Dog-Friendly Lithuania: Travelling with a Dog

Lithuania may be part of the European Union, but tucked away amongst the Baltic states, in between Belarus and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad, it’s easy to overlook this small country in Europe. So, what’s it like to visit Lithuania with a dog? How dog-friendly is Lithuania?

Dog-friendly Lithuania

Travelling to Lithuania with a Dog

As I mentioned when writing about visiting Tallinn or Riga with a dog, the Baltic states aren’t yet well connected to the rest of central and western Europe when it comes to public transport. Until the Rail Baltica project connecting Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is completed (with no date yet forecast), the main option for now are buses, which aren’t dog-friendly.

Instead, consider the option of driving your car or flying, or plan around the limited train connections, see below.

The standard rules apply for dogs travelling to Lithuania. From elsewhere within the EU, your dog will require a microchip, valid rabies vaccine and pet passport. From outside of the EU, most dogs simply require a microchip, valid rabies vaccine and health certificate, but check the requirements for dogs travelling to the EU from your country.

Driving to Lithuania with a Dog

The easiest way to visit Lithuania with your dog from central or western Europe is by driving through Poland. Take one of the two highways that cross the 70km section of border between Poland and Lithuania, avoiding both Belarus or Kaliningrad, where you may require extra car insurance or a visa.

If you are driving a rental car, make sure your rental car can be taken into Lithuania – you may need to pay an extra fee.

Train Connections to Lithuania

When it comes to public transport, there are some limited dog-friendly options. There are train services that run between Bialystok (in Poland) and Kaunas (in Lithuania), but only on weekends. This route can then be extended from Warsaw to Vilnius. Check out the relevant page on Man in Seat 61. While the train was temporarily halted in 2020, it is hoped it resumes in May 2022.

The cobblestone streets of Vilnius
The cobblestone streets of Vilnius

Similarly, there is a train connecting Daugavpils (in Latvia) and Vilnius, but again only on weekends. Continuing on to Riga involves either a few hours in Daugavpils or an overnight stay. Here are the relevant timetables on Man in Seat 61. As of May 2022, this train was still temporarily cancelled.

See below for relevant information on taking dogs on trains in Lithuania.

Flying to Lithuania with a Dog

The major international airpot in Lithuania is Vilnius International Airport, on the city’s outskirts. However, Lithuania no longer has a flag-carrier airline, so the best dog-friendly airline depends on where you are flying from.

The largest number of flights are operated by the dog-friendly airBaltic airline (who have a generous 12kg weight allowance), but there are also regular flights with other dog-friendly airlines such as Lufthansa and LOT Polish Airlines. Don’t forget to check out my list of which airlines accept pets.

Dining Out in Lithuania with a Dog

While visiting Lithuania, we mainly had lovely weather, so generally ate at outdoor dining terraces, where our dog was of course welcome to join us. Some restaurants in Lithuania also permit dogs inside, but I’m not sure how common this it, and I recommend to always ask first.

Dog-friendly dining in Lithuania
Outdoor dining is common in the summer months

Alternatively, keep an eye-out for the below sticker at the entrance or search for pet-friendly restaurants on https://draugiskigyvunams.lt (Lithuanian only), with nearly 500 cafes and restaurants listed.

Pet-friendly restaurant sticker in Lithuania
Pet-friendly options in Lithuania

Taking a Dog on Public Transport in Lithuania

Generally we didn’t make use of public transport in Lithuania, between having a rental car and the Old Town of Vilnius (where we stayed for part of our trip) being compact enough to walk everywhere.

If you do need to take public transport in Vilnius, pets travel on its buses and trolleybuses for free. Pets need to travel in a special container, otherwise they need to be on a leash (maximum length 0.5m), wear a muzzle (if possible) and have their vaccination papers. View the rules here.

When it comes to taking dogs on trains in Lithuania, small pets in a special container, weighing up to 8kg, are transported free of charge. Both small dogs not in a special container and larger dogs are required to pay a half-price fare.

All pets should be healthy, clean and vaccinated. They are not allowed to travel in 1st class, only 2nd and 3rd class carriages. If your dog is not well socialised, it is recommended to use a muzzle, plus pets should be kept within 1m of you. View the other recommendations.

Dog-Friendly Accommodation in Lithuania

We had no issues finding dog-friendly accommodation in Lithuania, staying in both this Airbnb wonderfully located in Vilnius’s Old Town (complete with car space) and a basic hotel in Klaipėda. About 40% of all hotels in Vilnius accept dogs, although always check first for any conditions or fees.

Dog-Friendly Sightseeing in Lithuania

During out visit to Lithuania we discovered no shortage of dog-friendly sightseeing options to recommend.

1. Explore the Old Town of Vilnius

A visit to Lithuania isn’t complete without visiting the capital city of Vilnius. The cobblestone streets of its Old Town is home to a diverse range of architectural styles and a large number of churches.

When visiting with a dog, just skip heading inside the churches and enjoy their beautiful exteriors. I particularly loved the gothic St Anne’s Church and the Gate of Dawn.

St Anne's and St Francis of Assisi Churches in Vilnius
St Anne’s and St Francis of Assisi Churches in Vilnius

2. Visit the Breakaway Republic of Užupis

On the edge of Vilnius’s Old Town is the independent republic of Užupis. A neighbourhood largely populated by artists, the national day is celebrated on the 1st April.

You don’t require a visa to visit this republic (although you can apply for one across the border) and naturally dogs are welcome to visit without any paperwork rules.

Dog-friendly Užupis
Crossing into the Republic of Užupis

3. Head to Trakai and its Castle

The town of Trakai, about 30 minutes drive west of Vilnius, is a popular sightseeing spot. The area is well-known for its unique lakes and the medieval castle complex standing on one of the islands in the lake.

Dog at Trakai
Lakeside in Trakai

While dogs are likely not allowed inside Trakai Island Castle or the other nearby castles (no mention is made on the website), it’s still great to go for a walk and take some photos from the exterior. Don’t also miss tasting the local speciality, kibinai: pastries stuffed with savoury or sweet fillings.

4. Visit the Kernave Archaeological Site

A little further away from Vilnius than Trakai (about 40 minutes to the north west) is the World Heritage listed archaeological site of Kernave. It was the capital of Lithuania during the medieval period, with the only visible vestiges these days being the artificially-shaped hills upon which stood the buildings of the fortified settlement.

The Kernave Archaelogical Site
The Kernave Archaelogical Site

While dogs are naturally not allowed inside the adjacent museum, the open-air site doesn’t prohibit dogs and is free to visit. Some replicas of the medieval period buildings have also been constructed and are particularly interesting.

Replicas of medieval-period buildings at Kernave Archaelogical Site
Replicas of the medieval-period buildings

5. Make a Pilgrimage to the Hill of Crosses

Located in northern Lithuania on a small hill north of Šiauliai is the Hill of Crosses. The hill contains a collection of over 200,000 wooden crosses, one of the most interesting religious sights in all of the Baltics.

The Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania
The Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania

The exact origins of the site is unknown, but the tradition of leaving crosses is likely to have occurred for around 200 years. There is no entry charge for the site, nor restrictions against dogs, but make sure you are considerate.

Dog at the Hill of Crosses in northern Lithuania
With Schnitzel at the Hill of Crosses

6. Visit the Hill of Witches on the Curonian Spit

On the western coastline of Lithuania lies the Curonian Spit, home to many beautiful beaches. But my favourite site that I visited here was the Hill of Witches.

Entrance to the Hill of Witches
Entrance to the Hill of Witches

The site of festivals since ancient times, since 1979 a large number of wooden sculptures have been carved on the hill out of oak trees. The majority of sculptures have been carved in the Lithuanian folk tradition, paying homage fo the witches, demons and characters of Neringa legends. Additional sculptures have been added over the years.

Sculpture at the Hill of Witches
One of my favourite sculptures at the Hill of Witches

To reach the Curonian Spit, take the frequent vehicular ferries across from Klaipėda. There is no entry charge to visit the Hill of Witches and walk through the wooded hill among the sculptures.

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About the Author

Photo of Shandos & Schnitzel

Shandos Cleaver is the founder of Travelnuity: Dog-Friendly Travel. She has travelled extensively with her Miniature Dachshund, Schnitzel, including to 33 countries across Europe, every state and territory of Australia except Tasmania, and 10 of the United States. She’s passionate about providing inspiration and information to others wanting to travel with their dogs, whether close to home or internationally.

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7 thoughts on “Dog-Friendly Lithuania: Travelling with a Dog”

  1. Again, another amazing and informative article.

    I was wondering if u knew the best way for me to get my French bulldog from Ibiza Spain to Manchester UK and back over the Xmas period mid Dec to early Jan…!?

    From what I’ve found it’s only via car and ferry…

    Thanks I. Advance for all your help and work!

    Reply
    • Carlton – Travelling by car and ferry is definitely one of the best options, see such pets can’t fly in the cabin into the UK (and most airlines don’t allow pets in the cabin flying out, as well). To cut down on the travel distance, if your pet is small enough to fly in the cabin on a plane, you might want to consider flying to Brussels, about the closest major airport to the channel ferries. Then hire a car, and either take the Tunnel or ferry across to the UK.

      Enjoy your Christmas break in the UK!

      Reply
  2. I drove into Lithuania from Parnu, Estonia with my senior Westie dog in a rental car. We went to the Hill of Crosses which was such an amazing place. And then we went to the Curonian Spit and stayed in Nida. That was so special too.

    Reply

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