Lithuania Travel Guide

May, 2016
by Editorial Team

Alternative Travel Index Rank: #32

Lithuania is also the 17th Most Underrated Travel Destination
Excels in environment protection and railroad infrastructure
Population and tourists density at peak season: 48 (medium)

  • View of Vilnius, Lithuania's Capital

Lithuania is the only Baltic country with more than 800 years of statehood tradition and during the Middle Ages actually was the largest nation in Europe. Wedged at the dividing line of Western and Eastern civilizations, Lithuania battled dramatically for its independence and survival. Justifiably proud of its heritage and folklore, the country also has a lot to offer for nature lovers.

Travel Costs

Lithuania ranks #57/141 for price competitiveness in Justraveling’s Alternative Travel Index. Average travel costs per day: $40 (backpacker) – $112 (mid-range).

Best Time to Go

Jun-Sep is the best time to go to Lithuania. Its climate, which ranges between maritime and continental, is relatively mild, with longer days during summer.

Places to Visit

Vilnius is the capital city and the cultural, financial, and political centre of Lithuania. Located on the confluence of Neris and Vilnia rivers, it’s renowned for its large and spectacular Old Town, full of unique architecture and churches, and for its University, which is one of the oldest in Eastern Europe.

Mainly an industrial and logistics centre, Kaunas is definitely not a beautiful city, but the striking contrast between the Russian tourists’ opulence and the extreme poverty of the majority of the local population (Bolshevik legacy) makes it an extremely fascinating and out of the ordinary place to visit.

Aukštaitija National Park, about 100 km north of the capital, hosts 26 nature monuments, 6 ethnographic villages, and a few interesting archaeological spots. Ideal for outdoor excursion and birdwatching, its hundred lakes and countless streams, make the park also a great place for water sports activities.

The Nemunas Delta is a very attractive ecotourism destination in south-west Lithuania. When it reaches the Baltic Sea, the Neman river splits into a maze of river branches and canals, forming polders and wetlands of stunning beauty.

Travel Ideas and Things to Do

The Coastal Region of Lithuania is better explored by bicycle, especially if you want to avoid most of the summer crowds. Cycling along the Lithuanian Seaside Cycle Route is an enjoyable experience, with 3 handy options available.

Get a sense of the Lithuanian historic and cultural heritage by joining one of its folk festivals. And if you’re looking for something even more special, Kernavė hosts the Days of Live Archaeology in the beginning of July. More info here.

This Travel Guide is a work in progress. Improve it with a Lithuanian touch!

Sources: some text excerpts from Wikitravel & Wikipedia; travel cost data from Numbeo.