Biržai Castle

About

Biržai Castle is one of northern Lithuania’s most distinctive bastion fortresses, rebuilt by the Radziwiłł family in the late sixteenth century to secure the borderlands. Its star‑shaped earthworks and defensive ramparts once made it one of the most advanced strongholds in the region, repeatedly damaged during wars with Sweden and later restored to its former elegance. Inside, the castle houses the Biržai Museum, where visitors can explore exhibitions on noble life, military history, and the region’s deep beer‑brewing traditions. Armour, weapons, and archaeological finds reveal how the fortress evolved through centuries of conflict. The restored palace halls display period furniture and portraits that evoke the Radziwiłłs’ influence. One of the most engaging sections focuses on local geology, explaining the karst landscape and sinkholes that shape Biržai’s surroundings. The cellars, once used for storage and defence, now host tastings and cultural events, adding a lively contemporary layer to this historic site.

Biržai Lithuania

Location

Biržai Castle is located in the town of Biržai in northern Lithuania, close to the Latvian border and set beside the man-made Lake Širvėna. The castle is the main landmark of the town and a good starting point for exploring the Biržai region, which is known for its history, lakes, and natural scenery. The castle itself is a restored bastion fortress with a strong noble and military past. Inside, visitors can see the Biržai Regional Museum “Sėla,” with exhibitions about the castle’s history, the Radziwiłł family, local ethnography, military heritage, and traditional culture. The building also includes spaces for a library, gallery, and other public functions, so it feels both historic and alive. Nearby, one of the most attractive places to see is the long pedestrian bridge leading across Lake Širvėna to Astravas Manor, a beautiful 19th-century mansion on the opposite shore. The lakeside area around the castle offers pleasant views and a peaceful walk. In the wider Biržai region, visitors also often combine the castle with the Kirkilai Lakes and observation tower, the sinkholes of the local karst landscape, and other scenic spots in Biržai Regional Park.