Lithuania
The first of the Soviet Republics to declare its independence is a bit of an enigma. The biggest of the Baltic States, which once boasted an Empire that stretched from the Baltic to the Black Sea, has struggled to shake off its Soviet past as readily as its neighbours and not made as much progress as countries that it once dominated. Nonetheless, change is afoot and Lithuania now firmly faces west politically and culturally. Raw pagan roots fused with Catholic fervour form the foundation of the new thinking.
What to see
Vilnius
Picturesque, historic capital city with the largest Old Town in Europe as well as winding cobbled streets, a range of soaring spires, spacious squares with imposing cathedrals and one of the oldest universities in Europe. Visit the Gediminas Castle, which overlooks the city, for great views and to get a sense of the city and its layout.
Trakai
Lithuania’s former capital, on the shores of Lake Galve is a quiet, dreamy place guarded by a fourteenth century red-brick gothic castle. The surrounding country is attractive and there are opportunities to sail and windsurf on the lake.Druskininkai Riverside spa town that is the access point for Grutas Parkas, a Soviet era sculpture park, with statues of Stalin and Lenin, dubbed Stalin World.
Kaunas
Lithuania’s historic second city, which is awash with culture, art and attractive architecture as well as a large student population which ensures the cafés and bars are always lively.
Top experiences / sites of particular interest
Curonian Spit National Park
Peninsula reserve that separates the Baltic Sea from the scenic Curonian Lagoon, characterised by rolling sand dunes and pine forests, is a great place for walkers, cyclists, bird spotters and wildlife enthusiasts.
Aukstaitija National Park
Sparkling glacier-gouged lakes ideal for fishing, boating and swimming sit amidst dense, magical forests of pine and spruce.
Zemaitija National Park
Stroll through a peaceful wood in order to visit a disused nuclear silo incongruously hidden here.
Hill of Crosses
Striking hillside outside Siauliai, covered in crosses that are testament to the rebellious soul and resilience of the country and its inhabitants.
When to go
Winter runs from November to mid-March and can be cold, snowy and dark. Spring and autumn are mild whilst summer, from May to September, is warm. Typically there is heavier rainfall in August.
There are a number of cultural, religious and just plain riotous festivals and events in the annual calendar. Look out for Independence Day in late March, the Vilnius Carnival in May and the classical music themed Vilnius Festival in June.
Getting there / around
There are international airports in Vilnius (VNO) and close to Palanga (PLQ). Internal flights are limited and irregular.
The rail network is more substantial and reliable.Roads are decent and the most common way of getting about.
Buses connect the major centres Car hire is available in several large cities. Because it is flat and relatively small, cycling is on the increase as a way of getting about too.
Potential itineraries
Lithuania is straightforward to get around. It frequently acts as the start or end point for people travelling through the Baltic States.
For people exploring the country in around up to two weeks, start in Vilnius and made forays to Trakai and Druskininkai or head north to Aukstaitija National Park before heading west across country to Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit. Finally, quit the coast and return east to Siauliai in order to visit the Hill of Crosses. To make your way back to Vilnius, loop round via Kaunas.
Our Recommendations
Guides
There are country guidebooks to Lithuania available from Bradt and Thomas Cook. Lonely Planet, Rough Guides, Eyewitness andInsight combine Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Paknio Leidykla produces a guide to the whole of Lithuania as well as a separate guidebook on Klaipeda and the Curonian Spit and a city guide to Vilnius. Berlitz and Thomas Cook also publish city guides to the capital, whilst Bradt publish a guide to Baltic Cities.
Maps
There are decent road maps of Lithuania available from Reise Know-How, Michelin and Jana Seta. Jana Seta is also responsible for publishing a Lithuania Road Atlas and a more compact Lithuania Small Road Atlas. Jana Seta also publishes street plans of Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipeda. Freytag & Berndt have their own street plan of Vilnius as well.
Read More
Lithuania Awakening by Alfred Senn is the best account of how the country achieved independence.
Stephan Collishaw won acclaim for his dark, haunting novels set in modern day Lithuania. The Last Girl is an unflinching look at recent history, built around the resurfacing of memories relating to the struggle of a desperate mother to help her son escape, whilst Amber is the story of a young Lithuanian conscripted to fight in the Soviet War in Afghanistan, where he falls in love with a local nurse who opens his eyes to the politics of the struggle.
Sight & Sound
As with the other Baltic countries, folk music and song is a big part of everyday Lithuanian life. Listen out too for a Baltic version of the zither, a variety of flutes and reed instruments that accompany the lyrics that deal with every aspect of daily life.
Pre-Trip Practicalities
Language
Lithuanian
Pick up Lonely Planet’s Baltic States Phrasebook to help you get by.
Currency
Litas (Lt) made up of 100 centas.
Visas
UK and US citizens do not require visas before entering the country.
Health issues
Inoculations for BCG, hep A, hep B, rabies and typhoid are recommended.
Safety, FO travel advice
Generally safe.
Useful Telephone Numbers
Lithuanian country representatives can be found
in the UK at
84 Gloucester Place, London, W1U 6AU. Tel:- 020 7486 6401 and in the US at
2300 Clarendon Boulevard, Suite 302, Arlington VA 22201 Tel:- 202 234 5860. There are no tourist boards in either country.
For more information visit www.lithuaniatourism.co.uk, www.travel.lt or www.vilnius-tourism.lt.