A typical Lithuanian loghouse in Aukstaitija National Park. 漏 Robert Harding / Shutterstock
One of Europe鈥檚 smaller gems, Lithuania is speckled with lakes, covered by forests and lapped at by the Baltic Sea.
Yet the country is rich in more than just natural beauty. The cobblestone medieval lanes of its capital, Vilnius, are packed with spired churches that beckon with their baroque finery, while the unparalleled art deco architecture of its second city, Kaunas, has recently earned a .
Beyond its main two cities, Lithuania鈥檚 charms are many and varied. Pagan culture still permeates Europe's last country to be Christianized 鈥 a legacy traces you can see in the krik拧tai (wooden grave markers) an folkloric carvings dotting the country; the wrought-iron craftsmanship decorating the poignant Hill of Crosses in 艩iauliai; and the medieval-style music of alternative music festivals such as and Jotvos Vartai.
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And there鈥檚 more. Pamper yourself in the spa resort of Druskininkai. Seek out vestiges of Lithuania鈥檚 Soviet past at sculpture park; Kaunas鈥 ; the Cold War Museum at 沤emaitija National Park; and the Ignalina nuclear-power station. Seek out traditional villages in Dz奴kija National Park, party all night in beachfront Palanga and explore the coastline, forests and sand dunes of the bewitching Curonian Spit on foot and on two wheels.
At these sites and beyond, you鈥檒l discover that spark that makes Lithuania so compelling.
When should I visit Lithuania?
It鈥檚 possible to visit Lithuania year-round, though the country is at its best (and busiest) in high summer, when days are long, nights are short and mild, and the Baltic Sea is relatively warm. Lithuanians become exuberant during numerous summer festivals: highlights include 碍濒补颈辫臈诲补鈥檚 nautical-themed, 4-day ; the in Vilnius; Palanga鈥檚 frenetic Summer Festival; and the medieval frolics of the midsummer Rasos Feast at Kernav臈. Since July and August bring crowds to the supremely scenic beaches and forests of the Curonian Spit, consider staying in the smaller villages of Preila and Pervalka rather than the tourist hotspot of Nida.
Late spring is a delight, with a proliferation of wildflowers in the countryside. September through November sees many sunny days, with the hiking and cycling in various national parks excellent (and crowd-free) 鈥 plus the added attraction of leaves changing color. Chilly nights in early spring and late autumn are a perfect time to attend the , and .
Budget-conscious travelers might be drawn to winter (December to February), when there are few tourists, accommodation is inexpensive (outside the Christmas/New Year period) and the historic city centers of Vilnius and Kaunas, as well as Trakai Castle, are particularly picturesque under a covering of snow.
How much time should I spend in Lithuania?
You can pack a lot into a weekend in Lithuania, from soaking up the atmosphere in Vilnius to visiting the spectacular castle on Trakai Island 鈥 an easy day trip from the capital. Lithuania also richly rewards more in-depth, leisurely exploration.
If you only have a couple of days, focus your energy on Vilnius for at least one of them. Wander its cobbled Old Town, summit Gediminas Hill, visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and check out the breakaway 鈥渕ini-republic鈥 of 鲍啪耻辫颈蝉.
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In 4 days, you can take a bus west to 碍濒补颈辫臈诲补 and a ferry onward to the Curonian Spit, where you can walk and cycle its trails, hike up giant sand dunes, visit a superb amber museum, sun yourself on white-sand beaches and explore its fishing villages. Alternatively, you can head northeast to Auk拧taitija National Park to hike along forest trails between traditional tiny villages, and paddle board on the lakes.
If you have a full week, consider heading south to Druskininkai to take its mineral waters and wander among the Soviet statuary at Gr奴to Parkas. You can pay your respects at the Hill of Crosses, visit a Soviet nuclear bunker in 沤emaitija National Park then taste Lithuania鈥檚 traditional farmhouse-style beer in Bir啪ai.
Is it easy to get around Lithuania?
Lithuania鈥檚 two major airports (at Vilnius and Kaunas) offer direct flights to cities all over Europe. From Vilnius International Airport, run frequently to the city center (25 minutes); there鈥檚 also a train from the airport (once hourly; 10 minutes), and taxis and rides are reasonable (鈧10鈥15). Kaunas International Airport is reached by from the center of town, and takes 45 minutes to one hour; a taxi (30 minutes or so) should cost less than 鈧20. Tiny Palanga airport serves a few international cities, with bus 100 timed to meet the flights.
Once you鈥檝e arrived in Lithuania, it鈥檚 easy to get around. Vilnius and Kaunas are covered by a comprehensive network of inexpensive public buses. City centers are very pedestrian-friendly, with many attractions clustered close together. Cyclists will love the ever-growing networks of bike lanes, and bicycles are easy to rent from multiple docking stations; you can also opt for Bolt electric scooters. Cycling is a terrific way to explore destinations on the Baltic coast, such as the Curonian Spit and the Nemunas Delta, as well as the forest-cloaked Auk拧taitija and 沤emaitija National Parks.
Comfortable, inexpensive trains are particularly useful for traveling between Vilnius and Kaunas, Ignalina and 艩iauliai. For other routes, intercity buses 鈥 which link all major cities and towns 鈥 are the faster option. For maximum flexibility, consider renting a car to get between multiple destinations. Roads are good quality, signage is simple and 鈥 other than in cobblestoned town centers 鈥 parking isn鈥檛 hard to come by.
Top things to do in Lithuania
Once you鈥檝e visited Vilnius鈥 Cathedral Square, wandered the Old Town鈥檚 narrow lanes, admired the splendid architecture and summited Gediminas Hill, consider the city鈥檚 more offbeat attractions. The tells the sobering yet compelling story of how Lithuanians fought to keep their culture alive in the midst of Polish, German and Soviet occupation and repression. Further testimony to this fierce spirit of independence is the renegade artists鈥 republic of 鲍啪耻辫颈蝉. Finally, if you鈥檝e never visited a Soviet prison before, check out Vilnius鈥 latest attraction: , a penitentiary turned arts venue.
Dining-wise, in Vilnius you can choose between Lithuanian classics such as potato pancakes, pork roasts and dumplings at the kitschy-yet-fun Etno Dvaras, or tasting menus of reimagined Baltic cuisine, paired with carefully chosen wines or original nonalcoholic beverages made in-house, at (book ahead). In Kaunas, opt for meaty stews and beetroot soup amid rustic farmyard decor at Berneli懦 U啪eiga, or make reservations at Uoksas for menus crafted from sustainable, seasonal ingredients harvested from the Baltic Sea.
An easy half-day trip from Vilnius is Trakai, home to Lithuania鈥檚 most picturesque castle. Since the monument sits on an island in Lake Galv臈, we recommend renting a stand-up paddle board to take it in from all angles. Visit the Karaite Ethnographic Museum on Trakai鈥檚 main street to learn about the fascinating Karaites, Lithuania鈥檚 smallest ethnic minority, before tasting Karaite kibinai (meat-stuffed pasties) at one of the lakeside restaurants.
In addition to its charming Old Town, Kaunas has two must-see apartments that exemplify the city鈥檚 art deco architecture. Small-group 鈥渆xperiential鈥 tours take visitors to the and the through rooms painstakingly restored with period furnishings, while they drink sparkling wine from cut-crystal glasses and learn the stories of the apartments鈥 original inhabitants.
What鈥檚 my favorite thing to do in Lithuania?
A sojourn on the Curonian Spit. Basing myself in one of four former fishing villages along this long, delicate sliver of pine-covered land that juts out into the Baltic Sea, I love to wander the walking trails that crisscross its pine and birch woodlands, berrying in the summer, mushrooming in the autumn and taking dips in the chilly water.
It鈥檚 a joy to greet the rising sun from atop Parnidis Dune 鈥 the largest of the sand dunes that have earned the spit the nickname 鈥淟ithuania鈥檚 Sahara.鈥 To be initiated into the mysteries of amber at Nida鈥檚 state-of-the-art . To commune with the devil and witch sculptures on Witches鈥 Hill in Juodkrant臈. To sail on the Curonian Lagoon by day, and to watch its pearlescent waters on an endless summer evening, dining on eel freshly cured at the village smokery.
How much money do I need in Lithuania?
Lithuania is a relatively inexpensive country to visit 鈥 though accommodation prices vary considerably, depending on whether it鈥檚 the height of summer by the Baltic Sea or the depths of winter in a city.
Bunk in a dorm: 鈧15鈥25
Basic double room: 鈧35鈥65
Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): 鈧45鈥100
Public transport ticket: 鈧1 for a single bus ride
Coffee: 鈧1.50
Sandwich: 鈧5
Dinner for two: 鈧25鈥60
Bicycle rental: from 鈧5/15 per hour/day
Pint of beer: 鈧3
Museum entry: 鈧3鈥7
Art deco tour: 鈧24
Frequently asked questions about Lithuania
What languages are spoken in Lithuania?
Lithuanian is the national language. While older generations also speak Russian, Lithuanians in their 20s and 30s tend to speak very good English.
What鈥檚 the nightlife like in Lithuania?
Larger cities such as Vilnius and Kaunas have vibrant nightlife scenes, with trendy wine and craft beer bars, clubs hosting DJ sets and live-music venues.
Do Lithuanian restaurants cater to vegetarians and vegans?
Vegetarian diets are quite common in Lithuania these days, and while there are few exclusively vegetarian restaurants outside of Vilnius and Kaunas, the vast majority of restaurants everywhere will serve vegetarian dishes.
What should I pack for Lithuania?
Pack beachwear and casual attire if traveling during the summer months 鈥 but also bring layers, since temperatures drop at night, even in the warmest weeks. Since activity options are numerous, pack a variety of clothing options, including comfortable walking shoes. If you鈥檙e planning on dining in pricier establishments or clubbing, bring some smart clothes. In winter, you won鈥檛 regret packing a warm parka and snow boots.
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