Kupiškis is a small town in North-Eastern Lithuania and the center of Kupiškis district. It is also a cultural and industrial center of local significance. Kupiškis district borders Panevėžys, Biržai, Rokiškis, and Anykščiai districts. The territory of the Kupiškis district was once inhabited by the Selonians and there were their southern lands. It is assumed that Kupiškis mound fortifications or castle were already destroyed during the first Crusades around 1240.
The city is named after the Kupa river, the left tributary of the Lėvuo river. River Lėvuo was dammed and Kupiškis Lagoon was formed in 1984. Kupiškis lagoon is the fourth largest artificial water body in Lithuania.