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We're Andre & Lisa, adventurers and experienced budget travelers.
We have over two decades of travel experience and since 2018 have led a full-time nomadic lifestyle.
Thank you for visiting and we hope you find value in our destination pages! We thoroughly research and curate all content ourselves and everything you find on this site is put together by only the two of us.
LITHUANIA TRAVEL GUIDE
Lithuania is the only Baltic country with more than eight hundred years of statehood tradition and its name was first mentioned one thousand years ago, in 1009. Wedged at the dividing line of Western and Eastern civilizations, Lithuania battled dramatically for its independence and survival. Once in the Middle Ages (15th century), Lithuania was the largest state in the entire continent of Europe, where crafts and overseas trade prospered.
Lithuanians describe their land with the help of poetry. Poetry and songs are filled with romantic images of gently rolling hills, vast valleys and meandering rivers, somber forests rich in animals, meadows full of butterflies, and the birds singing in the sky. This embodies what the Lithuanian is looking for and is happy when he finds it. Locals would tell you that if you don’t want to make any effort you don’t deserve to step outside the city. But if some effort is not a big trouble to you, all those gently rolling hills, vast valleys and meandering rivers, somber forests, meadows full of butterflies, and the birds singing in the sky are almost every time guaranteed.
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- Capital: Vilnius
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Area: 65,200 km²
- Population: 2,794 million (2020)
- Language: Lithuanian (official), English, Polish, Russian
- Religion:Roman Catholic (primarily), Lutheran, Russian Orthodox, Protestant, Evangelical Christian Baptist, Pagan
- Electricity: 220V, 50Hz (type C, European style plug, commonly 2-prong without earth)
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SEASONS AT A GLANCE
Most destinations have different times of the year when they’re more or less popular with tourists.
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off Peak Season
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OCTOBER
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NOVEMBER
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BEST TIME TO VISIT LITHUANIA
The best time to visit Lithuania is during late spring or summer when there’s usually enough fine weather to allow you to stroll around the cities and make significant forays into the great outdoors. On the whole, though, the only thing that’s predictable about the Baltic climate is the deep, dark winters – in all other seasons, the weather can be changeable in the extreme.
Summers are relatively short (roughly mid-June to late August), and although you may well experience a string of hot, dry days during this period, showers and chilly nights are equally likely. Remember to pack a waterproof jacket and warm sweater alongside your T-shirts.
Temperatures cool down rapidly from mid-September onwards, although autumn can be an extraordinarily beautiful season in which to visit, with the golden brown leaves of deciduous trees contrasting with the dark-green pines.
The first snowfalls can come as early as mid-November and by early to mid-December winter sets in with a vengeance. Average daytime temperatures can remain below zero right through until March, plummeting to minus 15–20°C in particularly cold spells. Even when the spring thaw sets in, the countryside can remain grey and barren until well into April (or even May in northern Estonia), when a sudden explosion of colour transforms the landscape. The countryside takes on a green lushness, drawing cattle and horses out from their winter barns, while city-dwellers indulge in a frenzied stampede for the pavement cafés.
April - Some of the world’s best jazz performers are at the Kaunas International Jazz Festival.
June & July - The loveliest time to explore the forests and sand dunes of the Curonian Spit.
September - Vilnius Capital Days, a celebration of the capital with street theatre, music, and fashion.
BEST TIME FOR:
The best time for outdoor activities in Lithuania is from May to September when the weather is somewhat more moderate.
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LITHUANIA TRAVEL COSTS
Prices in Lithuania are low compared to Western Europe and even some countries in Eastern Europe. Train travel is a popular option and tickets are much more affordable than they are in Western Europe. Litrail provides service to the major cities and they offer both seating and sleeping cars, although most trips are relatively short.
Buses are a convenient way to travel around the country. They stop frequently so trips may take longer than you originally anticipated. There are several different companies of varying quality that offer travel between the cities. Inquire into the reliability and efficiency of the bus company before you purchase tickets.
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TRAVEL TIPS FOR LITHUANIA
Accommodation throughout Lithuania can vary dramatically in price and style. It remains cheaper than accommodation in Western Europe and if you travel during the low or shoulder seasons you will save even more money. In smaller towns and rural areas, it may be difficult to find accommodation during the winter months as they generally expect few tourists during those times.
Explore beautiful baroque Vilnius, with its cobbled streets, church spires, bars, and bistros.
Breathe the pure air amid fragrant pine forests and high sand dunes of the Curonian Spit.
Hear the wind whistle between thousands of crosses on the eerie Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai.
Wander wonderful Trakai, home of the Karaite people and a stunning island castle.
Experience a taste of Lithuania's communist past at the Grūtas sculpture park.
Take in the poignant WWII history of Kaunas' Ninth Fort.
WHAT TO SEE AND DO IN LITHUANIA
Vilnius — Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, doesn't get the attention it deserves. The city's surprising Old Town is a dazzling assemblage of bright baroque houses, inviting alleyways, and colourful churches built around quiet courtyards. But this is no museum piece. The city's cosmopolitan heritage, enriched by Polish, Jewish, and Russian influences, lends a sophisticated vibe, and thousands of students keep the energy level high. Push through big wooden doors to find lively pubs and bars, hidden terraces, and romantic restaurants. Tumbledown buildings hide designer boutiques and high-end handicraft shops.
Trakai — With its picturesque red-brick castle occupying a small island in Lake Galvė, Karaite culture, quaint wooden houses, and pretty lakeside location, Trakai is a highly recommended day trip, within easy reach of the capital.
Kaunas — Lithuania's second city has a compact Old Town, an entertaining array of museums, and plenty of vibrant, youthful energy provided by its large student population. A good time to visit is in late April, during the Kaunas Jazz Festival (www.kaunasjazz.lt), when homegrown and international artists perform in venues across the city.
Klaipėda — Lithuania's main seaport, is known mainly as the gateway to the Curonian Spit, though it has a fascinating history as the East Prussian city of Memel long before it was incorporated into modern Lithuania in the 1920s. It was founded in 1252 by the Teutonic Order, who built the city’s first castle, and has served as a key trading port through the centuries to modern times. It was retaken by Nazi Germany in WWII and housed a German submarine base. Though it was heavily bombed in the war, it retains a unique Prussian feel, particularly in the quiet backstreets of the historic Old Town.
Hill of Crosses — site of religious significance, north of Šiauliai city.
Curonian Spit — a unique peninsula in the Baltic sea with sand dunes, seaboard forest, white-sanded beaches, and old ethnographic villages. A UNESCO World Heritage Site this magical sliver of land hosts some of Europe's most precious sand dunes and a menagerie of elk, deer, and avian wildlife. The fragile spit is divided evenly between Lithuania and Russia's Kaliningrad region, with Lithuania's half protected as Curonian Spit National Park.
Paneriai - During WWII the Nazis – aided by Lithuanian accomplices – murdered 100,000 people, around 70,000 of them Jews, at this site in the forest, 8km southwest of Vilnius.
WHAT TO EAT IN LITHUANIA
Lithuanian dinners usually include meat, potato, vegetables, and sometimes a curd sauce of some sort. Pork is traditionally eaten, beef much less so. Needless to say, vegans will have a hard time eating out, although some large restaurant chains will have vegetarian dishes on the menu.
Potato creations - Try the cepelinai (potato-dough 'zeppelin' stuffed with meat, mushrooms, or cheese), bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes), or žemaičių blynai (heart-shaped mashed potato stuffed with meat and fried), or the vedarai (baked pig intestines stuffed with mashed potato).
Beer snacks - No drinking session is complete without a plate of smoked pigs' ears and kepta duona (deep-fried garlicky breadsticks).
Beetroot delight - Cold, creamy šaltibarščiai (beetroot soup) is a summer specialty, served with a side of fried potatoes.
Unusual meat - Sample the game, such as beaver stew or bear sausages.
Smoked fish - The Curonian Spit is famous for its smoked fish, particularly the superb rukytas unguris (smoked eel).
Beer and mead - Šytutys, Utenos, and Kalnapilis are top beers; midus (mead) is a honey-tinged nobleman's drink.
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WHERE TO STAY IN LITHUANIA
For a first-time visit to Lithuania, Vilnius, the capital city, is an excellent base due to its rich history, cultural attractions, and central location within the country. Here's why:
Where To Stay In Vilnius:
Vilnius is the largest city in Lithuania and serves as its cultural, economic, and political center, offering visitors a mix of historical landmarks, vibrant nightlife, and delicious cuisine. Explore attractions like the UNESCO-listed Old Town, Gediminas Castle, and the bohemian Užupis district.
Budget: Hostelgate offers affordable accommodations with clean dormitories and basic amenities, centrally located in the Old Town near major attractions.
Mid-range: Artis Centrum Hotels provides comfortable rooms and modern facilities, including a spa and wellness center, with a central location near the Cathedral Square.
Luxury: Kempinski Hotel Cathedral Square offers luxurious accommodations with upscale amenities, including gourmet dining, a rooftop bar, and panoramic views of the city.
Tip: Consider visiting Vilnius during the shoulder seasons (spring and autumn) for milder weather and fewer crowds and explore local markets like Hales Turgus for authentic Lithuanian food and souvenirs.
Additionally, for those interested in exploring Lithuania's natural beauty and seaside attractions, consider staying in the following region:
Where To Stay In Palanga:
Palanga is a popular seaside resort town located on the Baltic Sea coast, known for its sandy beaches, lively promenade, and vibrant nightlife.
Budget: Vila Auska offers affordable accommodations with cozy rooms and a garden area, located within walking distance of the beach and town center.
Mid-range: Palanga Spa Design Hotel provides comfortable rooms and wellness facilities, including indoor and outdoor pools, with a central location near the Palanga Amber Museum.
Tip: Visit Palanga during the summer months (June to August) for the best beach weather and outdoor activities, and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
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Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. These are our favourite flight search engines. They index other travel websites and airlines across the globe to easily find you the best deal.
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Booking.com is our number one resource for researching and booking accommodation. In addition to Booking.com, we have found Agoda.com to consistently returns the cheapest rates in Southeast Asia.
TRANSPORT
DiscoverCars.com is a leader in online car rental bookings; we compare car rental deals from many companies so that you can choose which is best for your trip. 12Go connects the world door-to-door, from transfers to flights, under the same user-friendly ticket.
INSURANCE
Travel insurance can protect you against unexpected illness, injury, theft, and cancellations.
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Heymondo (International Travel Insurance)
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World Nomads (Travel / medical insurance for long-term travellers and nomads)
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SafetyWing Nomad Insurance (Travel / medical insurance for long-term travellers and nomads)
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