Top 10 Things to do in Lithuania
1. Trakai
Trakai castle is located on an island only around 30km from the capital Vilnius. It is a very popular destination for locals and tourists alike. The island is connected to the mainland by bridges and can be visited for free. You only need to pay if you want to visit the inside of the castle. There are also many boat and bike rentals available as the castle is best admired from a distance.
2. Center of Europe
According to the Guiness Book of World Records, the geographical Center of Europe is located close to the village Girija in Lithuania only around 26km north of the capital Vilnius. You will find a monument, flags of all European Nations as well as a small Information Center. Even if this is not the most stunning monument, it is kind of cool standing in the center of the European Continent. In the Information Center you will even get a certificate for visiting. Visiting the Center of Europe is free and possible 24/7 as there is no gate or fence. Beware that the Information Center is closed on Monday though.
3. Hill of crosses
One of the most creepy places in Lithuania (and probably the world) would have to be the hill of crosses. It is located 12 km north of the city of Šiauliai, in northern Lithuania. As the name suggests it is a hill covered in thousands of mostly wooden crosses. The exact number as well as the origins are both uncertain. Visiting the hill of crosses is free, you only need to pay 90 cents for parking if you travel by car. Souvenir stalls offer wooden crosses, so if you want you can add another cross to the hill.
4. Amber shopping
The worlds largest amber deposit can be found at the Curonian Spit which is shared by Russia and Lithuania. When travelling to Lithuania, you will find amber products everywhere. They come in all shapes and sizes and are worth checking out even if you are not a huge amber fan.
5. Vilnius Old Town
Get yourself a map of the old town and walk around Vilnius. Everything is close enough to walk and as there are not too many tourists yet, you can get nice shots of buildings and squares without people photobombing your pictures.
6. Free walking tour
The local guides will talk about the history of Vilnius and Lithuania as well as guide you through the historic center of the city, show you sights and talk about their origin. When asked they will also recommend further places, sights, tours and restaurants in the area. Free tours are always a good starting point when visiting a new city.
7. Republic of Užupis
Užupis is a neighborhood in Vilnius which in 1997 declared independence as the Republic of Užupis. They have their own flag, currency, president, cabinet of ministers, a constitution, an anthem, and an army (numbering approximately 11 men). The ‘seat of the government’ is the Bar Užupio kavinė where you can have your passport stamped.
8. Klaipėda
The city of Klaipėda lies on the Baltic Coast of Lithuania and is a historically important port. It is a good starting place for excursions to Neringa National Park.
9. Hill of witches
Carving wooden statues is part of pagan traditions in Lithuania. The hill of witches is a public trail through the woods of Juodkrante and can be visited for free. It currently consists of around 80 different statues, each depicting characters of Lithuanian folk history. It is an easy walk, though good walking shoes are recommended. The route is circular and well marked so getting lost is nearly impossible.
10. Nagliai Nature Reserve
One of the most iconic images of Neringa National Park are the Dead Dunes of Nagliai Nature Reserve. Entrance costs 2€ per person. You will walk over sand and some board walkes to a viewpoint which takes around 20 minutes one way. As it is a Nature Reserve, visitors must stay on the marked path.
