Despite its diminutive size, Lithuania is considered a very popular holiday destination for those who want to get acquainted with its architecture, culture and traditional way of life. In Lithuanian cities, you will always find something to see. At the same time, traveling around the country will give you the opportunity to combine several types of tourism, which is a significant advantage.
Vacation season in Lithuania
Of course, it is better to come here during the warm season, which lasts from May to the end of September. However, the climate of Lithuania is moderate enough to have a rest in the country all year round. Popular holiday periods in Lithuania are distributed as follows:
- Beach season (mid-May-late September);
- Christmas season (December-January);
- Wellness season (April-October);
- Children's holiday season in language camps (May-August).
The choice of vacation time in Lithuania is a purely individual matter. In general, the country has optimal conditions for any type of tourism. To this end, the Lithuanian authorities have made every effort, which today is fully justified by the increasing flow of visitors.
TOP 15 interesting places in Lithuania
Trakai castle
The attraction is included in the list of the oldest and well-preserved castles in the country. The building was erected in the XIV century in the city of Trakai, where the Lithuanian princes reigned. According to chronicle sources, the famous prince Gediminas hunted in the vicinity of the Kernave settlement and discovered a picturesque place. The prince ordered to build a castle here and move the capital of Lithuania.
Today the castle is famous for its great popularity among connoisseurs of Gothic architecture. On the basis of the castle there is a museum inviting its visitors to get acquainted with the cultural heritage of Lithuania.
Curonian Spit
This natural site is under special protection of the state and is the largest national park in the country. Outwardly, the sand spit resembles a saber in shape, stretching for 98 kilometers. The main function of the spit is to divide the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea.
There are special trails for tourists on the territory of the park, and it is strictly forbidden to go down from them. You can also enjoy the diverse nature and fauna from the viewing platforms installed in some parts of the spit.
Amber Museum
For several centuries Lithuania has been famous for its industrial-scale amber mining. This stone is considered a symbol of the country, and every local resident knows the legend of its origin.
A museum dedicated to amber is located in Palanga in the immediate vicinity of the Baltic Sea. In the vast halls of the museum, you can see exhibitions that include a variety of exhibits. Visitors are also offered an excursion that tells about all the stages of the evolution of amber.
Gediminas Tower
This landmark is located in the historic center of Vilnius and is one of the most significant cultural heritage sites in Lithuania. The building was built in the middle of the XIV century and was subsequently reconstructed many times. The design of the building was quite unusual for classical Gothic architecture. At the base, the three-story tower has eight corners. Clear straight lines, laconicism and completeness are the characteristic features of the tower.
Tourists, as a rule, go up to the observation deck, from where an amazing view of the old Vilnius opens up. A thematic museum was created inside the building, the collections of which contain valuable archaeological finds.
Laisves Boulevard
If you want to feel the true Lithuanian atmosphere, then it is better to go to the city of Kaunas and walk along its main alley. A wide street connects the two squares and other important city sites. Laisves' project was developed by the country's leading architects back in 1899. Many years later, the street received the status of a pedestrian street and became a favorite resting place for the townspeople.
The modern alley has preserved the features of the past, combining them with a harmonious natural landscape. The street is lined with original statues, fountains and benches. It should be noted separately that the alley is planted with chestnuts, lindens and maples.
Cathedral of St. Stanislaus
Experts classify this shrine in Vilnius as exemplary buildings in the style of classicism. The first mentions of the construction of the cathedral were recorded in the 15th century. Before the construction of the building, there was a pagan sanctuary in its place. After the baptism of Lithuania, the temple was destroyed at the behest of King Jagailo.
Throughout its long history, the cathedral has repeatedly suffered in fires and then rebuilt again. During the Soviet period, the temple was allocated for a warehouse where household utensils were kept. Since 1985, regular services have begun in the cathedral, which are still taking place.
Hill of Crosses
One of the most unusual religious sights of Lithuania is located 10 kilometers from the town of Siauliai. There are two versions of the origin of the Mount of Crosses. According to the first, after the proclamation of Christianity as the main type of religion in the country, they began to install crosses on the hill. The second version says that the crosses appeared to commemorate the dead soldiers who participated in the 1831 uprising.
The mountain gained its popularity after the arrival of the Pope on the mountain in 1993, who installed his cross.
Kernave
The name of this place was first recorded in the Lithuanian chronicles in 1279. The hilly area of Kernavė is located 35 kilometers from Vilnius. Here, many centuries ago, a settlement was built, recognized as the ancient capital of Lithuania.
Nowadays, only memories and elements of fortifications remain from the old city. However, tourists tend to get here in order to enjoy beautiful views, take part in open-air music festivals and look at ethnographic exhibitions.
Park of Europe
In 1991, the territory officially recognized as the center of Europe was designated in Vilnius. On the initiative of the authorities and the support of the best architects of the country, the park was created. A unique space was organized on 55 hectares, combining natural landscape and sculptures from 32 European countries.
Visitors to the park can not only walk along the paths, but also ride a bike. In summer, the cultural program of the park is rich, as it periodically hosts mass events of various kinds.
Mountain of Witches
Near the little-known Lithuanian village of Juodkrante, thousands of tourists gather annually to visit the iconic Mount of Witches. Among the slopes with century-old pines, there is a winding path leading to the top.
Before the arrival of the Crusaders on the mountain there was a sanctuary of the Samba and Curonian tribes, who professed the Vedic religion. According to legend, witches from all over Europe performed their rituals on the mountain. Also, the hill became a place for celebrating the pagan celebration of Ivan Kupala.
In 1979, Lithuanian craftsmen, specializing in folk crafts and wood carving, came to the mountain for the first time. Their task was to create sculptural compositions.
Ninth fort
If you find yourself in Kaunas, be sure to visit this fortification, which was built in the second half of the 19th by the decree of Alexander II. During the First World War, the fort took over the main defensive function of the country's borders.
A two-story building of the barracks has survived to this day, where the warehouses of weapons and household utensils of the military were previously located. At a depth of several meters underground, secret passages were laid, allowing soldiers to pass unnoticed as far as the fortification wall. Near the fort, a memorial was erected in memory of the victims who participated in the hostilities.
Devils Museum
This museum, interesting in all respects, can be visited in the city of Kaunas. A house was allocated for the exposition, where the famous Lithuanian artist Antanas muidzinavičius, who was interested in mysticism, lived. He began to collect figurines of devils and devils back in 1906, and his collection grew every year. After the artist's death, a museum was organized in the house, adding new exhibits to the exposition.
A tour of the museum is a kind of journey into the world of the unknown, in which evil spirits reign. On request, themed souvenirs can be purchased in the souvenir shop.
Botanical Garden
Lithuania is rich in natural sites, among which the national park in the city of Klaipeda occupies a worthy place. At the beginning of the 20th century, there was a royal estate on the territory of the park. The landscaping around the manor was distinguished by an exquisite English style and attracted Lithuanian monarchs.
In 1993, the city authorities decided to reconstruct the park. For this purpose, a team of professional florists was assembled. As a result, a recreation space was designed in the park, flower beds were installed, where various types of flowering plants were planted. In addition, the parks often host festivals, exhibitions and wedding ceremonies.
Singing fountain
Among the new sights of Palanga, there is a modern fountain with music and light accompaniment. Today tourists come to the fountain to enjoy amazing melodies playing in time with high streams of water.
The high technological effectiveness of the fountain is ensured by a system of LEDs and nozzles. The maximum height of the water jet reaches 8-9 meters, creating a mesmerizing visual effect. Musical compositions replace each other with a frequency of 10 minutes. It is worth noting that you can order any melody using a message to your phone.
Sharp brama
This landmark of Vilnius is also called the Gate of Ausros and is considered one of the most important monuments of religious architecture. The Gothic gate was erected between 1503 and 1522. Initially, the icon of the Savior was placed in one of the niches of the gate. Later it was replaced by a bas-relief in the shape of a white eagle, which personified the coat of arms of Lithuania.
Near the gate, the monks built a chapel where the rare icon of the Ostrobramskoy Mother of God was located. The miraculous image of the icon is ranked among Christian shrines and is revered by both Orthodox believers and Catholics.
