Aug 12, 2024 • 12 min read
25.07.2024 - 18:33 / lonelyplanet.com
Jul 25, 2024 • 8 min read
One of Europe’s smaller gems, Lithuania is speckled with lakes, covered by forests and lapped at by the Baltic Sea.
Yet the country is rich in more than just natural beauty. The cobblestone medieval lanes of its capital, Vilnius, are packed with spired churches that beckon with their baroque finery, while the unparalleled art deco architecture of its second city, Kaunas, has recently earned a UNESCO designation.
Beyond its main two cities, Lithuania’s charms are many and varied. Pagan culture still permeates Europe's last country to be Christianized – a legacy traces you can see in the krikštai (wooden grave markers) an folkloric carvings dotting the country; the wrought-iron craftsmanship decorating the poignant Hill of Crosses in Šiauliai; and the medieval-style music of alternative music festivals such as Mėnuo Juodaragis and Jotvos Vartai.
And there’s more. Pamper yourself in the spa resort of Druskininkai. Seek out vestiges of Lithuania’s Soviet past at Grūto Parkas sculpture park; Kaunas’ Atomic Bunker; the Cold War Museum at Žemaitija National Park; and the Ignalina nuclear-power station. Seek out traditional villages in Dzūkija National Park, party all night in beachfront Palanga and explore the coastline, forests and sand dunes of the bewitching Curonian Spit on foot and on two wheels.
At these sites and beyond, you’ll discover that spark that makes Lithuania so compelling.
It’s possible to visit Lithuania year-round, though the country is at its best (and busiest) in high summer, when days are long, nights are short and mild, and the Baltic Sea is relatively warm. Lithuanians become exuberant during numerous summer festivals: highlights include Klaipėda’s nautical-themed, 4-day Sea Festival; the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival in Vilnius; Palanga’s frenetic Summer Festival; and the medieval frolics of the midsummer Rasos Feast at Kernavė. Since July and August bring crowds to the supremely scenic beaches and forests of the Curonian Spit, consider staying in the smaller villages of Preila and Pervalka rather than the tourist hotspot of Nida.
Late spring is a delight, with a proliferation of wildflowers in the countryside. September through November sees many sunny days, with the hiking and cycling in various national parks excellent (and crowd-free) – plus the added attraction of leaves changing color. Chilly nights in early spring and late autumn are a perfect time to attend the Vilnius International Film Festival, Mama Jazz and Kaunas Jazz Festival.
Budget-conscious travelers might be drawn to winter (December to February), when there are few tourists, accommodation is inexpensive (outside the Christmas/New Year period) and the historic city centers of Vilnius and
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