Kretinga Travel Guide

A detailed guide to Kretinga, including places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities, food and drink, where to stay, and much more.


Introduction to Kretinga

Kretinga is a small town located in Samogitia, Lithuania. It is a popular tourist destination due to its historical sites, cultural attractions, and natural beauty. The town is surrounded by vast pine forests, gently rolling hills, and pristine lakes, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. In this guide, we will explore the various places to visit in Kretinga, the best things to do, hiking and biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, and much more.

List of Places to Visit in Kretinga

Kretinga is home to many cultural attractions and historical sites. Let’s take a look at some of the must-visit places in Kretinga:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Kretinga Museum: The Kretinga Museum houses a collection of art and cultural exhibits, including a collection of works by local artists and photographers. The museum also has a display of historical artifacts that reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
  • Kretinga Manor: The Kretinga Manor is a magnificent 18th-century palace that was once the seat of the wealthy Tiskevicius family. The palace includes a Baroque-style chapel, a spacious park, and a beautiful garden.
  • St. Joseph’s Church: The St. Joseph’s Church is a stunning Baroque-style church that was built in the early 18th century. It is one of the most beautiful and significant cultural landmarks in Kretinga.

Natural Attractions of Kretinga: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Botanical Gardens: The Botanical Gardens in Kretinga are among the most impressive in Lithuania, featuring a vast array of flora and fauna, including exotic plants, decorative flowers, and exotic palms.
  • Kretinga countryside: Tourists who love nature should not miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful countryside around Kretinga. The rolling hills, pine forests, and pristine lakes provide an ideal location for hiking, walking, and cycling.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Kretinga

Kretinga is an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise. It has several hiking and biking trails that wind through the region’s beautiful countryside. Some popular routes include:

  • Kretinga Botanical Garden Trail: A scenic trail that winds through the Botanical Garden, showcasing the diverse flora and fauna of the region.
  • Samogitia Cycling Route: This 200 km trail takes cyclists through the heart of Lithuania’s Samogitia region, including Kretinga, providing stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Best Things to Do in Kretinga: Activities and Tours

Kretinga offers many exciting activities and tours for tourists to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Kretinga:

  • Explore the Kretinga Museum and admire the works of local artists and photographers.
  • Visit the Botanical Gardens and witness several flora and fauna species.
  • Take a bike tour and enjoy the scenic beauty of the region while cycling through it.
  • Take a nature walk through the countryside and explore the natural beauty of Kretinga.
  • Participate in cultural events, such as the Krautuve Exhibition and Kretinga Town Festival.

Week-Long Itinerary for Kretinga

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Kretinga:

Day Activity
1 Explore Kretinga Museum and Kretinga Manor.
2 Take a bike trip to the Botanical Garden.
3 Hike through the forests around Kretinga.
4 Visit St. Joseph Church in the morning and explore the city.
5 Explore the countryside on horseback.
6 Attend the Krautuve Exhibition or Kretinga Town Festival.
7 Relax in a local spa and enjoy the local food and drink scene.

Food and Drink Scene of Kretinga

Kretinga has a rich culinary history with a wide variety of dishes and drinks to try. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages to try in Kretinga:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Zeppelins: Made from grated potatoes, ground meat, and sauces, Zeppelin is the most popular Lithuanian dish.
  • Cepelinai: Cepelinai is a traditional Lithuanian dish made from ground meat and potatoes.
  • Kugelis: Kugelis is a potato cake that is baked and served with venison sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Midus: Midus is a traditional Lithuanian alcoholic drink made from honey.
  • Gira: Gira is a traditional Lithuanian non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented rye bread.
  • Herbal Tea: Herbal Tea is a healthy and refreshing tonic that is made from the region’s indigenous herbs.

Where to Stay in Kretinga: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Kretinga has many options for tourists who need accommodation. Some of the top-rated hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Kretinga are:

  • Hotel Pusu Paunksneje
  • Hotel Palma
  • Kretinga Manor guesthouse
  • Kastaņoti hostel

What to Buy in Kretinga: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Kretinga offers several local products and souvenirs for tourists to buy. Here are some popular items to take home:

  • Amber: Kretinga is famous for its amber, and tourists can get amber accessories such as bracelets and necklaces.
  • Linen textiles: Lithuanian-made linen items such as tablecloths and napkins are some of the best souvenirs to take from Kretinga.
  • Birch Wood Products: Birchwood products like cutting boards and spoons are locally made and popular.

Local Culture and Customs of Kretinga

Kretinga has a rich cultural heritage, with customs and traditions that date back centuries. The region’s local customs include:

  • The Samogitian Wedding: Kretinga is famous for its traditional weddings, complete with all the rituals, such as the bride’s kidnapping, church ceremony, and wedding feast.
  • Folk costumes: Samogitia is famous for its folk costumes, which are still worn on special occasions and holidays.
  • The Joust: The annual Lithuanian joust competition takes place in Kretinga, where knights from around the region compete in various events.

Best Time to Visit Kretinga

The best time to visit Kretinga is during the summer, from June to August. During this time, the weather is mild and sunny, and there are several events, festivals, and activities to participate in.

Do’s and Don’ts of Kretinga

Here are some do’s and don’ts when traveling to Kretinga:

Do:

  • Respect the locals and their customs.
  • Take local tours and immerse yourself in the region’s culture.
  • Try local food and beverages.
  • Dress appropriately for cultural events and religious sites.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter in public places.
  • Don’t take photographs of the locals without their permission.
  • Don’t disrespect the local way of life.

Safety and Health

Safety in Kretinga

Kretinga is generally a safe place to visit, with little crime reported. However, tourists should remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, especially in crowded places and tourist areas.

Health in Kretinga

Kretinga has several medical facilities that offer emergency medical care and standard medical services. Tourists should have medical insurance before traveling to Kretinga.

Getting to Kretinga: Transportation Options and Logistics

Kretinga is easily accessible via road, rail, and air transport. Some of the transportation options include:

Airports Near Kretinga

  • Palanga International Airport - 22 km from Kretinga.

Bus Stations Near Kretinga

  • Kretinga Central Bus Station

Other Options

  • Taxis
  • Car rentals

How to Get Around in Kretinga

Tourists can navigate around Kretinga via different transport options. Some of the most common types of transportation in Kretinga are:

  • Bicycle rentals.
  • Taxis
  • Renting a car

Where to Go Next from Kretinga: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Kretinga is located in close proximity to several other fascinating destinations. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Palanga: One of the most famous resorts in Lithuania is located just a few kilometers north of Kretinga.
  • Klaipeda: Klaipeda is a port city located only a short drive away and is a perfect mix of modern flair and historic charm.

Conclusion

Kretinga is a culturally and historically rich destination with plenty of things to do. From exploring the region’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks to trying local food and drink, there’s something for everyone. We hope this guide has been useful in helping you plan your trip to Kretinga.

Kretinga manor, which hosts the Kretinga Museum Kretinga manor, which hosts the Kretinga Museum Kretinga monastery pond Kretinga monastery pond