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!

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Why should you choose Discover Lithuania?

Private tours in Lithuania organised by Discover Lithuania are meticulously planned tourism services adjusted to your needs or travelling rhythm. Well-thought travelling routes and extensive tourism information will let you discover the true beauty of Lithuania and take a closer look at the country’s history. Discover Lithuania is your private tour operator in Lithuania offering comfortable guided journeys on a bus.

Picturesque nature of Kaunas

Educational trails and parks. The landscape of educational trails of Kaunas and neighbouring areas is truly breathtaking. One of the most popular trails among tourists is the famous park of Santaka. The park of Nemunas island has been gaining popularity recently and is good for active sports and more relaxed activities. Girionys educational trail and the romantic Meilė park next to Panemunė Church are the must-see attractions in the summer.

Mounds. The magnificent mounds of Kaunas draw large number of tourists every year. These trails can be covered by a car, on a bike or on foot. Many legends and impressive natural beauty surround the mounds of Lentainiai, Veršvos, Marvelė, Napoleon, Aukštieji Šančiai, Eiguliai, and Pakalniškiai.

Kaunas Old Town

Kaunas Castle. The Kaunas Castle is the oldest brick castle in Lithuania at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris Rivers. The castle was built in 14^th century as a stronghold against the crusaders. The castle is a defensive building in Gothic style with two rows of defensive walls and is the only castle of its kind in the whole of Lithuania. The surviving ruins of the original Castle tell a story of primeval spatial layout of the castle, the construction technique and the forms used, as well as provides important information about the development of ancient Lithuanian architecture.

The Town Hall. The Town Hall of Kaunas, known as the White Swan, standing in the Senoji town square for over 460 years has been a joy for the eyes of city residents and guests. The Town Hall was built by architect Benediktas Choinauskas. At present the Town Hall is a site for marriage ceremonies, reception of distinguished guests, signature of agreements, and hosting of official events.

Most popular sites to be visited

Nineth Fort. The famous memorial ensemble and monument of Kaunas Nineth Fort telling the tragic history of the Jews (a 32-metre long monument from reinforced concrete) is one of the most frequently visited sites in Kaunas. During the Nazi occupation the Fort was used as a site of mass murder. After the World War II the Soviets used the Fort as a prison for several years. Kaunas Ninth Fort memorial ensemble is made up of the administrative building, the exhibition hall on occupations, the Fort building, the monument for the victims of the Nazism, the mass murder site, the burial place, and the park.

Pažaislis Monastery ensemble. Pažaislis Monastery and Church comprise one of the largest complex of monasteries and one of the most beautiful architectural landmarks in the country. In the monastery there are many exceptionally beautiful frescoes and paintings. The core values of the heritage exhibition are signs of spiritual and material cultural experience left behind by the earlier residents or nurtured by the current monastic communities of Comaldolese, Orthodox, and sisters Casimirians.

The Lithuanian zoo. Kaunas zoo is an attraction spot for children and adults alike. Opened in 1938, the zoo boasts over 200 species of fauna from all the world, including endangered species.

Kaunas sightseeing sites will live in your memory for long

Rest assured that Lithuania has many sites worth visiting, and Kaunas is one of them. The interim capital of Lithuania enjoys a rich cultural heritage and has charming breathtaking views. Devote some time for memorable holiday and discover the charming Kaunas with private Kaunas city tour by Discover Lithuania.

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