Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Lithuania

Lithuania emerged as the first nation in the Soviet Republic to gain independence from the USSR in 1990 and has since made considerable efforts to establish its identity and presence. The country features numerous remnants from the Soviet era, such as bunkers and museums, alongside numerous remarkable sites, including stunning churches, monasteries, and palaces.

From the capital city of Vilnius to the expansive landscapes of the Curonian Spit, visitors can explore a diverse range of attractions including fascinating and unconventional museums like the Beekeeping Museum and the Money Museum. Several locations throughout the nation are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ensuring that wherever you venture, you will encounter charming cobbled streets, vibrant local markets, and impressive red brick architecture.

1. Wander around Vilnius Old Town

Vilnius Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located at the confluence of Lithuania’s two primary rivers.

This area is recognized as one of the premier medieval towns in Europe due to its exceptionally preserved buildings, exemplifying architecture from Gothic, Renaissance, and Neo-Classical periods.

All structures are centered around a main piazza, featuring cobbled streets adorned with bars and dining establishments.

Prominent sites include St. Anne’s Church, the Presidential Palace, and two Jewish quarters.

2. Take a trip to Trakai

Trakai, as a lakeside resort and historically significant city situated near Vilnius, is an excellent destination for a day trip.

Tracing its origins back to the 13th century, Trakai is also home to the Trakai Historical National Park established in 1991. Among the primary attractions in the city is the Island Castle, also known for hosting the Trakai Castle Festival; the town is surrounded by picturesque waters.

The broader Trakai region encompasses approximately 200 lakes, ideal for exploration during the summer months.

3. Brave the Devil’s Museum

The Devil’s Museum, located in Kaunas, features an extensive collection of artworks depicting various representations of devils, witches, and other malevolent mythological beings.

Hosting over 3,000 items, the museum invites visitors to donate artifacts to its collection.

It showcases a diverse array of artworks crafted from various materials, including ceramics, textiles, and paintings, alongside intriguing items like pebbles bearing devilish imagery.

4. Visit St. Anne’s Church

Renowned as one of the most beautiful edifices in Lithuania, St. Anne’s Church in Vilnius showcases charming brick towers and rose windows.

Constructed in 1501, the Gothic-style spires tower over the structure, which features high ceilings and intricately carved pews inside.

The church’s grand bell tower is situated on its right; alongside St. Bernadine and St. Francis churches nearby, they collectively form a part of the broader Bernadine Priory.

5. Explore the Curonian Spit & Kursiu Nerija National Park

The Curonian Spit is a lengthy stretch of sand situated between the Curonian Lagoon and the formidable Baltic Sea.

A portion of the spit is located in Russia, with its northern segment residing in Lithuania.

This geographical formation is a result of glacial activity dating back 5,000 years and is home to some of the tallest dunes in Europe.

Certain dunes reach heights of 60 meters, leading to picturesque sandy beaches.

The national park was established in 1991 to protect the unique ecosystems found in the Curonian Spit, where an array of waterfowl can be observed within the wetlands and dunes.

6. Wonder at the Siauliai Hill of Crosses

Adjacent to Siauliai, the Hill of Crosses is situated on a small promontory.

This site hosts thousands of crosses, ranging from small crucifixes to substantial crosses crafted from wood and metal.

Intended as a tribute to the religious devotion seen across Lithuania, it has become a pilgrimage destination for many.

The Hill of Crosses also serves as a memorial for those who lost their lives during uprisings and civil conflicts throughout the nation’s history.

7. Visit the Money Museum

The Money Museum, located at the former site of the Bank of Lithuania, offers a comprehensive exploration of the Lithuanian litas.

Beyond Lithuanian currency, the museum delves into global currencies, featuring interactive elements for a hands-on experience.

The museum also chronicles the history of banking in Lithuania and the repatriation of silverware following the end of Communism.

A notable exhibit allows visitors to weigh themselves to discover their weight in gold or other precious metals.

8. Journey to the Gate of Dawn

The Gate of Dawn forms part of the original defense walls of Vilnius, dating back to the medieval era.

In ancient times, the walls featured nine entry points, each marked with an image of the Virgin Mary to symbolize protection for the city.

While the wall was largely dismantled by Russian forces in 1799, the Gate of Dawn remains intact to this day.

9. Visit the Ginuciai Water Mill

Located near Ignalina, the Ginuciai Water Mill dates back to the 19th century and still spans the waterways leading to the scenic Lake Linkmenas.

Once utilized for flour production and electricity generation, it now operates as a museum featuring an adjacent hotel.

The mill is notable for being the only surviving wooden mill in Lithuania, displaying traditional machinery, including water wheels and millstones.

10. Enjoy Grutas Park

Grutas Park serves as a cultural center housing various eclectic relics from the Soviet era along with an adjoining sculpture garden.

Post-independence in 1991, Lithuania began to decommission and discard Soviet monuments, many of which have been preserved within the park.

The expansive grounds span 20 hectares, featuring 86 distinct monuments, models of Soviet prison camps, complete with guard towers and barbed-wire fencing.

A diverse assortment of statues portraying notable Communist leaders, including Marx, Stalin, and Lenin, offers a compelling experience for history enthusiasts.

11. Visit the Museum of Genocide Victims

Situated in the former Gestapo and KGB headquarters in Vilnius, the Museum of Genocide Victims stands as a solemn reminder of those who perished during the Soviet occupation of Lithuania after World War II.

The museum recounts Lithuania’s struggles under Stalin, presenting models of torture chambers and execution sites.

Additionally, a dedicated section of the museum focuses on the Jewish ghettos and the Holocaust period.

12. Explore Aukstaitija National Park

Spanning over 400 square kilometers, Aukstaitija National Park is brimming with stunning forests of pine and spruce.

For those eager to discover Lithuania’s local flora and fauna, this park is the perfect destination, offering sightings of wild boar, deer, and elk.

Approximately 30% of the park comprises water, housing 30 rivers and 126 lakes.

The most notable is Lake Baluosas, which features seven islands that allow visitors to island-hop amidst breathtaking natural scenery.

In addition to natural sights, visitors may encounter historical structures such as a water mill and the unique Beekeeping Museum.

13. Learn some history at Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum

Rumsiskes Open-Air Museum is the ideal destination for those wishing to delve into Lithuania’s rich folk customs.

This outdoor museum celebrates traditions that have persisted for 200 years, including national costumes, traditional toys, historic architecture, and religious artifacts.

The museum features approximately 80 structures that include farms and reconstructed villages, complete with churches.

Visitors can explore traditional rooms and view types of period furniture, cooking utensils, and tools associated with Lithuanian history.

14. Pay your respects at the Church of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Holy Spirit, dating back to the 15th century, is one of the most beautiful churches in Vilnius.

It has undergone multiple transformations over the years, transitioning from a Catholic church and monastery to an Orthodox parish church.

The interior is visually stunning, showcasing ornately carved wooden pews, floral arrangements, gilt furnishings, and vibrant decorations.

Visitors will also find frescoes of various colors, marble inlays, and an impressive collection of 16 altars.

15. Marvel at Pazaislis Monastery

Pazaislis Monastery is often regarded as the most exquisite Italian baroque structure in Lithuania and, along with the church of Kaunas, one of the largest monastery complexes in the nation.

Established in 1662 and restored in the 1990s, the monastery previously served as a psychiatric hospital and an art gallery.

In addition to its aesthetic beauty, the monastery is home to an international music festival held here every summer.

16. Visit Kaunas

Kaunas, the second-largest city in Lithuania, is located at the junction where the Neris and Nemunas rivers meet.

Often referred to as the cultural capital of Lithuania, it boasts over 40 museums and a picturesque Old Town area.

Buildings in this area showcase baroque, renaissance, and gothic architecture, with notable attractions including the Kaunas Cathedral Basilica, Kaunas Castle, and Vyautas Church.

17. Take in the views from Gediminas Tower

Gediminas Castle Tower is part of what was referred to as Upper Castle, a complex established in the 14th century in Vilnius.

The tower can be accessed by traversing Castle Hill, or visitors may opt for a scenic funicular for a more relaxed journey.

Perched 48 meters above the city, the tower offers picturesque views, allowing visitors to admire its signature hexagonal shape from the exterior or explore exhibitions of weaponry and armaments inside.

18. Explore vibrant Uzupis

Historically a main Jewish district of Vilnius, Uzupis declared independence from the city in 1997, complete with its own president and constitution.

Today, this area is celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere, highlighted by an impressive street art scene and a myriad of art galleries and underground music venues.

Additionally, it hosts a weekly street market on Thursdays, featuring organic produce from across the nation.

19. Visit the Presidential Palace

The Presidential Palace, located in Daukanto Square, serves as the official residence of the President of Lithuania, with origins tracing back to the 14th century.

The structure encompasses a spacious piazza featuring a prominent neoclassical façade.

One of its main attractions is the flag-changing ceremony held at noon every Sunday, in addition to the daily Changing of the Guard occurring at 6 PM.

20. Have a spa session in Neringa

Neringa, situated within the Curonian Spit National Park, is primarily recognized as an idyllic spa town.

The mineral-rich waters of the Baltic Sea that flow to this area are reputed to offer healing properties beneficial for various ailments.

Visitors from across Lithuania travel here for therapeutic treatments, all while being surrounded by sandy beaches and magnificent sand dunes.

21. Buy some gems at the Amber Museum-Gallery

Historically referred to as Baltic Gold, amber was once a crucial element in the maritime trade routes of the region.

The Amber Museum in Vilnius is located within the basement of a historic 15th-century residence, showcasing amber pieces believed to be over 50 million years old.

In addition to traditional amber, the museum features a variety of colored specimens, including red, green, black, and white amber, some of which contain fossilized insects from prehistoric times.

A gift shop provides visitors with the opportunity to purchase amber jewelry, which serves as memorable souvenirs.

22. Enjoy the Beekeeping Museum

In Lithuania’s cultural history, bees were once regarded as sacred, and even today, honey symbolizes friendship.

Located within Aukstaitija National Park, the Beekeeping Museum is one of Lithuania’s more unique attractions, having opened its doors in 1984. The museum traces the evolution of beekeeping within Lithuania, showcasing ancient tools and hives.

Visitors can observe glass-fronted beehives outside the museum, where they can watch bees diligently producing honey, while the museum also discusses the significance of beekeeping in other cultures, including Egyptian and Native American traditions.

23. Visit Kedainiai Old Town

Kedainiai Old Town is celebrated for being one of the oldest settlements in Lithuania, characterized by its beautiful Baroque architecture.

The town was established in 1372, initially as a fishing village before expanding in size, with its city center filled with impressive sights.

Notable features include Baroque period townhouses, as well as Protestant and Orthodox churches, and various synagogues.

There are also numerous market squares offering local produce throughout the week.

24. Enter the Atomic Bunker Museum

Renowned for its historical significance, the Atomic Bunker Museum in Kaunas provides an insight into war history in Lithuania.

Housed within a nuclear bunker situated 6 meters underground, the museum was established during the Soviet era.

Featuring 1,200 artifacts ranging from World War II to contemporary times, the museum displays Cold War memorabilia, such as vintage radios and transmitters.

Additionally, a selection of medical equipment, gas masks, and air horns can also be explored.

25. Explore Vilnius Cathedral

The construction of Vilnius Cathedral commenced in the 13th century under the direction of King Mindaugas.

The structure has faced multiple fires, which necessitated rebuilding; the current building, restored in 1801, exemplifies neoclassical architecture.

During the Soviet era, it was repurposed as a garage, but it has since been restored to its original grandeur, containing ornate decorations and a belfry reaching a height of 57 meters.