· LT

Šiauliai

Šiauliai, Lithuania

Šiauliai, located in northern Lithuania, is a charming city with a rich history and unique attractions that make it a must-visit destination for tourists. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and vibrant culture, Šiauliai …

#Historic sites#Cultural attractions#Pilgrimage destination#Northern Lithuania#Urban center

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Šiauliai.

Top Hotels in Šiauliai

Top Flights to Šiauliai

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Šiauliai.

Tours

Visit the Hill of Crosses

A famous pilgrimage site with thousands of crosses of all sizes placed on a hill.

Explore Aušros Museum

A cultural history museum showcasing art, history, and ethnography of the region.

Explore Fox Museum

A museum entirely dedicated to the wildlife and ecology of foxes.

Amber Museum Gallery

Discover a collection of stunning Baltic amber pieces and learn about its history.

Shopping

Mega Shopping Center

The largest shopping center in Šiauliai featuring a wide variety of shops and eateries.

Boulevard Shopping

Explore a diverse array of shops and cafés along Vilniaus Boulevard, the main pedestrian street in Šiauliai.

Outdoor

Rėkyva Lake Activities

Enjoy outdoor activities like boating and fishing on the picturesque Rėkyva Lake.

Šiauliai City Park

Relax and enjoy a day at Šiauliai City Park with walking trails and picnic spots.

Photography Tour in Šiauliai

Capture the essence of Šiauliai in a guided photography tour around the city.

Bike Tour through Kurtuvėnai Regional Park

Enjoy a scenic bike tour through the beautiful landscapes of Kurtuvėnai Regional Park.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Šiauliai.

Currency

€ | EUR | Euro

Population

126,000

Languages

Lithuanian, Lithuanian, Russian, English

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Šiauliai.

What people love

Šiauliai, located in Lithuania, is a unique destination with several pros for travelers to consider:

Hill of Crosses: Šiauliai is famous for the Hill of Crosses, a significant pilgrimage site and a symbol of Lithuanian national identity. The hill is covered with thousands of crosses of various sizes, creating a powerful and moving sight for visitors.
Charming Old Town: Šiauliai's Old Town is filled with historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and cozy cafes. Strolling through the Old Town allows visitors to immerse themselves in the city's rich history and architecture.
Ruta Chocolate Factory: Chocolate lovers will enjoy visiting the Ruta Chocolate Factory in Šiauliai. Visitors can take a tour of the factory, learn about the chocolate-making process, and of course, sample some delicious chocolates.
Cultural Events: Šiauliai hosts various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, providing visitors with the opportunity to experience traditional music, dance, and art. The city's vibrant cultural scene adds to its appeal as a travel destination.
Central Location: Šiauliai's central location in Lithuania makes it a convenient base for exploring other parts of the country. From Šiauliai, visitors can easily take day trips to nearby cities and attractions, such as the Curonian Spit or Kaunas.

Overall, traveling to Šiauliai offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a compelling destination for travelers seeking an authentic Lithuanian experience.

What to know

Šiauliai is a city located in Lithuania and is best known for the Hill of Crosses, a famous pilgrimage site. While Šiauliai has its charms and attractions, there are some potential drawbacks to traveling to this city:

Limited tourist infrastructure: Šiauliai is not as popular or developed as some other tourist destinations in Lithuania, which means that there may be limited tourist facilities, accommodations, and services available.
Language barrier: English may not be widely spoken in Šiauliai, so communication could be a challenge for travelers who do not speak Lithuanian or Russian.
Limited public transportation: While Šiauliai has a public transportation system, it may not be as extensive or efficient as in larger cities, making it more difficult to get around without a car.
Weather: Lithuania experiences cold winters and mild summers, so depending on the time of year you visit, you may encounter weather conditions that are less than ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Distance from major attractions: Šiauliai is not located near major tourist attractions in Lithuania, so if you are looking to visit other popular destinations in the country, you may need to travel a significant distance.

Overall, while Šiauliai has its unique attractions and cultural heritage, travelers should be prepared for some of the challenges that come with visiting a less touristy destination.

Šiauliai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania, with a rich history that dates back several centuries. Here is a detailed history of Šiauliai, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History

1236: The first significant event associated with Šiauliai is the Battle of Saule, which took place nearby. This battle was between the Livonian Brothers of the Sword and the Samogitians (Lithuanians) and their allies. The victory by the Samogitians is a celebrated event in Lithuanian history and is considered a pivotal moment in the formation of Lithuanian statehood.

Middle Ages to 18th Century

14th Century: Šiauliai began to develop as a town. It was a part of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, which was in a union with the Kingdom of Poland.
16th Century: The town received Magdeburg rights, which allowed it self-governance and contributed to its growth as a local economic center.

19th Century

During the 19th century, Šiauliai was under the rule of the Russian Empire following the partitions of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth.
The town became an important trade and manufacturing center, particularly known for its leather industry.

20th Century

World War I: Šiauliai was heavily damaged during World War I. It was occupied by German forces, and significant parts of the city were destroyed.
Interwar Period: Following the war, Šiauliai became part of independent Lithuania. The city was rebuilt and continued to develop its industrial base.
World War II: The city suffered again during World War II. It was occupied by Nazi Germany, and the Jewish community in Šiauliai, which had been significant, was decimated during the Holocaust.
Soviet Era: After the war, Lithuania was incorporated into the Soviet Union. Šiauliai became a part of the Lithuanian SSR. The city was rebuilt, and industrialization was intensified during the Soviet period.

Post-Soviet Era

1990: Lithuania regained its independence, and Šiauliai became one of the key cities in the newly independent state. It has continued to grow and develop in the post-Soviet era.

Significant Landmarks

Hill of Crosses: Located about 12 kilometers north of Šiauliai, the Hill of Crosses is a famous pilgrimage site. It is covered with thousands of crosses of various sizes and has become a symbol of Lithuanian national and religious identity.
Šiauliai Cathedral: Also known as the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, it is one of the most important architectural landmarks in the city and dates back to the 17th century.
The Sundial Square: This is a notable public space featuring the Golden Boy sculpture, which is a symbol of the city.

Historical Figures

Jonas Jablonskis: A prominent linguist and one of the most important figures in the standardization of the Lithuanian language. Although not born in Šiauliai, his work had a significant impact on Lithuanian culture and education, which is celebrated in the city.

Šiauliai continues to be an important cultural and economic center in Lithuania, with a rich history reflected in its landmarks and institutions.