Aukštaitija National Park

Typically October 5–October 20

A drifting sand dune south of Nida climbs above the Curonian Lagoon, topped by a sundial marking where 19th-century forester Wilhelm Franz Epha began anchoring the shifting sand with pine plantings after villages were buried by drift sand. That planted pine forest below colors through October.

Don’t miss: sundial atop the dune · views over the Curonian Lagoon · 19th-century pine-anchoring plantings

Typically October 5–October 20

Pine covers about 90 percent of this national park along the Nemunas, Merkys and Ūla river valleys in southern Lithuania, among the country's oldest continuous forest. Wooden villages like Zervynos sit deep inside it, and the birch and aspen understory turns gold through October.

Don’t miss: Ūla river valley pine forest · Zervynos wooden village · Čepkeliai bog on the park's edge

Typically October 5–October 20

A Gothic brick castle rebuilt on a small island in Lake Galvė, seat of Grand Duke Vytautas, who died here in 1430. Maples along the lakeshore promenade color through early-to-mid October, framing the red towers against the water.

Don’t miss: red-brick island castle on Lake Galvė · Karaim old-town street · lakeside forest promenade