Even though Lithuania was the last country to embrace Christianity in Europe, there are many sacred Catholic sites to visit all around the country. Šiluva is the site of one of the first apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Europe. The world-renowned original Image of Divine Mercy, and its history and origins, are waiting to be discovered in Vilnius. There are Baroque monasteries and miraculous paintings of the Blessed Virgin Mary. A journey through Catholic Lithuania will leave you with a lasting impression. And this is not only because of the spectacular architecture – it is also because this journey will take you to the heart of Lithuania’s complex history. You will experience living pilgrimage, which has been a tradition for hundreds of years. And you can find inner spiritual peace in unique locations, each with their own distinct aura and most located in sites of outstanding natural beauty.

Vilnius – the City of Divine Mercy
Pilgrims from around the world travel down the narrow streets of the Old Town of Vilnius and through the leafy paths of nearby Antakalnis to discover the origin of the Image of God‘s Divine Mercy. In 1933, Sister Faustina arrived in Vilnius from Poland to join the order of the Sisters of Divine Mercy in Antakalnis. Over the next several years, she experienced many visions of Jesus, and these became the foundation for the devotion to Divine Mercy. Sister Faustina had experienced visions before, but while living in Vilnius she began to tell her spiritual advisor Fr. Mykolas Sopočka about them. With the help of Fr. Sopočka, descriptions of her visions were relayed to the painter Eugenijus Kazimirovskis from Vilnius, who then painted what became the first Image of Divine Mercy. During the decades of Soviet occupation, the painting appeared destined for historical obscurity. But news of the Image of Divine Mercy and copies of this image gradually spread across the world.

In 2000, Pope John Paul II declared Sister Faustina the first saint of the 3rd millennium. He proclaimed mercy to be the most significant message for the new millennium, and this helped to strengthen devotion to Divine Mercy.

Now, pilgrims can see the authentic Image of Divine Mercy at the Shrine of Divine Mercy located on Dominikonų g. in the Old Town of Vilnius. The shrine is accessible 24 hours a day. Just a short distance away, in the district Antakalnis, is another important location for pilgrims to visit – the House of St. Faustina. Miraculously, the building in which she lived, and where according to her journal she experienced a large number of her visions, is still standing. This is also where she received the Divine Mercy chaplet.

In Vilnius, there are many locations that are connected to the life of St. Faustina and the Blessed Mykolas Sopočka. Pilgrims are invited to visit the most significant sites, which make up the Way of Divine Mercy pilgrimage route. Pilgrims arrive in large number each year for the week of Divine Mercy, which runs from Easter Sunday until the 1st Sunday after Easter, which is known as Divine Mercy Sunday.

Besides the Shrine of Divine Mercy, there are also other sites that proclaim the news of Divine Mercy, as well as received graces. The painting of the Blessed Mother of Mercy is located at the Gate of Dawn Chapel. In the painting, Mary is depicted without the infant Christ and her glance follows every visitor. In mid-November, pilgrims flock to the Feast of the Gate of Dawn.

Šiluva – the site of an apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Ask a Lithuanian what Šiluva is, and they will answer that it is one of the most important spiritual centres in the country. But, it is in fact one of the first sites in Europe where a Marian apparition was seen.

Šiluva is a place where visitors find inner spiritual peace, where you can experience a centuries old pilgrimage tradition and immerse yourself in impressive sacred architecture. The red brick Šiluva Church, built in the 18th century, is probably the last standing monument to Late Baroque sacred architecture. The interior has been preserved for over 200 years, and has hardly been altered. The faithful are drawn to the miraculous painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus, and the Chapel of the Apparition. The magnificent 44-meter-high building was designed by architect Antanas Vivulskis, who also designed the Three Crosses on the Hill of Three Crosses in Vilnius. At the centre of the chapel, there is an altar on a rock where the apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary was seen in 1608.

The Indulgence Feast (also known as the Feast of Šiluva) is a very special celebration that takes place in Šiluva from September 7th-15th. It is the largest event of its kind in Lithuania.

The Hill of Crosses
Desecrated but never destroyed, set on fire but never burned down, the Hill of Crosses is a potent symbol of faith, hope, and freedom. And for pilgrims, it is another must-visit location in Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai is a hill covered with thousands of wooden crosses. During the Soviet era, these crosses were removed by the authorities, but locals continuously replaced them. In 1993, Pope John Paul II prayed here, and he often mentioned the sacred site in his homilies and speeches. He later sent a crucifix to Lithuania which was placed on the hill, and today pilgrims begin and end their journeys at this location.

While Condé Nast Traveller includes this site as one of the Top 20 scariest places in the world (and perhaps the authors wouldn‘t want to spend a night on the hill), for locals and visitors alike this is a place of hope and enlightenment, reflecting Lithuania’s historical and cultural traditions. One unique annual cultural tradition is the Feast of the Hill of Crosses, which takes place on the last Sunday of July and attracts thousands of pilgrims.

The Basilica in Trakai
Located in a beautiful corner of the Lithuanian countryside, Trakai is the country’s former historical capital, and also served as the seat of Grand Duke Vytautas. The city’s history does not only involve the impressive Trakų Castle, but also the Trakai Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, with its 15th century Gothic and Baroque features. It received the status of Basilica in 2017. This sanctuary remained the spiritual center for the city of Trakai for many centuries – it never closed, and was always used for religious purposes.

Trakai Basilica boasts a miraculous painting of the Mother of God which has been displayed there for 600 years. Currently, 400 milagros (votives) surround the painting – gratitude for miraculous graces which the prayerful have received here for hundreds of years. 300 years ago, this painting was adorned with crowns received from the pope at that time, and is the first painting to be officially crowned in Lithuania. The painting arrived in Trakai as a gift from the Byzantine Emperor on the occasion of the baptism of the ruler Vytautas the Great. As time passed, the painting was repainted by another artist. Yet it still remained revered by residents of Trakai and its surrounding regions, and not only by Catholics, but also by members of local Orthodox and Muslim communities.

Today, many people of faith from Lithuania and other countries visit the Basilica. Pilgrims gather for the annual Feast of the Nativity of Our Lady which takes place on August 15th and September 8th. The pilgrimage is a 30 km journey from the Gate of Dawn in Vilnius to the Basilica in Trakai.

Monasteries
Lithuanian monasteries tell a variety of stories. In some, you will find impressive architectural structures or historic books written by monks. In others, monks and nuns of various orders, clad in their habits, can be seen in their centuries-old cells. They devote their time to prayer, receiving pilgrims, and working with local communities. Visitors can experience these stories and the surrounding wonders of nature where the monks and nuns live to this day.

Monasteries in Kretinga
Not far from the Baltic Sea is the city of Kretinga. It has a population of approximately 18,000, and five functioning monasteries / convents. The city of Kretinga (then called Karolštat), along with a church and monastery, were established by the famous Lithuanian military leader Jonas Karolis Chodkevičius. The elegant architecture of that age can be seen at the Franciscan Monastery, and at the Church of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. This structural ensemble was established in the center of Kretinga. Even though the monastery was closed during Soviet times, the monks returned after Lithuania’s independence, and have continued their missionary work there for the last 30 years.

The other monasteries and convents in Kretinga are exclusively for women. St. Clara’s Monastery is the only one of its kind in the Baltic States. The nuns there live a contemplative life and spend their time in prayer, only leaving the premises if absolutely necessary. The Convent of the Sisters of Mother Teresa helps anybody who has lost their physical and spiritual health. At the Blessed Virgin Mary’s Ceaseless Help of God’s Home of the Franciscan Sisters, the nuns receive those who are seeking spiritual rest. The nuns at the Most Sacred Heart Franciscan Missionary Congregation teach religion and take care of abused children, the sick, and the elderly.

Pažaislis Monastery
Surprising as it may sound, Pažaislis Monastery is quite possibly the most romantic place in Lithuania. A genuine baroque diamond from the 17th century, the monastery was built by the affluent, influential and religious Pacas family. Although the monastery has been devastated multiple times during various wars, artwork by Italian artists Giovanni Battista Frediani, the brothers Pietro and Carlo Puttini, Joano Meri, and Giuseppe Rossi, and the Florentine painter Michelangelo Palloni, all withstood the test of time. The sound of music beneath the arches of the church reveals its beauty as many concerts and music festivals take place here. The silence of the monastery is managed by the order of the Sisters of St. Casimir. In the southern part of the monastery you will find the Sacral Heritage Museum of the Pažaislis Monastery. Next to it is Monte Pacis, a unique dining and hospitality complex where you can experience a contemporary interpretation of historical dishes.

Tytuvėnai Monastery
Tytuvėnai Monastery was designed to be well-proportioned, small, and elegant, and to include a family mausoleum. In the early 17th century, Andrejus Valavičius, the standard-bearer of the Lithuanian Grand Duchy, began construction of the monastery complex. It was built initially in the Gothic spirit, and then intertwined with Renaissance-style details. However, the largest proportion of the monastery is dedicated to Baroque architecture. Today, this Franciscan monastery is in excellent condition, and is a unique architectural monument located deep in the of heart of rural Lithuania. Nevertheless, it has already been discovered by pilgrims from all around the world.

The Pilgrim Centre located here provides a number of activities for curious visitors to try in order to gain an experience of life as a monk. These include by writing with a goose feather, tasting kvass, and assembling a rosary.

Spiritual trips to Lithuania’s undiscovered churches, monasteries and other sacred places
Every time we plan a trip, we look for exciting and unique experiences. We want to visit places few have seen before. And take one-of-a-kind, irreplicable pictures. We also search for a feeling of spiritual fulfilment, seeking to strengthen our soul against stress and uncertainty. How does one find the middle ground while wanting so many different things? The travel experience can be transformed by simply raising our heads, where the church towers soar skyward. And it is the remote churches and monasteries that help us maintain ties with the generations that came before. There, stress and anxiety simply disappear.

It’s possible you might have never thought of taking such a trip, but we have some ideas that might convince you. There are places for spiritual experiences all across Lithuania – from an underwater cross to a church in a tree – that all deserve a detour. Or maybe even an epic road trip covering them all.

THE VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE ROUTE OF POPE SAINT JOHN PAUL II IN LITHUANIA
1.2 million kilometres. This is the estimated length of all the travels John Paul II, often referred to as the great pilgrim, made as Pope. Lithuania is one of the 129 countries visited during his pontificate. John Paul II first kissed Lithuanian land on September 4, 1993. This was the first-ever visit of the Holy Father to the territory of the former USSR (John Paul II carried on his travels from Lithuania to Latvia and Estonia).

The virtual route created by the National Tourism Development Agency Lithuania Travel includes the Lithuanian houses of worship visited by John Paul II himself together with the country’s most important sacral landmarks listed in the Pilgrimage Route of Pope Saint John Paul II in Lithuania.

If you decide to spend at least a week in Lithuania, you can do a lot. Select the vehicle of your liking – whether it’s a bike, motorcycle, car, bus or train – and set out to explore Lithuania’s ethnographic regions. And they are all very different.

Dzūkija
In the south-eastern part of Lithuania, between the forests and the wetlands, between the sandy hills and the lakes hidden in the woods, live the people of Dzūkija, who can boast of their old traditions, their remarkably preserved neighbourly customs, their love of the environment and all living things, and their mushrooms and berries. The authentic villages grouped together in the woods are an amazing opportunity to go back a century, feel the power of the forest, and immerse yourself in the tranquil, slow life of nature.

Dzūkija. Things to do
People who live in Vilnius are sometimes surprised to be called Dzūkians. But in fact, Vilnius – as well as the nearby historical capital of Lithuania that is famous for its lakes, Karaim and Tartar dishes, and the beautiful Trakai Castle – are geographically located in the region of Dzūkija. You won’t be able to cover Dzūkija in a few days – save time for Baroque Vilnius and enjoy the tranquillity of Trakai, and only then travel on towards Alytus and Merkinė, and the resorts of Druskininkai and Birštonas, with their abundant mineral springs and fresh pine air. If you want to get some exercise and give your mind a rest, look around for boat or kayak rentals. A trip down the swift Ūla River could become the biggest adventure of your trip. And be sure to see for yourself what it means to pick a basket-full of wild blueberries in the forest on a hot summer day, or count the brown-capped bolete growing under an oak tree. If you dare – go to the marsh in the Čepkeliai Nature Reserve, which is one of the largest marshlands in Western Europe. Spectacular photos are guaranteed!

Dzūkija. The people and the culture
There is no mistaking the Dzūkian dialect. Even those who don’t understand Lithuanian will catch the constant sound of “dz”. There is a saying in Lithuania that “if the mushrooms and berries weren’t there, the girls of Dzūkija would all be bare”. And nobody gets angry about it because indeed – for many people in Dzūkija, the mushrooms that grow in the thick of the forests, the berries that ripen in the sunny glades, and the honey brought by bees are their business and life, and the thing that puts food on the table. Just like their hospitality, generosity and desire to show off the best of what they have in their region – nature, authentic crafts, and resounding songs. If you want to find out how people lived in wooden houses in nature’s refuge more than a hundred years ago, travel to Dzūkija.

Dzūkija. The food
One thing is for sure – the people of Dzūkija know how to put the gifts of nature on the table. And there is definitely a chance that you will be served what you don’t usually eat. Like maybe mushroom cheese! Don’t turn it down – the locals really do know how to prepare mushrooms and are not trying to kill you. They use them to make soup and stew, they fill pastries and dumplings with them, and they dry, cure, pickle, and marinate them in preparation for winter. In Dzūkija, be sure to try a banda – a traditional savoury cake made from potatoes or buckwheat and baked on a cabbage leaf. Look for a place where they are served straight out of a wood-burning oven. If you like it, ask for a piece of buckwheat babka to go with your forest tea – this is a sweet cake flavoured with honey.

Highlands (Aukštaitija)
In the eastern part of our country, where colourful hills rise and fall, where the forests are green, where rivers wind, and where lakes beckon those who long for tranquillity, we have Aukštaitija. This is the largest and most diverse ethnographic region, so it requires more than a day to get to know. It is so varied and manifold that if you make the trip and stop by some hospitable locals, it might take a while.

Highlands (Aukštaitija). Things to do
You can take a dip in the deepest lake in Lithuania and swim across the longest. You can climb up one of the countless hill forts in this region, visit the space station-like observatory, and spend the night with the stars. You can make your way to the big forest and quietly explore its paths, full of the sounds of birds and wild animals, and once you leave you can check out the fantastic church reminiscent of a medieval castle. If you’re up for it, be sure to hug the oak that has been standing for thousands of years – it will give you the energy to continue on your journey full of discoveries and wonders through the towns of Aukštaitija, which are no less impressive than its nature. Can we give you a tip? Take a ride on the narrow-gauge railway.

Highlands (Aukštaitija). The People and Culture
For hundreds of years, people from various nationalities and cultures travelled through the lands of Aukštaitija. Each one of them left a footprint, a little part of their culture. With their poetic, artistic souls, the people of Aukštaitija are famous for their work ethic and resourcefulness. In whatever they do, whether it is picking up a tree branch or a piece of clay, breaking off a willow rod, or pulling out a ball of yarn from a basket. They carve, mould, weave, and knit. In their hands, work sounds exactly like a song. Inscribed on the UNESCO List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the archaic, multi-part songs known as “sutartinės” have been preserved by the people of Aukštaitija and are still being sung to this day.

Highlands (Aukštaitija). The food
In Aukštaitija, it is easy to go astray on the Beer Road. The beverage has old traditions in the region that go back to manor times, especially in the districts of Panevėžys, Biržai and Pasvalys. So don’t be surprised if the first thing they offer you at lunch is… beer. And to go with your beer – whatever your heart desires. The soil in Aukštaitija is good, so the farmers have always been strong and wealthy – and that’s why the cuisine of Lithuania’s largest ethnographic region is so diverse and full of interesting flavour combinations. Have you ever tried flour dumplings with curd cheese and salo bits? Or perhaps you’ve had them with wild blueberries? Or with cabbage and mushrooms in the autumn? You haven’t? Then go to Aukštaitija and sit down at a table.

Lithuania Minor (Mažoji Lietuva)
A different land. The region that is home to Lithuania’s most unique places – the Curonian Spit that is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Nemunas Delta, woven with the songs of birds, the old town of Rusnė, the village of Minija, with ships sailing down its streets, Ventės Ragas, which is on the main bird migration route, and the old lighthouses of Uostadvaris and Ventės Ragas. The Klaipėda Region has different rules and different traditions. They were influenced by the Teutonic Order, the Duchy of Prussia, and the German Empire. The wheel of history has turned, but signs of the times remain. Feeling them is an amazing experience.

Lithuania Minor (Mažoji Lietuva). Things to do
If you start your journey through Lithuania Minor in Klaipėda, take in the charm and romance of this city. Wave to the ships on the embankment of the Danė, take the ferry to the exotic and natural Curonian Spit, covering it on foot or by bike, wade through the sand dunes and look into the distance – to where the lagoon meets the sea. Enjoy every moment here, because there are not many places like this left in the world.

On the other side of the Curonian Lagoon, count the buildings featuring Eastern Prussian architecture, and check out the Evangelical Lutheran churches, the old manors, and the well-kept homesteads. Take a ride down the rivers that serve as streets, visit the old ports and lighthouses, and set out to count the passing birds at dawn. And if you still have enough energy, hop on a kiteboard in Svencelė – they say you won’t find better wind anywhere else in Lithuania!

Lithuania Minor (Mažoji Lietuva). The People and Culture
During World War II, Lithuania Minor was a German land. Left in terrible waste and ruin by the end of World War II, the region has now been reborn and is known for being staunchly loyal to its traditions, while also eager to introduce others to its dramatic history, customs, and way of life that are unusual even to Lithuanians. This is where the best shipbuilders and net weavers live; this is where the most fish are caught and the best fish soup is made. And this is where the best sea festival is held.

Lithuania Minor (Mažoji Lietuva). The food
When you come to Lithuania Minor, the locals are sure to pour you a cup of kafija (coffee) and treat you to some vofeliai (waffles). Of course, this is a Germanic tradition that the Lithuanians took over. Like the habit of eating a first and second breakfast, a morning snack, lunch, an afternoon snack, and dinner. Today, the people in Lithuania Minor don’t sit down at the table that frequently, but in the old, unhurried days, eating several times per day was commonplace. And today, fish reigns in this land. Nowhere else in Lithuania will you get anything that fresh. The people of Šilutė are virtuosos in catching and smoking fish and making fish soup. Go out fishing with them and see for yourself. And maybe you’ll even have a chance to try fish soup, made right there on the bank of the river.

Samogitia (Žemaitija)
Samogitia has always been a separate republic. A part of Lithuania, but at the same time not a part of Lithuania, it has preserved its identity and culture over the centuries, and the Samogitians have preserved their stubbornness and language. Samogitians were the last Europeans to convert to Christianity, and pagan altars can still be found on the hill forts there to this day. Scouring one of Lithuania’s most mysterious lands for traces of its dramatic history is truly amazing. You might be surprised where they will take you.

Samogitia (Žemaitija). Things to do
Samogitians are lucky – they have the sea. You can just sit there on top of Olando Kepurė (“Dutchman’s Cap”) at Seaside Regional Park, looking into the distance and dreaming. The nature of Samogitia is beautiful, and the manors that loom in its refuge harbour interesting legends and stories that inspire creativity. Don’t miss the Samogitian capital of Telšiai, which is nestled on seven hills next to a lake. You would have a hard time counting all of the works of art that the artists who have studied here left the city. Feel the greatness of the Ogiński Manor, turn a completely different page in Lithuanian history at the Cold War Museum near Plungė, and don’t miss the Hill of Crosses. Even if faith in a higher power is not your thing, climb up to the very top and capture the moment. Happy is the one who can.

Samogitia (Žemaitija). The people and the culture
Dignified, stubborn, brave and militant. Even after moving to other cities, Samogitians retain their identity, group together, take pride in their Samogitian “passport”, and tell everyone about their land, and about their ingenious artisans and artists who are full of modern ideas. Samogitia’s vernacular architecture was perhaps the least affected by Soviet reforms, making it a good place to check out authentic chapels and wayside shrines, and look for interesting metalwork forged by talented Samogitian blacksmiths. Artists who have fallen in love with the Samogitian capital of Telšiai give the city their wonderful pieces of street furniture. Counting them all is impossible, but trying to find them is worthwhile.

Samogitia (Žemaitija). The Food
Samogitians are special. Their cuisine is special too. Their dishes are nothing like the ones made in other regions. One day they’re making kastinys with soured milk and eating it with potatoes, and the next they’re pouring blood into meal, stuffing it into pig intestine, baking it in an oven, and putting it on the table. They also cook herring, debone it, and then put it in seasoned, acidulated water flavoured with grated potatoes. We can imagine what you’re thinking! But give it a try – it’ll be so good that you’ll ask for more.

Sudovia (Suvalkija)
Near the Polish border, not far from Kaliningrad on the left bank of the Nemunas, in an area covered by plains and the valleys of the Šešupė, Rausvė and Širvinta Rivers, where high hills cluster and green forests loom in Vištytis Regional Park, the Sudovians – a Baltic people – have resided since ancient times. Historical sources mention this fact very early on – 800 years before the name of Lithuania was first mentioned in 1009. Once a land sapped by the Teutonic Knights, it is now an extremely interesting region rich in cultural events that gave Lithuania the country’s literary language.

Sudovia (Suvalkija). Things to do
First – visit the manors of Sudovia. There are more of them in this region than in the other regions of Lithuania. Restored and revived, they are now important and interesting centres of culture and art that are filled with surprising discoveries and unique architecture and host concerts, tastings, and educational programme. Pieces worthy of London and New York await lovers of contemporary art in the Sudovian capital of Marijampolė. They are made by artists who attend MaLonNy (Marijampolė – London – New York): The Migration of Ideas, an art symposium that is held every year.

Sudovia (Suvalkija). The people and culture
Sudovians are often made fun of for being frugal, but they deny it themselves. They would even be insulted to be called stingy. Living on broad plains and fertile lands, the Sudovians cherish nature’s riches, just as they do the literary Lithuanian language. The halls of the rich, ornate manors that have survived here preserve the history and legends of Sudovia. On long winter nights, Sudovians still construct impressive hanging straw gardens, carve wood, make elaborate paper cuts, and weave sashes, but they also work on contemporary art projects that are making a name for this region worldwide.

Sudovia (Suvalkija). The food
Sudovians have always had bountiful tables. Even if they are called stingy, if they have a guest, they will always pull out the white tablecloth and load the table with goodies. First they treat you to home-made skilandis. Made according to an ancient recipe that is handed down from generation to generation, this matured sausage is cold-smoked and tastes best with black bread fresh from the oven. Even potatoes can become a source of inspiration for Sudovians, who love to make didžkukuliai – dumplings from grated potatoes and stuffed with curd cheese, ground meat or mushrooms. To make the kids happy, they might also boil up some šaltanosiai (“cold noses”), which are little dumplings with blueberry filling, or švilpikai (“whistlers”), which are small potato dumplings, and serve them with butter and cream sauce. During the potato harvest, Sudovians can’t imagine a table without kugelis, a grated potato casserole, or vėdarai, which is pig intestine stuffed with grated potatoes. “Unexpected” is putting it mildly, right? But experiencing the taste and then telling everyone about your courage is worth it.

Take a minute for yourself! Health tourism in Lithuania combines the highest quality service and wonderful nature that allows us to offer a wide range of aesthetic, beauty, and wellness services. Mineral waters, healing mud, Lithuanian herbs and amber are just a few local natural remedies whose healing properties are successfully used by Lithuanian health service providers. In Lithuania, you can quickly regain strength in spas in the big cities or treat yourself to the pleasures of health and beauty oases away from the city’s bustle. Even the environment helps to relax: endless green areas, countless lakes and rivers, a pleasant climate!

Resorts and resort areas
Lithuania’s resorts are little corners of paradise surrounded by pine forests and water. The fresh air and natural environment will relax the body and soul, while the cultural events and wealth of entertainment will definitely keep you from being bored.

Druskininkai
Druskininkai is an excellent place for those who want to get their personal health back, as the city is surrounded by allegedly healing springs and absolutely stunning nature. Today Druskininkai is an official healthcare resort and the fastest-growing recreation destination. Breathing the pure air, drinking mineral water straight from the natural springs, having baths in natural therapeutic peat and doing so much more for your health and mind is what makes this destination unique.

Birštonas
Surrounded by pine forests and the Nemunas River, this scenic resort welcomes its visitors with tranquil, relaxing and most of all body and soul-healing atmosphere. Birštonas has a lot to offer from modern therapy centres and exceptional cultural life to the serenity of old-fashioned houses and long-lasting traditions of healing using natural therapeutic remedies.

Neringa
The Curonian Spit is a unique place of massive travelling sand dunes. Today the landscape is dominated by pine forests as a result of an attempt to tame the nature, nevertheless, some of the breathtaking dunes remain. Guests admire the good ecological state of the resort, its clean and clear seawater, the white sands of its seashore, and its fresh air. It is easy to indulge in healthier and active lifestyle while being here.

Palanga
Palanga is a resort famous for white sand beaches and its pleasant dunes. It is a universal resort in Lithuania where anyone can find a suitable way to rest and have fun. Palanga is like a split-personality resort: a peaceful wonderland in winter and a pulsating party spot in summer. Tourists from all over Lithuania and abroad come for its seaside landscape, entertainment and treatment procedures.

Zarasai
Zarasai could be called a paradise, the city rising above water and forests. This resort area offers picturesque landscapes, safe and peaceful pine forests, and more than three hundred lakes in the whole region of Zarasai.

It is a perfect place with favorable microclimate to strengthen your health by enjoying aqua tourism activities, exploring wild nature or just breathing the fresh air.

Anykščiai
Anykščiai resort area allures visitors with its blue lakes and forests, cultural events and historical heritage. It is a perfect place for pure relaxation and harmony. The calming effect of forest and fresh air revitalizes tired mind and body. At the local wellness and medical centres, visitors can find mineral water swimming pools, saunas, salt rooms; everyone is able to enjoy therapeutic and relaxing massages and other pleasant health, treatment, and wellness procedures.

Trakai
Trakai resort area encompasses the natural resources for medical and wellness travelers such as a fine climate, pure air, green forests and lakes. All year round it is bustling with activity where visitors and locals enjoy fitness, health procedures, concerts, cultural attractions, at the same time witnessing man-made landscapes coexisting with remarkable water bodies.

Ignalina
Ignalina and two surrounding villages of Strigailiškis and Palūšė were recognized for their recreational resources. It is a land of lakes and forests that radiates a mood of relaxation and peace. Scenes of amazing beauty attract those who seek picturesque natural views, fishing, water activities, boat trips, bike rides, winter sports or a quiet holiday in a rural tourist location.

Kulautuva, Kačerginė and Zapyškis
Kačerginė, Kulautuva and Zapyškis – three towns situated near the Nemunas – are an oasis of tranquillity and a nature haven of exceptional beauty and purity for those who want a break from the bustle of the city. Surrounded by forests, this is an area where you are sure to forget about your everyday worries as you stroll along the educational and wellness trails and take in the fresh air. In Kulautuva there is a natural mineral water source, and Kačerginė invites you to taste water straight from the spring, which is said to even have magical powers. You can become acquainted with the picturesque surroundings by bike or by water.

Natural remedies
Nature has given us natural riches that we have long relied upon to deal with a variety of health challenges or simply to regain our strength. There are many health resorts, spa and therapy centers in Lithuania that offer the best for your health and well-being. The effect of mineral water, herb or mud treatments inspired by deep traditions and applied with a professional approach is undoubted. All you have to do is choose the most appropriate natural remedy for you.

Baltic Sea and Sun
The Lithuanian seaside is known for its breath-taking, green, refreshing scenery and unique landscape of the sand dunes; the latter was, and still is, a subject of fascination for many prominent local and international painters, photographers, writers and other artists.

The culture of the seaside charms visitors with the age-old traditions of fishing villages and a diverse selection of interesting events. Of all of these, the Neringa region – a coastal strip of 52 km in length – is most commonly referred to as an open SPA centre. Health and medical tourists choose this region for the high quality of services, pleasant atmosphere and, of course, remarkable nature.

Amber therapy
There is a good reason why amber is called Lithuanian gold. More than 250 amber varieties are known worldwide, while Baltic amber differs from others because of its composition: it contains considerable amounts of succinic acid. Succinic acid is the main valuable component of amber that allows using amber for health purposes. Baltic amber is the only variety without heavy metal impurities; therefore, it is perfect for use in medicine and cosmetics. In the Baltic Sea region, 80% of all world amber is found. Amber baths, massages, cosmetics, jewellery, gastronomy, historical or architectural sites, health promotion services, museums and galleries, shops, designers, experts, amber workshops, amber-related legends, amber in folklore and art…

World First Amber Sauna
And this year world first amber sauna was opened near Palanga, in Kretinga district. Three tons of natural Baltic amber used to make it. Ceilings, walls and even sauna beds are covered with natural amber. Featuring a cosy and luxurious amber room, sauna, covers area of 22 square meters and comfortably fits up to 15 people at the time.

Mineral water and health springs
With over 20 deep wells of mineral water in Lithuanian resorts, visitors are able to enjoy health benefits that this natural marvel provides throughout the year. For instance, drinkable mineral water has a wide range of biologically active micro elements, allowing it to fight inflammations and regulate the metabolism or levels of acid production in the body. As our skin has millions of blood vessels and nerve endings, the healing effects of mineral water baths can be felt relatively quickly, so jumping into one right after a brief consultation is advised when experiencing joint pain, difficulty in bending your knees, flexing ankles or any other related issues.

Mud and its benefits
Tracing its roots from as early as Ancient Greece, mud therapy has secured a reputation as an interesting and effective treatment method in Lithuania, mostly in the form of peat mud procedures.

Visitors are absolutely free to choose baths of white mud or the aforementioned black peat mud – both of these options offer impressive advantages and benefits to the immune system, helping to tackle various illnesses or inflammations and assisting in regeneration and recovery processes. One of the most productive ways to experience this is to enjoy a therapeutic mud bath with mineral water – this treatment opens up the pores and provides the body with many microelements and bioactive substances, while at the same time improving the metabolism.

Climate and the fresh air
Lithuanian resorts are blessed with almost perfect climate conditions. This is a result of agreeable wind speeds and Sun intensity, accompanied by suitable air temperatures, atmospheric pressure and just the right amount of precipitation, combining into an environment that’s great for health and medical tourism.

The air itself it packed full of oxygen, and most local resorts are real pine tree stacked paradises. This makes for much better sleeping patterns, normalisation of protein and fat in the metabolism and improved liver function, not to mention an uplifted spirit and sounder nervous system.

Local herbs and phytotherapy
It would be a sin to miss out on all the renowned health benefits that the local world of plants provides. Herbs have been the basis for medical treatments throughout much of human history, and such traditional procedures are still widely practiced today, though with a twist of modern medicine, of course. Closely related to herbalism as a whole, phytotherapy is the intended medical use of plants and plant extracts for therapeutic purposes. Lithuanians have been known to use a large number of locally-found herbs to treat all sorts of illnesses.

Major cities
Major cities in Lithuania offer a wide range of health services. From relaxing spa treatments to medical diagnostics or dentistry, you will be met in Lithuania’s cities by highly qualified professionals working with state-of-the-art equipment and prepared to provide individually tailored services.

Vilnius
This green cosmopolitan city with astonishing architecture and a focus on high-quality services is a fantastic place for cultural, active and health tourism.

Vilnius visitors enjoy unique and individual-orientated SPA centres’ services including dental services, massages, personalized beauty treatments, aromatherapy, rituals and other. Everything in Vilnius is within walking distance so it is easy to find closest SPA centre or SPA Hotel just minutes from most popular city attractions.

Kaunas
Kaunas is a prosperous city a midst of Lithuania with its authentic character. A growing number of people are finding Kaunas to be the hub of health, rehabilitation and medical tourism since the city delivers on all fronts of the relevant procedures – diagnostics, odontology, SPA treatments and so forth – while still keeping the costs relatively low. Kaunas greets visitors with the highly qualified doctors who have access to modern equipment and provide quality service to the highest degree.

Klaipėda
This city has a lot to offer to enhance its visitors’ health. Klaipėda’s unique location allows guests to enjoy different forms of rehabilitation, and medical treatments strengthened by the natural therapeutic remedies of the Baltic Sea. A lengthy walk by the sea already has a positive effect on your health, as inhaling mineral particles in the air is good for airways and bronchia.

The Kopgalis Fort complex, which houses the Maritime Museum, Aquarium and a Dolphinarium, is one of the main attractions in Klaipėda. The Dolphinarium is the only one of this kind in the entire eastern part of the Baltic coast. Visitors come from all over the world not only to enjoy dolphin shows but also to heal with dolphin therapy for children with disability.

Looking for well-being and happiness? Lithuania has the answers
A weekend to yourself!
Tired of traffic jams in the morning – jobs that needed to be done yesterday – kids with never ending colds – not meeting that 10,000-step goal – and bad cholesterol levels that are on the up and up? Seems like someone needs to recharge their batteries! If so, we’ve got a unique escape plan for you: a trip to Lithuania!

Beer SPA procedures
With more and more travellers seeking opportunities to improve their well-being and health, finding inner peace, and switching to a higher quality of lifestyle, wellness tourism is on the rise globally.

And Lithuania is no exception. In fact, it has long spa traditions and a thriving sector already in place that is primed and ready to revive, purify and energise you.. Local SPA procedures use local products and ancient Lithuanian traditions to ensure you receive a truly authentic experiences and a sense of well-being.

For example, have you ever heard of taking a milk bath? Besides the more traditional offers at various local SPA centres, you can also try a modern take on Cleopatra’s recipe for preserving what’s left of your youth: a bath with wild berries and goats’ milk which moistens the skin effectively and reduces fatigue.

At a rural tourism homestead in northern Lithuania, meanwhile, you can enjoy an open-air bath with milk, medicinal herbs, or… beer and hop blossoms! Yes! It’s said that this beer procedure warms and cherishes the skin, nurturing it with minerals, easing your blood pressure and elevating your spirits.

If you’ve already tried and are no longer surprised by therapeutic mud or mineral-water baths, which the Lithuanian resorts of Druskininkai and Birštonas are justifiably famous for, why not go for an amber bath? Special amber water, hydro massage and rubbing yourself with bags filled with pieces of amber strengthens your immune system, improves the digestion and stimulates the release of happiness hormones.

You’ll find that your little ones are taken care of at the resorts too. They can enjoy an apple bath, a strawberry bath or a camomile bath. It’s said that even the most capricious kids and monsters under the bed cannot resist.

Amber therapies
The therapeutic benefits of Baltic amber are no mere legend; they have been scientifically proven. That’s why amber is used not only for making jewellery in Lithuania but for a variety of SPA procedures too.

Even in the very centre of the capital Vilnius, you can order a massage on an amber mattress with amber oil, black amber, amber beads and amber incense. In other parts of Lithuania, you can experience a body scrub with amber dust, a body wrap with amber powder and honey, blue amber therapy for your hands and feet, and even amber aromatherapy.

Amber has quite rightly taken a dominant role in Lithuanian SPA processes. Baltic amber contains 3% to 8% of amber acid, which has clear health benefits as it stimulates metabolic processes, reduces inflammation, improves blood flow, reduces stress and fills you with energy.

What’s more, you can even give amber a taste. After a relaxing amber massage you will find yourself being offered to take part in an amber tea ceremony, or you might even have the opportunity to try the dessert called The Amber Jewel, that’s an inspired combination of amber and honey.

Or maybe it’s time to try the unique, patented Amber and Mineral Therapy Centre in Vilnius with its amber interior? Or the biggest amber sauna in the world near the seaside resort of Palanga, made with three tonnes of Baltic amber?

Birch rods from the freezer and milk cubes
Saunas deserve a separate mention in Lithuania, as every sauna enthusiast has their own philosophy. Some offer a sacred sauna experience with scrubbing, aromatherapy and tea, while others can rub you down with salt and amber powder, make you a clay mask, and massage you with honey and hemp oil in a sauna. But it doesn’t stop there, as there other keen sauna specialists will bring whey cubes with cucumbers, and in winter they’ll wrap you in a sweet milk blanket.

In winter, some sauna enthusiasts use fresh birch rods, which are kept in the freezer so that even when the snow falls you’ll be able to enjoy the fresh aromas of birch, oak, lime tree or chestnut.

And what greater pleasure is there than jumping into a lake after a sauna? And it’s not only in the majority of rural tourism homesteads that you can do this. If you’re with a larger group you can visit Ilzenbergas Manor with its reconstructed 19th century sauna, which is considered to be the biggest of its kind in the Baltic states accommodating up to 25 people.

In the resorts, in the SPA centres after a sauna, you can enjoy not only traditional swimming pools but also mineral-water swimming pools; and in Palanga you can even take a dip in a Lithuania-shaped swimming pool with heated water from the Baltic Sea!

Burdock, sand and honey for wellness
A lot of people draw their strength from nature, and with this idea front and centre, Lithuanians have adapted nature into their SPA procedures. They offer massages with oak branches, body scrubs with oak-bark scrubs, ground chestnuts, sand, hemp, ash berries, cranberry puree and poppy seeds. After wrapping you in burdock, dandelions or sea buckthorn, they prepare masks with parsley, plantago, nettle and apple, use buckwheat or salt therapy, and also offer special dolphin, horse even bee therapy.

In Lithuania, you can learn a few recipes that will help improve your quality of sleep. Trying one of them will take only a few minutes, as that’s as long as you’ll be able to stand in the 120 degrees Celsius heat! Cryotherapy helps you recover from traumas, strengthens your immune system, reduces anxiety – and makes you look younger too.

Fancy spending some time in a cloud?. even if it’s not exactly a real one. Colours, light, sound and motion are used in a special device to create a deep relaxation effect. Twenty minutes in this device is equal to two hours of deep sleep. You can find this innovation near the pretty village of Trakai.

From spring next year, you’ll be able to visit the first Sleep SPA in Eastern Europe located in the resort of Druskininkai. There, you’ll find a number of innovative therapies aimed at improving sleep, as well as the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of every guest.

Blue Flag beaches
After tousling your hair, the ferry will take you from Klaipėda to Smiltynė. Riding a bike or taking the pedestrian path, you will spot the blue sea between the pines while you are still up on the hill. Turn through the fragrant grass where you see the Blue Flag flying. Take off your shoes, feel the hot sand under your feet, and scan the area for whatever you need, whether it’s a place to park your bike, a playground, a football pitch or a volleyball court. Don’t worry if your phone dies – you can recharge it at the charging station. The beach even has a special wheelchair so disabled visitors can also go for a swim. If you want to get to a beach faster from the city, go to Melnragė. The second beach also has the Blue Flag flying.

Klaipėda beaches
After tousling your hair, the ferry will take you from Klaipėda to Smiltynė. Riding a bike or taking the pedestrian path, you will spot the blue sea between the pines while you are still up on the hill. Turn through the fragrant grass where you see the Blue Flag flying. Take off your shoes, feel the hot sand under your feet, and scan the area for whatever you need, whether it’s a place to park your bike, a playground, a football pitch or a volleyball court. Don’t worry if your phone dies – you can recharge it at the charging station. The beach even has a special wheelchair so disabled visitors can also go for a swim. If you want to get to a beach faster from the city, go to Melnragė. The second beach also has the Blue Flag flying.

Curonian Spit beaches
This place easy to fall in love with. Once it steals your heart, it won’t let go and will keep tempting and inviting you to come back. There is a reason why UNESCO inscribed the Curonian Spit on the World Heritage List. The peninsula’s vigilantly protected nature, the soft white sand beaches, the fragrant pine air, and the Blue Flag fluttering on the main beaches of Nida and Juodkrantė. This place has everything that fans of pure, natural nature and holidaymakers who enjoy active recreation could need. You can play football and volleyball on the beach, walk along the adjacent pedestrian paths, or rent a bike and take a trip around the Curonian Spit. The lifeguard stations will provide first aid for visitors who are unwell, and the lifeguards will help the disabled go for a swim.

Palanga beaches
Walking along the paths of the old Palanga Park as you take in the centuries-old trees, you will reach the beach near Birutė’s Hill. This is a charming place where there are always less people and more services. The beach is disabled-friendly, and your every step into the sea and every stroke in the water is watched by the vigilant eyes of the lifeguards. There is also a shower where you can wash off the salt of the sea.

Kaunas modernism
Lithuanians are not afraid of grey, as it associates not only with cloudy autumn days but also with the architectural wonders of the XX century that can be found across the country. Young, ambitious and bold. Such were Lithuanian interwar architects. They studied in the large cities of Europe and brought the ideas of Modernism, which spread throughout Europe after World War I, to Lithuania. They combined them with Lithuanian tradition and the typical lifestyle of Lithuanians and created a very distinctive school of architecture. The time was particularly suitable for these experiments – Kaunas became the temporary capital of Lithuania; it was full of political, cultural, economic life, and constructions rapidly changed one another. The spirit of interwar architecture was miraculously preserved in the then exteriors and interiors, and today surprises by modern and contemporary forms. The value of Kaunas Modernism is created not only by buildings, but also by stories and people. This is why all this today attracts not only the connoisseurs of architecture, but also everyone who wish to learn the history of the city and the country. Modernist architecture in Kaunas is already included in the UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List and has great chances to be part of the list itself as “The Capital Inspired by the Modern Movement”.

We invite you to experiment with old-school monochrome filters to get some artsy pics that reveal the true beauty of architectural masterpieces!

Central Post Office
It is one of the major highlights of Kaunas Modernism. A combination of modernity and nationality. A multi-storey building with modern lifts, showers for employees, an electric clock installed in the facade and abundantly decorated works of the then most famous Lithuanian painters. The building was designed by architect Feliksas Vizbaras.

Milk Processing Company “Pieno centras” in Kaunas
Today it is hard to imagine Freedom Avenue (Laisvės alėja) in Kaunas without the multifunctional building designed by architects Vytautas Landsbergis-Žemkalnis and Karolis Reisonas. In the past, the shop of “Pieno centras” and the canteen were opened here, the ladies and gentlemen of Kaunas used to visit the best hairdressers’, and modern apartments were equipped on the third floor. In 1937, the design of Kaunas architects was awarded a bronze medal in the international exhibition in Paris.

Officers’ Palace
The building was built for representation purposes. It is one of the most significant buildings of interwar architecture, and its design was selected from among 30 submitted applications. A decorative exterior and a particularly modern interior – architects planned ventilation and lighting systems with regard to the latest trends in technology. War and occupation showed no mercy for the new and modern building – a field hospital was established in this building, the symbols of statehood were painted over with floor paint, stained-glass was broken, and bas-reliefs were stolen. The Officers’ Palace was again brought to life only with the start of the Reform Movement of Lithuania.

Vytautas Magnus War Museum in Kaunas
In 1930, when the first stone of Vytautas Magnus War Museum was laid in Kaunas, everybody talked that architects Vladimiras Dubeneckis, Karolis Reisonas and Kazys Kriščiukaitis were building a monument to Lithuania’s Independence. The museum very clearly represents the key feature of interwar architecture – a harmonious combination of modernity and tradition. A unique garden space with the eternal flame burning and the bells is established nearby.

Office of the Bank of Lithuania
It is one of the most beautiful, luxurious and significant Modernist buildings across Lithuania. Transaction rooms are on the ground floor and safes with security cameras, installed by Englishmen, are in the cellar. A modern contemporary electric lift, mechanical heating and marble decorated luxurious interior, marble columns, ornate chandeliers, specially designed furniture, artists’ paintings and stained-glass – all this created an unseen interior keeping abreast with the trendiest architectural buildings worldwide.

Christ’s Resurrection Church in Kaunas
This modern church had to provide character to the city of Kaunas, similarly to the Eiffel Tower providing character to Paris. The ambitious project remained unaccomplished, builders failed to complete the church prior to the Soviet occupation, and the congregation could enter it only after independence was restored.

RYE BREAD BLACK
Old crafts
Everything in this world is changing, but it’s nice that some things are not. Traditional crafts are full of magic and they are very popular in Lithuania. The people who have kept the secrets of their family’s craft for centuries are truly amazing. They throw ceramic ware the exact same way their ancestors did hundreds of years ago, and then fire it in a kiln with real fire, the exact same way their grandparents did. In Lithuanian villages, we can still find looms that our great-grandmothers used to weave their dowry. Today, ancient Baltic weaving patterns have taken on new meaning and a new life. Likewise, people still hang wooden crosses carved according to ancient tradition in their homes, still own carving of the Pensive Christ, and still stir jam on modern stoves with wooden spoons. Blacksmithing has always been an exceptional craft in Lithuania. Having earned respect, artisans now use their talented hands to decorate our homes and surroundings. You can see these crafts at the folk art fairs that are so popular in Lithuania, or you can learn old crafts during educational programmes held by museums or the artisans themselves.

Make pottery
What a thrill to pick up a bowl that was just recently a piece of clay! Or to drink fragrant tea from a cup you made yourself. Adults equate kneading clay with meditation, while for kids it is a great lesson in Lithuanian crafts. In Dzūkija, Merkinė has long been known for its black ceramics, and there are still talented artisans in Kernavė as well. They won’t just tell you the story of one pot there – they’ll tell you the entire history of ceramics, and show you how to mould and throw pottery.

Weave a towel
This educational programme is for people who think that towels are sold in the store. Programme participants are taught about the art of weaving, Lithuanian motifs, weaving techniques and fabrics. Obviously, the most interesting part is trying your own hand at weaving.

Felting
“Warm as a lamb” – an interesting activity where both children and adults can learn the most important things about sheep, what is sheared, and what is done with the wool. A tiny brooch, a necklace, a sauna hat, or felt boots – learn a new craft! Maybe you’ll like it? After all, every hobby has to start somewhere.

Weave a basket
Maybe your first basket won’t come out perfect, but trying your hand at wicker weaving, like our ancestors used to do to make the long winter evenings a little bit shorter, is definitely worthwhile. As you strip the willow rods, you will hear stories about what weaving materials have been used since ancient times, how the willow rods are prepared for weaving, and what things can be made from them.

Make a candle
Have you ever felt what a real wax candle smells like? What a magically soothing aroma it emits? Candle makers will show you the very oldest method of candle making, and tell you about candle traditions and their significance in Lithuanian culture. And you can light the candles you make yourself at home or bring them back as souvenirs.

Make a straw garden
A straw garden used to be hung above the table where the family would gather three times a day. Created by hand, this delicate structure is believed to bring harmony, cosmic energy, and sacred tranquillity to the home. Straw garden workshops are available where you can learn the subtleties of their creation and decoration. And not just gardens, but also straw birds, garland, and stars that can be hung on a Christmas tree – you can make all that with your own two hands.

Learn to read a weathervane
Curonian weathervanes are a unique part of the heritage of Lithuania’s coastal region, with details and ornaments from traditional fishing boats marked with symbols and meanings. You can take them and read them like a book – they reflect the story of the fisherman’s life. Attend a workshop to learn about why weathervanes came about, the subtleties of how they are made, and the meanings behind their colours and patterns.

Make your own amber amulet
Amber is the gold of the Baltic Sea. Each piece is unique, so each piece of amber jewellery is too, highlighting the personality of the person wearing it. Workshops are offered during which participants can make their own amber amulet or other piece of jewellery using ancient technology.

Leave a cross
A traditional branch of Lithuanian folk art that unites faith with workmanship, cross-crafting (kryždirbystė) has been proclaimed a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. This craft was never taught in special schools. The crosses were – and still are – made out of wood, metal and even stone by self-taught artisans. Learn about cross-crafting traditions and make your own cross that you can leave on the Hill of Crosses among the thousands of symbols of faith left by other people.

Make your own Užgavėnės carnival mask
At the Plateliai Centre for Traditional Crafts, you can make your own carnival mask that you can wear during Užgavėnės (Fat Tuesday) – in Plateliai, this festival is celebrated every year with a bang and Užgavėnės customs are followed very faithfully. For example, they say that you simply must make a new mask every year, since your neighbours might recognise your old one!

You can also visit the Lėčynų Museum in Plateliai where you can see over 300 different traditional lėčyna (the Samogitian term for the Užgavėnės carnival mask).

Taste bread
Kneaded by caring hands, put in a warm place to rise, and then baked among hot coals before making it to our table, this loaf of bread smells different. And it tastes different too. Don’t believe it? Follow the path bread takes, from the rye field to the table, and see for yourself. Try sweeping out the oven, piling the coals, kneading the dough, and putting it into the oven. And then later, sit down at the table and take a bite of a fragrant slice.

VILNIUS ROOFTOP RED
Cosy. Colourful. Full of culture and life. Romantic and engaging. Vilnius is all this and much more. So if you are looking for a respite from routine or a fresh breath of inspiration, Vilnius welcomes you.

Rich in spirit and a trove of hidden treasures, Vilnius is a city that entices and invites you to explore it all day and all of the night. From the mysterious courtyards of the Old Town and the sculptures that inhabit them, to the city’s melting pot of architecture styles, and the multitude of green spaces that are scattered liberally throughout the city, Vilnius offers much to explore during the day, while at night the city comes alive with the buzz of the downtown’s many bars. And it is here, in the small hours that strangers become friends. Vilnius is not a city that you can plan for. It is a city to be experienced and a city to love.

Your perfect escape plan. First, take a flight to Vilnius or arrive by bus or even by train, then jump in a taxi. You’ll find yourself in the heart of the city in ten minutes. From there you can settle into one of the city’s many charming red-roofed apartments. After a specially brewed coffee from one of Vilnius’s many cosy cafes, you are ready to explore.

AMBER YELLOW
The miracle that the sea gives us. A fossilized drop of tree resin in which the forces of the millenniums and nature’s elements lie. Our ancestors used to say that amber protects you from evil people and encourages creativity. Maybe that’s why people are so fond of amber jewellery, and artists decorate precious metals with the “sun stone”. Ancient uses have now found their place at modern spas, where amber incense is used for aromatherapy, and amber dust is added to creams.

DEEP FOREST GREEN
Educational hiking trails
How to feel closer to the pureness of nature in Lithuania, how to touch it, smell it, taste it? Try an educational trail! Don’t hurry – choose from over a hundred and fifty cognitive walkways set up in the most beautiful corners of Lithuania. Walking along those trails, you will not only see the most interesting natural objects, but also hear millions of sounds of the Lithuanian forest, dispel the mystery of the wetlands, and at a moment of repose refresh yourself with water from our streams or springs.

Čepkeliai Marsh Educational Trail
The 1.5 km long path made in the marsh (visited only with a guide from April 1 to July 1) makes it possible to have a sneak peak at one of the most protected natural areas in our country – the largest bog with a causeway in Lithuania – the Čepkeliai Marsh. When walking, you will see continental dunes, get acquainted with the local vegetation, and look at the large misty swamp from the observation tower.

Kamanai Educational Trail
It is prohibited to visit this reserve in northern Lithuania on your own, so this 4 km path, available only with the escort of a guide, gives a unique opportunity to see protected animals and plants in their natural environment; for example, a species of sundew that can only be found in Lithuania. The 30-meter-tall observation tower built next to the trail will reward you with a panorama of the Kamanai marsh and the flat plains characteristic of this part of the country.

Cognitive Walkway of Mūšos tyrelis
The 3.6 km path located in Žagarė Regional Park is unique because it is the longest boardwalk in Lithuania. Such a long raised trail is a real discovery for those who are interested in bogs’ ecosystems, as it makes it possible getting acquainted with the vegetation and wildlife of the bog in its natural environment, to enjoy the silence disturbed only by only the inhabitants of the bog, such as the black grouse, gray cranes, and geese.

The Jurkiškis River Cognitive Trail
Although Lithuania cannot boast of high mountains, you will surely hear the sound of mountain rivers here! Only 1.2 km long, the canyon-type Jurkiškis river connects the lakes of Asveja and Suoselis. Due to the hilly surface, and the difference in height, especially during the spring flood, it resembles a real mountain creek. You can enjoy its beauty by traveling on a 1.5 km walkway that has plenty of steps and overpasses.

Cognitive Trail “Barsuko ola” (Badger’s Hole)
In this rather short (700 m), but diverse in terms of terrain, geological trail you will not only exercise your legs, but also get acquainted with a unique phenomenon of Northern Lithuania – sinkholes that form when groundwaters wash out the underground gypsum strata. Going down the trail, up and down the steps and overpasses, you will see 13 different sinkholes – some of them rather simple, while others have a more complex form, some of them separate, while others interconnected from the outside and even the inside.

Šaukliai Boulder Cognitive Path
Walking down the 2km walkway built on this spectacular moraine, can make you feel as if in a tundra! The boulder field, formed by the last glacier 26 thousand years ago, has not been touched by economic activity. Thus the unique landscape of this area with stones, whose diameter can be as large as 3 meters, creates a breathtaking impression. And if you believe in the legend of the origin of this place that says that the boulders are Swedish soldiers turned into stone by pagan gods…

Zackagiris Cognitive Trail
The 13.8 km trail that bears a beautiful Dzūkian name is one of the longest in Lithuania, but you can choose shorter sections of 7 or 10.5 km. The trail runs along sandy riverbanks with beaver houses, dunes, mysterious swamps, and rustic forests. All the natural diversity of this region of Lithuania is revealed before your eyes!

Žagarė Esker
An esker is a long, narrow hill, shaped by glaciers from sand and gravel. Žagarė esker, surrounded by the plains of Northern Lithuania, is one of the most impressive natural sights in Lithuania. You will be able to get acquainted with the surroundings by visiting the 3.6 km cognitive path that runs along Žvelgaitis Hillfort, the esker, the lake, as well as the banks of the River Švėtė.

Nagliai Cognitive Trail
The 1.1 km trail of the Nagliai Nature Reserve will lead you through a mysterious natural phenomenon – dead sand dunes. This is where four former Curonian Spit villages were buried in the sand a few centuries ago. Strong winds here create a unique landscape – hollows and washouts, revealing the soil of an ages-old forest buried in the sand.

Aukštumala Educational Trail
Walking more than a kilometre along the surface of the raised bog would be impossible if it wasn’t for one secret: the trail that has been constructed along the kūlgrinda – an ancient underwater road of stones that went through the swamps. Once a secret way to escape from attackers, it now gives us the opportunity to learn about the flourishing flora of the raised bog and to admire its distinct landscape from right up close.

Ecological Cognitive Trail “Litorina”
When traveling down the trail that begins by the impressive bluff known as Dutchman’s Cap and continues for another 3 km, you’ll be able to look the Baltic Sea from a height of about a dozen meters! Walking along the ancient Littorina Sea coast, you will find information about the geological structure of the seaside, the tree species growing there, atypical for Lithuania, and the historical peculiarities of the location.

Lake Žuvintas Nature Trail
The route is intended for those wishing to get acquainted with the pride of the South of Lithuania – the lake of Žuvintas, famous for its floating islets and an extremely rich variety of birds. During the warm season, the 350 m boardwalk made between the reeds, allows you to listen to the impressive choir of the winged population of Žuvintas. At the end of the trail, there is an observation tower, from which you can conveniently observe over 200 species of migratory birds living in the lake!

Juniper valley
This 1.3 km walk along the steep slope of the Nemunas is one of the most popular in Lithuania. While walking it, you will not only be able to marvel at the scenic views of the largest artificial water body in Lithuania – Kaunas Lagoon, but also breathe in healthy air. The junipers growing abundantly in the vicinity of the trail, emit a large amount of disinfecting and healing substances, so the air in the valley is extremely pure.

Dubrava Educational Trail
Located near Kaunas Reservoir, the Dubrava Reserve covers an area of more than 120 hectares and features a breathtaking education trail. Nearly two kilometers long, the trail has eight information boards about the extraordinary wildlife you are walking through.

Pūčkoriai Cognitive Trail
The 5 km walkway in Pavilnys Regional Park in Vilnius, is a great place to hide from the bustle of the city. From the impressive 65-meter-high Pūčkoriai outcrop, you can admire the view of the Vilnelė river running down below and the forests surrounding it, and, after descending into the valley of the river, familiarize yourself with the historical and cultural objects, and then go up to the Pučkoriai Hillfort.

Varnikai Cognitive Trail
The historical capital of Lithuania, Trakai, extremely rich in historical sites, has something for nature lovers too. The 3.5 km long winding path over the bog in Varnikai forest leads away from the noise of the city to the most interesting places of this natural area: the Ilgelis swamp, tiny lakes, and a beautiful forest. Enjoy the blueberries, lingonberries, wild strawberries, cranberries, and the sounds and scents of the forest!

COLD PINK
Unexpected gastro experiences
The different regions of Lithuania are chock-full of unexpected flavours and gastro experiences. Each regional kitchen in Lithuania has its own traditional dishes that differ in character. Join educational routes to know more about Lithuanian cuisine, try new dishes and enjoy original drinks. Let’s start gastro tourism and discover Lithuania with our taste buds!

A taste from the past – Kaunas Spurginė
In this fast-paced world, it’s unreal to find places where time seems to stand still. One of them is Spurginė, which is still in operation on Laisvės Alėja in Kaunas. Over the course of almost four decades, neither the interior, nor the staff, nor the doughnut recipes have changed.

Drink an unforgettable cup of coffee in Vilnius
The Old Town of Vilnius is cosy and small, but there is so much to see that you definitely have to recharge by savouring a cup of coffee. There are a growing number of cafés in the city that focus a lot of attention on the origin and quality of the beans they use, and which offer different brewing methods and even organise gatherings for coffee amateurs and professionals. The cafés in Vilnius are scattered throughout the city – you can find them tucked away in the small streets of the Old Town or in book stores and shopping centres. Lithuanians are true coffee connoisseurs. For Lithuanians, a cup of coffee is a source of energy and a symbol of friendship. Lithuanian coffee chains like Huracán, Caffeine and Vero Cafe have created a real network of coffee shops throughout the city (and the country). Over the past few years, coffee culture has flourished in Vilnius and the capital now has something to show its guests: from the Good Coffee Map for coffee lovers to the Vilnius Coffee Festival, which is the largest coffee festival in the Baltics.

Fish Road
There are a lot of opinions about traditional fish soup, but they say the most authentic recipes can be found in the Pamarys Region. The locals in Dreverna (Klaipėda District) offer the popular Fish Road programme, where you can enjoy soup made with fish from the Curonian Lagoon or other local fishermen delicacies right on the deck of a ship!

Zanavykija Taster
Do we know a lot about regional cuisine? Even Zanavykija – the part of the Suvalkija region that surrounds Šakiai – has such a rich and belly-rubbing heritage that once you try it, you want to do it again and recommend it to others. And the king of the table in Zanavykija is a meat-stuffed cabbage head baked in a wood-fired oven! Its taste reminds you of cabbage rolls, but its appearance speaks highly of the chef. If you would like to learn about the food of the Zanavykija region, you can book the Zanavykija Taster culinary educational programme offered by Kuchmistrai Restaurant at Zypliai Manor.

The richest pancakes – Panemunė Dzūkian Cottage in Punia
The Panemunė Dzūkian Cottage in Punia (Alytus District), where the living environment of Dzūkians in the late 19th century has been recreated, offers an educational programme during which visitors can grind flour with old-fashioned tools and make pancakes according to an authentic recipe. They also make banda here – a unique Dzūkian savoury cake made from grated potatoes and baked in a bread oven on a cabbage leaf. Banda are served with darycinis made from homemade curd cheese and cream.

Spring straight from the trees
Lithuanians drink amber tea, nettle wine, blueberry kvass and dandelion coffee, and they extract so much mineral water they can bathe in it. And, every spring, they drink juice from the trees.

Seasonal food is the main characteristic of Lithuanian cuisine. The sap from maple or birch trees has for a long time been the first natural treat of the year. The time to enjoy this slightly sweet nutritional drink, one sip of which embraces an entire waking forest, is the month of March.

A bird is first to drink

Renata Ničajienė, author of culinary books, also writes a popular city website on seasonal cuisine. She is fond of sap: “From my childhood I remember that my grandmother always stored birch sap in spring. My mother’s grandparents, who lived in a village in the region of Dzūkija, kept a large barrel in their basement which they filled with birch sap each spring and sprinkled oats on top. Over time the oats would sprout, naturally protecting the sap against fermentation or mould. This way the preserved sap could be used throughout the spring and summer.

We tap birch sap in March, but the process mainly depends on the weather. It’s only when the temperature rises above zero (about +5° C) and the sun comes out that the sap begins to flow. It normally lasts for a few weeks. One spring day I discovered quite accidently that the sap was ready. I noticed through my cottage window a bird tapping a hole in the trunk of a maple tree and sipping the sap. I understood it was high time to tap it myself. Drilling a small hole in a tree can produce two to four litres of sap, then we press in a wooden plug and cover the wound with paste. If the nights are still cold, the sap freezes and does not flow overnight. The tastiest and sweetest sap is the very first sap taken from a tree.

Since sap can last in a refrigerator for up to five days, to prolong its use it must be fermented or preserved. It can also be frozen. I usually ferment it by adding raisins or some blackcurrants”.

There are so many popular sites in Lithuania. And you definitely have to see them all! In front of the Cathedral Bell Tower in the most important square in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, there is something called the Stebuklas (“Miracle”) Tile. Stand on it, spin around three times, and come up with the most beautiful thing you would like to see in Lithuania.

The capital – Vilnius
Not many talk about it, so discovering Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, can be a true revelation for travellers in search of new experiences. But what’s it really like? First and foremost, you’re in for a compact and walkable city filled with urban green spaces and healthy doses of impressive architecture, tasty eats and all kinds of exciting leisure activities. Plus, Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town is one of Eastern Europe’s biggest and most well preserved. Feel free to just wander around and let your curiosity lead the way through the courtyards and passageways further from the more touristic routes. You’re in for an array of exceptional discoveries.

The street art, murals and installations dotting Vilnius make it an urban gallery on its own, and the numerous high-level art festivals and cultural events throughout the year give the city its unique vibe. Longstanding food markets where people shop for local produce and eat either a pretty traditional lunch or something more contemporary; or one of the many boutiques, galleries and pop-up markets where local designers and artisans showcase and sell their latest creations allow you to feel the pulse of the city’s contemporary culture. Art is everywhere in Vilnius, but for the highest concentration of artistic ideas and sophisticated discussions visit Užupis, a district turned self-proclaimed independent republic with its own quirky constitution.

Vilnius is always ready to take you on an adventure. You can explore different parks and districts, take a kayak along one of the rivers for an entirely new perspective of the city, or go on a hike through beautiful natural landscapes sprinkled with historical landmarks. 46% of Vilnius is made up of green spaces, so you can definitely expect a breath of fresh air.

Traditional Lithuanian cuisine is essentially comfort food done right, so powering-up before embarking on a journey through the city is easy. But it’s not all about traditions – chefs in Vilnius are constantly experimenting and creating an entirely new food culture. Don’t be surprised if you end up having your tastiest street food experience here – whether it’s a succulent piece of meat or one of seemingly endless vegan options. Pairing a beer with your food will certainly hit the mark, especially in the warmth of summer. Inspired by Vilnius’ ancient brewing traditions, the modern craft beer scene is overflowing with local brews and other heavy-hitting European microbreweries. And if you need a jolt of energy, you’ll be in awe of the crazy selection of specialty coffees brewed in more ways than you could possibly imagine.

And just when you think you’ve seen and tried everything, it’s time to marvel at the city from above. Vilnius happens to be one of the few cities in Europe that allows hot air balloons to fly above the centre, and the views you’ll get of the labyrinth-like Old Town’s red roofs and the lush forests in and around the city are sure to take your breath away.

The Modernist capital of Kaunas
Once the temporary capital of Lithuania, Kaunas stands out from other Lithuanian and European cities for its interwar architecture. The extremely high concentration of buildings from this period is making it possible for the city to seek a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, Kaunas is going through a transformation and becoming a modern city with a unique character and pulsing with life.

Trakai Historical National Park
The legendary residence of the rulers of Lithuania, the lakes and picturesque shores, the heritage of the Karaims and aristocratic life – only in Trakai can you find so many valuable things in one place. This is the only historical national park in Lithuania and all of Europe, making it a must-see for local tourists and foreign guests alike.

Kuršių Nerija National Park
The settlements of Alksnynė, Juodkrantė, Pervalka, Preila, and Nida join together into the Neringa resort. The entire resort is located on the Curonian Spit, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The strip of sand that separates the Baltic Sea from the Curonian Lagoon is a unique place, enchanting for the magnificence of its dunes and the spirit of Curonian heritage.

The Seaside and Palanga
The centre of Lithuania’s sea coast, which is nearly 100 kilometres long, is the Palanga resort. Having preserved the aristocratic spirit of the 19th century resort, today it attracts more than just people thirsty for beach entertainment. All you have to do is move a tiny bit away from the bustle of the resort and you’ll find yourself on natural beaches of soft sand along the Baltic coast.

Žemaitija National Park
The centre of the national park is the fabled Lake Plateliai, which is the deepest, largest and most picturesque lake in Samogitia. The wonderful nature, rich history and distinctive cultural property reveal the uniqueness of the ethnographic region of Samogitia.

Mineral water resorts
Cultivating old traditions, the Lithuanian mineral water resorts of Druskininkai and Birštonas now offer both water treatments with healing properties as well as numerous original, modern wellness options. And they offer plenty of cultural activities and entertainment as well.

The Hill of Crosses
Desecrated but never destroyed, set on fire but never burned down, the Hill of Crosses is a potent symbol of faith, hope, and freedom. And for pilgrims, it is another must-visit location in Lithuania. The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai is a hill covered with thousands of wooden crosses. During the Soviet era, these crosses were removed by the authorities, but locals continuously replaced them. In 1993, Pope John Paul II prayed here, and he often mentioned the sacred site in his homilies and speeches. He later sent a crucifix to Lithuania which was placed on the hill, and today pilgrims begin and end their journeys at this location.

While Condé Nast Traveller includes this site as one of the Top 20 scariest places in the world (and perhaps the authors wouldn‘t want to spend a night on the hill), for locals and visitors alike this is a place of hope and enlightenment, reflecting Lithuania’s historical and cultural traditions. One unique annual cultural tradition is the Feast of the Hill of Crosses, which takes place on the last Sunday of July and attracts thousands of pilgrims.

Dzūkija National Park
The pine forests, inland dunes, swamps and rivers that reign in the country’s largest national park harbour a unique natural world, giving shelter to numerous rare plants and animals. The park is also home to Čepkeliai Marsh – one of the most protected natural sites in the country.

Aukštaitija National Park
The landscape of Lithuania’s oldest national park was formed in such a way that it opens up to the visitor with all its beauty – the streams that connect the hundreds of lakes covering the land provide wonderful opportunities for enjoying water-based tourism, while the high hills serve as observation towers for the surrounding area.

The Republic of Užupis
Užupis may be the smallest district in Vilnius, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in style and character. Nestled on the banks of the Vilnelė River, the area is a hive of creativity and eccentricity, attracting the city’s artists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs. The spirit of the district is best embodied by its constitution, a somewhat ironic list of ordinances that is displayed on the walls as you enter.

You can take the pretty path alongside the river under Užupis Bridge, and even try your luck on the Swing of Destiny.

Gediminas Castle Tower
Visible from multiple points across the city, Gediminas Castle Tower is the main symbol of Vilnius and a great place to start your tour of the city. Crowning Gediminas Hill, the Castle offers the perfect spot to catch a panorama of Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town. Not only that, it is also a great place to soak in a golden sunset on cloudless days. And for the most historically curious, the Castle Tower also houses a permanent exhibition covering the architecture, armaments and iconography of the city’s past.

The Glass Quarter
Originally a Jewish neighbourhood of goldsmiths, glassblowers, artisans and financiers, this area located between the M. Antokolskio, Gaono, and Žydų streets in the city’s old town became the Glass Quarter in 2018. Now home to a community of boutique owners, jewellers, designers and cafe owners, the Glass Quarter has become synonymous with style and a flair for the fantastic. In fact, during festival times like Christmas and Halloween, you’ll find the streets festooned with lights and decoration. A great place for shopping, or browsing, or cafe hopping, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a luxurious champagne and cake experience under a ceiling of rose petals. The Glass Quarter is a must visit.

MO Museum
Designed by architectural wunderkind Daniel Libeskind, the MO Museum is the city’s newest jewel. Its award winning structure is a real eye opener both inside and outside. In fact, the museum’s central staircase, modelled after a DNA sequence, has become a popular site for Instagrammers. But it’s not about the building – focusing primarily on contemporary art, the museum hosts a number of exhibitions throughout the year that highlight the best in Lithuanian and Baltic art.

Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights
The (KGB) Museum of Occupation and Freedom Fights is the only museum of its type in the Baltic States. Located in the building that was the headquarters of the Soviet punitive authorities (NKVD and NKGB-MGB-KGB) from 1940 to 1991, the museum offers a sobering meditation on the country’s troubled past.

On the first floor of the museum, in the office of the former deputy head of the MGB (KGB) visitors can see documents, photos, maps and other objects that illustrate the Sovietization of the country. Meanwhile, on the same floor, exhibits presenting the territorial structure and military organisation of guerrilla units, give visitors a clear idea of the aspirations of the country’s freedom fighters, as well as their daily activities and mode of life. Continuing on the same floor, the exhibition “An Unequal Fight” lays bare the NKVD-NKGB fight against the country’s armed resistance.

Moving to the second floor, visitors can see displays recounting the experiences of Lithuanian prisoners in the gulags, as well as the deportations of Lithuanian citizens. This floor also contains a reconstruction of a KGB surveillance room, containing authentic listening equipment of the time, as well as the furnishing and interior details that were common in the day. For visitors looking to fully understand the country’s recent history, this museum is a must.

Literatai Street
Rumoured to be named in honour of the 19th-century poet Adomas Mickevičius (Adam Mickiewicz) who lived there, Literatai Street is a popular draw for foreign tourists and Lithuanians alike. What attracts the crowds are the hundreds of unique works of art that decorate the street’s walls. Composed from wood, metal and glass, each individual piece refers to the work of a famous author somehow related to Vilnius.

The Cathedral Basilica of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus
This temple is a symbol of the Christianization of Lithuania. The Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Ladislaus of Vilnius was built in the very centre of the city, on the site of a former pagan temple. Standing next to the city’s defensive castle, the Cathedral has survived the most celebrated and dramatic events in the history of Vilnius and Lithuania.

The Cathedral has been rebuilt several times over the centuries, attracting the talents of famous local and international architects and artists. The present building is in the Classicism style (created by the architect Laurynas Stuoka-Gucevičius), although its walls contain traces of Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture.

In front of the Cathedral stands a 57m high bell tower. This distinctive structure is a popular draw for tourists, who can climb the belfry steps to access a panoramic view of the Cathedral square.

Vilnius University / Presidential Palace
Did you know that Vilnius University is one of the oldest universities in the world? With 12 faculties and around 23,000 students, it is one of the country’s leading academic institutions. Vilnius University’s oldest campus, in which the university’s administration is situated, houses 3 faculties: the faculty of history, the faculty of philology and the faculty of philosophy. There is also a library with more than 5 million printings and old manuscripts. Among them is one of the only two copies in existence of the first Lithuanian book, the Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas.

Next to the university, you will find the palatial formal residence of the President of the Republic of Lithuania. Those wishing to take a look at the Presidential premises can register for a free tour of the Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania. The Presidential Palace was built in Simonas Daukantas Square, which is named in honour of Simonas Daukantas, a graduate of Vilnius University who wrote the first history of Lithuania in Lithuanian.

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania
Opened in 2013, The Residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania is a modern imagining of the original castle that stood on the site from the second half of the 13h century. This building, the so-called “Lower Castle”, was the seat of successive Lithuanian Grand Dukes, beginning with the Gediminid dynasty. The middle of the 17th century saw its untimely destruction at the hands of the marauding Russian army.

Visually, the modern incarnation of the Palace of the Grand Dukes is a novel potpourri of architecture styles. This reflects the original building, which assumed a number of successive architectural styles in its lifetime, from the Gothic to the Renaissance.

The building’s many grand and spacious rooms now play host to concerts and exhibitions all year round.

St. Anne’s Church and Bernardine Church ensemble
This church, which has remained almost unchanged for five centuries, is one of the most beautiful and probably the most famous buildings in Vilnius. It is a masterpiece of the late Gothic style, wrapped in many enigmatic legends. The most famous of which is that upon seeing St. Anne’s Church, Napoleon Bonaparte expressed a desire to take the building back to Paris on the palm of his hand.