Lithuania is a country with not only beautiful nature and rich history, but also architectural objects that are worth seeing for every traveler. One of them is bridges, which have become an important part not only of infrastructure, but also of culture. From historical wooden bridges to modern engineering wonders, each of them hides a unique story and invites you to get to know Lithuania from a new angle. AB “Via Lietuva” presents picturesque Lithuanian bridges that are worth including in the summer travel itinerary of both local and foreign tourists.

Dubingiai Bridge

One of the most impressive and unique bridges built in the country, located in the picturesque Asveja Regional Park, in the Moletai district, is a wooden Dubingiai Bridge. This bridge, built on road No. 2812 Joniškis–Dubingiai–Dirmeitai–Paberžė (15,27 km), across the longest lake in Lithuania, Asveja, was repaired in 2020: the wooden piles that were underwater were replaced with metal ones, and those above the water were replaced with new wooden ones. Wooden safety sides and railings were installed. The bridge is included in the list of immovable cultural heritage objects. Its length is 75,4 m, and its width is 8,4 m.

According to the Molėtai Tourism and Business Information Center, this is the first wooden 75,4 m long bridge across a lake in Lithuania, which was built in 1934 at the initiative of President Antanas Smetona. Before the bridge was built, the lake was crossed by ferry. Bridge piles found at the bottom of Lake Asveja indicate that bridges have been used in this area since the Middle Ages.

The location of the bridge is one of the most beautiful in Aukštaitija: the shores of the lake are covered with mature trees, natural meadows bloom around, and nearby are the Dubingiai Castle site and the ruins of the former Evangelical Reformed Church. The bridge is an important tourist axis, connecting hiking trails, cycling routes and historical sites.

The bridge is often used by nature photographers, birdwatchers, and hikers, especially in spring and autumn. Due to its wooden structure and unique location above the lake, the bridge is one of the most photogenic places in Aukštaitija.

Kazys Grinius Bridge

In the Šilutė district, in the village of Šlažai, travelers are greeted by a unique interwar trestle known as President Kazys Grinius Bridge, built in 1926 on road No. 206 Šilutė–Rusnė (2,1 km). It was an important infrastructure solution that ensured communication with Rusnė, an island-like territory during floods.

The bridge, which is 289 meters long, is made up of 13 arches, each of which allows water to flow freely, thus solving one of the biggest problems in the region – seasonal floods that regularly inundate the road.

The bridge is not only a technical but also a historical symbol. It was opened by the then President Kazys Grinius, and a few months later his term was terminated by a coup. In 1990. an information board was attached, and in 2016. a bas-relief with the image of the president was installed, officially giving the bridge the name of K. Grinius. In 1995. the object was included in the register of cultural assets as having technical and historical significance.

This overpass is not built over the river, but over regularly flooded land, and is therefore an important witness to the natural specificity of the seaside. The bridge has become a gateway to the seaside, crossed every spring by thousands of visitors wishing to reach Rusnė.

Due to its open coastal landscape, the bridge is a popular spot for photographers and nature watchers, especially during high tide.

Sakūčiai Bridge

About 20 km from the President K. Grinius Bridge, the shoreline is adorned with Sakūčiai Bridge, connecting the villages of Sakūčiai and Žemaitkiemis across the Minija River (road No. 4206 Sakūčiai–Žemaitkiemis, 0,49 km). This metal truss bridge, built in 1887, is one of the oldest surviving bridges of this type in Lithuania. It was reconstructed in 1994, when the wooden carriageway was replaced with a reinforced concrete one, maintaining the historical structure.

The bridge has a unique architecture – it is a truss bridge with a carriageway in the middle, designed so that its structure would withstand not only traffic, but also the needs of shipping: an opening was left in the carriageway for the mast of a sailing ship to pass through. Wrought iron was used for the structures, typical of the German engineering tradition that came to Lithuania at the end of the 19th century.

The bridge is 109 m long, 4,6 m wide, and 5 m high. It is included in the register of immovable cultural assets and is considered a technical and cultural heritage, important for historians, engineers, and travelers.

The bridge is also an important part of local tourism routes, connecting the unique Minija River Delta and the coastal cultural landscape.

Kretingale Bridge

Upon arrival in Klaipėda district, we invite you to visit the historical Kretingale Bridge over the Danė River, located on road No. 2219 Kretingalė–Plikiai–Smilgynai (0,75 km). This bridge, built in 1880 and reconstructed in 1920, is one of the oldest surviving brick bridges in Lithuania, which is still used for its intended purpose.

The bridge is a triarch, built of brick and stone masonry, its length is 46,4 m, height above the river is 8,5 m, and the width of the river is 12 m. Its architecture is an exceptional combination of late XNUMXth century technology and aesthetics.

The image of the bridge is immortalized in the coat of arms of Kretingalė, symbolizing the historical significance and identity of the place. This is one of the rare cases in Lithuania when an infrastructure object is included in official heraldry.

The bridge is included in the register of immovable cultural assets, therefore it is protected by the state as an architectural and historical monument. It is not only a technical structure, but also a part of cultural heritage, inviting you to learn about Lithuania’s past.

Kretingalė Bridge is a great place for photography, especially for nature and architecture lovers. It is close to Klaipėda and the Seaside region, so it can be included in day trip itineraries.

Centennial Bridge

An impressive and eye-catching bridge over the Nemunas River also stands in the Jurbarkas region, on road No. 137 Pilviškiai–Šakiai–Jurbarkas (56,7 km). In 2018, this bridge was awarded the Centennial Bridge name. The idea to give the bridge over the Nemunas at Jurbarkas the sonorous name of the Centennial came from the company “Via Lietuva” (at that time the Lithuanian Road Administration under the Ministry of Transport). This initiative was also supported by the Jurbarkas District Municipality. The Centennial Bridge symbolizes not only the centennial of the restoration of the Lithuanian state, but also the significance of unity, progress and connection between different regions.

This is the longest automobile bridge in the country, its length is almost half a kilometer (494 meters). The bridge over the Nemunas connects two municipalities – Jurbarkas and Šakiai districts. The construction of the bridge, which began in 1975, was opened to traffic in 1978. It is also symbolic that it was given a 100-year warranty at that time. The bridge was built of reinforced concrete structures, which ensured durability and safety, even with heavy traffic.

The bridge is strategically located in a naturally picturesque place across the Nemunas, so it offers impressive views, especially at sunset. The bridge has become an important part of regional tourism, attracting both local visitors and travelers from abroad. The parking lots and pedestrian paths near the bridge allow you to safely stop, admire the views or take photos. The object is often included in educational routes, school excursions and cycling programs. For those traveling around Lithuania, the Centennial Bridge is not only a quick way to cross the Nemunas, but also a great opportunity to stop and appreciate Lithuania’s engineering heritage. After visiting, you can get to know the Jurbarkas region, its culture, history and hospitality.

Old Nemenčinė Bridge

Travelers visiting in Vilnius district, can visit the 1932 built The Old Nemenčinė Bridge, crossing the Neris River at 52,4 km on road No. 108 Vievis–Maišiagala–Nemenčinė. The bridge, located near the mouth of the Nemenčia River, is one of the early interwar metal bridges in Lithuania, and has been protected as a cultural heritage site since 1996.

This 122,5 m long, 6,5 m wide and 9,8 m high bridge is constructed of a metal frame supported by three solid pillars. It was built during a period when Lithuania was investing heavily in modern infrastructure, making it a symbolic engineering achievement of the interwar period.

The reconstruction carried out in 2008 preserved the authenticity of the bridge, so visitors can still see its original architecture today. The bridge is often used by pedestrians, hikers and cyclists – it offers beautiful views of the Neris Valley, and the location itself is perfect for lovers of nature, history and cultural routes.

Čiobiškis Darius and Girėnas Bridge

Near the confluence of the Musė River with the Neris River, on road No. 4305 Musninkai–Čiobiškis–Gelvonai–Vytinė (12,4 km), stands the Čiobiškis Darius and Girėnas Bridge. The arched reinforced concrete bridge was built in 1933 to honor the tragically killed Lithuanian pilots Steponas Darius and Stasis Girėnas. The bridge was named after them in the same year, and a commemorative plaque is also installed on it.

The 28,2 m long, 6,6 m wide, and 5,8 m high bridge is one of the examples of interwar engineering, included in the register of immovable cultural assets.

Nearby stands a 20th century water mill with preserved equipment – ​​a great object of technical heritage. The bridge is surrounded by a peaceful natural environment, inviting travelers to discover the authentic Lithuanian cultural landscape on foot or by bicycle.

Saločiai S. Darius and S. Girėnas Bridge

In the Pasvalys district, on road No. 1303 Biržai–Pasvaličiai–Saločiai (21,38 km), travelers will find an exceptional historical metal Saločiai S. Darius and S. Girėnas bridges, crossing the Mūša River. The Saločiai Bridge, built in 1930, was composed of two trusses, which came from the Kaunas Panemunė Bridge, which collapsed in 1928, and a third, made in Lithuania. It is one of the few bridges of this type in Lithuania, distinguished by its origin and construction.

The bridge is 111 m long and 6,34 m wide, included in the register of immovable cultural values. In 1933, it was named after S. Darius and S. Girėnas, thus honoring the tragic flight of the pilots across the Atlantic. This name embodies the spirit of the era, courage and sacrifice.

The bridge stands in a beautiful natural environment, and nearby is the center of the town of Saločiai with its cozy accents. This is a great object for travelers interested in history, architecture and national memory. It is worth stopping here, feeling the breath of interwar engineering and remembering those who inspired the nation with faith.

Ustuki Bridge

In the Pasvalys district, on road No. 209 Joniškis–Žeimelis–Pasvalys (63,7 km), there is the Ustukiai reinforced concrete bridge over the Mūša River, built in the interwar period – 1927–1928. This bridge replaced the wooden bridge that had stood there until then and was one of the most modern infrastructure objects in Lithuania of its time, testifying to advanced construction technologies and architectural trends. Its construction reflects the interwar modernism and functionalism style, and the long and strong bridge allowed for a comfortable and safe crossing of the river.

In 1928, the bridge was officially opened and named in honor of the President of the State of Lithuania, Antanas Smetona. The President attended the opening ceremony, gave a speech, and a plaque with his name was attached to the bridge. During the Soviet era, this plaque was removed, and the bridge became known simply by the name of the village of Ustukiai, but after the restoration of Lithuania’s independence, its symbol of historical significance was once again remembered.

Today, the Ustukiai Bridge is protected as an object of state immovable cultural heritage. It not only plays an important practical role in the country’s road network, but is also a valuable historical symbol, reminding of the development of infrastructure during the period of Lithuania’s independence. The nearby nature and cultural objects further enrich this territory, making the Ustukiai Bridge interesting for both travelers and history buffs.

Nemunėlis Radviliškis Bridge

An interesting object in Biržai district municipality – Nemunėlis Radviliškis Bridge, located on road No. 1305 Rinkuškiai–Juostaviečiai–Nemunėlio Radviliškis (30,42 km). This arch bridge, crossing the Apaščia River, is distinguished by its massive reinforced concrete structure and an arch resting on the banks – this is a unique and only road bridge of this type in this town. Its total length is 43,19 m, width is 9,56 m, and the height from the average water level is 9,1 m.

The bridge was built in 1936 – it is one of the last infrastructure projects of the interwar period in Lithuania, symbolizing the modernization drive and progress of engineering solutions of that time. Architecturally, this bridge is distinguished by riveted metal railings, which have remained authentic even today. It is such details that testify to the aesthetics and craftsmanship of the era.

Despite historical trials – bombs fell nearby during World War II – the bridge has remained intact. This demonstrates not only its solid construction, but also its fateful success. Due to its engineering and cultural value, the bridge is included in the Register of Cultural Properties and is considered a significant heritage site.

Today, the Nemunėlis Radviliškis Bridge not only provides important transportation in the region, but also attracts visitors interested in the interwar engineering heritage, Lithuanian history and architecture. It is a great stopping point when traveling around the Biržai region, allowing you to feel the spirit of the era and admire the views of the Apaščia River valley.

Maintenance of bridges and overpasses is among the top priorities of the company “Via Lietuva”.

It is estimated that 470 million euros are needed to repair bridges and viaducts in critical and poor condition on national roads. At the same time, about 1 billion euros are needed to repair all bridges and viaducts in the country to a satisfactory condition. In order to control the problem of bridge degradation, a sustainable and long-term solution for financing road infrastructure is needed.

Residents can view information about the condition of roads and bridges, and engineering road objects that are under repair, on a special monitoring map www.keliubukle.lt, created by AB Via Lietuva. 

The map also includes a calculator that allows you to calculate the funds needed to repair roads or bridges.