Biržai can be explored through several distinct themes: the history of the castle, the landscape around Lake Širvėna, and regional culture at the “Sėla” Regional Museum. The lake was created in 1575, when two rivers flowing through Biržai were dammed; it is considered Lithuania’s oldest artificial body of water. The castle was completed in 1589. The lake’s creation and the completion of the castle are therefore two separate historical reference points.
Lake Širvėna and Astravas
The 525 m-long pedestrian bridge over Lake Širvėna connects Biržai with Astravas and is Lithuania’s longest pedestrian bridge. Astravas is a district of Biržai on the lake’s northern shore, by the River Apaščia. Astravas Manor is located there. Its palace was built in 1862 with a belvedere tower and designed as a Romantic-era residence in the style of Italian villas. The castle and the manor thus represent different periods of construction and architectural influences.
Museum and protected architectural heritage
The Biržai Regional Museum “Sėla” is located in the palace and arsenal. The complex also includes a bridge, two powder magazines, and the ruins of the gate and fortification building. The arsenal features an interactive exhibition on warfare in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. The local architectural history is thus complemented by a dedicated perspective on military history.
Another historical trace is the narrow-gauge railway: the Gubernija–Pasvalys line was extended to Biržai in 1922. Preserved sections of the Biržai narrow-gauge railway complex are protected cultural heritage sites; the complex has historical, architectural and landscape value. Alongside the castle, manor and museum, the railway forms a distinct strand of the town’s history.
Brewing traditions and local drinks
The Regional Museum offers an exhibition on old brewing traditions and the hands-on program “From a grain to a song: Biržai tradition and hospitality.” If you would like to take part in the program, check the participation requirements in advance, as arrangements may change. Another way to explore brewing culture is to take one of the “Beer Route” tours to breweries offered in Biržai. Guides explain various local drinks; operators and itineraries may change, so it is advisable to check the specific tour offer before making plans.
The two offerings have different focuses: the museum centers on its exhibition and hands-on program, while the tours visit breweries and explain local drinks. This lets you choose between a museum activity and a guided tour according to your interests, without planning them as if they were the same experience.
Geology and time for a route
The Biržai Regional Park Visitor Center has an exhibition about karst sinkholes, collapses and geological processes. It adds a geological perspective on the region to the cultural and historical themes. The Regional Park Directorate also offers the tourist route “Žemės gelmių muziejus.” It takes about three hours and is approximately 20 km long. These two details provide a specific time and distance for planning; route details may change, so check the latest tour information in advance.
If you are looking for a hotel in Biržai, first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: the castle and architectural history, the museum and brewing traditions, or geology and landscape. This lets you plan your trip around the topics that interest you most.
Discover more destinations: Puožas, Naujamiestis, Panevėžys, Naciūnai, Kučiai, Šilagalys, Krekenavos Seniūnija, Kupiškis
For the broader travel overview: Panevėžys County.
