Žemaitija

Scouring one of Lithuania’s most mysterious lands for traces of its dramatic history, you’ll discover everything from mounds that once hosted forts and pagan temples to wooden churches, chapels and wayside shrines. Heavily forested, Samogitia boasts tranquil nature and access to the sandy coast of the Baltic Sea. While the white beaches of Palanga make it one of the most popular towns in Samogitia, don’t miss the region’s capital Telšiai, lying further inland, as well Plungė, with its elegant Oginski Manor and a Cold War museum at a former missile base. The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai is another truly awe-inspiring place, equal parts a revered spiritual site and a monument to the resilience of Lithuania’s people. Samogitian cuisine is as distinct as the local dialect, and lighter than in other Lithuanian regions. The star of any Samogitian feast is the simple but delicious “kastinys”, a dish made from whipped sour cream, butter, spices, and served with cooked potatoes. Huge fans of porridge and sorrel soup, Samogitians also have a hundred recipes for kvass, including gourmet options with ingredients such as beetroot, honey, and juniper. If food is your thing, why not come and explore all the flavours that Samogitia has to offer?