Lithuania travel guide
One of Europe's most enchanting countries, Lithuania is a land of castles, lakes and forests, consisting of vast plains parted by hills and sand dunes along the Baltic shore
Lithuania is full of history, from the iconic Hill of Crosses (a poignant memorial to the Lithuanians who died fighting against Tsarist, Nazi and Soviet rule) to Vilnius’s Unesco-listed Baroque Old Town.
In the capital’s cobbled streets, you’ll also find a wealth of quirky shops, eccentric cafés and bohemian art galleries. And since Lithuania is thankfully not part of the Eurozone, you can get this culture-fix on the cheap.
Lithuania’s countryside also makes for affordable and unique breaks.
Hikers and cyclists can enjoy the well-marked trails of the Curonian Spit National Park - an extraordinary strip of sand dunes and pines that separates the wildlife-rich Curonian lagoon from the Baltic Sea.
There’s lots of boating fun to be had in Trakai National Park and in the lesser-visited Aukstaitija National Park, it’s possible to walk for hours without meeting anyone.
Wanderlust recommends
- Discover Vilnius’ hidden gems with our guide to the Lithuanian capital
- Spot elk, deer, cormorants and storks around the unique Curonian Spit
- Explore the islets, lakes, wooden cottages in Trakai National Park, also home to Lithuania’s most spectacular castle.
- Unwind in the spa town of Druskininkai, a former playground of Soviet bigwigs.
- Reflect on Lithuania’s struggle for independence at the Hill of Crosses, Siauliai.
- In winter, fill your hip flask with vodka and join the locals ice fishing on Lake Galve – just 18km from Vilnius.
Wanderlust tips
A warning worth bearing mind when you’ve had too much midus and make your way to the nearest WC: the letter M on the door does not stand for Men. It signifies moteru (women).
Sometimes a simple upward-pointing triangle is used to signpost female toilets. The letter V (for vyru) or a downward-pointing triangle marks male toilets.