of Druskininkai, renowned for wellness treatments, saunas, and therapeutic pools.
Nemunas River Canoeing
Paddle along the scenic Nemunas River, enjoying views of forests, wildlife, and historic towns.
Alytus City Walking Tour
Discover Alytus’s Old Town, its green parks, and the iconic Alytus Footbridge spanning the Nemunas.
Mushroom and Berry Foraging
Join a local guide for a seasonal foraging adventure in the forests, a beloved pastime in the region.