Best Places to Visit in Lithuania

Vilnius

Offering the largest medieval Old Town in eastern and central Europe, capital city Vilnius is easily Lithuania’s top attraction. UNESCO-listed since 1994, the Old Town boasts a labyrinth of cobbled streets, parks, squares, restaurants and bars. There’s also a charming array of baroque churches, alongside more than 1,200 medieval buildings scattered throughout the city. Standing separately from its bell tower in the main square, the Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus is a must-see. As is the Gates of Dawn, home to the famed Renaissance painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary. And for the best views of the city, climb the hill in Kalnai Park to the Three Crosses monument.

Trakai

Once the medieval capital of Lithuania, Trakai has retained its historic charm. Set in the midst of three lakes, the town is famous for its picturesque landscape, with Lithuanians and travellers alike enjoying waterside walks, picnics and boating. Trakai’s main attraction is the magnificent Trakai Castle, which dates back to the 1400s and stands proudly on an island in Lake Galve. At a similar time to the castle’s construction, a Turkish speaking community known as the Karaims, or Karaites, settled in Trakai. Their culture and heritage can still be seen in the town today, particularly when it comes to food, with traditional pastries known as Kibinai on offer.

Hill of Crosses

Found just outside Siauliai, the Hill of Crosses is one of Lithuania’s most revered sites. On top of an old, earthen mound are over 100,000 crosses, yet the exact origin of this holy place remains shrouded in legend and mystery. Planted here since at least the 19th century, the hill and its crosses were nearly destroyed by the Soviet government. In an effort to stamp out Christianity, they bulldozed the site and those who tried to replace the crosses faced fines and imprisonment. But this didn't stop the local people, to whom the site was so important. Crosses continued to multiply as people snuck out at night in an act of defiance. With the Soviets long gone, the Hill of Crosses remains an important pilgrimage site for Christians, and the number of crosses continues to grow.

Klaipeda

Set where the Baltic Sea meets the Dane River, Klaipeda is Lithuania’s westernmost city and a charming port town. Founded in the 13th century, it was originally a German town known as Memel and only became part of Lithuania in 1923. Despite being heavily damaged during World War Two, the architecture of Klaipeda’s old town still retains its German flavour. Take a stroll through the town’s cobblestone streets and you’ll discover highlights such as Theatre Square and the Aennchen Von Tharau Fountain. Also known as the gateway to the ‘Lithuanian Riviera’, Klaipeda offers easy access to a coastline of windswept dunes and stunning natural beauty.

Curonian Spit National Park