In recent years a true urban renaissance is being noticed in Lithuania and this brings true joy not only to local residents, but to visitors as well. Even very small towns in the province received funding to repair old central squares, churches, old buildings, luckily not making them too new. Plus many Lithuanians started to return back to their homeland and in many cases settled in small towns.
It is impossible to tell about all of them, but there is an urban “necklace” in Lithuania that is really worth telling about. Its gems start in Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, then continues to the ancient capital Trakai, with a beautiful castle on an island, going westwards to the second biggest town of Lithuania – Kaunas, from there we go straight to the coast, to the seaport Klaipėda, and from there – to the Curonian spit, to the most distant town – charming resort Nida.
Three capital cities
Last year Vilnius celebrated its 700th anniversary of becoming a capital city of Lithuania and this year it will be exactly 100 years since the first UNESCO heritage Song and Dance festival took place. When celebrating, don’t forget to visit baroque and gothique rich Vilnius old town, with dozens of churches, over 20 monasteries, artistic Užupis Republic and much more. No wonder that Vilnius old town is entirely part of UNESCO heritage.
Trakai, about 30 km West from Vilnius, was the Lithuanian capital before it moved to Vilnius. In Trakai, although it is quite small, it is possible to find places of worship of several different religions and beliefs – Catholic and Orthodox churches, Karaim kenesa, pagan place of worship and, of course, the iconic castle on an island.
From the old capital Trakai to the once temporary (in the period between the two World Wars) capital Kaunas. There it’s worth visiting the old Town Hall, often called “White Swan”, and don’t miss a chance to walk through the longest pedestrian street – Liberty Boulevard, which connects new and old parts of the city, which was given the UNESCO Design City title. The oldest stone castle in Lithuania is also in Kaunas. But the biggest and the most hidden beauty is Pažaislis Monastery and Church, which form the largest monastery complex in Lithuania, and the most magnificent example of Italian Baroque architecture in the country.
To visit all these three capitals you can pick one or more of our tours: Vilnius city and surroundings, Around Vilnius city and Trakai Castle, Trakai Castle and Paneriai Memorial Park, Tour around Kaunas city.
… and for the desert
We move further West to the coast where the biggest Lithuanian port Klaipėda is situated. Don’t be surprised by the German-style architecture in the old town, because for many centuries Memel, as it was called more than one hundred years ago, was part of Prussia and later Germany. It is the oldest city in Lithuania, mentioned already in 1252.
And our last gem in this beautiful necklace is the resort town of Nida on the Curonian spit. It’s not only among the TOP10 European beaches, but the very location – narrow strip of land between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon – makes it even more diverse and romantic. Mentioned already in the 14th century, now still rich not only with picturesque dunes, but also stylish fishermen houses decorated in bright colours, carvings and boats.
To visit the Lithuanian coast, check our Tour to Curonian Spit National Park, 4-day Scenic Lithuanian Experience or 6-day Best of Lithuania. See you there!