8 Great Reasons Why You Should Visit Lithuania

Lithuania is a pocket-size but extremely proud, united nation. It has unique traditions and a rich history. Southernmost of the Baltic states, it provides both the urban excitement and enjoyment of nature.

This country should be one of your newly planned destinations this year and I’ll tell you why! There are many great reasons to visit Lithuania, so check out some of them 😉

1. Trakai Island Castle

The highlight of Trakai is its picture-postcard castle built on an island on Lake Galvė.  Due to being one of the main Grand Duchy centers, the red-brick Gothic castle, constructed in the 14th century, plays an important part in the history of Lithuania.
Throughout the year, the Island Castle offers many exhibitions in the surrounding museums, as well as historical artifacts and sacred works which visitors can explore. Often, you can also find many cultural events taking place at the area, including the Trakai Castle Festival.

trakai

2. Vilnius Old Town

The Old Town of Vilnius is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasure and is one of the largest, best-maintained medieval old towns in Europe. It’s also the largest Baroque old town in Eastern and Central Europe.
The town is located at the confluence of Vilnia and Neris rivers, making the city one of the greenest in the world. Take a walk in the old city streets and explore the fantastic architecture. The well-maintained castle buildings, Vilnius University (which is the oldest in Central and Eastern Europe), the Cathedral that has six centuries of history, Franciscan church and monastery, Dominican church of the Holy Spirit, and all the fancily decorated Orthodox churches.
You’ll also see some of the Old Town streets buzzing with cozy bars, restaurants, and stores.
The wonderful landscape that’s surrounding the Old Town harmoniously combines the heritage of the past and present.

3. Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania

Since at least the 4th century AD, the palace has been extended, remodeled, destroyed, and then rebuilt over the centuries. Today, visitors see a thoroughly restored grand baroque palace that was made for the Grand Dukes in the 17th century. Despite its evidently new white complex, it still has interesting historical remains. The palace is also a powerful symbol of the restored, independent Lithuania.

The central courtyard hides an experience of two millennia of the country’s history. Visitors can be guided through the foundations of the palace encountering successive episodes of the buildings’ and nations’ history. Other tours include exploration of Lithuanian and European material culture from the time of the Grand Danes or an exploration of the reconstructed ceremonial halls of the Grand Duchy.

4. Hill of Crosses, Šiauliai

This legendary Hill of Crosses is one of the most awe-inspiring sights of Lithuania. Walking the narrow paths and hearing the sounds of the thousands of crosses tinkling in the wind breeze feels priceless and bizarre. Existing since the 19th century (possibly much longer), the hill of crosses was bulldozed by the Soviets one day. But despite the risk of losing their own lives, people kept creeping past soldiers to express their spiritual and national fervor by planting some more crosses on the hill.

5. Santakos Park, Kaunas

It’s an outstanding place where two rivers, Nemunas and Neris, meet. Take a walk in the park and enjoy the rivers, as well as the point where both of them meet and become one – the greatest river in Lithuania.
An interesting note to add: in Lithuanian ‘santuoka’ means marriage, and ‘santaka’ – is where rivers ‘get married’ or merge, so it’s quite a lovely wordplay.

6. The Dead Dunes

The Dead Dunes are the tallest migrating dunes in Europe that are located on a narrow strip of land, the Curonian Spit, between the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon. This geological formation is very impressive, unique, and definitely worth a visit!

7. Hill of Witches

Also found on the Curonian Spit, the Hill of Witches is a forested area with nearly 100 carved wooden sculptures. There are neatly maintained paths that visitors can take and explore various pieces of art illustrating Lithuanian folk tales.

8. Celebration of 100 years

And the last but not least, Lithuania is turning 100 this year! Therefore the country invites everyone to discover their story, emotions, and traditions. Take a part in various events and celebrate together!
You can discover more about these events right here: http://www.lietuva.lt/100/en/lithuania-celebrates-100/events

Local tour guides and excursions in Lithuania:

Vilnius city tour, sightseeing bus tour, beer trail tour, Ignalina Nuclear Power plant tour, Hill of crosses and many more. Book tours, attractions, and activities on the world’s largest online platform GET YOUR GUIDE. Best price guarantee!

Cheap flights to Lithuania:

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