Top 3 cities in Lithuania
The underrated cities of Lithuania
Lithuania is not only the southernmost country in the Baltics but also an underrated and fascinating travel destination, often referred to as "Europe's best-kept secret."
In Lithuanian cities like Vilnius and Kaunas, you can expect well-preserved old towns and charming alleys. Here, historical buildings, lively cafes, and art galleries await you. But Lithuania has much more to offer. Visit Kaunas, the country's second-largest city, and discover its fascinating architecture, museums, and cultural events.
Nature lovers should pay a visit to the Curonian Spit. This natural paradise impresses with its huge wandering dunes, picturesque fishing villages, and sandy beaches. Here, you can hike, cycle, and enjoy the beautiful landscape.
In this post, we present to you our top 3 most beautiful cities with the best attractions in Lithuania.
Interesting facts about Lithuania
- Lithuania, like Latvia and Estonia, is one of the three Baltic states.
- Official language: Lithuanian
- Upper Lithuania is particularly known for its numerous lakes, especially in the Aukštaitija National Park.
- The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai is a globally known Catholic pilgrimage site that is especially popular with tourists today. The exact number of crosses on the hill is unknown. Students from Vilnius University gave up counting them after reaching 50,000 crosses.
- The Dzūkija National Park in the south of Lithuania is the largest national park in Lithuania.
- The tallest skyscraper in the Baltics, the Europa Tower, is located in the Lithuanian capital, Vilnius.
- The most popular sport in Lithuania is basketball. The Lithuanian national basketball team has achieved several major successes, including winning the European Basketball Championship in 2003.
Top 3 cities in Lithuania
Vilnius
Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, is located in the southeast of the country, where the eponymous Vilnia River flows into the Neris River. The city impresses travelers primarily with its Old Town, which, due to its numerous historical buildings, belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage.
Some of the most famous buildings in the Old Town of Vilnius are St. Stanislaus Cathedral, St. Anne's Church, and the Gediminas Tower. The Gediminas Tower is the last remaining corner tower of the Gediminas Castle. Since the tower is elevated 142 meters on the Gediminas Hill, a visit to its viewing platform offers a particularly good view over Vilnius.
Art enthusiasts should not miss the insider tip of Vilnius. The artists' quarter Republic of Užupis, often compared to Paris's Montmartre, nestles picturesquely between the Vilnia River and the surrounding mountains. It is accessible via the Vilnia Bridge and charms with quaint cafes and shops.
Art lovers will also find much to appreciate outside of Vilnius. About twenty kilometers north of the capital is the sculpture park Europos Parkas (Europe Park). There, on 50 hectares, you can discover impressive masterpieces of conceptual and installation art.
Also outside of Vilnius, this time in a southern direction, awaits one of the most famous attractions in all of Lithuania: Trakai Island Castle. The castle impresses not only with its location in the midst of the picturesque lake landscape of Trakai but also with its interior. There, you can delve deeper into the history of the castle and the city of Trakai in a museum.
Summary: The Old Town, the Republic of Užupis, and attractions in the surrounding area make Vilnius a true insider travel tip for lovers of art and culture.
Klaipėda
Klaipėda is a port city on the Baltic Sea. The city is especially popular with tourists for its location directly on the Curonian Spit. The Curonian Spit is a long peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. It is partly located in Lithuania and partly in the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.
The Lithuanian part of the Curonian Spit offers breathtaking nature as part of the Curonian Spit National Park. One part of the national park is the Parnidis Dune, one of the highest drifting dunes in Europe. It is located in close proximity to the town of Nida, which already enchanted the writer Thomas Mann as a travel destination. His former summer house now houses the Thomas Mann Cultural Center.
On a trip to the Curonian Spit, you should not miss a visit to the Hill of Witches (Raganų Kalnas). There, over 80 wooden sculptures are set against the picturesque backdrop of a wooded sand dune. The subjects of the sculptures are Lithuanian folklore and pagan traditions.
Heading north along the coast from Klaipėda, you'll reach the seaside resort of Palanga in about half an hour. The place invites you to linger with its bright sandy beaches and the 470-meter-long Palanga Pier. Here, you can ideally enjoy the gentle waves of the calm Baltic Sea.
Summary: Those who want to experience the beauty of the Lithuanian Baltic coast will find Klaipėda to be the perfect place. The Curonian Spit impresses with its landscape, and the seaside resort Palanga invites for extended beach excursions.
Kaunas
Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania. It is located in the center of the country in the Central Lithuanian Lowland, where the Neris River flows into the Nemunas. Southeast of the city is the Nemunas Reservoir, also known as the Kaunas Sea, on which the famous Pažaislis Monastery is situated.
The monastery is especially known for its magnificent Church of the Visitation. The church impresses not only with its Baroque exterior but also with its frescoes and stucco work on the inside. The most famous of them is the fresco "Coronation of the Virgin Mary in Heaven," which adorns the dome of the church.
The city of Kaunas itself is known worldwide for its textile art. For example, it hosts the Kaunas Textile Art Biennale every two years. Additionally, the headquarters of the Lithuanian Textile Art Guild, which operates its own gallery in the city, is located in Kaunas.
But not only textile art lovers will find interesting places in Kaunas. The city also has some special museums to offer, such as the Devil's Museum with over 3,000 representations of devils. The Zoological Museum is also worth a visit. It was founded by the zoologist Tadas Ivanauskas, who was also responsible for the establishment of Lithuania's Zoological Garden in Kaunas. The zoo in Kaunas is the only one in the entire country.
Summary: Kaunas boasts a long history and a vibrant cultural scene. In addition to the Pažaislis Monastery in the region, Kaunas itself offers interesting museums and events.
Conclusion: Discover history, nature, and culture in Lithuania
A vacation in Lithuania promises unforgettable experiences and a mix of history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture. Experience classics like the country's picturesque old towns or admire the many unique, sometimes quirky attractions that give Lithuania its unique charm.
Has the travel bug bitten you, and do you want to experience Lithuania for yourself?
► Here, you can find more information about the toll regulations in Lithuania to be optimally prepared for your trip.