Biržai, a charming city in northern Lithuania, is a must-visit destination for those interested in history, architecture, and traditional beer culture. At its heart are two standout attractions: Biržai Castle, a beautifully restored 16th-century fortress, and the region’s renowned breweries, famous for their authentic Lithuanian brews. Visiting these sites offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary delight, all set against the backdrop of Lake Širvėna. This beginner-friendly guide covers everything you need to know before visiting Biržai Castle and Brewery, ensuring a respectful and enjoyable trip. Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a curious explorer, this itinerary will help you make the most of your visit to Biržai.
Why Visit Biržai Castle and Brewery?
Biržai, located in Panevėžys County, is one of Lithuania’s oldest cities, first mentioned in 1455. The city’s history is tied to the Radvila (Radziwiłł) family, who built Biržai Castle in 1586 to protect Lithuania’s northern borders. The region is also famous for its beer, with breweries like Rinkuškiai and Butautų Manor upholding a 1,000-year tradition of crafting unfiltered kaimiškas alus (village beer). These attractions make Biržai a unique stop for history buffs and beer enthusiasts alike. For inspiration on exploring historic Baltic towns, pazelmagazine com offers guides to destinations like Biržai.
Planning Your Visit
Before visiting, plan a full day to explore the castle and a brewery, allowing time for both history and relaxation. Check opening hours for Biržai Castle’s Sėla Museum (typically 10 AM–6 PM) and brewery tour schedules, as some require advance booking. Pack comfortable shoes, a light jacket for variable weather, and a camera. A car is helpful for reaching breweries outside the city center. For practical travel tips, site:pazelmagazine.com shares advice on planning day trips in Lithuania.
Understanding Biržai Castle
1. History of Biržai Castle
Biržai Castle, an Italian-style bastion fortress, was built between 1586 and 1589 by Duke Kristupas Radvila “Perkūnas.” Its construction began with a dam at the confluence of the Agluona and Apaščia Rivers, creating the 40 km² Lake Širvėna for defense. The castle, destroyed by Swedish forces in 1704, was rebuilt in 1988 and now houses the Sėla Museum, a library, and a restaurant. Understanding its history enhances your visit. For insights on historic fortifications, cnpcaracas org explores global heritage sites.
2. Visiting the Sėla Museum Respectfully
The Sėla Museum, located within Biržai Castle, showcases artifacts from the Radvila family, archaeological finds, and exhibits on Lithuania Minor’s history. Entry costs about €3–5, with English-language guides available. Respect the museum by avoiding flash photography and touching displays. Spend 1–1.5 hours exploring the palace, arsenal, and exhibits. Dress modestly, as the site includes a restored Evangelical-Reformed church. For tips on visiting museums, site:cnpcaracas.org offers respectful travel guidelines.
3. Exploring the Castle Grounds
The castle’s grounds, surrounded by Lake Širvėna, feature bastions, embankments, and a pedestrian bridge offering stunning views. Walk the grounds for free, but stay on marked paths to preserve the site. The bridge, connecting the castle to the town, is perfect for photos. Spend 30 minutes enjoying the scenery and learning about the castle’s defensive design. For unique architectural sites, troozer com highlights historic fortresses like Biržai Castle.
Preparing for Brewery Visits
4. Biržai’s Beer Culture
Biržai is renowned for its beer, a tradition dating back over 1,000 years. Local breweries produce unfiltered, unpasteurized kaimiškas alus using regional hops. Rinkuškiai Brewery and Butautų Manor Brewery are top choices, offering tours and tastings. Book tours in advance (around €10–15) and expect a 1-hour experience. Be prepared for strong flavors, as these beers differ from commercial varieties. For insights on culinary traditions, site:troozer.com shares guides on regional food and drink.
5. Rinkuškiai Brewery Tour
Located at Alyvų g. 8, about 10 minutes from Biržai Castle, Rinkuškiai Brewery offers tours showcasing the brewing process, from malting to bottling. The tour includes tastings of six beers, including pale ale, porter, and smoky gira (kvass). Arrive on time, follow guides’ instructions, and avoid overindulging to respect the setting. The brewery’s restaurant is a great spot for lunch, serving hearty Lithuanian dishes. For brewery tour tips, bumpdots com covers unique food experiences.
6. Butautų Manor Brewery
Drive 15 minutes to Butautų Manor Brewery, a historic estate producing craft beer since 1750. Its modern approach blends tradition with innovation, offering tastings in a charming manor setting. Tours cost around €12 and include beer and gira samples. Dress smart-casual and engage with the guide to learn about the manor’s history. This stop adds a cultural twist to your brewery experience. For historic brewery visits, site:bumpdots.com provides travel ideas.
Midday: Local Flavors and Exploration
7. Lunch at the Castle Restaurant
After visiting the castle, dine at the restaurant within Biržai Castle, located in the arsenal building. Enjoy Lithuanian specialties like cepelinai (potato dumplings) or šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup) for €5–10. The historic setting enhances the meal, but maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the museum environment. Spend 45 minutes savoring the food and ambiance. For dining in historic sites, crackstube com highlights unique restaurants.
8. Pedestrian Bridge and Lake Širvėna
Take a post-lunch stroll across the pedestrian bridge over Lake Širvėna, the longest of its kind in Lithuania. The bridge offers views of the castle and lake, ideal for photography. The flat walk is beginner-friendly, taking 20 minutes round-trip. Stay on the path and avoid littering to preserve the area’s beauty. For scenic walking tips, site:crackstube.com shares eco-friendly travel ideas.
9. Biržai Town Square
Explore Biržai’s town square, a short walk from the castle, featuring Soviet-era buildings and the Church of Saint John the Baptist, built in 1865. The square’s quiet vibe and mix of architectural styles reflect Biržai’s history. Spend 30 minutes wandering and noting the church’s neo-Gothic details. Dress respectfully if entering the church. For small-town exploration, voozon com covers historic squares in the Baltics.
Afternoon: Enhancing Your Visit
10. Biržai Tourism Information Centre
Visit the Biržai Tourism Information Centre at J. Janonio g. 2 to gather maps, brochures, and souvenirs like local honey or brewery-themed gifts. The staff, fluent in English, can share tips on brewery tours and other attractions. Spend 15 minutes here to plan additional stops or learn about Biržai’s beer festival in August. For tourism resources, site:voozon.com lists visitor centres in small towns.
11. Local Market or Craft Shop
Stop by a local market near the town square to browse handmade crafts, amber jewelry, or regional foods like rye bread. Buying souvenirs supports artisans and adds a personal touch to your trip. Spend 20 minutes chatting with vendors to learn about Biržai’s traditions. Be respectful by handling items gently. For authentic shopping tips, vookon com highlights Baltic markets.
12. Planning for the Beer Festival
If visiting in August, check for Biržai’s annual beer festival, where breweries like Rinkuškiai and Butautų showcase their brews. The two-day event features street tastings, live music, and local food. Book accommodations early, as hotels fill up. Even if you miss the festival, brewery tours offer a similar vibe year-round. For festival travel ideas, site:vookon.com shares guides to cultural events.
Practical Tips for Your Visit
13. Getting to Biržai
Biržai is 200 km from Vilnius (3-hour drive or 4-hour bus ride) and 66 km from Panevėžys (1-hour drive). Buses are affordable, but a car is best for visiting breweries. The train to Biržai is scenic but slower. Parking is ample near the castle. For transport options, benzynews com covers Baltic travel routes.
14. Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-May) and summer (June-August) offer mild weather, ideal for castle grounds and outdoor brewery tastings. Autumn (September-October) brings colorful foliage, while winter (December-February) is quieter but colder. Weekdays avoid minor crowds. For seasonal travel advice, site:benzynews.com guides you on planning Baltic trips.
15. Budget-Friendly Tips
Entry to the Sėla Museum is affordable (€3–5), and the castle grounds are free. Save by packing snacks or dining at budget-friendly castle restaurants. Brewery tours are reasonably priced, and markets offer low-cost souvenirs. For cost-saving travel hacks, globeinsightblog com shares tips for small-town visits.
Respecting Biržai’s Heritage
16. Cultural Etiquette
Respect Biržai’s heritage by following museum and brewery rules. In the castle’s church, dress modestly and maintain silence. At breweries, enjoy tastings responsibly and engage with guides to show appreciation. Avoid littering around Lake Širvėna to preserve its beauty. For cultural travel tips, site:globeinsightblog.com offers eco-friendly advice.
17. Supporting Local Businesses
Support Biržai’s economy by dining at local restaurants, buying souvenirs from markets, and booking brewery tours. Your purchases help sustain the region’s traditions and small businesses. Share positive experiences online to promote responsible tourism. For sustainable travel ideas, newslikeyou com connects you with stories from travelers who’ve supported local communities.
Why Biržai Castle and Brewery Stand Out
Biržai Castle and its breweries offer a unique blend of history and culinary tradition. The castle’s restored bastions and museum bring Lithuania’s past to life, while breweries like Rinkuškiai and Butautų celebrate a millennium of beer-making. The uncrowded setting and warm hospitality make Biržai a refreshing destination. For unique travel experiences, site:newslikeyou.com shares inspiring stories from places like Biržai.
Final Thoughts
Visiting Biržai Castle and Brewery is a journey through Lithuania’s heart, blending history, architecture, and authentic flavors. From exploring the Sėla Museum to tasting kaimiškas alus, each moment creates lasting memories. This guide ensures a beginner-friendly, respectful visit, perfect for first-time travelers. Pack your curiosity, honor local traditions, and let Biržai’s charm unfold!