Posted by Trains, connections and information Lithuania, top 10 attractions in Lithuania
Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic states. It borders on Poland, Belarus, Russia (the Königsberg enclave) and to the north on Latvia. Lithuania is the most populous country in the Baltics. Tourist highlights are the Curonian Spit, the Memel River and the two large cities of Vilnius and Kaunas.
Currently, Lithuania is the only one of the three Baltic states that has not yet adopted the euro. But from the beginning of 2015, the euro is also be the sole currency in Lithuania.
>>> Book a day trip by bus from Vilnius to Trakei online
Arrival / connections in the country
You can reach Lithuania by train from Poland, Latvia and Belarus. If you travel by train from northern Poland, you should be careful which route you choose: the old main line runs a few kilometers through Belarus. If you choose this route, you may still need an expensive transit visa. However, there is also a branch line that leads directly from Poland to Lithuania. There are buses from all neighboring states several times a day. From Warsaw, taking a bus is the quickest and cheapest way to get to Lithuania. In the country, buses are better than trains.
Video top sights in Lithuania (youtube, english)
Sights Lithuania
Vilnius: The capital of Lithuania is worth a visit. The old town in particular has a lot of interesting architecture to offer. There are also attractions in the area: The Europos Parkas (European Park) is a sculpture park by both young and world-famous artists. It is located a few kilometers from Vilnius in the geographical center of Europe. Because of the enormous size of the European part of Russia and Scandinavia, Lithuania is actually right in the center of Europe! In Vilnius you can stay overnight cheaply in the Filaretai youth hostel. You can get a bunk bed there for 8 euros in season or 6 euros in winter. (As of 2009) Address: www.lithuanianhostels.org (Lithuanian Youth Hostel Association), hostel phone number: (00370) 5-2154627.
Curonian Spit: A 98 km long sand wall connects Kaliningrad (Königsberg) in Russia with the city of Memel in Lithuania. The border between Russia and Lithuania runs roughly in the middle. The Curonian Spit is only a few kilometers wide. The Lithuanian part can be reached by road from Memel or by ferry (see below). Anyone who wants to continue traveling to the Russian part needs a visa and can expect strict border controls. The landscape on the Curonian Spit is unique: the largest sand dunes in Europe, beautiful beaches and coniferous forests can be found on the spit. The main town is Nida: a small fishing town with colorful wooden houses reminiscent of Scandinavia. Private rooms are available at the tourist information office. Summer houses of well-known Germans can be admired in Nida. The area was part of East Prussia in the German Empire. The writer spent many summers in the Thomas Mann House. Today the house is a museum that is worth a visit. Another village worth visiting on the Curonian Spit is Schwarzort. The world-famous amber is mined near Schwarzort.
From Kaunas (the second major city of Lithuania) a few passenger ships depart every day down the Memel and after a few hours reach the town of Nida on the Curonian Spit (see above). I really liked the inexpensive boat trip on the Memel. The landscape to the left and right of the original, poorly straightened Memel River is worth the slow journey. The Memel is partly a border river, with Russia on the left and Lithuania on the right. From the Memel you can clearly see the different culture, architecture and wealth gap between the two countries. Current note: Unfortunately, according to a reader, the ships on the Memel are no longer sailing at the moment (2019). Shipping appears to have been suspended for the long term. Very unfortunate. Discover Kaunas, Lithuania’s second largest city with its rich Hanseatic tradition. Visit Kaunas Castle, stroll through the Old Town and discover the artistic atmosphere of Fortress 9. A masterpiece of Baroque architecture, Pazaislis Monastery is a peaceful retreat on the outskirts of the city.
Trakai Castle:
Travel to Trakai, a beautiful town surrounded by lakes, and explore Trakai Castle. This iconic island fortress on Lake Galve is a symbol of Lithuania and reflects the country’s medieval history. Take a boat trip on the lake and enjoy a unique perspective of the castle.
Ramsisque:
Immerse yourself in Lithuania’s rural history at the Ramsiskes Open Air Museum. This extensive museum showcases authentic 19th and 20th century buildings from different parts of the country and offers a unique insight into the traditional Lithuanian way of life.
Aukstaitija National Park:
Nature lovers will find solace in Aukstaitija National Park, characterized by tranquil lakes, dense forests and traditional wooden villages. Walk along the picturesque Platerai Lake, hike to the Zinuciai Watermill and experience the tranquility of Lithuania’s first national park.
Palanga:
Visit Palanga, a popular seaside resort on the Baltic Sea. Enjoy the sandy beaches, stroll through the Palanga Botanical Park, home to the Amber Museum, and explore the lively Basanavicius Street with its cafes, shops and entertainment venues.
Lithuanian Maritime Museum Klaipeda:
Visit the Lithuanian Maritime Museum in Klaipeda, where the Curonian Sea meets the Baltic Sea. The museum includes marine life exhibits, a dolphinarium and the historic Kopgaris Fortress. Enjoy a boat tour along the beautiful coast.
Kernave:
Your trip to Lithuania ends in Kernave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its archaeological significance. Exploring Kernave Hill reveals traces of ancient settlements and fortifications, offering a glimpse into Lithuania’s prehistoric past.
Lithuania information |
|
| Residents of Lithuania | 2.8 million in 2023 |
| Area of Lithuania | about 65,000 km² |
| Inhabitants / km² | 44 (about five times more sparsely populated than Germany) |
| Capital of Lithuania | Vilnius |
| Language | Lithuanian official |
| religion | predominantly Roman Catholic |
| currency | EURO |
| gross domestic product | 23,000 euros / resident (above average for Eastern Europe) |
| Visas |
No, just ID card, Lithuania is in the EU |
| Area code of Germany | 00370 |
| Internet addresses | .lt |
| Vehicle license plate | LT |
