Lithuania Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for travelers interested in Lithuania including recommendations for places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, customs, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Lithuania

Lithuania is a country in the Baltic states, located in northern Europe. It is a beautiful country, rich in culture, history, and natural landscapes. Lithuania is also home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, art museums, stunning architecture, and a vibrant food scene. It is a perfect destination for solo travelers, families, and couples seeking a unique experience.

List of Places to Visit in Lithuania

Lithuania offers a diverse range of places to visit, from cultural attractions and historical landmarks to natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Here are some of the must-visit places in Lithuania:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Vilnius Old Town
  • Trakai Historical National Park
  • Hill of Crosses
  • Klaipeda Old Town
  • Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights

Natural Attractions of Lithuania: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Curonian Spit National Park
  • Druskininkai Aquapark
  • Aukstaitija National Park
  • Palanga Botanical Gardens
  • Dzukija National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lithuania

Lithuania has an extensive network of hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy to difficult. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Lithuania:

  • Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route
  • Anyksciai Puntukas Stone Hiking Trail
  • Labanoras Lake Hiking and Biking Trail
  • Trakai Island Castle Hiking Trail

Best Things to Do in Lithuania: Activities and Tours

Lithuania provides a wide variety of unique activities and tours for travelers. Here are some of the top things to do in Lithuania:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the Vilnius Old Town
  • Attend the world-famous annual Kaziukas Fair in Vilnius
  • Learn traditional Lithuanian folk dance
  • Go paddleboarding on the Curonian Lagoon
  • Attend the Lithuanian Song and Dance Festival

Week-Long Itinerary for Lithuania

To make the most out of your trip to Lithuania, follow our week-long itinerary:

Day Activities
Day 1 Vilnius exploration, visit to Trakai Historical National Park
Day 2 Go to Druskininkai Aquapark, and explore Aukstaitija National Park
Day 3 Visit Hill of Crosses, Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights
Day 4 Klaipeda Old Town exploration, hike in the Curonian Spit National Park
Day 5 Explore Palanga Botanical Gardens, and visit Dzukija National Park
Day 6 Take a cycling tour on the Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route
Day 7 Participate in traditional Lithuanian dance, go paddleboarding on the Curonian Lagoon

Food and Drink Scene of Lithuania

The Lithuanian food scene is an array of savory and sweet options. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat, cheese, or mushrooms)
  • Kugelis (potato pudding)
  • Blynai (pancakes with different fillings)
  • Saltibarsciai (cold beetroot soup)

Local Beverages

  • Svyturys, Lithuanian beer
  • Starka, Lithuanian vodka

Where to Stay in Lithuania: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Lithuania has a variety of options for different budgets. Here are some recommended hotels, hostels, and guesthouses:

  • Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius
  • Airinn Vilnius Hotel & Bar
  • Forto Dvaras Hotel, Kaunas
  • Downtown Forest Hostel & Camping
  • Vilnius City Hotel

What to Buy in Lithuania: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Lithuania offers a wide range of souvenir options. Here are some unique local products to bring home:

  • Amber jewelry
  • Linen tablecloths and napkins
  • Lithuanian honey
  • Woodcarvings
  • Handmade baskets

Local Culture and Customs of Lithuania

In Lithuania, handshake is the most common way of greeting someone. It is customary to take off shoes before entering someone’s home or religious buildings.

Best Time to Visit Lithuania

The best time to visit Lithuania is between May and September when the weather is warm. The country also celebrates many festivals during these months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lithuania

Do:

  • Try the traditional Lithuanian cuisine
  • Take part in traditional Lithuanian dance and music
  • Respect the country’s cultural heritage and traditions

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes in someone’s home
  • Litter in public places
  • Drink and drive

Safety and Health

Safety in Lithuania

Lithuania is a relatively safe country for travelers. However, pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas, and it is best to be cautious and take necessary precautions.

Health in Lithuania

Lithuania has a good health care system, and medical treatment is of high quality. Travelers are advised to have travel insurance before their visit.

Getting to Lithuania: Transportation Options and Logistics

Lithuania has multiple transportation options, including air, train, bus, and car rentals.

Airports Near Lithuania

  • Vilnius International Airport
  • Kaunas International Airport
  • Palanga International Airport

Bus Stations Near Lithuania

  • Minsk Bus Station
  • Riga Bus Station
  • Warsaw Bus Station

Other Options

  • Travel by car or train

How to Get Around in Lithuania

Lithuania offers public transportation, including bus and train services in cities. Taxis and car rentals are also available.

Where to Go Next from Lithuania: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Lithuania’s neighboring countries include Latvia, Russia, Belarus, and Poland. Here are some nearby destinations and excursions:

  • Riga, Latvia
  • Kaliningrad, Russia
  • Minsk, Belarus
  • Warsaw, Poland

Conclusion

Lithuania is a beautiful country to visit, rich in history, nature, and unique experiences. We hope that this comprehensive tour guide has provided helpful information and recommendations to you as you plan your trip to Lithuania.

Merkinė hillfort. Lithuanians are proud of their ancient history. Hundreds of hillforts still stand, a reminder of the struggle against the Teutonic Order Merkinė hillfort. Lithuanians are proud of their ancient history. Hundreds of hillforts still stand, a reminder of the struggle against the Teutonic Order Much of Lithuania's natural beauty is well preserved. The eastern part of the country, Aukštaitija, is famous for lakes, hills and forests Much of Lithuania's natural beauty is well preserved. The eastern part of the country, Aukštaitija, is famous for lakes, hills and forests Gediminas tower and castle ruins in Vilnius, and a statue of king Vytautas the Great at the foot of the hill Gediminas tower and castle ruins in Vilnius, and a statue of king Vytautas the Great at the foot of the hill Vilnius railway station Vilnius railway station Train on the Kaunas-Vilnius line Train on the Kaunas-Vilnius line Arriving in Kaunas along the motorway from Klaipeda Arriving in Kaunas along the motorway from Klaipeda Lithuanian road borders' sign Lithuanian road borders' sign A petrol station in Vilnius A petrol station in Vilnius Kaunas old town Kaunas old town Gate of dawn in Vilnius Gate of dawn in Vilnius Hill of crosses near Šiauliai, from a distance Hill of crosses near Šiauliai, from a distance Views from mount Šatrija in Samogitia. Views from mount Šatrija in Samogitia. Euro banknotes Euro banknotes Cepelinai Cepelinai Traditional beer (alus) from Rozalimas, northern Lithuania, for sale in Vilnius Traditional beer (alus) from Rozalimas, northern Lithuania, for sale in Vilnius Night in Vilnius Night in Vilnius Pre-Christian Baltic Sun and the Moon cross at the top of wooden monument. Christian and pagan traditions are very intertwined in Lithuanian culture. Pre-Christian Baltic Sun and the Moon cross at the top of wooden monument. Christian and pagan traditions are very intertwined in Lithuanian culture.


    Aukštaitija
    Dzūkija
    Lithuania Minor
    Samogitia
    Sūduva