Lithuania is among the first countries to exit the union of social soviet republics in 1990. The country has reestablished itself to be a force to reckon with in the Baltic region. There are numerous bunkers and museums that you can learn more about the country’s past and present.
The capital Vilnius is the most fantastic place to check out because it has multiple open spaces, just like a Curonian spit. There are numerous charming museums like the money and beekeeping museum. Lithuania has some of the most stunning locations that are classified as heritage sites by UNESCO. When you visit the country, you can check out the charming local markets and the impressive red-brick architecture around the city.
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What Is the Best Time to Visit Lithuania?
Unlike other nations that experience adverse climatic conditions, you can visit Lithuania at any time of the year. Each season has its own advantages and disadvantages. During the winter period, the temperatures can reach -15 degrees Celsius, and you should prepare adequately for the adverse temperature.
You can visit during the summer or spring period as this is the season when the temperature has significantly improved from the harsh winter climate to a better level.
The best time is from May through August, and although it may be hot and dry, there are chances of showers and chilly nights.
As the year progresses from September until November, the temperatures cool down rapidly, which welcomes the winter period. You will experience snowfall from mid-November through February. During the winter, the land remains dry and barren until late March or early April, when the area bursts into life with green plants and colorful flowers blossoming all areas.
How to Get to Lithuania
Lithuania may be perceived as a small country. However, it is well connected, and there are three international airports in the city. The major airport is located in Vilnius, and if you are coming from a different part of the world or outside Europe, you might not find a direct flight to Vilnius. However, you can link from Frankfurt international airport to Vilnius. Apart from Vilnius, you can also fly to Palanga or Kaunas.
However, if you are in the neighboring countries, you can opt to take a train or bus to get to Lithuania. The train ride can be cumbersome because you will be required to change the trains once you are on the Lithuanian border. However, the bus network is impressive and well developed, and if you are coming into Ukraine, you can board a bus into the country easily.
You can look up the train and bus timetables online, making it easy to travel between the tourist attraction sites in the country. Choosing whether you want to get into Lithuania by train or bus is your personal preference and when your schedule is convenient to you.
Awesome Things to Do in Lithuania
There are so many things that you can do in Lithuania, and it is one of the most unique countries in the world, and you can visit this incredible country any time of the year. Here are the top things to do.
Climb the Curonian spit Sand dunes
The sand dunes in Lithuania are the most giant moving sand dunes in Europe, and it is a historic destination that you should explore during your visit. There is a national park in Curonian spit called Kuršių Nerija National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. This spit is a long peninsula that covers an extended area, and it is closer to Kaliningrad as it stretches to Klaipeda.
There are a lot of things to do in the spit. You can trek to the highest place of the sand dune. From the top, you can have an exquisite view of the sandy landscape. There is a Curonian spit museum where you can learn more about the history of this location and the people. Take time and explore the region and learn more about the history and diversity of this region.
Explore the Pazaislis Monastery
The Pazaislis monastery and church is one of the biggest monastery complexes in the country, and you can see it from the peninsula in the Kaunas reservoir. These monasteries were constructed in the Italian baroque style, making it a fantastic location to learn more about this amazing country.
The monastery was founded in 1662, and it had an art gallery, a hospital, and the remnants can be seen from its interior look and structure. There are paintings of Mary Belle’s mother, among other fantastic artworks from artists worldwide.
Visit the Vilna Gaon Jewish State Museum
This is one of the most stunning locations as it is a place where the ministry of culture keeps the culture and history of the people, and this museum was started in 1989.
Numerous artifacts can be found in different branches of the museum. You can learn more about the history and diversity of this country as well as Jewish culture.
Explore the Bernardinai Garden
The Bernardini garden is a fabulous nine-hectare park that is in the capital city of Vilnius. The garden is an incredible destination that you can relax and unwind as you learn more about flora and fauna. The Bernardini garden is divided into a recreational territory, monastery exposition, parkland, and botanical exposition.
There is an excellent children’s amusement park if you want to explore the area with your family. As you explore the botanical garden, you will find tea plants and medicinal herbs that are endangered. Depending on the location you are in, you can attend the festivals often hosted at the gardens.
Visit Kaunas
Kaunas is one of the most visited locations in Lithuania, and you can explore as you get to know more about the history of Lithuania. It is the second-largest city in the country, and you can check out the old town as it is rich with archives and great museums.
There are over fifty kilometers of bike tracks in the area, and it is easier to get around by bike than any other means. Some of the sites you should explore are the city hall, Kaunas Castle, great war museum and fantastic nightlife.
Visit the Hill of Crosses in Lithuania
If you are looking for the most adventurous location, the hill of crosses is the right place that you should visit. Numerous legends can be told about the hill. One of the legends says that there was a church there, buried after a big storm. Another legend indicates a man who put up a cross as he prayed for his daughter to be healed.
Further reading: Dating in Lithuania 101
During the Soviet rule, the then administration bulldozed all the crosses put there. However, the people went at night and put more crosses. Therefore, it is a sign of defiance by the Lithuanians as they sought their independence. There are over ten thousand crosses, and it is an impressive sight. You will see crosses and images of Mary, mother of Jesus.
Visit Palanga
If you want to explore the resorts that are in the country, then Palanga is the best location for you. This resort is 18 miles from Klaipeda. It is a popular tourist destination because of its turquoise water, spacious beaches, and unique events held regularly in this region.
There are over two thousand cafes and restaurants in the region, and you are sure that you will have a fabulous time sampling the best meal from the country. There are amusement parks and different places where you can get to see the best of this town. You can also enjoy amazing water sports such as scuba diving and surfing.
Explore Vilnius old town
If you want to learn about Lithuania’s history, then visiting the old town in Vilnius is the best thing you can do. There are numerous streets, historic houses as well as twenty-eight churches. A Vilnius city wall dates back to the year 1552; you will learn more about the attractions and where the pilgrims visited regularly.
There is a Gediminas castle which is an ancient castle that dates back to the 14th century. You will learn more about the history of this beautiful destination. Besides, you can have the most extravagant view of the modern town from high up the castle.
Explore the magnificent botanical garden at Vilnius university
The garden was established by a French professor in 1781, and it is rich in history and diversity, and you can learn more about different plants as you relax and unwind.
The botanical garden primarily focuses on research, and you can learn more about the plants in the park and how they reproduce. Biotechnology and cultivation help improve the genetic pool of the species in the area.
Visit Klaipeda
Klaipeda is a phenomenal destination because you get to explore Lithuania in its natural form. During the ancient period, Klaipeda was called Memel, and it was in the Prussian empire. Different traces of the German heritage and the half-timbered houses give the city a distinct look that you cannot find anywhere in the country.
Although a large part of the city was destroyed during the war, it has been reconstructed, and it is easy to check out the history and learn more about the people of Lithuania.
What are your favorite things to do in Lithuania? Share your thoughts below.
