Overview — Utena County (Utenos apskritis) is one of the ten counties that make up the Republic of Lithuania. The county’s administrative centre is the city of Utena. Located in the northeastern part of the country, the area is noted for its natural landscape and rural character.

Geography and environment

Utena County features a mixed terrain of forests, rolling low hills and numerous lakes and rivers. Its mosaic of woodland and water creates habitat for diverse flora and fauna and supports recreation such as boating, angling and hiking. Much of the land is used for agriculture, with fields and pastures interspersed among forested tracts.

Settlement and economy

The county contains urban centres and a network of smaller towns and villages. The city of Utena acts as the local service and administrative hub. The regional economy is largely based on agriculture, forestry, light manufacturing and services; tourism connected to natural attractions also contributes seasonally.

Transport links connect the county to larger Lithuanian cities and neighbouring regions, while local roads link communities. Public services such as schools and health care are concentrated in the principal towns, with more rural areas retaining a dispersed settlement pattern.

History and administration

The territory of the county shares the deep historical roots common to northern and eastern Lithuania, with settlement and cultural continuity from medieval times. In modern administration, Lithuanian counties serve primarily as territorial and statistical units. County administrations were restructured in 2010, leaving counties as units for regional planning and statistics rather than separate executive authorities.

Culture, tourism and notable features

The county participates in the wider cultural traditions of the Aukštaitija (Highlands) area, reflected in folklore, crafts and seasonal festivals. Visitors are drawn to lakeside recreation, forest trails and small-town cultural events. Conservation of natural landscapes and promotion of rural tourism are recurring regional priorities.

  • Natural attractions: forests, lakes and rivers that support outdoor recreation.
  • Economic profile: agriculture and forestry, with growing tourism.
  • Administrative role: statistical and planning unit within Lithuania.