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Where to visit in Lithuania? When choosing excursions in this country, tourists often ask themselves what to see in Lithuania in the first place? Below are the most interesting sights of Lithuania that you must visit as part of a sightseeing tour of the country.
First things to see in Lithuania
Being the closest to the countries of the former USSR, this country is associated with something close and dear. In addition, guides in Lithuania are fluent not only in English, but also in Russian, which even more attracts travelers from Belarus, Ukraine and Russia. Knowing about the main local attractions, you can easily organize the best vacation of your life abroad.
1. Vilnius Old Town (Vilnius)
Vilnius Old Town
The sights of Lithuania start from the Old Town of Vilnius. This is a real historical center, where a special atmosphere of the past centuries reigns and there are many cultural monuments. In the Old Town of Vilnius, the ancient architecture is almost completely preserved. Narrow streets, paved with paving stones and cobblestones, suggest the possibility of walking only. During a walk along these ornate paths, which run between ancient stone buildings, you can find yourself near no less interesting churches – Orthodox, Lutheran, Catholic. Also among noteworthy objects are museums, hotel yards, educational institutions, residential buildings. Here you can get acquainted with Gothic architecture, see buildings created in the Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Classicism, Baroque styles. In addition to visual acquaintance with the historical part of the city, a walk through the old Vilnius suggests the opportunity to have a bite to eat in a cozy cafe or restaurant. There are also many souvenir shops where you can buy something as a gift for relatives and friends.
2. Trakai Castle (Trakai)
Trakai castle-fortress
The sights of Lithuania are full of amazing natural colors and real architectural masterpieces. This is how you can characterize Trakai Castle, located 30 km from Vilnius and near the small ancient town of Trakai. The island castle is represented by a Gothic architectural ensemble. In the center rises a huge princely palace. The main building is surrounded by powerful defensive walls and many towers. Trakai Castle is a must see in Lithuania. The impression will be made not only by the external picture of the architectural design. A tour of the halls of the palace deserves special attention. The front rooms of the palace are decorated with frescoes, stucco, stained glass windows. Every detail of the internal and external environment speaks of the wealth of the people who once lived within these walls. Even saddles for horses here were used gold. A special romance of a sightseeing walk to the walls of the Trakai Castle lies in the opportunity to admire the water surface of the Gelvi and Luka lakes, washing the approaches to the ancient building.
Official site: http://www.trakai-visit.lt/
3. Neringa resort town (Curonian Spit)
Dunes of the park-reserve Curonian Spit
The sights of Lithuania occupy a vast territory. Literally every corner of the country is interesting in terms of tourism. Not far from the city of Klaipeda, there is a unique area – the Curonian Spit. Part of this area is located on the territory of Lithuania – Neringa, and part of the Curonian Spit belongs to the Kaliningrad region of the Russian Federation – a national park. The territory of the park is washed by the salty waters of the Baltic Sea and the freshwater Curonian Lagoon. The colors of the dune landscapes are truly impressive. In this place, a combination of fir and birch forests is collected. Vegetation will surprise not only biologists. The brightness of local plants and the uniqueness of the geographical picture will inspire ordinary tourists to feel the spirit of genuine natural beauty. Ecotourism is widespread here. People come to this park to relax their souls, breathe in the fresh air to the fullest and enjoy the untouched beauty of wildlife. Near the Curonian Spit there are three residential villages and several tourist bases.
Feel the atmosphere of Lithuania in this beautiful video!
5. Kaunas Castle (Kaunas)
Ancient Kaunas Castle
The sights of Lithuania, such as the Kanua Castle, are a must-see as part of an introductory tour of the country. After all, this is something that is especially interesting to see in Lithuania, from the point of view of historical interest, as well as in terms of acquaintance with the unusual architecture of past times. So far, almost a third of the buildings have survived. The castle is represented by the Gothic architectural style. The round building is made of stone. Around the preserved main part of the castle there are two turrets, fragments of a fortification wall and other small buildings with intricate shapes. The history of this Lithuanian attraction can be found in the museum, organized in one of the towers. It is noteworthy that colorful theatrical performances are regularly held on the territory of the castle. This place hosts many recreational activities that may interest tourists. Guides in Kaunas recommend visiting the annual operetta festival, medieval music concerts, costume shows.
Official website: http://www.visit.kaunas.lt
6. Amber Museum in Palanga (Palanga)
Amber museum building surrounded by a park in Palanga
Tractor made of amber in the Amber Museum in Palanga Liilia Moroz
What to visit in Lithuania? Of course, the Amber Museum, located in the city of Palanga! This is a unique museum that colorfully tells the story of the “sun stone”. Having visited the walls of this attraction, you can plunge into the bright colors of a stone fairy tale. The Amber Museum was opened in 1963 in a building that once belonged to a famous historical figure – Count Tyszkiewicz. The count's palace was built in 1897. Today, the walls of the building have been restored, and the surrounding areas are adapted for comfortable walks and recreation. But the most interesting is in the 15 halls of the palace. A unique collection of amber appears before the eyes of visitors as soon as they cross the threshold of the museum. To consider the “living” beauty of the stone, to feel the attractiveness of amber, to listen to fascinating stories about the extraction of Lithuanian “gold” – all this is offered as part of a visit to the museum. Here, tourists are told about the life of the founder of the city of Palanga – Count Tyszkiewicz. After visiting the museum, you can take a walk in the park located near the palace.
Official website: http://www.pgm.lt
7. Hill of Crosses ( near Siauliai)
Lithuanian Christian Landmark Hill of Crosses
The sights of Lithuania, related to local shrines, are especially interesting and impressive! For example, the famous Hill of Crosses is a must-see in Lithuania. An unusual hill is located about 12 kilometers from the city of Siauliai. More than 50 thousand crosses of various sizes and shapes are installed on the hill. In some ways, it remotely resembles a cemetery, but there are no burials in this place. This accumulation of creeds is explained by legend. It turns out that people, by setting up a cross on a hill, hope to call for good luck. This is the reward that everyone who erects his cross on the mountain will receive, according to the prediction. In this place you can see crosses of various types. Huge wooden crucifixes and small crosses are also collected here. There are whole sculptures created in the form of the holy image of Christ, and there are also simple wooden crosses without additional patterns and inscriptions. The atmosphere of this place is strange, but light. This is what is really worth visiting in Lithuania. Memories after visiting the holy hill will remain vivid. And, who knows, maybe luck really smiles.
Official website: http://www.hillofcrosses.com/
8. Kernavė (35 km from Vilnius)
Museum-Reserve Kernavė
The sights of Lithuania fascinate with a huge number of reserved places of nature. Kernavė Museum-Reserve is a tourist destination that is especially popular with visitors. Kernavė is the first capital of Lithuania. The complex of five hillforts is located 35 kilometers from Vilnius on the banks of the Neris River. In this amazing place, the memory of the history of the development of the country and the Baltic peoples is preserved. Traces of civilizations that lived here in the 10th century BC have been found in this reserve. This place is especially attractive in early July. In honor of the holiday – the Day of the State, the festival “Days of Living Archeology” is held in Kernavė. During this period, grandiose performances can be seen here, demonstrating the features of ancient crafts. Also, ancient music sounds everywhere, in every detail of the holiday you can feel a special local flavor. Participants of the holiday can try various medieval amusements. For example, compete in martial arts or touch the mastery of medieval military art.
Sights of Lithuania: what else to visit while in Lithuania
The list of historical monuments, parks and places that may be of interest to travelers in this state is extremely extensive. Below you will find photos and descriptions of tourist sites that are included in many excursions in Lithuania, and you can decide whether to include them in your excursion route or not.
9. The Old Town of Kaunas (Kaunas)< /h3>
Kaunas Old Town
The sights of Lithuania are crowned, perhaps, by the most impressive part of the country – the old city of Kaunas. A huge number of unusual architectural monuments are concentrated in the old part of the city of Kaunas. There is a rich atmosphere here. The area is simply mesmerizing. It is worth starting a trip through the old part of the city from the Town Hall Square. Here you can see the former Wedding Palace, and now the White Swan of Kaunas – the City Hall. Further along the way you can see the Kaunas Cathedral of Peter and Paul. Vilniaus pedestrian street deserves special attention. Here you can take a walk, enjoy the beauties of the old part of the city. The street is very busy and bright. Walking along it you can see many strange buildings. Some of the buildings have been given over to living quarters, but most of the buildings are occupied by cozy cafes, souvenir shops, and shops. After walking along the pedestrian street Vilaniaus and visiting shops and cafes, it is worth going to Laisvės avenue – this is the widest pedestrian boulevard in the old town.
10. Cathedral (Vilnius)
The list of places that you must visit as part of your acquaintance with Lithuania would be incomplete without such an attraction as the Vilnius Cathedral. This is the most important Roman Catholic cathedral in Lithuania. The temple was given the status of a “small basilica”. The history of the cathedral goes back centuries. The temple building literally “remembers” the days of the founding of Vilnius. This is the oldest temple in Lithuania, where the great Lithuanian princes were crowned. The cathedral is located in the very center of Vilnius, at the foot of the Castle Hill. The building has gone through many changes, including destructive ones. Nevertheless, today the cathedral retains the status of the most beautiful architectural monument in Lithuania. The building is made in the style of classicism. Externally, the cathedral resembles an ancient Greek temple. Inside, the cathedral is no less attractive in terms of decoration. Unique paintings, frescoes and other works of art create a unique flavor of the interior of the temple. A museum has been organized on the lower tier of the cathedral, which carefully preserves history from the time of paganism.
Official website: http://www.piligrimukelias.lt
11 Mountain of Witches (Curonian Spit)
Wooden sculpture “Happy Fisherman” on the Hill of Witches Rimantas Lazdynas
The sights of Lithuania not only impress with beauty, but also amaze with mystery. Mountain of Witches is a must-see in Lithuania! A mystical place is located in the area of the Curonian Spit. Mount Witches is represented by a beautiful dune, which has a parabolic shape. Mysterious rumors and curious legends circulate around this amazing sight. It is believed that this mountain appeared thanks to the giantess Neringa. Arriving in these places, you can enjoy the fabulous landscapes of the local nature. Intricate sculptures of heroes of Lithuanian folklore are installed on the mountain. Walking along the mountain, you can literally feel the mystical atmosphere of this place. If you can see the mountain from afar, you can understand why there is an opinion that the mountain is divided by light and dark forces. Visually, the hill is divided into two colors. One half of the mountain is lighter than the other. Even those who do not believe in fairy tales will be curious to visit the Mountain of Witches. Clean air, beautiful nature, a special local relief – this is what in itself fascinates the eye even without being accompanied by fairy tales and mysterious tales.
12. Church of St. Anne and Bernardine Church (Vilnius)
Church of Saint Anna
The sights of Lithuania are represented by a variety of local shrines. One of the most interesting architectural monuments located in Vilnius is St. Anne's Church and Bernard's Church. The temple is located in the Old Town on Mayrone Street. The building was created in the classic Gothic style. The architecture of the shrine impresses with its forms and depth of style. Going to this landmark of Lithuania, you can enjoy not only the unique architectural design of the building, but also touch the history. The temple has an exhibition showing the history of the oldest building of the cathedral, from the time when there was a pagan sanctuary to the present day. In the lower tier of the temple are the tombs of famous personalities: princes, bishops, nobles. In the main building of the temple there are fourteen altars with wooden sculptures of saints. The beauty and attractiveness of this temple is difficult to convey in words. It is better to see once and see for yourself how beautiful the architectural image of the capital of Lithuania is.
Official website: http://www.onosbaznycia.lt
13. Tyszkiewicz Palace (Palanga)
View from the park to the Neo-Renaissance Tyszkiewicz Palace in Palanga Kévin Veau
One of the most popular Lithuanian resorts is Palanga, where people go to enjoy the purest pine air, relax in the sands of the Curonian Spit and plunge into the waters of the Baltic Sea. Palanga owes much of its well-being to the Tyszkiewicz family, who made a significant contribution to the improvement of the resort town, the development of a network of roads and local beaches. And the symbol of the resort was the count's estate Tyszkiewicz, an elegant and noble palace. Once it was wooden and served as the summer residence of the counts, and years later one of the heirs of the eminent family decided to settle here for a long time, so he commissioned a German architect to design a new stone structure. The new two-storey palace acquired the features of baroque, renaissance and classicism, and after restoration in the 50s of the last century, it was opened to the public. Today, the world-famous Museum of Amber, a precious stone rich in the coast of the Baltic Sea, operates in the halls of the palace.
14. Lithuanian Sea Museum-Aquarium (Klaipeda)
Lithuanian Maritime Museum in the building of the old Kopgalis Fort in Klaipeda Algirdas
Water shows with Black Sea dolphins and sea lions at ViršuLF Marine Aquarium Museum
The Maritime Museum in the city of Klaipeda can be called one of the best options for what to see in Lithuania in winter. This cozy and fascinating place is located on the northern tip of the Curonian Spit in the premises of Kolgalis, a defensive fortress of the 19th century. In total, the museum complex includes several departments – in addition to the Maritime Museum itself, there is a natural museum of the Curonian Spit, an aquarium and a dolphinarium. On the way to the fortress, the first place is the Maritime Museum, where you can get acquainted with the peculiarities of the life of local fishermen and see a ship built by an amateur fisherman based on ancient drawings. The fort building is equipped with a complex of aquariums – 34 small and one huge, which contains more than a hundred species of fish and other inhabitants of the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. Finally, the main pride of the museum is the dolphinarium, where performances are regularly held and interesting facts about the life of dolphins are covered.
Official website: https://muziejus.
15. Sharp Gate (Vilnius)
Chapel for the Icon of the Mother of God of Ostrobramskaya above the city wall gate in Vilnius Marcin Bialek
Ostrobramskaya Icon of the Mother of God of the 19th century Alma Pater
Sometime at the beginning of the 16th century, Vilnius was surrounded by a powerful fortress wall with five gates, one of which has survived to our time – this is the Gate of the Sharp Gate. Such an unusual name is associated by some with the surname of the princes Ostrozhsky, others with long metal awns, with which the fortress wall was seated. One way or another, today the Sharp Gate is an architectural monument in which the Gothic style and the Renaissance are mixed. The attic of the gate is decorated with the Lithuanian coat of arms and the image of Hermes in a winged helmet, the outer side of the tower is crowned with the coat of arms of the Principality of Lithuania, under it is a fresco depicting the Savior, and a small section of the restored fortress wall has been preserved to the right of the tower. Directly above the gate, the chapel of Our Lady of Ostrobrama was erected – this is one of the most famous and revered icons in Lithuania. It is believed that the icon of the Virgin Mary, located inside, has miraculous powers.
Official website: https://www.ausrosvarta
16. Tower of Gediminas ( Vilnius)
Top view of the western tower of the Upper Castle in Vilnius
The historical centers of the Baltic capitals are real treasuries of antiquities with narrow cobbled streets, odious cathedral spiers, mysterious lanes and mystical cellars of old houses. The sights of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania will clearly tell about the centuries-old heritage of the Baltic States, among which a special place is given to medieval castles and historical towers. So, the Old Town of Vilnius is decorated with the Gediminas Tower, which bears the name of the founder of the capital – Prince Gediminas. The 48-meter tower rises on the Castle Hill, from its top a beautiful view of Old Vilnius opens up. Once the tower was part of the Upper Castle, built in the 14th-15th centuries, and today among the fortifications only Gediminas has been preserved in its original form. The tower was repeatedly destroyed and completed, and in its modern form it is an octagonal structure, within the walls of which is a branch of the Lithuanian National Museum.
Official website: http://www. lnm
17. Laisves alley (Kaunas)
Laisves alley – a place of rest and leisurely walks in Kaunas Phillip Capper
Laisves is the Lithuanian Freedom Avenue in Kaunas, which is a pedestrian street over 1.5 km long and up to 27 meters wide. This is a great place for walking and relaxing, located not far from the Old Town, so when looking around the historical center, you can sooner or later get to Laisves. A beautiful green boulevard is framed by slender rows of lindens, maples and chestnuts, and along it there are many shops and souvenir shops, bars and cafes, museums and theaters, monuments and fountains. So once you get to this alley, you can always find something to your liking – be it shopping, a cultural program or even a bike ride. Laisves is a kind of mirror of the life of the city – it regularly becomes a venue for festivals and various processions, festive and tragic events. The latter include an act of self-immolation as a protest against the Soviet occupation, which was committed in 1972 by Romas Kalante – a memorial plaque was erected in the alley in memory of this hero.
18. Europe Park (19 km from Vilnius)
Open-air space of unknown height of Magdalena Abakanovic in Europa Park Legionas
Sculpture Sol Le Witt Double Negative Pyramid in the Europa Park Dan
The tourist map of Lithuania shows that just 20 km from Vilnius there is an open-air art museum where the beauty of nature and the charm of modern art are wonderfully intertwined. Europa Park is located right in the middle of the forest, and its origins date back to the early 1990s. It was then that it became known that the geographical center of Europe is located in this place, which it was decided to designate through art. The initiator of the arrangement of the park was the sculptor Gintaras Karosas, who turned to colleagues from all over the world with an offer to participate in the design and place his works here. The sculpture park began its existence with the installation of a stone pyramid, on which there is a distance indicator to all the capitals of Europe. Later, the collection was replenished with hundreds of art objects, which were donated to the park by artists and sculptors from many world countries.
Official website: http://www.europo
< h3> 19. IX Fort of the Kovno Fortress (Kaunas)
The IX Fort of the Kovno Fortress is one of the largest sights of Kaunas
Prison cell in the ninth fort of the Kovno fortress in Kaunas Andrius Vanagas
For those who are interested in the military sights of Lithuania, the presentation recommends visiting the city of Kaunas. It is here that the Kovno Fortress is located – a masterpiece of fortification, which could become one of the centers of tourism, if not for a gloomy milestone in its history: during the Second World War, this fort became the site of the mass extermination of Jews and Poles. Tens of thousands of people were killed in forts 7 and 9, among them it was the 9th that was used as a prison for prisoners. When the prison was overcrowded, its prisoners were herded into a ditch and shot, and their bodies covered in slaked lime and burned to destroy any evidence of a massive murder. However, 60 prisoners of the prison still managed to escape, and the atrocities of the Nazis became known even before the end of the war. Today, among all the fortifications, the 9th fort is the best preserved, it has been restored, and within its walls there is a museum dedicated to the tragedy of the Holocaust.
Official website: http://www.9fort
20. Druskininkai city (South of Lithuania)
View of the resort town of Druskininkai from Lake Druskonis in Lithuania Juliux
Magnificent pine forests, wide sandy beaches, the emerald sea, ancient estates, health-improving rest and effective treatment – all this is a resort in Lithuania. Resort towns, although they do not always boast clear and warm weather, but the local sea air, mixed with the scent of pine needles, is extremely pleasant and good for health. One of the most famous and popular balneological resorts in the country is Druskininkai – a number of mineral springs are concentrated here, on the basis of which local healing sanatoriums operate. In addition to waters of varying degrees of mineralization, local soils are also valued for therapeutic peat mud, which is used in the treatment of various diseases. In addition to sanatoriums, the resort has a number of spa centers, hotels, clinics, entertainment centers for adults and children. Druskininkai also regularly becomes a venue for interesting events – festivals and master classes.
Official website:https://www.druskininkai
21. Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania (Vilnius)
Facade of the reconstructed palace overlooking the Cathedral Square to the monument to Gediminas Poznaniak
The Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is not an ordinary historical castle: on the one hand, it is the most important national symbol of the country, on the other hand, it is a new building, recreated today according to the model of a 15th century building. In the 4th-8th centuries, the first settlement was located on this site, and the buildings were wooden, in the 13th century the first stone fortifications appeared. The ancient lower castle was built in the 15th century, but over the next 3 centuries it was rebuilt, changing the architectural style, and by the 17th century it was dilapidated after the invasion of Russian troops. The idea to restore the original building appeared in the 80s of the last century, and only in the early 2000s did it begin to be implemented. After 7 years, the castle was erected and officially opened, and after another 6 years, it received its first visitors. Today, there are expositions that reveal the role of the old residence and demonstrate various historical finds.
Official website: https://www.valdovur
22. Old Town Klaipeda (west of Lithuania)
Klaipeda Old Town Architecture Mantas Volungevicius
The Old Town – the tourist part of Klaipeda on the left bank of the Dana River jo.sau
If the travel route in Lithuania captures the western part of the country, you can visit the ancient city of Klaipeda, divided by the Dange River into two parts: on the right side is the modern city center, on the left is the Old Town of Klaipeda, which has preserved the old outlines and atmosphere of past centuries. On the narrow streets of the Old Town, Lithuanian houses are located next to German buildings – after all, since the 13th century the city belonged to the Germans, and the Lithuanians themselves, who were forbidden to settle here, lived in the city's environs. During the Second World War, when Soviet troops occupied the city, the Germans were expelled to their historical homeland, and after a while the city began to settle in, as well as Russians and Belarusians – approximately the same population remains today. Of the historical monuments of Klaipeda, a part of the fort on the Curonian Spit, the remains of the Memelburg Castle, and among the German heritage – numerous houses of burghers and merchants have been preserved.
23. Aukstaitsky National Park (north-east of Lithuania)
View from Ladakalnisna hill to the lake in Aukstaitija National Park in Lithuania
In the 1970s, the first National Park appeared on the territory of Lithuania, later renamed Aukstaitsky. It is located about a hundred kilometers north of Vilnius, covers an area of about 400 square meters. kilometers, and most of its area is covered with forest. The rest of the territories are occupied by mirror lakes, picturesque rivers and streams. Among the lakes, the largest is Kretuonas, the deepest is Tauragnas, the most unusual is Baluošas, it has 7 islands, one of which has its own lake. The abundance of forests and reservoirs creates excellent conditions for the life of hundreds of species of birds and animals. Local reservoirs attract visitors not only with their beauty, but also with excellent conditions for fishing – dozens of species of fish are found here, there are boat and equipment rentals. There are about 120 villages on the territory of the reserve – these are interesting places loved by tourists, where you can admire mills and wooden churches.
Official website: https://www.aparkai
24. Dzukija National Park (South of Lithuania)
Magnificent natural landscape of the Dzukija National Park in Lithuania
A serene holiday in the Druskininkai resort can be diversified by a trip to nearby attractions. In search of what to see in the vicinity of Druskininkai, you can stop at the picturesque landscapes of the Dzukija National Park. It was once created to preserve the local forests and villages, as well as to protect the natural landscape of the region. The vast territories of the park with an area of almost 600 square kilometers stretch along the Neman River and represent the land of pine forests, crystal clear rivers, lakes and continental dunes. Among the most attractive places, unique villages of borovy dzuks stand out, where you can go on a trip at any time of the year – on foot, by bike or by kayak. Visitors are very interested in the hollow pines encountered along the way – ancient relics for beekeeping, in which passages for bees are artificially made.
Official website: http://gamta.cepkeliai
25. Rumsiskes Ethnographic Museum (Lithuania)
Open-air outbuildings at Rumsiskes Ethnographic Museum in Lithuania Phillip Capper
About 30 kilometers from Kaunas is Rumšiškės, an extensive open-air ethnographic museum that reveals all the natural beauty of the Lithuanian region. It is here that you can fully feel the spirit of Lithuania, plunge into the atmosphere of the past and hear a story about Lithuania in the 18th-20th centuries. On 174 hectares of the museum, there are almost 200 buildings brought from different regions of the country, while the age of some buildings exceeds 200 years. Huts, farm buildings, mills, chapels, farms and front gardens are located against the backdrop of natural landscapes. Along all this splendor there is a circular walking route about 6 kilometers long. The central place in the park is occupied by a square paved with paving stones, where the atmosphere of an old county is recreated. Here, in an old tavern, you can taste dishes of national cuisine, and in the Museum of Folk Life you can see how clay pots are made, lace is woven, jewelry is made from amber, leather and wood.
Next to Lithuania is a country that famous for its wide beaches and huge dense forests – Latvia. When traveling in Lithuania, think about visiting Latvia. Read about the sights of Latvia and get inspired for your next trip around Europe!