-
What is Lithuania's place among the Baltic countries?
- Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic countries that also include Estonia and Latvia, and it was the first Soviet republic to declare its independence.
-
Why is Lithuania an attractive travel destination?
- Lithuania is a quirky, beautiful, and affordable vacation destination, and its tourism statistics back that up with well over a million annual visitors.
-
What are some must-visit attractions in Lithuania?
- The Hill of Crosses in Siaulai, Trakai Island Castle in Lake Galve, the pagan sculpture garden of Curonian Spit National Park, and Gediminas’ Tower, a symbol of Vilnius with stunning views of the city, await the curious traveler.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Alytus
Explore forest trails and enjoy affordable local culture in southern Lithuania.
Alytus is an ancient town that dates back to the 14th century featuring beautiful forest covered hills surrounded by an almost ten-mile-long bend of the Nemunas River. The town is a cultural and natural oasis with a rich yet saddening history. Monuments like the obelisk that was built over a mass burial ground of civilians and war prisoners killed during the horror of World War II tell of a tragic past. The broken Star of David and the Old Garden of the City with its Freedom Monument should also be visited. Regional Parks, Meteliai, Dzukija, and Nemunas, as well as the Zuvintas Reserve, are ideal stops for naturalists.
2. Anyksciai
Walk along treetop paths and visit exciting attractions in this scenic town.
Anyksciai is a beautiful and historic town with unique natural areas, interesting museums, and a wealth of attractions and intriguing sights. The Angel Museum, a center for sacred art, the Horse Museum, the Forest Museum, and the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum are excellent choices for getting to know the town and its varied culture. Observation decks are located throughout Anyksciai, providing picturesque views of pinewood forests, Lake Rubikiai, and various monuments and churches. The Traupis Botanical Garden, Slave Exposure, Variaus Exposure, and Zazumbris Oak showcase the wondrous and unique natural attributes of this city. There are also several architecturally magnificent churches well worth a tour.
3. Birzai
See historic castles and savor unusual beer in Lithuania’s brewing heartland.
Birzai is one of Lithuania’s oldest cities, dating back over five centuries and located in the northern region of the country. The city lies at the junction of the Asascia River and the Agluona River, and on the shores of Lake Sirvena and Lake Kiluciai. It is a culturally rich area with several gorgeous churches, including the Evangelical Reformed Church St. John’s the Baptist Church. Birzai is also naturally unique with several sinkholes featuring over 9,000 karst formations. These cherished caverns are used by the locals as a resource for healing practices and brewing beer. The city’s top attractions include, Rinkuskiai Brewery Butautu Manor Brewery, Birzai Regional Park, and Birzai Castle.
4. Curonian Spit National Park
Discover shifting dunes and admire coastal sights on a peaceful summer trip.
The Curonian Spit National Park is considered the gem of the Baltic Sea. The windblown 61-mile stretch of sand dunes separates Curonian and the Baltic Sea. This UNESCO World Heritage Site beautifully displays the gentle balance between marine life and agriculture. The Curonian Spit boasts the largest sand dunes in Europe at an average height of 115 feet. In the 19th century, the area underwent a reforestation where pine and green forests serve as protection to this magnificent natural formation. The park offers various outdoor activities such as swimming, hiking the dunes, and cycling the pathways. An interesting outdoor pagan sculpture garden with 80 characters is near Juodkrante.
5. Druskininkai
Relax at mineral spas and explore wellness sights during a romantic weekend.
Druskininkai is Lithuania’s largest resort town located in the southern region of the country, a wonderful natural oasis well-known for its healing practices. The area is famous for its curative peat mud and mineral waters that work in tandem with modern technologically advanced treatments to assist visitors in healing numerous ailments of mind, body, and soul. Additionally, there are a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy; these include beautiful pine forests, the Raigardas Valley, and the Ratnycia River. Various villages and towns in the area such as Svendubre, Vieciunai, and Liskiava offer a multitude of cultural experiences and historic monuments.
6. Dzukija National Park
Hike pine forests and look at rare wildlife on a spring adventure.
Dzukija National Park is Lithuania’s largest protected area and the most extensive forest in the country, with a stunning 91% of the area covered in forest, a majority of which is pine trees. There are more than 50 mammal species and almost 200 bird species that call the park home, as well as several small villages that have landmark status including Zervynos, Dubininkas, Lynezeris, and Musteika. Anglers and kayakers will enjoy the 30 streams and rivers in addition to the 48 lakes found within the park. For those who prefer to explore on land, there are six bicycle paths and six footpaths that wind through the Dzukija.
7. Kaunas
Visit bold street art and explore lively attractions on a quick city break.
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania and lies at the juncture of the two largest rivers in the country, Nemunas and Neris. It boasts historic and culturally rich attractions such as their medieval Old Town, which is dotted with churches at City Hall Square, as well as the beautifully restored Kaunas Castle. The Pazaislis monastery located near the hydroelectric dam is a stunning representation of the baroque-style of Northern Europe. The Museum of Devils pays tribute to Lithuania’s pagan history and is worth a visit. Another major highlight is the protective Russian fortress, batteries, forts, and barracks from the 19th century that surround the city; they are revered as the most well-preserved of their kind.
8. Kedainiai
Walk old-town streets and admire Renaissance sights on a cheap history trip.
Kedainiai is an ancient town with an extraordinary and historically unique area within its borders, the Old Town, an urban monument protected by the state. This is one of seven Old Towns that withstood the centuries and remains relatively intact in Lithuania. It occupies over 200 acres and dates back to 1372, perfectly preserving multiple architectural, cultural, and historical monuments. Among these national monuments are The Town Hall, only one of three that still remain in the country, the Renaissance-style Evangelical Reformed Church boasting four baroque towers, and an exotic structure entrenched in mysterious stories known as a Minaret.
9. Kernave Archeological Site
Explore ancient hill forts and discover unusual prehistoric sights on a summer outing.
The Kernave Archeological site is situated in eastern Lithuania, roughly 20 miles northwest of Vilnius. It serves as documentation of human settlements of over 10 millennia located in the Neris River Valley. The site is a diverse collection of archaeological properties, unfortified settlements, forts, and burial sites, as well as additional cultural, archaeological, and historical monuments from the late Palaeolithic Period to the Middle Ages. Kernave was a crucial ancient town during the Middle Ages, and much of the ancient land has been preserved, including the discovery of the remains of five extraordinary hill forts, part of a considerably large defense system.
10. Klaipeda
Stroll cobbled streets and see maritime sights during a family coastal vacation.
Klaipeda is the third largest city in Lithuania, offering visitors a unique blend of old-world charm and new-world modernity. This former Prussian capital has maintained much of its German-style architecture with the cobblestone Old Town and one remaining tower of the former redbrick castle. Its rich history is only overshadowed by its importance as Lithuania’s singular port for passenger and cargo ferries as well as massive cruise ships. The Dane River flows through the town, naturally cutting it into two distinct areas; north of the river is the contemporary side, and south of the river is Old Town. They each offer their own collection of hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions.
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
- 1. Alytus
- 2. Anyksciai
- 3. Birzai
- 4. Curonian Spit National Park
- 5. Druskininkai
- 6. Dzukija National Park
- 7. Kaunas
- 8. Kedainiai
- 9. Kernave Archeological Site
- 10. Klaipeda