10 GOOD REASONS TO VISIT LITHUANIA AND MORE...

Lithuania inhabited by people of Baltic descent, was once a powerful empire stretching from Baltic Sea to Black Sea. It is now known for its fascinating history, beautiful nature and friendly, welcoming people. It has one of the nicest capitals in Europe, Vilnius, which is still undiscovered by mass tourism. There are plenty of other sights like national parks abundant with lakes and rivers, the Baltic Sea coast with its gorgeous sand dunes and little charming villages hidden away from obvious tourist path. When you come, Lithuania it could well be the highlight of your trip.

This could be the start of Baltic tour. It’s famous for its baroque heritage, not only in Vilnius, but throughout the country. Contemporary Lithuanian culture is world-class, and Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture in 2009. A Catholic country with a recent pagan heritage gives a certain exotic flavor to the celebrations. There are all sorts of festivals, from classic, jazz and theatre to folk festivals and marvelous craft fairs.

Lithuania has just about everything for tourists: beautiful, historic cities, romantic castles and manor houses set in a landscape of rolling hills and lakes, an unspoiled coastline, and a wide choice of international and local hotels and restaurants. Last but not least, the price and value will pleasantly surprise you in Lithuania and the other Baltic states.

Vilnius, the capital city, has a medieval atmosphere with a blending of many diverse cultures. Its splendid architectural ensemble is unique in Europe. This rich architectural heritage has placed the Old Town of Vilnius on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Close to Vilnius, is the fascinating 15^th century Trakai Castle, a magnificent monument to the past glory of medieval Lithuania.

Or if you are interested in folk history, then a visit to the Open-Air Countryside Museum in Rumsiskes gives a good insight into the way of life of Lithuanian farming traditions and rural architecture at the end of the 19^th century.

Another great city to visit would be Kaunas, the interim capital between the two World Wars. It has the charm of a bygone epoch mixed with a vibrant, contemporary culture and a host of museums.

However, no visit to Lithuania would be complete without going to the Baltic seacoast. Its premier, seaside resort is Palanga, a beautiful city with a unique Amber Museum, a large botanical park, extensive sand beaches, and numerous summer festivals and concerts.

Nearby is Neringa National Park, located on the Curonian Spit. The romantic, old fishing villages, the dunes, and the forests of pine trees stunted by sea wind are a must.

Don’t miss the Hill of Witches with its folk-art, wooden sculptures created by folk artists.

One shouldn’t miss the Hill of Crosses near the city of Siauliai.

A must visit is the forested resort town Druskininkai with its numerous spas, the largest water park in the Baltic area and home to Grutas Park famous for it’s Soviet era statuary.

The latest Lithuanian addendum to the UNESCO World Heritage List is the old Lithuanian capital from the 13^th century Kernave. Its amazing landscape just 30 km from Vilnius will provide good relaxation for the soul and a history museum that will educate one about the fascinating early history of Lithuanian. A Kernave highlight, A Festival of Living Archaeology Days, one of the very few in Europe where prehistoric crafts and arts are recreated for the visitors’ pleasure, it’s held every year at the beginning of July.

Come visit Lithuania for that rare combination of leisure and excitement.

For more detailed information on Lithuania please visit the Lithuanian Tourism Development Agency website and other pages available on our Links page.