It is said that Ignalina got its name from two lovers Lina, daughter of duke Budrys, and Ignas, captive of the crusaders, whom people cursed and drowned in Ilgis Lake.

Archeological findings and artefacts - mounds show that people lived in the territory of Ignalina already in 9th century.

It is supposed that the territory of Ignalina earlier belonged to the ancient land of Nalšia, which was mentioned in 1229–1298.

Lithuanian Winter Sports Center is located in Ignalina near Šiekštys or Žaliasis (Green) Lake.

Ignalina used to be the main ski jumping venue in Lithuania until the 1970s when this sport was discontinued in the country.

Town takes pride in nine lakes named Gavys, Gavaitis, Ilgys, Šiekštys, Mekšrinis, Paplovinis, Palaukinis, Agarinis and Gulbinis.

In some places there are organizing educational programs and special showcases, such as the baking of Šakotis in the restaurant "Romnesa“.