When planning a holiday on the Lithuanian coast, you do not have to look for accommodation only in Palanga or other seaside resorts. In Kretinga District, we visited Vienkiemis Homestead, a large holiday complex where you can stay, enjoy a delicious meal, relax in saunas, and find plenty of activities for children. There is even a whole Gnome Village.
We found an alternative to coastal accommodation: the family-friendly holiday complex – Vienkiemis Homestead in Kretinga District. We especially liked that Vienkiemis is more than just a place to spend the night. The grounds are large and green, with the Akmena River flowing nearby. There are activities for the whole family.
We found a family-friendly holiday complex in Kretinga District – Vienkiemis Homestead
“Vienkiemis“ in Kretinga District – more than just accommodation
“Vienkiemis“ is located in Padvariai village, just outside Kretinga. It is a rural tourism and holiday complex offering different accommodation options. You can choose from hotel-style rooms and apartments to separate holiday cabins.
When travelling with children, we always appreciate places like this for one simple reason. You do not have to worry about how to keep the children entertained after arriving. You can stay overnight, have a meal, spend time outdoors and play. If you want to relax, you can also use the sauna areas.
We discovered “Vienkiemis“ not simply as a place to stay, but as a holiday complex where you can spend a family holiday.
Playgrounds and spaces for children
One of the biggest advantages of “Vienkiemis“ for families is its dedicated children’s areas.
Throughout the homestead, you will find wooden swings, rocking toys, slides, playgrounds and sculptures. Children can run around, play and explore the grounds. This is especially convenient for parents looking not only for accommodation but also for a place where children have plenty to do.
There are also animals on the grounds, so little ones will have plenty to do. On summer Sundays, children are entertained by Clown Bomas. From 3 p.m., they can enjoy fun activities, gifts and games.
The Gnome Village – a place that will delight children
One of the most interesting places for children at Vienkiemis is undoubtedly the Gnome Village.
A whole fairy-tale world has been created next to the Akmena River. Here you will find miniature gnome houses, a school, a little church, a mill and even a bakery. You can enter some of the houses. For children, they are not only beautiful decorations but also another space for play.
The Gnome Village fits beautifully into the “Vienkiemis“ grounds and gives the place its own character. Children and adults alike can enjoy walking among the tiny buildings, looking at their details and feeling as if they have stepped into a miniature fairy-tale town.
Accommodation – from rooms to private cabins
At “Vienkiemis“, you can choose from several accommodation options. The complex has 12 double rooms, 4 apartments, 9 separate holiday cabins and a traditional old barn.
Private cabins can be especially convenient for families. They offer more privacy, your own space, and the opportunity to relax in nature in the evening.
With so many options, you can stay here as a couple, with children or with a larger group.
We stayed in a two-bedroom villa with beautiful views of the grounds. It had everything we needed for a comfortable stay, including a kitchenette and many cosy details. The villa also has a furnished terrace.
Saunas and jacuzzi
If you want to combine active time with relaxation, “Vienkiemis“ has several sauna areas.
There are Lithuanian and Turkish saunas, as well as a Russian sauna. Some of the sauna areas also have a jacuzzi. The saunas are available to Vienkiemis guests and other visitors looking for a cosy place to spend time with family and friends or celebrate a special occasion.
After the sauna, you can cool off in the river flowing nearby. Trust us, this combination can be both refreshing and relaxing, especially on rainy evenings.
A restaurant where you don’t have to worry about where to eat
Another great advantage when travelling with children is having a restaurant right on site.
Vienkiemis Tavern focuses on traditional Samogitian cuisine. The menu also includes some unusual regional dishes. In summer, there is an outdoor café with terraces overlooking the Akmena River.
You can spend the whole day at the complex. The restaurant is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. We had breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. The menu is varied, so everyone can find something they like. We especially recommend trying cepelinai, braised veal, and beef cheeks. Be sure to try the homemade kvass, too. Everything we tasted was fresh and delicious.
Why is “Vienkiemis” a great alternative to coastal accommodation?
If the main goal of your trip is the Lithuanian coast, you do not have to stay in the resort itself every time. Kretinga District lets you combine seaside activities with a more peaceful stay. You can also discover more places in the region.
For families, Vienkiemis has another advantage. After a day out, children do not simply return to a hotel room. They can enjoy the playgrounds, swings, Gnome Village, and spacious grounds.
That is why we think this place is especially suitable for families who want more than comfortable accommodation during their holiday. It is a place where you can actually enjoy spending time.
Our family prefers places that are spacious and cosy. We also like it when a holiday does not have to be spent within four walls.
What else can you visit in Kretinga District?
“Vienkiemis” is also conveniently located for exploring the Kretinga area. You can visit Kretinga itself, including the manor and Winter Garden. On the way towards Darbėnai, you can also stop at Lithuania’s first Illuminated Swings Park.
For more entertainment, visit Boom Park, Miškas Park or 313cablepark wake park. If you love animals, visit HBH Animal Park or the Horse and Rider riding school.
Staying here makes it easy to plan a whole family weekend.
Our impressions
We especially like places where families do not have to choose between comfortable accommodation and activities for children. At Vienkiemis, everything is in one place – accommodation, a restaurant, play areas, the Gnome Village, animals and relaxation areas with saunas.
So, if you are planning a trip to Kretinga District or looking for an alternative to staying directly on the coast, this is a place worth saving. It is especially convenient when travelling with children. After a full day of exploring, you can simply stay on site and still have plenty to do.
By the way, if you stay at Vienkiemis or stop by for a meal, take a short walk to see the Kretinga Padvariai Pond dam on the Akmena River. A long pond has formed here, and the dam with its cascading water is a beautiful sight.
