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35 Lithuania trips. Compare tour itineraries from 7 tour companies. 385 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.
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Top Lithuania Attractions
- Get a different view of Old Town Vilnius and the countryside surrounding the city by taking a hot air balloon ride. Every ride is different depending on the weather and wind direction, but expert pilots will make sure you touch down safely — just remember to bring your passport in case your landing spot happens to be across the Lithuanian border!
- Take a trip to the Hill of Crosses outside of Siauliai. Thought to have been the site of an ancient hill fort, the hill is now covered in thousands of wooden crosses placed there by pilgrims and residents of the area as signs of faith and patriotism; the Hill of Crosses remains one of the world’s most important and unique Catholic pilgrimage sites.
- Visit the Europos Parkas just outside of Vilnius. This park & museum marks the exact geographic center of Europe, and features over 130 acres of modern art and sculptures which can be explored by foot or bicycle.
- For a day of muddy outdoor fun, go on a guided walk of Lithuania’s Kulgrindas. The Kulgrindas are ancient stony roads built across swampy areas of the countryside, undetectable from the surface and originally intended as escape routes for locals in case of invasion; now, they’re a testament to Lithuania’s fascinating history and a unique way to see the countryside.
- Take a walk through the Hill of Witches outside Juodkrante, in the northern part of the country. The Hill of Witches is an outdoor sculpture park created in 1979, which features locally-made handcrafted carvings depicting the best-known stories and legends of Lithuanian folk history.
- Explore the Lithuanian countryside and learn about the tradition of beekeeping in the rural village of Musteika. Beekeeping is a long-standing part of Lithuanian culture and mythology, and Musteika has maintained the practice amongst other traditional cultural customs; it even has its own beekeeping museum full of information and beekeeping equipment.
- Walk along the Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path in the Anykščiai Regional Park outside of Vilnius. The walkway rests 35 meters above the forest floor and offers beautiful views of the woods and a unique outdoor activity.
- Get a taste of traditional Lithuanian cuisine by trying a dish such as chilled borscht (cold beetroot soup) or “spit cake” — cake made by cooking batter on a spit as it turns. Ask your tour guide for recommendations on the best places to try the local food.
- Explore one (or several!) of Lithuania’s five famous national parks for plenty of hiking, biking, and water sports. You can even take a boat out to the Trakai Island Castle in the Trakai Historical National Park, or walk through the shifting sand dunes of the Curonian Spit.
- Relax and recharge at one of Lithuania’s resort towns, such as Druskininkai and Birštonas. Located on the Nemunas River, these towns are known for their mineral waters and health spas which offer treatments such as massages, facials, and mud baths.
Lithuania Tours & Travel Guide
Lithuania Attractions & Landmarks Guide
What is Lithuania known for?
Despite its small size, Lithuania is packed full of character, culture, and complex, fascinating history. Lithuania is known for its beautiful countryside of rolling hills, forests, and rivers, its five stunning national parks, and its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites (one of which is the historic center of Vilnius, the capital city). Lithuania’s total size is only about 25,212 square miles (for reference, New York State is about 54,556 square miles) and 33% of its territory is covered by forest.
It is also a relatively flat country, with its highest point, Aukštojas Hill, topping out at only 964 feet. Lithuania’s five national parks (Trakai, Zemaitija, Dzukija, Aukstaitija, and the Curonian Spit) are havens of both nature and culture, providing a refuge for plants, birds, foxes, and wolves, as well as historical villages that are inhabited to this day.
Its three UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the medieval Old Town of Vilnius, Kernavė Archaeological site (showing evidence of 10 millennia of human settlement), and the Struve Geodetic Arc — confirm Lithuania’s reputation as one of the most historically fascinating countries in Europe.
As well, this tiny but mighty country is known for its affordable prices, delicious beer and spirits, love of basketball, unique amber jewelry, and (oddly enough) its incredibly fast and widely accessible Internet connection! Lithuania has the fourth best basketball team in the world, and has won three bronze medals at the Olympics.
As well, some of the world’s best quality amber comes from the Baltic Sea region, and jewelry, trinkets, and other crafts carved from amber abound in Lithuania. Finally, Lithuania’s internet connection is one of the fastest in the world, and it’s accessible nearly everywhere in the country’s big cities in the form of free public WiFi hotspots — making this one of the most traveler-friendly countries in the world!
Cities in Lithuania
Lithuania has no shortage of beautiful, historic cities. Here’s a few of the largest and most well-known cities to consider including in your itinerary.
1. Vilnius
Vilnius is Lithuania’s capital and largest city, with a population of around 580,000. It’s located in the southeast area of the country, and is known for its stunning Old Town architecture which features a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque influences and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994.
Vilnius also had one of the largest Jewish populations in Europe prior to World War Two, giving rise to its nickname “Jerusalem of Lithuania” or “the Jerusalem of the North”. Vilnius is also very affordable despite being Lithuania’s largest urban center, and has a thriving cafe culture and plenty of restaurants for travelers to choose from. It has a thriving craft & creative community, and is a very walkable city with plenty of green space — perfect for tourists without cars!
2. Kaunas
Kaunas is Lithuania’s second largest city, and is located right in the middle of the country on the converging banks of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. During the interwar period between 1920-1939, when Vilnius was taken over by Poland, Kaunas served as Lithuania’s temporary capital.
The city has a vibrant cultural, economic, and academic life, wonderful cafe culture (which appears to be true across Lithuania), beautiful Old Town architecture, and many museums, theaters, and year-round festivals focusing on arts and culture. It’s one of Europe’s most picturesque and pedestrian-friendly cities, and its central location makes it a perfect spot to base your travels in Lithuania.
3. Klaipeda
Located in the western region of the country on the coast of the Baltic Sea, Klaipeda is Lithuania’s third largest city and an important economic center thanks to its port. Like Kaunas, it also has a strong student presence and a vibrant arts scene. It’s one of the oldest cities on the Baltic Coast, and is very multicultural as one of the top five EU cities with the most inhabitants speaking at least one foreign language (including English, which will be welcome news to English-speaking travelers).
Finally, thanks to its history and location (Klaipeda was controlled by various German states until 1919) the architecture of Klaipeda’s Old Town is strongly influenced by German and Scandinavian building and urban planning styles, unique to the rest of the country.
4. Siauliai
Siauliai, Lithuania’s fourth largest city with a population of about 107,000, is located in the northern part of the country and was first established as a defensive post against raiding Teutonic and Livonian Orders in the mid-1200s. Following the destruction of World War I, Siauliai became an important industrial center.
Today it’s best known for the Hill of Crosses, located about 12 kilometers outside of the city. The Hill of Crosses is an important Catholic pilgrimage site, featuring thousands of crosses, crucifixes, statues of the Virgin Mary, patriotic carvings, and rosaries brought by pilgrims. It’s thought that the practice was begun in 1831, after an uprising against the Russian Empire, but the exact origins of the Hill of Crosses is uncertain — regardless, it is certainly one of the most unique sights in the world.
5. Trakai
Although it’s not one of Lithuania’s largest urban centers with a population of only about 5,357, Trakai is perhaps one of the country’s most picturesque villages. It’s only about 17 miles outside of Vilnius to the west of the city, and it’s located within Lithuania’s stunning Trakai Historical National Park.
The surrounding region boasts about 200 lakes, including Lake Galve which is directly outside of Trakai. The Trakai Island Castle, a 14th century castle built on an island in Lake Galve, is perhaps the region’s best-known tourist attraction, and — alongside the many outdoor activities that can be found in this beautiful area — makes Trakai well worth a visit.
Lithanian Culture
Lithuania’s long and complex history is reflected by its unique culture, which includes a combination of indigenous and ethnic influence & language with German, Nordic, and Slavic elements.
Human settlement has existed in the Baltic region since prehistoric times, and over the centuries several of the various Baltic tribal groups coalesced to form the Lithuanian nation and ethnic Lithuanian people. Reflecting this ancient history, the Lithuanian language is the oldest Indo-European language still spoken today.
Lithuania remained independent well into the 15th century, becoming a large and powerful European state and forming a union and later commonwealth with Poland that lasted until 1785. It was also the last country in Europe to be Christianized, retaining its polytheistic belief system until 1387. Later, Lithuania was ruled by the Russian Empire until 1918, enjoyed a brief period of interwar independence, came under the control of the Soviet Union post-WWII, and finally gained full sovereignty once again in the early 1990s.
Today, ethnic Lithuanians make up about 83% of the country’s population, with Poles, Russians, Belarussians, and other ethnic minorities constituting the rest. Despite its tumultuous past, Lithuania has retained a remarkably strong national identity and culture, which (aside from more modern cultural markers, such as the nation’s love of basketball and high-speed internet) is marked by a fusion of Christian and pre-Christian customs and traditions.
The Lithuanian language, folklore, and folk art — such as ceramics, traditional folk costumes, amber jewelry, textiles, and wood carvings — are still a large part of everyday life and the national image. The modern revival of ancient Baltic belief systems, called “Romuva,” is practiced as a form of national pride, and is closely tied to participating in traditional forms of crafts, music, and storytelling, as well as observing traditional holidays.
Lithuania’s holiday traditions are perhaps where its unique cultural fusion and character is most clear. For example, Christmas Eve is also known as Kūčios. On this night, Lithuanians share twelve meatless dishes with their families to ensure success for the coming year, remember relatives who have passed by setting out dishes for them, and bring food to the table for animals, who are believed to gain the ability to speak on this night.
Another example is the celebration of spring in Vilnius, which takes place on the first weekend in March; craft stalls fill the streets of the Old Town, and verbas (dried bouquets that are typically carried on Palm Sunday) are sold throughout the city. Easter is another important spring holiday, and colorful Easter eggs are a common sight in Lithuania — sure to be familiar to many travelers visiting the country during this time.
Finally, Lithuanians celebrate the shortest night of the year, called Joninės, Rasos, or Kupolė, by lighting bonfires to chase away evil spirits and weaving wreaths from grass and flowers to float down streams.
Lithuanian Cuisine
Lithuanian cuisine is characterized by ingredients typical to its northern climate, and (like its history and culture overall) has been influenced by German, Polish, and Slavic traditions. Cabbage and potatoes are an important part of the typical diet, as are rye, barley, greens, beets, mushrooms, and berries.
Soups are a key part of Lithuanian cuisine, such as chilled borscht (a bright pink beetroot and kefir soup) and burokėlių sriuba, another type of beetroot soup typically served warm. Rye bread is a central part of the everyday Lithuanian diet, and the country is also known for its dairy products, such as curd cheese, butter, and sour cream.
The country’s national dish is called cepelinai, and consists of large potato dumplings filled with pork and coated in sour cream and bacon sauce. Other traditional dishes include cabbage rolls, potato pancakes, and a cake called raguolis or sakotis, which is served on special occasions and is made by turning dripping batter on a spit as it cooks.
Outdoor Travel in Lithuania
Lithuania has no shortage of options for the outdoor-oriented traveler, thanks to the country’s five beautiful national parks.
Zemaitija National Park encompasses the region of Lithuania that was the last to adopt Christianity during the Crusades; for that reason, it’s an important site of cultural heritage. The park’s many lakes (such as Lake Plateliai, the largest reservoir in the lowlands of Lithuania) also make it a great destination for water sports like windsurfing and boating.
Trakai Historical National Park is also known for its beautiful lakes and pristine forests which offer great opportunities for hiking and water activities such as kayaking or river rafting; for those interested in sailing, you can even hire a boat to sail across Lake Galve and explore the famous Trakai Island Castle (x).
Similarly, the other three National Parks — Aukstaitija, Kursiu Nerija, and Dzukija — offer miles of rivers, lakes, and pine forests that help preserve Lithuania’s biodiversity and cultural history and also provide spaces for hiking, rafting, and other outdoor activities. Aukstaitija National Park is the oldest in the country, and boasts nearly thirty rivers within its territory, as well as pine and oak trees up to 200 years old.
Dzukija National Park is dotted with historical villages dating from as early as the 16th century, and is covered by dense pine forest that provides a rich array of edible mushrooms and berries that are still gathered by villagers. Kursiu Nerija National Park, also called the Curonian Spit National Park, is the place to go for sand dunes and fresh ocean air — the Curonian Spit, a narrow strip of sand on the southwest Baltic Coast of Lithuania, as well as the Curonian Lagoon it protects, are areas rich in natural biodiversity as well as ancient folklore.
Even outside the national parks, outdoor activities abound. Urtriu Village outside of Klaipeda offers skiing in the winter, as do several other ski resorts across the country (such as Liepkalnis, the Kalita Skiing Center, and the Ignalina Winter Sports Center). As well, Anykščiai Regional Park, about 30 minutes outside of Vilnius, includes the stunning Anykščiai Treetop Walking Path where visitors can explore the forest from 35 meters above the ground.
Finally, for those even more inclined to tall heights, Vilnius is one of very few cities which allow hot air balloon flights within city limits — visitors can book a ride with an experienced pilot for a truly one-of-a-kind view of the historic Old Town and surrounding countryside.
Souvenirs from Lithuania
With its rich tradition of folk arts and crafts, Lithuania is a wonderful destination to pick up some beautiful and locally handcrafted souvenirs.
1. Amber
Perhaps the best known of Lithuania’s crafts, amber jewelry or other trinkets are wonderful gifts to take home for yourself or loved ones. Eighty percent of the world’s amber comes from the Baltic region, and there’s no shortage of craftspeople selling amber goods of all kinds throughout the country.
2. Linens, Textiles, & Clothing
Dyed or natural linen cloth abounds in marketplaces, valued for its sturdiness and ability to keep the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. Handcrafted wool, leather, or mohair goods are also popular, as are hand-knitted shawls and gloves with traditional Lithuanian designs. The Lithuanian sash, worn by both men and women as part of the traditional national costume, is another fantastic handmade souvenir to bring home.
3. Alcohol
For lovers of unique spirits (and for those willing to pack carefully on the way home), a sweet liqueur called Krupnikas is the perfect souvenir. It’s made of honey and herbs, and packs a punch at 40% alcohol content; it’s said that Benedictine monks first created this drink in the 1500s, and it remains popular in Lithuania as a gift for weddings or other celebrations. Another similar option is Trejos Devynerios, or “Three Nines” (named for the 27 flavors it’s infused with), a liqueur made from herbs and spices that is used as both an alcoholic beverage and a potent medicinal treatment for everything from colds to joint pains.
4. Wood Carvings
Wood crafts abound in the Baltic region, and make for another great souvenir to bring home from your trip to Lithuania. You can find more decorative goods such as carved boxes, coasters, and statues, as well as practical wares like bowls, spoons, and cutting boards.
Common Countries Also Visited on Lithuania Tours
Lithuania’s size and location make it the perfect destination to combine with a visit to another nearby country. The two other Baltic states to the north of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, are beautiful destinations in their own right, and are commonly combined with Lithuania on tours of the Baltic region. Even further north (for those willing to cross the sea), Finland and Sweden are also great options. Finally, Poland, Belarus, and Russia are several other nearby countries that are easily visited from Lithuania.
Lithuania Reviews & Ratings
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Great holiday
Really interesting trip made extra special by our guide Melia, whose knowledge was incredible. We were really lucky with the weather and had a really good group o...
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Travels in the Baltics
A bit of a whirlwind tour although the three Baltic States relatively small, green and flat. I knew virtually nothing about them before I went but learned a lot ...
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Brilliant Trip
This is a well designed trip giving an excellent overview of all three Baltic states. This not only included the capital cities but other towns and much countrysid...
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Explore and discover the Baltics
I enjoyed discovering an area of Europe I knew little about. Visiting many areas of all 3 countries. Guide well organized and itinerary good. Only problems were T...
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Three small countries with a lot of character
The Baltic countries are interesting and the old towns are charming. They have suffered a lot under various foreign rulers and are proud of their independence. The...
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