Five national parks have been established in various regions of Lithuania for the protection and study of the countries diverse natural, cultural and historical heritage. Agricultural and recreational activities are restricted within their boundaries as the parks are administered according to a specifically designed programme. They are, however, open to visitors.

Aukštaitija and Žemaitija National Parks feature moraine hills, uplands and strings of lakes created by the Ice Age.

Dzūkija National Park is a conservation area protecting plains and valleys, rivers, forests and inland dunes.

Trakai Historical National Park encompasses the medieval capital of Lithuania and its surrounding lakes and majestic countryside. The largest lake, Galvė, is distinguished by a red brick castle fortress built in the 14th and 15th centuries on an island and seems to rise straight out of thewater. Ever since the 15th century, Trakai has been the home of a small Karaite community, which has succeeded in preserving its own religion, customs and culture within Lithuania.

The Curonian Spit National Park protects the unique sand spit which encloses Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic. Its long ridge of white sand dunes were formed by wind and water and is home to rare species flora and fauna. The dunes conceal old villages now buried beneath their sands, but there are several modern fishermen's settlements on the shores of the lagoon. These settlements are built in an architectural style unique to this coast and a legacy left by the ethnic Curonian balts who lived here until the end of the 16th century.