lithuania tourism boss

Lithuania tourism boss resigns after using photos of other countries in ad campaign

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Lithuania has come up with a pretty unique way of marketing the country. Photo / 123RF

Look, it wouldn't be easy running a country's tourism agency.

Tourism is a vital contributor to most national economies and a single strategy could make or break a country's image.

Some tourism campaigns, like Australia's Where the Bloody Hell are You? and New Zealand's almost-too-successful 100% Pure, are iconic. Others, such as Syria's recent, tone-deaf efforts , at least have the basic idea of self-promotion down pat.

And then you have the latest, ridiculous tourism campaign from Lithuania.

The tiny country boasts a stunning Baltic coastline, lovely woodlands and exciting cities rich with culture, among other drawcards.

Despite all this, Lithuania's state tourism agency took the worst possible approach to promoting the country as a tourism destination — it used images of other countries instead.

Head of the State Tourism Department, Jurgita Kazlauskiene, resigned on Friday after local media blasted the agency for the campaign, which used stock images from Nordic and eastern European countries, the Associated Press reported.

And here's the real kicker — the slogan of the dodgy campaign was "Real is Beautiful".

Kazlauskiene owned up to the blunder and said she'd step down so "people who work here don't become objects of ongoing attacks", AP reported.

The $193,000 campaign was met with ridicule when it launched in October.

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis even had a dig with a tongue-in-the-cheek Facebook comment on Thursday, in which he posted a photo of the European Union's headquarters in Brussels and wrote: "We are moving government to this building tomorrow. Real is beautiful."

The Lithuanian campaign now joins a rogue's gallery of other tourism marketing campaigns that backfired in spectacular fashion.

Last year, "The Swedish Number" — an amusing campaign that let would-be tourists call a random Swede to ask about their country — inevitably fell victim to merciless trolling.

Volunteer ambassadors were subjected to an endless barrage of calls from foreigners more interested in grilling locals about European refugee crisis and sex.

Also last year, Syria's Ministry of Tourism copped criticism over an odd video that spruiked war-ravaged Aleppo as a destination for holiday-makers, using the Game of Thrones theme as a soundtrack.

The video appeared to show off the city's wide boulevards, impressive buildings and lush parks and cultivated in the words: "Aleppo: Will of Life".

But those scenes were presumably filmed quite some distance from the eastern, rebel-held areas of Aleppo, which has been a major flashpoint in Syria's brutal, five-year civil war.

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Lithuania’s tourism boss quits after really embarrassing blunder

OF ALL the ways you could promote Lithuania as a tourism destination, this is probably the stupidest way to do it.

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LOOK, it wouldn’t be easy running a country’s tourism agency.

Tourism is a vital contributor to most national economies and a single strategy could make or break a country’s image. Some tourism campaigns, like Australia’s Where the Bloody Hell are You? and New Zealand’s almost-too-successful 100% Pure, are iconic. Others, such as Syria’s recent, tone-deaf efforts, at least have the basic idea of self-promotion down pat. And then you have the latest, ridiculous tourism campaign from Lithuania. The tiny country boasts a stunning Baltic coastline, lovely woodlands and exciting cities rich with culture, among other drawcards. Despite all this, Lithuania’s state tourism agency took the worst possible approach to promoting the country as a tourism destination — it used images of other countries instead. Head of the State Tourism Department, Jurgita Kazlauskiene, resigned on Friday after local media blasted the agency for the campaign, which used stock images from Nordic and eastern European countries, the Associated Press reported. And here’s the real kicker — the slogan of the dodgy campaign was “Real is Beautiful”. Kazlauskiene owned up to the blunder and said she’d step down so “people who work here don’t become objects of ongoing attacks”, AP reported. The $193,000 campaign was met with ridicule when it launched in October. Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis even had a dig with a tongue-in-the-cheek Facebook comment on Thursday, in which he posted a photo of the European Union’s headquarters in Brussels and wrote: “We are moving government to this building tomorrow. Real is beautiful.” The Lithuanian campaign now joins a rogue’s gallery of other tourism marketing campaigns that backfired in spectacular fashion. Last year, “The Swedish Number” — an amusing campaign that let would-be tourists call a random Swede to ask about their country — inevitably fell victim to merciless trolling. Volunteer ambassadors were subjected to an endless barrage of calls from foreigners more interested in grilling locals about European refugee crisis and sex. Also last year, Syria’s Ministry of Tourism copped criticism over an odd video that spruiked war-ravaged Aleppo as a destination for holiday-makers, using the Game of Thrones theme as a soundtrack. The video appeared to show off the city’s wide boulevards, impressive buildings and lush parks and cultivated in the words: “Aleppo: Will of Life”. But those scenes were presumably filmed quite some distance from the eastern, rebel-held areas of Aleppo, which has been a major flashpoint in Syria’s brutal, five-year civil war.

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Lithuania tourism boss resigns after using photos of other countries in ad campaign

Look, it wouldn't be easy running a country's tourism agency.

Tourism is a vital contributor to most national economies and a single strategy could make or break a country's image.

Some tourism campaigns, like Australia's Where the Bloody Hell are You? and New Zealand's almost-too-successful 100% Pure, are iconic. Others, such as Syria's recent, tone-deaf efforts , at least have the basic idea of self-promotion down pat.

And then you have the latest, ridiculous tourism campaign from Lithuania.

The tiny country boasts a stunning Baltic coastline, lovely woodlands and exciting cities rich with culture, among other drawcards.

Despite all this, Lithuania's state tourism agency took the worst possible approach to promoting the country as a tourism destination - it used images of other countries instead.

Head of the State Tourism Department, Jurgita Kazlauskiene, resigned on Friday after local media blasted the agency for the campaign, which used stock images from Nordic and eastern European countries, the Associated Press reported.

And here's the real kicker - the slogan of the dodgy campaign was "Real is Beautiful". Kazlauskiene owned up to the blunder and said she'd step down so "people who work here don't become objects of ongoing attacks", AP reported.

The $193,000 campaign was met with ridicule when it launched in October.

Prime Minister Saulius Skvernelis even had a dig with a tongue-in-the-cheek Facebook comment on Thursday, in which he posted a photo of the European Union's headquarters in Brussels and wrote: "We are moving government to this building tomorrow. Real is beautiful."

The Lithuanian campaign now joins a rogue's gallery of other tourism marketing campaigns that backfired in spectacular fashion.

Last year, "The Swedish Number" - an amusing campaign that let would-be tourists call a random Swede to ask about their country - inevitably fell victim to merciless trolling.

Volunteer ambassadors were subjected to an endless barrage of calls from foreigners more interested in grilling locals about European refugee crisis and sex.

Also last year, Syria's Ministry of Tourism copped criticism over an odd video that spruiked war-ravaged Aleppo as a destination for holiday-makers, using the Game of Thrones theme as a soundtrack.

The video appeared to show off the city's wide boulevards, impressive buildings and lush parks and cultivated in the words: "Aleppo: Will of Life".

But those scenes were presumably filmed quite some distance from the eastern, rebel-held areas of Aleppo, which has been a major flashpoint in Syria's brutal, five-year civil war.

- news.com.au

Blame it on the Baltic sea breeze or the almost-endless midsummer days: Lithuania has an otherworldly quality. In the southernmost of the Baltic states, beaches are spangled with amber and woodlands are alive with demonic statues. Medieval-style mead and traditional wood-carving never went out of style.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Lithuania. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Hill of Crosses

Lithuania's fabled Hill of Crosses is a symbol of defiance as much as a pilgrimage site. More than 100,000 crosses have been planted on this low hill,…

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

If you only see one museum in Vilnius, make it this one. On a site that has been settled since the 4th century AD stands the latest in a procession of…

Vilnius Cathedral

Stately Vilnius Cathedral, divorced from its freestanding belfry, is a national symbol and the city's most instantly recognisable building. Known in full…

Grūtas Park

With Soviet-era statues of Lenin, Stalin and prominent Lithuanian members of the Communist Party that once dominated Lithuanian towns lining the forest…

Vilnius University

Founded in 1579 during the Catholic Counter Reformation, Vilnius University was run by Jesuits for two centuries. During the 19th century it became one of…

Cold War Museum

This museum on the site of a former Soviet nuclear missile base is situated deep in the heart of the Žemaitija National Park. The highlight is the chance…

Museum of Genocide Victims

This former headquarters of the KGB (and before them the Gestapo, Polish occupiers and Tsarist judiciary) houses a museum dedicated to thousands of…

Lithuania's dark 20th-century history is poignantly told here, 7km north of Kaunas. Begin in the sombre, church-like gallery with striking stained glass…

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Lithuania and beyond

Junta's tourism boss denies that private and community swimming pool uncertainty is affecting summer holiday bookings in south of Spain

Arturo bernal has called for "common sense" for a more efficient and rational use of water "because the recent rains have not solved the drought situation".

Eugenio Cabezas

Monday, 15 April 2024, 16:24

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The Junta de Andalucía's regional Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport, Arturo Bernal, denied this Monday (15 April) while visiting Torre del Mar that the uncertainty that still hangs over the use of private and communal swimming pools in the Andalusian region is affecting the volume of holiday bookings for tourist accommodation in Andalucía for this coming summer season. In response to a question from Diario SUR, the head of the regional ministry said that «we are not noticing this type of effect».

"At Easter we started with a much more complicated situation and there was no negative effect. There were not fewer advance bookings, but what happened was that last-minute bookings fell and there were some cancellations, because from Holy Thursday onwards it rained intensely", Bernal assured, who called for "the responsibility of all users "regarding the efficient and responsible use of water. "We must appeal to common sense, to the responsibility of everyone, administrations and the public, to use water responsibly," he said.

"Despite the rainfall at Easter, it has not been enough for us to exceed even 30% of our reservoir water capacity in Andalucía, and this is 60% less than the resources we had a year ago," said the Minister of Tourism on a visit to the Eduardo Hernández indoor swimming pool in Torre del Mar, where he said he regretted that people "still think that because it has rained heavily for two or three days the issue has been overcome".

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Bernal pointed out that the water consumption in Andalucía is estimated at between 30 and 35 cubic hectometres per week "in normal times, without much use"."This is equivalent to 8,500 Olympic-size swimming pools per week and, when the hot months arrive, that figure climbs to 55-60 cubic hectometres," said the minister, who insisted on "being aware that we have to reduce usage".

"Some town halls have cut off water supplies at night, and some people have said what nonsense. If the water is not cut at night a lot can be lost through the supply networks, the average is approximately 20% of the network's capacity," Bernal said.

The minister for Tourism said, "we are facing a great challenge, the rational use of water". "Despite the fact that it has rained, we still have the challenge," he added. Alluding to the statements of the Andalusian president, Juanma Moreno, Bernal reiterated that for the summer in addition to guaranteed "drinking water for human consumption, we will also have water for irrigators, but we must work to build new facilities for water supply and lower the indicator we have, because we consume, on average 200 litres a day, it is huge amount".

"We have to start being more coherent and responsible with this resource, which is very scarce and which is now the fundamental challenge facing this regional government, along with many others," he added.

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ACTIVISTS END CHALLENGE TO LITHUANIA PARTY BOSS

MOSCOW, MARCH 2 -- A Lithuanian mass movement has decided not to challenge the local Communist Party leader in nationwide elections next month in an apparent attempt to avoid a political crisis in the Baltic republic. In a telephone interview tonight, Sajudis activist Arvydas Juozaitis said he had withdrawn his candidacy in an industrial district in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius. His decision clears the way for the election of Communist Party chief Algirdas Brazauskas, who has the reputation of being relatively well-disposed to Sajudis. It had been widely believed that Juozaitis, a philosophy teacher, could have beaten Brazauskas in a fair election. But many Sajudis leaders are known to have felt that it was unwise to risk the public humiliation of a reform-minded Lithuanian Communist Party at a time of growing political tension in the republic. "We must support Brazauskas against the old guard within the Communist Party which is now actively attacking him. His position is weakening day by day," Juozaitis said. Since his appointment as Lithuanian Communist Party chief last October, Brazauskas has made a number of significant concessions to Sajudis, including the handing over to the Catholic Church of Vilnius Cathedral, which had been used as a state art museum for 32 years. But he has come under attack from hard-liners in the party following a declaration by Sajudis last month that it would work toward the long-term goal of winning "independence" and "neutrality" for Lithuania. Sajudis candidates are still contesting most of the other 42 Lithuanian seats in the 2,250-seat Congress of People's Deputies and hope to win a clear majority in the March 26 election. Juozaitis said that the decision to withdraw his candidacy was made at a meeting of Sajudis' ruling council on Tuesday evening and was formally announced yesterday. "We must forge a new kind of politics," Juozaitis said. "We are now cooperating with the progressive wing of the Communist Party against the hard-liners. As long as we do this, I don't think there is any real danger of a big crackdown in the next few months." At a recent Communist Party meeting in Vilnius, Brazauskas accused "many" Sajudis activists of falling under the influence of allegedly extremist proindependence parties. He also called on a large number of Communists who belong to Sajudis to observe party discipline.

27 Top Things to Do in Lithuania (+Insider Tips & Map of Best Places)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: March 26, 2024

Are you considering a trip to the most beautiful country in the Baltics and wondering what there is to see and do in Lithuania ? In this article, you will find my selection of some of the best places to see and the best things to do in Lithuania . This is an insider’s guide, filled with local tips and advice, and I hope that it will inspire you to visit my home country and explore it deeper.

I have been running the Full Suitcase travel blog for several years now, writing about the most diverse destinations from all over the world… Yet, I always struggled to write about my home country, Lithuania, because it’s somehow hard to see it through the eyes of a tourist…

However, when I Googled ‘best things to do in Lithuania’, I found that all the best-ranking articles don’t do Lithuania justice… Sadly, most of them are written by hired writers who have never even been to Lithuania and have no idea what it’s truly like, not to mention all the inaccuracies and highlighting the strangest places just for the sake of filling the article…

And so I decided that it’s time to share my favorite places and best things to do in Lithuania, giving you a unique local insight and useful practical tips.

I want to show you how diverse and beautiful my home country is and that there is so much more to see and do in Lithuania than it looks at first sight. Find out!

This guide contains the very best things to do in Lithuania and the most unique destinations that you really should see . Every place featured here is one that we, Lithuanians, are proud of. At the same time, I only chose places that I think are truly worth your time as a tourist.

So if you are visiting the country for the first time and want to see the very best that Lithuania has to offer, this guide is for you. Find out!

Good to know: Because the locations mentioned in this article are scattered all over Lithuania, I also created a map , indicating each point of interest. You can find it at the bottom of this article. That should help you get a better idea of where everything is located and plan your trip accordingly.

These are the best things to do in Lithuania:

1. Sand Dunes of the Curonian Spit

I want to start this list with my personal favorite place in Lithuania – sand dunes of the Curonian Spit . This is a place where I spent countless summers as a child, a place that I took my husband to when he first visited Lithuania, and a place that I recommend to every tourist traveling to Lithuania.

The Curonian Spit is one of the most unique places in Lithuania. This 98 km long, 0,4 – 4km wide sand-dune spit separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. There are just a couple of villages, surrounded by endless forests and drifting sand dunes. Sometimes, it seems that time stood still here.

There is a lot to see in the Curonian Spit (and I’ll cover some of the best places below), but the main reason to come here is the sand dunes. Up to 60 meters high in places, these are the highest drifting dunes in Europe.

After intensive logging in the 17th and 18th centuries, the dunes began moving, burying several villages under the sand. Lots of effort and continuous dune stabilization work continues in order to preserve this ever-evolving landscape for future generations. Curonian Spit is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

TIP: The most impressive dunes that shouldn’t be missed are Parnidžio kopa ( Parnidis Dune ) in Nida and Pilkosios kopos or Mirusios kopos (Grey Dunes or Dead Dunes) also called Agilos kopa in Naglių Nature Reserve .

Good to know: If you walk too far to the southwest from Parnidis Dune, you risk entering the territory of Kaliningrad, part of the Russian Federation. Make sure that you follow any signs and don’t get into trouble for crossing the border.

LEARN MORE: Curonian Spit

2. Vilnius Historic Center

Vilnius Historic Center , or Vilnius Old Town, is another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a must-see in Lituania. Despite countless wars and destructions, Vilnius managed to preserve its medieval layout and an impressive mix of Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and classical architecture.

There are many impressive buildings in the Old Town and the best way to see it all is to explore the historic center on foot.

Don’t miss the St. Anne’s Church and the adjacent St. Francis of Assisi (Bernardine) Church, the Gate of Dawn, Pilies Street, the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, Vilnius University and the Church of St. Johns, the Presidential Palace, and of course Vilnius Cathedral with its Bell Tower, and our National pride – Gediminas Tower…

I am not going to mention all these places separately because this would require a whole separate article. But some of them deserve a separate mention and you’ll find some more info further below.

TIP: See if you can join one of the walking- or bike tours with local guides during your visit to Vilnius. It’s a great way to explore the old town, get some background information of the main sights, and hear interesting stories about the city and its fascinating history.

3. Trakai Island Castle

Trakai Castle , built in the 14-15th centuries and just recently restored, is considered a definite must-see place in Lithuania. Located in the most beautiful setting on a little island surrounded by Lake Galvė, the castle is truly impressive. The whole area around Trakai is dotted with lakes and if you can, take your time to explore it as well.

Because Trakai is just a short drive from the capital city, visiting Trakai Castle is the most popular day trip from Vilnius. It’s also one of the most visited tourist attractions in Lithuania, a favorite among tourists and locals alike.

Sometimes, it might feel like a tourist trap, but if you look beyond the crowds, the tour buses, and the souvenir shops, you’ll be able to appreciate the unique setting and impressive architecture dating back from the times when the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was one of the main powers in the region, stretching all the way to the Black Sea.

TIP: You can visit Trakai by taking a guided tour from Vilnius . Alternatively, take a car or a train and visit on your own. If you come in the warm season, I highly recommend renting a rowing boat or a kayak. It’s a great way to explore the beautiful area around the castle. The best way to appreciate the incredibly beautiful surroundings here is by taking a hot air balloon tour .

4. Gediminas Castle Tower

One of the absolute must-see places in Vilnius, Gedimino   bokštas ( Gediminas Tower ) deserves a separate mention and a place on this ‘best of Lithuania’ list.

This tower is one of our National symbols and one of the very few historic places in the country that we were allowed to be proud of even in Soviet times.

Gediminas’ Tower is the most important feature remaining of the former Upper Castle in Vilnius. The first wooden fortifications at this place were built in the 14th century by Grand Duke Gediminas. This castle was the start of Vilnius city which would later become the capital of Lithuania.

According to a legend, Gediminas was hunting in the sacred forest near the two rivers that we now know as the Vilnia River and Neris River. Because he was too tired to head home, he set camp at this place for a night. That night, he dreamt of an iron wolf, standing on top of a hill and howling as loud as a hundred wolves. In the morning, he asked the head priest to interpret the dream. He told him that the iron wolf represents a castle and a city that will be established here and the glory and fame of which will be known throughout the entire world.

As it was common in those days, Gediminas saw this as a will of God and decided to build a city in this location, naming it Vilnius, after the Vilnia River.

Every Lithuanian grows up reading fairy tales and stories of this legend and it would be hard to find a Lithuanian who hasn’t visited the tower at least once in their lifetime… It will come as no surprise that Gediminas’ Tower Castle is considered as one of the most important places to see in Lithuania.

Practical info: Gediminas’ Tower Castle is open daily (except on Public Holidays). You can either take a funicular or walk up the hill. The views from the top of the tower are worth the effort and you can also visit the weapons and armory exhibitions inside.

5. Hill of Crosses

Kryžių kalnas , Hill of Crosses , is not just one of the best places to visit in Lithuania, it definitely deserves a place on any list of the most unique places in the world. Hundreds of thousands of crosses in all shapes and sizes, covering this tiny hill in the middle of nowhere is a very impressive sight!

Hill of Crosses dates back to the beginning of the 19th century when people were placing crosses to commemorate their loved ones who died in the uprising against the Russian Tsar. Needless to say, the authorities were not amused. It was forbidden to place crosses and they were being torn down by the government. That didn’t stop the people, however; they just looked for more remote locations. That’s how the Hill of Crosses on the Domantai Hill Fortress was born.

Despite the political oppression, the Hill of Crosses continued to grow and became a symbol of hope and strength for the Lithuanian people. It has become a very popular place for all kinds of religious celebrations in the interwar period.

Afterwards, as Lithuania was occupied by the Soviets, it was strictly forbidden to place crosses or to come to pray here. The Soviets have tried everything in order to destroy the Hill of Crosses – they took away all the crosses, closed the roads leading to it, and even tried to flood the area… But the harder they tried, the stronger was the will of the people to preserve it.

People would come here in the middle of the night, bringing new crosses all over again. The Hill of Crosses has become the symbol of heroic resistance to the suppression of religious freedom.

Ever since Lithuania’s independence, the Hill of Crosses has gained more and more significance. Its importance was crowned by the visit of the Pope in 1993. Nowadays, it’s a popular pilgrimage site and one of the most special places to see in Lithuania.

Practical Information: Hill of Crosses is located near Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. It’s about 2.5 hrs drive from Vilnius and 2hrs drive from Kaunas or Klaipėda. It’s a good stop if driving to Riga in Latvia, that’s also about 2 hours away from here. It’s always open and there is no fee to visit and you can come here at any time.

While it requires some effort to get here, most people consider it more than worth it. It’s one of the most unique places you’ll ever visit.

TIP: You can visit the Hill of Crosses with this popular tour as a day trip from Vilnius . Alternatively, there is a private tour that combines the Hill of Crosses with a visit to Anykščiai (see #14 further below).

LEARN MORE: How to Visit the Hill of Crosses

6. Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Valdovų rūmai , the Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is an excellent museum located inside the restored 15th-century palace at the Cathedral Square in Vilnius. I would dare say that, at the moment, this is the best museum in Lithuania.

The museum has several parts, with the most impressive one being the ruins of the original palace underground and the beautiful rooms displaying authentic furniture, tapestries, and paintings on the upper floors.

But probably the most impressive is the incredible historic virtual reality 3D experience . We have seen many virtual reality experiences in various contexts and this one is one of the very best ever. It’s great for both, kids as well as adults.

In a matter of a couple of minutes, you’re taken back in time and witness the creation and growth of Vilnius city. It’s so well done that it will take your breath away. I think that this 3D experience is the best thing you can do in Vilnius. It will help you appreciate everything you see in the city even more. Don’t miss this!

Practical info: The museum is open daily in summer, and every day except Mondays the rest of the year. Closed on certain Public holidays. More info here .

No list of the best places in Lithuania would be complete without mentioning its second-largest city and my hometown, Kaunas . Dating back to the 14th century and set in the place where the two biggest rivers in Lithuania – Nemunas and Neris – come together, Kaunas has always held a very significant place in Lithuania’s history.

In the interwar period, when Vilnius was occupied by the Polish, Kaunas was the temporary capital city of Lithuania. The city has known good times, but it has also suffered a lot, and for a while, it looked like it was struggling with its image.

Recently, Kaunas has been selected as the European Capital of Culture of 2022 and the city is rapidly changing beyond recognition. I am glad to say that it is doing its best to restore and reinvent itself and is again becoming a city that we can all be proud of. 

Not to be missed is Kaunas Old Town, Kaunas Castle, the Town Hall Square ( Rotušės aikštė ), the Cathedral, Vytautas Church, House of Perkūnas, Confluence of Nemunas and Neris rivers, the main pedestrian street Liberty Boulevard ( Laisvės alėja ), St. Michael the Archangel’s Church, and its countless museums including M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art and Žmuidzinavičius Museum, known as the Devils’ Museum (more info further below).

8. Klaipėda

Surprisingly, hardly ever mentioned as one of the best places to visit in Lithuania, Klaipėda is, in my opinion, another must-see in Lithuania.

Lithuania’s third-largest town and its biggest main port city, Klaipėda is located at the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. If you are taking a cruise through the Baltic States, you’ll likely stop here for a day.

Formerly known as Memel, Klaipėda was part of the Prussian Kingdom until 1923. That’s the reason why architecture here is very different than in the rest of Lithuania. I just love the wood-framed 18th-century German-style buildings in Klaipėda!

Don’t miss the Theater Square, the beautiful riverside of Danės River, and countless narrow streets and historic buildings of the Old Town. Another favorite is the Lithuanian Sea Museum (more information further below).

9. Lithuanian Folk Museum in Rumšiškės

There is no better place to get to know what life in Lithuania was like in the past than the Lithuanian Folk Museum in Rumšiškės, aka Open-Air Museum of Lithuania. It’s one of the largest ethnographic open-air museums in Europe, set in a beautiful area close to Kaunas Lagoon.

The museum is a great introduction to the ethnographic regions of Lithuania – Dzūkija (Dainava), Aukštaitija (Highlands), Suvalkija (Sudovia), Žemaitija (Samogitia)… All the houses here represent their respective regions and it’s interesting to see the architecture (and even the traditional clothing) differ from place to place. Inside, you’ll find typical household appliances and machinery, most dating from the 18th – 19th centuries.

Inside the museum, you’ll also find a ‘town’ with traditional buildings from all around Lithuania. There is also a church, a market square, and various houses of craftsmen with demonstrations in pottery, weaving, amber and wood crafting.

TIP: While the nicest time to visit the open-air museum is summer, it’s worth a trip the whole year round. Various events are held here in all seasons. Probably the best-known and the most popular one is Užgavėnės (a sort of Mardi Gras or a carnival, but then in the old-fashioned Lithuanian style). If you are visiting Lithuania during the carnival period (the week of Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday), Rumšiškės is not to be missed!

Practical information: The museum is located just off the highway between Vilnius and Kaunas, about 80km from Vilnius and 30 from Kaunas town center. For opening times and other info, please consult the official website of the museum .

10. Pažaislis Monastery

Pažaislio Vienuolynas ( Pažaislis Monastery ) and the Church of the Visitation are a part of the largest monastery complex in Lithuania. Located on the shores of the Kaunas Reservoir (huge artificial lake), this 17th-century monastery is one of the best places to see in Lithuania. Yet, you won’t find many tourists here. It might get busy during certain events, but most likely, you’ll have this gem all to yourselves.

The magnificent buildings are probably the most beautiful example of Italian Baroque architecture in Lithuania and are definitely worth seeing. While it’s an actual working monastery, it’s possible to visit the beautiful church.

If you have some extra time, go for a walk in the surrounding area. It’s so beautiful and peaceful here.

Practical information: The monastery is located about 10km from the Kaunas town center and can be best reached by car. Public transport is also available. It’s open for visits daily, except Mondays. For more information and opening hours, please check their website .

TIP: You can visit Kaunas, Rumšiškės Folk Museum, and Pažaislis Monastery as a day trip with this guided tour from Vilnius .

Nida is one of the biggest towns of the earlier mentioned Curonian Spit. In addition to the impressive sand dunes of the area, this picturesque town itself is also worth mentioning among the best things to do in Lithuania. It’s a true hidden gem!

Nida is a small fishermen’s town that has preserved its unique character and architecture not found anywhere else in Lithuania. It’s my favorite vacation place in Lithuania, but because it’s more isolated and not laying directly on the beach, it’s much quieter than the earlier mentioned Palanga.

Not to be missed are the earlier mentioned sand dunes, the colorful wooden fishermen’s houses, Thomas Mann Museum, and the lighthouse. You can also take a boat trip and see the impressive sand dunes from the water or visit the nearby Ventės Ragas (Ventė Cape). But my favorite thing to do is rent a bike and explore the 52 km of bike paths of the Curonian Spit. You’ll never want to leave!

LEARN MORE: Ultimate Guide to Nida

12. Grūtas Park

Grūto parkas ( Grūtas Park ) is a privately owned Soviet sculpture garden located in the forests of Grūtas village, near Druskininkai in the South of Lithuania. It contains a big exposition of the Soviet-era statues, Soviet memorabilia, and lots of other Soviet relics from the times when Lithuania was part of the USSR.

As Lithuania gained independence and all the towns and villages started getting rid of the statues of Lenin, Stalin, and other Soviet-era heroes, a businessman from Grūtas decided to collect them. In 2001, he opened this unique museum that quickly became the talk of the town. It has recently been expanded and now you can also find a small zoo, a kids’ playground (from the Soviet times), and a café here.

Grūtas Park has always been a bit of a controversial place, but it shows a big part of our recent history, and I think it’s certainly worth a visit. It is now considered as one of the most interesting places to see in Lithuania, so if you have a chance, give it a go.

Practical information: The park is open daily, the whole year round. For practical information and how to get there, please check their website .

TIP: You can visit Grutas Park, together with some other landmarks in the region by taking this highly-rated private day tour from Vilnius .

13. Druskininkai

One of the nicest small towns in Lithuania, Druskininkai , is little known to Western visitors. I didn’t see anyone mention it among the best towns to visit in Lithuania, but it’s really worth a visit. I might be biased as my godparents live here and I absolutely love Druskininkai, but I’m not the only one. This resort town is one of the most popular domestic destinations among Lithuanians and an absolute favorite among vacationers from neighboring countries.

Best known for its SPA treatments, Druskininkai is a very green town, with parks, forests, and lakes in and around the town. There are countless walking and biking paths, and the town has quite a lot to offer to tourists. Take a stroll on the pedestrian Vilnius Blvd, rent a rowing boat on the beautiful little lake with a fountain in the middle, rent a bike and discover one of the many parks, or visit a museum…

There is also a fantastic indoor water park, an adventure park, an indoor skiing arena, a gondola with fantastic views over the Neris River, and so much more… In the evenings, don’t miss the Musical Fountain – it’s always fun and you can order a song of your choice if you like to. If you want to explore further, you can also take a boat trip to the nearby historic Liškiava village.

Having mentioned all this, it might sound like Druskininkai is a busy town overrun by tourists. But it never feels like that! It has an amazing atmosphere and it’s a great place to visit in Lithuania in any season.

TIP: Druskininkai is like a destination in itself, so I recommend spending at least one night here (there are lots of really nice hotel s in town). Combine the visit with the earlier mentioned Grūtas Park which is located just nearby.

14. Anykščiai: Treetop Walking Path, Horse Museum & Puntukas Stone

Anykščiai is a sort of resort town, about 100km North of Vilnius. Known as one of the SPA towns and mostly visited by locals, I think it’s also worth a trip for tourists looking to get a bit off the beaten path in Lithuania.

The town itself is very nice and green, and its main landmark is the St. Matthias Church with the tallest spires in Lithuania. But most Lithuanians come here for another reason. A stone.

Anykščiai has always been known as the place where you could see Lithuania’s largest stone, Puntukas . We would travel all the way from the other side of the country just to see the stone…

I recently found out that it’s actually the second-biggest stone in the country, after the Barstyčiai stone, but nobody in Lithuania has ever heard of the latter. So Puntukas is our national stone and a place that every Lithuanian will proudly mention as one of the things to see in Lithuania.

A few years ago, a new attraction has been opened just nearby – Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path , and that is, in my view, worth the visit to the area more than any stone. This   Anykščiai Canopy Walk is located inside the national park, surrounded by lush forests. It’s a peaceful (although short) walk at the level of treetops, ending on top of an observation tower with an amazing view of the surroundings.

Another highlight in the Anykščiai area is Arklio Muziejus ( Horse Museum ). It’s a great place to visit, and especially if you are fond of horses or are traveling in Lithuania with kids. With lots of hands-on activities and horse riding available, it’s considered one of the best open-air museums in Lithuania.

While none of these places is an absolute must-see in Lithuania in itself, all of them together make for a really nice excursion. In addition, you can also combine all these places together with the nearby barefoot path or Labirynth park and turn it into a great family-friendly day out.

Practical information: Puntukas stone can be seen for free at any time, while the treetop walk can only be accessed during the day. It’s open daily, but hours vary by season. The Horse Museum is also open every day; for more information, please consult the official website .

TIP: If you don’t have a car, there are several tours that can bring you to this area as a day trip from Vilnius.

15. Palanga Amber Museum & Pier of Palanga

Palanga is the most popular Lithuanian seaside town. Thousands of Lithuanians spend their summer holidays at Palanga beach.

The town is a mix of beautiful nature, forests, and stunning white-sand beaches, but also the crazy busy and loud pedestrian Basanavičiaus Street that reminds you of a huge country fair… But if you can ignore this noisy crowded street, you will find that Palanga is actually a very pleasant little town that is worth visiting.

The reason why I decided to include it on this list of places to visit in Lithuania is because of the Palanga Amber Museum and the Pier of Palanga .

Palangos gintaro muziejus ( Palanga Amber Museum ) is located inside the restored 19th-century Tiškevičiai Palace and surrounded by the beautiful Palanga Botanical Garden. The museum features a really nice collection of Lithuanian gold – amber.

Amber is something that you’ll see everywhere in Lithuania – every souvenir shop and every market sells all kinds of amber jewelry and other products. But if you want to see some really nice exquisite pieces of amber, then there is no better place to do that than in this museum. My favorites are amber pieces with the fossilized remains of insects. Talking about stopping time…

Another reason to visit Palanga is the Pier of Palanga or Palangos tiltas ( Palanga Bridge ) as locals call it. There is no better place to see a sunset in Lithuania than from this wooden pier that stretches far into the sea.

On summer evenings, and especially on the weekends, it might feel like half of Lithuania has gathered to watch a sunset here. But if you come here in the lower season, you might have it all to yourself, and it’s simply magical…

TIP: If you decide to visit Palanga in summer, try to avoid weekends. If you are visiting in the colder season, after the storm, you might find some small pieces of amber on the beach.

16. Užupis

Located in the center of Vilnius, Užupis is actually just a quirky part of Vilnius Old town. Literally, Užupis means ‘beyond the river’ and it’s indeed separated from the rest of the city by the Vilnia River.

After the fall of the USSR and the disappearance of the former Soviet statues, several local artists erected a statue of the US rock musician Frank Zappa, as a symbol of freedom and democracy. A few years later, they went a step further, and on the 1st of April 1997, declared the independent state of Užupis.

While it calls itself one of the smallest republics in the world and boasts its own constitution, government, president, and even a navy consisting of a couple of small boats, Užupis is not in any way a political statement, but rather an art project if you like. It’s an exciting area loved by artists and they pride themselves on treating everyone equally.

Don’t miss the Constitution of the Republic of Užupis which can be found on the wall of a building on Paupio Street, 3A. It has been translated into 26 different languages, so no excuses or saying you didn’t know the laws of this self-proclaimed republic…

Some of the laws of Užupis state that ‘ Everyone has the right to be unique ‘, ‘ Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a tiled roo f’, or ‘ A dog has the right to be a dog ‘ and ‘ A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need ‘… You get the idea…

It’s a fun place to see in Vilnius and has become one of the most quirky and popular tourist attractions in Lithuania.

17. Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights

The Museum of Genocide Victims aka Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights is one of the most interesting museums in Vilnius, Lithuania.

Situated inside the former KGB building, this is by no means a light-hearted attraction. Some of the things you’ll see here are harsh and thought-provoking. But it’s a big part of our history and so if you want to know what Lithuania has been through in the recent past, this museum is a must!

Inside, you can visit the former KGB prison and see the premises where death sentences were executed for 50 (!) years. Here, you can learn about Lithuania’s occupation and repressions by the Soviets, and the persistent fight for independence.

Practical information: The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday, from 10 AM to 5-6 PM. See the official website for more info.

18. The Geographical Center of Europe & Europa Park

Back in 1989, the French National Geographic Institute determined that the geographic center of Europe is located in Lithuania, near the village of Purnuškės. Several countries claim to be at the heart of Europe and I’m not going into those discussions, but Lithuania gladly accepted this French calculation and proudly calls itself the Center of Europe.

If you like visiting quirky symbolic places like this, then you’ll enjoy a quick photo stop at the Geographical Center of Europe . It’s not much more than a monument, and you can get a special certificate confirming that you visited the center of Europe.

Another interesting place to see nearby is Europos Parkas ( Europa Park ), a sort of open-air museum that was designed to give artistic significance to the fact that Lithuania is the Center or Europe. This is a privately-owned museum, set in the forest with a variety of large modern artworks scattered in the area. In my view, it’s not really a must, but if you are visiting the area anyway, it’s a nice place to stretch your legs and see something different.

Practical information: The Center of Europe is located in Purnuškės, about 30km North of Vilnius and can be visited at any time. Europa Park is located in the same area, about halfway between Vilnius and Purnuškės. It can be visited the whole year round and is open daily. For opening hours and practical info, please check the official website .

19. M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art

Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis was a Lithuanian composer, painter, and writer who lived at the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th century. He’s one of Lithuania’s most famous artists and one of Europe’s pioneers of abstract art.

In his short life of just 36 years, he created hundreds of pieces of music, paintings, poems, and literary works. M.K. Čiurlionis Museum of Art in Kaunas houses the biggest collection of those works and is one of the best art museums in Lithuania. Not only can you find a big collection of his paintings, but also listen to his music. The two are interrelated and many of Čiurlionis’ paintings have musical names.

In addition to the works of Čiurlionis, this large museum houses ancient Egyptian and Greek art, as well as a big variety of European art from the 16th to 20th centuries.

TIP: One of the top attractions here now is an amazing VR film ‘Trail of Angels’ based on Čiurlionis’ works. Don’t miss it! And if you don’t have time to go to Kaunas, this experience is now also available in Vilnius. You can find more info here (be sure to reserve this in advance!).

Practical information: This museum is located in the center of Kaunas and is open daily, except on Mondays. There is an audio guide available and the dedicated staff is always ready to give you more details. More info here .

20. Devils’ Museum

Žmuidzinavičius Museum , known as the Devils’ Museum in Kaunas is one of the most special, quirkiest museums in Lithuania. It’s also the only museum in its kind in the world, and so it definitely deserves a mention among the main points of interest in Lithuania. If you are in Kaunas, don’t miss it!

Antanas Žmuidzinavičius was an artist who collected an impressive number of sculptures and carvings of devils from all over the world. After his death, his collection has been turned into a museum. In addition to the impressive collection of devils, you can also see paintings by the artist himself.

At the moment, the museum houses over 3000 devils from over 70 different countries. You can also learn a lot about Lithuanian folklore and stories and myths about the devils and evil creatures displayed here. If you bring a unique devil from your own country, the museum will accept it as a present and most likely add it to their collection.

Practical information: This museum is located in Kaunas, just next to the previously mentioned Čiurlionis Museum of Art. It’s open daily, except on Mondays.

21. The Hill of Witches

The Hill of Witches is an outdoor sculpture gallery in Juodkrantė, on the earlier mentioned Curonian Spit. All the sculptures here are made of wood and most portray Lithuanian fairytale characters, such as witches and devils.

Set in a beautiful forest, this feels like a magical place that will especially appeal to families with children. The Hill of Witches might not be a huge landmark, but it’s so unique and so typically Lithuanian that I think it deserves a visit. If you are visiting the Curonian Spit and have half an hour to spare, it’s a must-do!

Practical information: Since the sculptures are set in the forest, it’s always open and it’s free of charge.

22. Lithuanian Sea Museum

Lietuvos jūrų muziejus ( Lithuanian Sea Museum ) is a maritime museum with big aquariums, an aquarium tunnel, great sea lion and dolphin shows, and also historical exhibits. Located in an old fort on the northern tip of the Curonian Spit, it’s just a very short ferry ride away from Klaipėda town center.

It’s a fun place to visit in Lithuania with kids. Not only can you see a big variety of fish and animals including penguins, sea lions, and dolphins, it’s also a great place to learn more about the Baltic Sea. In addition, you will find some big old ships and also a replica of an old fisherman’s house.

Practical information: Old Smiltynė Passenger Ferry is the best way to get to the museum from Klaipėda. Alternatively, if you are visiting the Curonian Spit anyway, you can come here by car. Just get here early in the morning or parking space will be really hard to find.

It’s open the whole year round. In summer, the museum is open daily except on Mondays, the rest of the year – opening hours differ per season. More information on their website . Count at least half a day for a visit.

23. Dutchman’s Cap

Olando kepurė ( The Dutchman’s Cap ) is a 24-meter high sand hill with a steep cliff crashing into the Baltic Sea. It’s probably one of the most untouched, rough coastal landscapes in Lithuania.

The Dutchman’s Cap gets its name due to its shape that – looking from sea to land – looks like a traditional bi-corn admiral’s hat. This area has been mentioned as a navigational guide for sailors and fishermen in the early 19th century.

While not an absolute must in Lithuania, it’s a very nice tranquil place with nice scenery. It’s worth a short stop if you find yourself on the Lithuanian coast, but I wouldn’t drive all the way to the coast just for this. The best time to visit is at sunset.

Practical information: The Dutchman’s Cap is located between Klaipėda and Palanga (see the exact location on the map further below). There are many walking paths in this area. You’ll have to leave your car at one of the designated parking areas and walk 10-15 minutes to get to a small viewing platform. It’s also possible to walk down to the coast. You can spend half an hour here or a few hours (searching for amber :)) – it’s up to you.

24. Vilnius TV Tower

I was debating whether to include Vilnius TV Tower in this list of the best places to visit in Lithuania. But, since it has historical significance and offers some of the best views in Vilnius, I decided that it’s worth a mention.

On the 13 of January 1991, Vilnius TV Tower was at the center of a bloody independence fight against the Soviets. This was one of the last struggles that finally tore the USSR apart. Sadly, 14 Lithuanian people were killed here by the Soviet tanks that day. This is one of the darkest chapters of our recent history and I still remember the events of that day as if it was yesterday.

With over 326m in height, Vilnius TV Tower is the tallest building in Lithuania and the 8th tallest in Europe. You can visit an underground gallery, the Fight for Freedom Museum, and also take an elevator to the 165m height from where you get an amazing panorama of Vilnius and its wide surroundings.

TIP: Have lunch or dinner at the rotating Paukščių takas (Milky Way) restaurant and enjoy the 360° views with the whole city of Vilnius at your feet.

PRO TIP: If you are visiting Lithuania in the summer season and are looking for something unique to do in Vilnius, check out the new Edge Walk experience !

Practical information: The TV Tower is open for visits daily. More information on their website .

25. Lakes, Rivers, and Forests

With over 6000 lakes, more than 800 rivers, and over 33% of the territory covered by forests, Lithuania is a paradise for those who love simple, untouched nature .

It will come as no surprise that Lithuanians massively leave cities and head to nature every weekend. Kayaking, swimming, fishing, berry- and mushroom picking are just some of the favorite pastimes for Lithuanian people. In winter, people go walking, cross-country skiing, skiing, and also ice-fishing. No matter the season, Lithuanians love the outdoors.

If you are looking to explore Lithuania deeper, do as the locals do, and head to one of the many forests and lakes.

TIP: If you don’t know where to start, here you can find a selection of organized kayak tours all over Lithuania . If you are visiting Lithuania in summer, there is no better way to experience our nature than by going kayaking!

26. Christmas Trees

Lithuanian Christmas trees deserve a special mention. They are so nice and so special that it’s really worth it to (re-) visit Lithuania in winter, just to see the Christmas trees.

The most unique and spectacular Christmas trees can be found in Cathedral Square and the Town Hall Square in Vilnius and also at the Town Hall Square in Kaunas.

But also smaller towns often have the most beautiful Christmas decorations.

LEARN MORE: Vilnius Christmas Trees and Christmas Markets

27. Lithuanian Food

No list of the best things to do in Lithuania would be complete without mentioning traditional Lithuanian food . If you are traveling to Lithuania, make sure to taste at least some of our local specialties.

Lithuania has many traditional dishes that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. The most famous and typically Lithuanian are our potato dishes, such as cepelinai , kugelis ,  bulviniai   blynai , and vėdarai .

Other favorites include  koldūnai (sort of dumplings), lietiniai blynai (filled pancakes), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup), kepta duona su česnaku (fried bread with garlic), baravykų sriuba (boletus mushroom soup), and also non-alcoholic drinks such as kisielius or gira .

TIP: If you try just one typical Lithuanian dish, make it  cepelinai . They are a sort of potato dumplings, somewhat comparable to the Italian gnocchi in taste and structure. However, cepelinai are much bigger and they are stuffed with either meat or curd filling. They are usually served with a very heavy and fat spirgučiai sauce, but if you are not a fan of fat food, I recommend asking for sour cream instead.

LEARN MORE: Lithuanian Food: Best Traditional Dishes to Try in Lithuania

Even More Interesting Places to See in Lithuania

As already said, in this list, I only included the best places to visit in Lithuania that I think are worth your time the most. If you have more time, you might want to consider the following Lithuania destinations as well:

• Kernavė – the former medieval capital of Lithuania and an archeological site close to Vilnius.
• Kėdainiai – one of the oldest towns in Lithuania.
• Birštonas – resort and SPA town surrounded by beautiful nature.
• Labanoras regional park tower – 2nd highest observation tower in Lithuania with amazing views of the area.
• Panemunė Castle – one of the most authentic castles in Lithuania (17th century).
• 9th Fort of the Kaunas Fortress – a museum and memorial for the Holocaust victims.
• Užutrakis Manor – restored 19th-century manor.
• Paneriai Memorial Museum – Holocaust memorial in a forest where tens of thousands of Jews lost their lives.
• Ventė Cape – headland of Nemunas Delta and a bird-watchers paradise.
• Stelmužė Oak – with over 1,000 years, the oldest tree in Lithuania and one of the oldest in Europe.

Needless to say, there is so much more to see and do in Lithuania. But most tourists never visit even half of these places… So if you cover even just a small part of the above, you’ll have a much better idea of what Lithuania is truly like.

Map of the Best Things to Do in Lithuania

In order to help you get a better idea of where all these points of interest and attractions are located, I created this map of the best places to see in Lithuania .

The purple color indicates the main landmarks and places mentioned in this article. The orange color is for the other nice points of interest that are mentioned separately here above. In order to keep a more clear overview of the main landmarks in Lithuania, I didn’t indicate all the smaller places that are worth visiting in each of the mentioned towns.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

So, this is our list of the very best places to see and things to do in Lithuania. I sincerely hope that you found some new ideas in this article and that it has inspired you to explore Lithuania beyond the most popular places like Vilnius and Trakai.

If you have any questions about the places mentioned above, don’t hesitate to leave a reply below and I’ll try to help. Have you been to Lithuania and want to share your experience? Feel free to do so as well!

READ ALSO: Baltics Itinerary: how to see the best of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in 2 weeks

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Featured image by Wide Wings/Shutterstock.com. All the other images by Jurga/FullSuitcase.com

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Monday 25th of March 2024

Really nice blog! We are coming by car in next July from Finland to Latvija. We stay a week in Trakai. We have been there 2019. Last time we came by plane. Now we want see more...I think we also drive daytrip to Druskininkai, We come from Riga to Trakai. From Trakai we drive to Daugavpils.

Sounds like a good plan; Lithuania is wonderful in the summer! Just beware that Trakai (especially the area around the castle) is very busy during the day. Have a great trip!

Gary Kasten

Thursday 14th of March 2024

This is such a wonder presentation. My wife and I are coming to visit. This all started many years ago when we met a gal by the name of Asta who was working in a german night club in Wisconsin Dells Wisconsin in the USA. We still maintain friendship so we are coming to your country. Asta is taking the week off to tour us around your country. She has suguested many thing she would like us to see. Now I haveto read more of your article to let Asta know of other things we might want to do, so thank you for all the information.

Friday 15th of March 2024

Glad to help, Gary, and have a great time in Lithuania!

Saturday 9th of March 2024

What a wonderful article! My husband and I are planning to ride a big loop via motorcycle from England encompassing the Baltics and Scandinavia in June and I have added many of these places to our "hopefully" list! Especially the bee keeping village and Druskininkai. I just love those beautiful little villages, we have nothing like them in Australia. Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas!

Sunday 10th of March 2024

Sounds like a nice adventure, Georgie. Have a great trip!

Sunday 10th of July 2022

I am so excited to come across your blog and will be using it as a guide when I visit Lithuania in August. Do you recommend having a car to travel to these places - specially from the capital to the sand dunes? Also, do you recommend any healthy favorite restaurants that serve tradition food (not looking for fancy and more for authentic food)? We will be in Lithuania for 4.5 days.

Thursday 14th of July 2022

@Jurga, thank you so much for taking the time reply. Will definitely take your advice. Looking forward to the trip!

Wednesday 13th of July 2022

Hi Kanch, if you just have 4-5 days in Lithuania and want to travel all the way to the Curonian Spit from Vilnius, then yes, I definitely recommend hiring a car. We personally always use this website for car rentals. Just be sure not to speed - Lithuanian police is usually very active, especially in the areas you'd least expect it. For restaurants, there are so many restaurants serving traditional Lithuanian food all over the country (even next to the main highways). Most of them are rather simple, low-key restaurants, just like Lithuanian dishes. The best way to find them is to simply ask for recommendations at your accommodation. They usually know all the best places nearby. I also always read the reviews on Google Maps - it helps to avoid disappointments. Have a great trip!

Larry Reibstein

Wednesday 21st of April 2021

Hi -- Just discovered this marvelous blog and this article is wonderfully timely as we're planning a trip to Lithuania in 2022, Covid willing. I have a specific question and hope I'm not imposing on you. We recently discovered, through my daughter's hard work, that our family goes back to Kaunas (Kovno), your home town, with relatives found dating to 1774. I'm looking for resources either there, whom we could meet, or elsewhere that offers information on local Lithuanian ancestry and might have records we can dig into and further research. A scholar, a university office, a foundation of some sort or a government office, perhaps? Alternatively, are there travel agencies that focus on ancestry travel there? Thank you for any guidance and again sincerely hope I'm not imposing on your busy days!

Friday 23rd of April 2021

Hi Larry, I was just reading some articles in Lithuania and there are apparently some companies that specialize in this kind of research, but I have no idea how they work and what it costs, or if you can find any free info. To start with, you could try the official archives and otherwise, I think you'll just have to search online for companies/people that might be able to help you. I don't have any personal experience with this and I don't know anyone who does that. I found a websites that seems to be offering this kind of service - see True Lithuania. Also this website seems to have quite some useful info. Hope this helps, Larry, and I hope you can make that trip happen next year!

Discover Lithuania

General information.

Combining cultures of east and west, Lithuania is a fascinating destination for every traveller. The capital of Vilnius holds a wealth of architectural styles in its churches and towers, fortifications, and secluded medieval courtyards, and the narrow streets provide an eclectic mix of Gothic, Renaissance and Classical styles, though Baroque is dominant. The Lithuania of today invites travelers from all over the world to experience its warm hospitality, beautiful countryside and picturesque wooded hills. As the geographic center of Europe, Lithuania is truly in the middle of it all.

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Home » Travel Guides » Lithuania » 15 Best Places to Visit in Lithuania

15 Best Places to Visit in Lithuania

The first stop on the Baltic trio has a whole load of must-sees and must-do sites up its sleeve.

Forged by long alliances with Poland to the west, conflicts with Russia and Sweden and the Teutonic Knights, and shaped by Slavic builders and Orthodox faiths to name just some of the influences, it’s hardly surprising that Lithuania has so many interesting places for the budding traveler.

Let’s explore the best places to visit in Lithuania :

The historic capital of the Grand Duchy is a veritable treasure trove of medieval wonders and gorgeous Gothic come Russo-flavoured Baroque architecture.

In the Old Town, cobbled roadways weave under the buttresses of the beautiful St Anne’s Church, over café-spattered plazas and under the soaring Gediminas Keep and Upper Castle citadel dating from the 13th century.

Meanwhile, the new town’s blocks pulse with beer bars and sleepless rock clubs, and Europe’s boho district extraordinaire – the self-proclaimed Republic of Uzupis – beckons on the edge of town, a place of shabby-chic, graffiti-strewn streets and more drinking joints than you can shake a cepelinai potato dumpling at!

Jutting out over the confluences of the Nemunas and Neris rivers right in the heartlands of central Lithuania, the second-city of Kaunas proudly stakes its claim as the country’s alternative hub and partying capital.

Thousands of students drive the nightlife, which bubbles up on the tree-shaded boulevard of Laisves Aleja and between the countless craft bars and underground drinkeries of the historic centre, while daytime means seeking out the crumbling bulwarks of the red-brick Kaunas Castle and wandering the enchanting cobblestone alleys of the Old Town – Kaunas’ prettiest district and the home of charming medieval merchant guilds and one gorgeous city hall.

Then there’s the exhibitions dedicated to M. K. Ciurlionis (arguably Lithuania’s best-known artist), which simply shouldn’t be missed!

UNESCO-attested Kernave is steeped in a history and heritage that goes back further than many of the other towns in Lithuania.

It’s hailed as one of the first ever medieval capitals of the Grand Duchy, and it’s thought that the golden age boom happened here in the 13th and 14th centuries, before the onslaught of the Teutonic Order came and razed the fortifications and keeps.

Today, travelers who make their way to the archaeological reserves lining the meanders of the Neris River can spy out mounds (literally!) of relics, now clad in earth but concealing layer upon layer of bulwarks and burial sites, throne rooms and more, and tracing back to the late Palaeolithic Period no less!

4. Klaipeda

Erstwhile Memel was once one of the strongholds of Teutonic rule in the Baltic, later becoming a thriving port and trading town of the Duchy of Prussia, and then the northernmost city in the German Empire of the late 19th century.

Today, Klaipeda bursts with relics of this 800-year-long history, all the while combining them with the more modern edge and nightlife scene expected of the touristic gateway to the Curonian Spit (Lithuania’s most famous coastal stretch). That means travelers can weave between curious sculptures and cobbled squares in the Old Town, hit Lithuanian taverns to sip the locally-brewed beer and case out the bulwarks of Klaipeda Castle all in the same day, and that’s not even mentioning the medieval docksides, the cannong-dotted Prussian bastions and the German-styled beer halls of the main square!

A patchwork of verdant pine forests and flat grasslands, undulating dunes and sandy beaches that curves its way along the Baltic Coast where Lithuania arches towards its long-time Polish compadre in European history and the curious Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, Neringa is one of the most coveted destinations in the country for sure.

Encompassing the whole Lithuanian length of the Curonian Spit, the area offers prime biking and hiking, windsurfing and fishing on the waters of the Curonian Lagoon, the sun-kissed resort strips of Nida and the earthy cottages that makeup age-old towns like Pervalka.

Then there’s Thomas Mann’s charming cottage to see, and the various artist workshops and galleries that sprouted here with the German exodus out of Konigsberg in the 1800s.

Palanga has become a byword for summertime hedonism amongst Lithuanians right across the country, and today this one’s high-season electro and chart parties rage from June to August on the Jonas Basanavicius boulevard and amidst the countless bars and al fresco cocktail joints that line its fringes.

The beach is another magnet during the dog days, offering perhaps Lithuania’s most accessible and sunbather-friendly stretch of golden Baltic sand.

But it’s not all late nights and lazy afternoons in Palanga either.

There’s the picturesque neo-Renaissances charm of the Tiskeviciai Palace to see too, along with the interesting Amber Museum, and the nature reserves of the Curonian Spit nearby!

7. Dzukija National Park

Lithuania’s largest national park covers a whopping 550 square kilometers of land, and makes its home on the edge of the Belarusian border in the extreme south-east of the country.

It’s adorned with great swathes of pine forests and riparian wetlands, all of which come cut through by the meandering channels of the Nemunas River.

Inland dunes are an interesting feature too, rising and dropping to sandy peaks and troughs and playing host to a kaleidoscope of different grasses and rock strata.

Boardwalk treks delve deep into the woods for those donning the hiking boots, while mushrooms bloom in the undergrowth and traditional waxwork crafting abounds in the rural villages.

Trakai is a fantastical fragmentation of islets and grassy hills, shimmering waters and rolling meadows.

It makes its home just a little to the west of the capital at Vilnius and draws crowds of travelers and locals right throughout the year.

Many come to wonder at the Lord of the Rings-style castle that forms the heart of the Trakai Historical National Park; a sprouting of red-brick keeps and turrets that mirrors perfectly against the lake waters all around.

Others come for the summertime recreation that clusters around the banks of the trio of large lakes: Akmena, Galve, Skaistis.

Then there’s the curious multicultural remainders of the Karaim community – a unique Turkic tribe that still uses the pretty timber Trakai Kenesa synagogue that’s seen on-site.

9. Anyksciai

Sat midway between Kaunas and the Latvian border in the east, the indelibly green town of Anyksciai offers a natural getaway balanced with some truly handsome religious architecture.

Check out the soaring Gothic spires of the red-brick Basilica of Apostle Evangelist St Matthew that dominate the banks of the meandering Sventoji here.

With a history going back more than 500 years, this striking construction now touts the tallest church towers in all of Lithuania and some bright stained-glass works by the revered artist Anorte Mackelaite.

After that, be sure to dust off the walking boots (if summer) or wax down the skis (if winter), because Anyksciai has also got the humble ski resort of Kalitos Kalnas and endless arrays of hiking trails on its peripheries.

10. Druskininkai

Moneyed, manicured Druskininkai is the prime spa town in all of Lithuania.

It was famed as far back as the 1600s, under the Grand Duke Stanislaw August Poniatowski, and then rose to prominence in the 19th century with the patronage of one tsar Nicholas I of Russia no less.

The city continues to go from strength to strength, and today its gilded mansions and spa facilities ooze with the chatter of well-to-do Muscovites and city livers.

But mineral-packed waters and healing powers aside, the spot also hails in as the onetime home of Mikalojus Konstantinas Ciurlionis (and there’s a fine museum chronicling the artist’s life), and the spot of the all-new Forest Museum – an immersive exhibition that takes visitors on a haunting journey through Lithuanian folklore and witchery.

11. Panevezys

Lithuania’s fifth-largest cityscape can be found sprawled out on the rolling floodplains of the Nevezis River, in the very heartlands of the country’s northern reaches.

Once a royal charter town in the boom days of the Grand Duchy, the city was rumbled and rocked and razed with the Industrial Revolution and tumultuous European conflicts of the 20th century.

That said, some remnants of the pre-war elegance do remain, whether in the ochre-hued facades and Russian Imperialist styles of the city cathedral, or the lines of aged cottages that occasionally pop up amidst the utilitarian blocks courtesy of Stalin et al.

12. Siauliai

Most people who flock to the post-industrial, onetime Soviet powerhouse city of Siauliai come in search of the legendary Hill of Crosses, which rises in a haunting array of crucifixes and effigies of Christ to the north of the town proper.

However, linger just a little in this off-the-beaten-track center and you’ll discover an array of pretty tree-lined streets, a buzzing café culture, and a gorgeous local cathedral with eye-catching whitewashed faces and a spiked tower.

Be sure to stroll the cobbles of Povilas Visinskis Square, too and flit in and out of the curious and quirky exhibitions on offer at the town’s Bicycle Museum and Radio and TV tech institutes.

13. Aukstaitija National Park

The first ever national park in Lithuania continues to turn heads with its beautiful backcountry patchwork of old growth pine forests and nigh on 30 individual lakes and river ways.

Yes sir, Aukstaitija is a veritable outdoorsy gem of the country’s north-east, offering adventurous types a glimpse of the famed riparian wilds that roll all over this section of the Baltic.

Deer stalk the woodland paths here, while rushes sway on the banks of colossal Lake Tauragnas.

Meanwhile, ancient artifacts and rustic villages draw the attention of anthropologists (it’s thought this area has been inhabited for more than 11,000 years!), and there are haunting burial sites and timber churches to rival even the Viking mounds and staves of Scandinavia.

14. Plateliai

Standing right in the midst of another of Lithuania’s great natural jewels, Plateliai is the much-loved gateway to the Zemaitija National Park, which crowns the grassy Zemaiciu Highland region just a short way from the salt-washed coast of the Baltic Sea.

The verdant and lush surroundings here make for great walking, and even host attractions like the Plokstine missile base left over by the Soviets – now home to the fascinating Cold War Museum.

In the town of Plateliai itself, visitors can spy out one gorgeous timber church from the 1700s, or opt to leave the city streets for a jaunt along the banks of the eponymous lake, where grassy meadows and laid-back hotels but right up to the water’s edge.

15. Rumsiskes

Creaking windmills and faded wooden cottages clad in moss and sod mark out Rumsiskes from the ever encroaching districts of Kaunas that neighbour it.

Unfortunately, the creation of a reservoir in the middle of the 20th century submerged great portions of the old town here, while efforts to preserve the centuries of history associated with the site gave rise to the largest open-air ethnography museum in the entire Baltic region: The Open-Air Museum of Lithuania.

Travelers who make their way here today can expect re-enactment tours and traditional architecture aplenty, along with collections of historic furnishings, clothing, religious iconography and more.

15 Best Places to Visit in Lithuania:

• Dzukija National Park
• Druskininkai
• Aukstaitija National Park

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Lithuanian tourism sector is haunted by poor leadership

Text: Thomas Danielsen

I am sitting in Apvalaus Stalo Klubas (Round Table Club) in Trakai writing this article. It is a beautiful spring Sunday and the sun is shining from a clear blue sky. There are still some ice flakes left on the waters in front of the wonderful Trakai Castle. It is still too cold for sitting outside, but I have a fantastic window table overlooking the castle. There is a mix of tourists and locals inside the restaurant. On my right there is an old couple from Germany and to my left a young Lithuanian couple staring deep into each other’s eyes and holding hands.

As I am soaking in this wonderful and romantic atmosphere, I find myself filled with ambivalent feelings. I simply love this place and I have spent many hours looking at this castle. I am thinking how sad it is, that there are not more people who get to experience this unique ambience and this "one of a kind" view. My ambivalence goes towards the fact that the Lithuanian tourism sector - of which I have been a part of for 7 years - is suffering to such a great extent, while there are so many great experiences to be had here.

I think it is a paradox that a country with so many treasures within the "tourism sector" is haunted with such poor leadership. >From what I see (or do not see), the people in charge of Lithuanian tourism obviously have no idea what they are doing! They simply lack the understanding and knowledge of tourism as a product and as a concept! This, combined with no budget at all (yes, apparently, the tourism department has no budget for tourism marketing), goes to show the poor management and understanding of this important sector. After all, the tourism sector is in fact one of the biggest sectors IN THE WORLD, if not the biggest. This fact being neglected does not only sadden me, it scares the living daylights out of me!

The tourism marketing budget of Lithuania (not counting whatever money Lithuania receives from EU for such purposes) is 0 Euros, 0 Dollars and 0 Litas.

Now let me give you some food for thought: For a period of 6 months from October 2009 to April 2010 I had a consulting job as destination director in a small mountain village in Norway called Hovden. Hovden is predominantly a winter destination and the tourism is mostly centred around one "small" mountaintop (1183m) with 5 large ski lifts and a lift capacity about 3000 people per hour. There are 3 hotels and 2 apartment hotels in addition a range of cottages, both for private use and rentals. This mountain community of 450 people has various challenges related to their situation, ranging from how to attract more tourists in the summer season, to socioeconomically challenges such as how to attract people to settle down here. During the winter season, this little mountain village explodes in the number of people living or coming here for shorter or longer stays (weekend breaks, seasonal workers etc). On the weekends between November and April the village grows into as many as 10 000 people. The local government realized decades ago that in order for them to simply survive as a community, they had to put their efforts into what they were given - a mountain suitable for skiing! This was in 1966-67. Now fast forward to present day - 2011. The realization that tourism is extremely important has turned this little spot "in the middle of nowhere" into a tourism paradise. And here is the punch line; this little spot called Hovden - hardly visible on a map - has an annual tourism budget of more than 1.1 million euro!

The question resounding in my head is this: How can a fantastic place like Vilnius with its 500,000 plus inhabitants and Lithuania with its 3 million plus inhabitants have a smaller tourism budget than a mountain village in Norway of 450 people?

If any bright mind out there is now thinking "well, Norway is a very rich country and they can afford stuff like this", then I simply answer back that it is a known fact that in order to make money, you need to spend money! This is called marketing. And to further underline my point, I will give you a free 30-second lesson in business, economics and marketing:

If you spend money marketing Vilnius/Lithuania (mind you, based on a proper, professional strategy, branding and long term objectives!), you will get an increased inflow of tourists to the country. With increased flow of tourists, the bus companies transporting tourists will need more drivers to transport them from A to B. The hotels will need more staff in order to maintain a certain level of service. The restaurants and cafes will need more waiters to cater for the increase in clients. The guide companies will need more guides to show the tourist the city/country. The shops in Vilnius will need more staff to service the increase of customers. The spas will need more therapists to deal with the increase of clients. The airport will need more baggage handlers. All of these companies will eventually need more accountants and more administrators.

By now you should get my point!

But just to point out the obvious: More tourists require more people to be hired in the tourism sector directly (travel agencies, bus companies, hotels), as well as in the various sectors benefitting from an increase of clients/tourists in general (like the retail sectors for example). With more people hired, unemployment will go down (a benefit for the society), tax payments from both private people and companies will go up (increased government revenue), restaurants will need more products from the farmers, bus companies will need more gas from the gas stations. The list goes on and on...

Despite the fact that this is an extremely simplified economic model, this is how the (macro) economy works. (Those geniuses who thought that increasing VAT on hotels from 5% to 21% would increase governmental revenues, need to buy a book called ABC of economics).

I am still sitting in the Round Table Club in Trakai. The old couple have left, but a bus full of Italian youths stopped by and took some photos, bought a take away pizza and some bottles of water and left. They were speaking very vividly about the castle, how beautiful it is and how amazing this place is. This is my point; Vilnius, Trakai and Lithuania excite people! They are willing to come to the country and SPEND MONEY, their hard earned cash, their disposable income (disposable income, Mr. tourism boss man, is the amount of income left to an individual after taxes have been paid, available for spending and saving"). This is really not rocket science! In order for people with disposable income to come and "dispose" of their cash in Lithuania, they need to know about Lithuania and Lithuania needs to be accessible (am I the only one who finds it strange that Lithuania does not have a national flag carrier?). Stop thinking that China is an important market for Lithuania tourism! It is NOT! How about focusing on the markets 1-2-3 hours away which coincidentally both share historic links with the region and has a culture for travel abroad and have high disposable income (No, not Russia, but Europe and Scandinavia)!

The paradox remains. A village in Norway of 450 people far outperforms Vilnius of 500,000 people and Lithuania of 3 million people by any measure!

As a final note I want to express that there is a distant light in the tunnel, a glimpse of hope with the new Mayor of Vilnius, Mr. Zuokas. Despite the different opinions about his previous periods as mayor, he seems to have some understanding of how "things work". And to his return to power, I wish to present him with a challenge. Mr. Zuokas, you have at your power the chance to create, what is in my opinion, the most interesting job in all Europe within the tourism sector. This is the position as Destination Director of Vilnius Tourism (Visit Vilnius, Vilnius Tourism Agency, Vilnius Convention Agency, Destination Vilnius or whatever you may choose to call it). The fact of the matter is that with the right team and a "slightly" higher budget than today, Vilnius and Lithuania could change a lot. But please, should you take this challenge, do not hire any of your friends or whoever is willing to work for the lowest wage or someone corrupt! Hire someone with the proper knowhow, intelligence, experience and motivation. And please, do give him/her a budget with clear goals, clear expectations and clear requirements. You are free to give me a call! The editor has my number!

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wow! thanks man for sharing this conversation here is lots to learn in it about web development techniques again thanks and keep us update as you always. :) Apps Development Android

Nice post you have done here. I am really very happy to read this. This is a very informative topic that you are chosen. keep it up Bulk Sms Providers

[…] “Lithuanian tourism sector is haunted by poor leadership.” This said a VilNews writer in an article recently ( https://vilnews.com/?p=5217 ).Are you planning to do something about the situation, and to make the tourism sector in your region more organised and more attractive for visitors? […]

No question this is the place to get this info, tahnks y’all.

Zuokas can do something about Vilnius, but not Lithuania as a tourism product. The thing when you have a promotion agency, a destination company, its members also contribute with yearly support. I am 100% sure that the larger players especially, would be interested in this. The challenge however, would be to get the smaller players involved. In order to get them involved and not tagging along as freeloaders, is to present a proper branding-, marketing-, product strategy for Vilnius and incentivate the members. It will be a super big challenge and its going to take "blood, sweat and tears" to turn the old lady around. However, Vilnius in particular, has so much to offer. Even with limited resources, today with the proper know-how and the various opportunities which f.ex. social media presents, even with small budgets you can do big things. However, it needs to be based on a strategy and a clear perception of "Who are we and for whom…". Not bloody shoot in all directions or according to where someone feels it is a good idea. I said it before, and I say it again, China is not a market for Lithuania! It is not, it will not be! So stop wasting time and money on it! It is not even a secondary market. Not even the third… And a news flash Lithuania, you do not even know your target market, you do not even know "what you are"! "A country of brave people"? Come on! This slogan I hope they dropped… Anyway, this is not going to be a follow up article… Zuokas never called me, I guess he is busy with other important stuff…

Great reading! I stand behind anything that was said by the author. It's a shame that situation in Tourism department is such bad and the lady director of the Tourism department is a joke. She will never do the job not only due to poor apearance as well as not speking proper foreign languages (well, except Russian), but due to lack of the competence. It's a pitty that Mr. Zuokas is no personally responsible for this position. I trust this guy and know he would do the right changes.

End > Come on Lietuva, as Thomas Danielsen mentions above, you have so much to offer. You also need to counter the bad image Lietuva has in the eyes of many people in Britain. It would help if you squashed the belief that Lietuva is in Eastern Europe and is part of the Balkans. Lietuva needs to be in the papers, the travel magazines, the travel brochures, on tv. The world won’t come flocking if it doesn’t know you are there.

in 2003 I bought a T-shirt in Vilnius University which had "I love Lithuania, hmmm … but where is it?" printed on the front, and a map of Europe on the back. That may be humorous, but it is not funny that eight years on, the ignorance about where is, and what is, Lithuania still exists. .

For my part, I have been trying since 2004 to get the BBC to broadcast Lithuanian music – lack of input from Lithuanian Radio is one excuse raised by a senior executive. I passed this correspondence on to Lithuanian Radio but didn't get a response. I am involved in the translation of Baltic Railways Magazine into English, and distribution of the magazine in Britain, and have several times tried to obtain publicity leaflets from Lithuanian travel organisations. Again, no response. More >

[…] plus inhabitants have a smaller tourism budget than a mountain village in Norway of 450 people? Read more… Thomas […]

THX that’s a great aenswr!

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