Must See

Druskininkai

Druskininkai is a spa town on the Nemunas River in southern Lithuania, close to the borders of Poland and Belarus. Close by, visitors will find the award-winning Park of Soviet Sculptures at Gruto Parkas, a reminder of some of Lithuania's grim past.

Kaunas

Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania and a former temporary capital. It is located at the confluence of the two largest Lithuanian rivers, the Nemunas and the Neris, and near the Kaunas Lagoon, the largest body of water in Lithuania. Culture, art and excellent bars are the highlights of this historic second city.

Known as the 'city of museums', Kaunas boasts, amongst others, the M. K. Ciurlionis State Art Museum, commemorating the work of the early 20th century avant-garde artist; the Zmuidzinavicius Museum (also known as the Devils' Museum), which houses a collection of more than two thousand sculptures and carvings of devils from all over the world; the Kaunas Art Gallery; and the War Museum of Vytautas the Great.

Kaunas is also home to three theatres, some 11th-century castle ruins, a Fortress, a funicular railway, a botanical garden and an old Town Hall and its square.

Kernave

Five strange grassy mounds mark the site of Kernave, which was the medieval capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Located in the southeast of the country, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and archaeological village.

Nida

Situated on the Curonian Spit (see Nature, below), Nida is surrounded by endless stretches of clean white sand, and is a paradise for windsurfing, sailing, paragliding and kiting. the Thomas Mann Cultural Centre can be visited here, located in the house where the German writer spent his holidays in the early 1930's. A lighthouse from 1874 can also be visited.

Trakai

This ancient and dreamy former capital of Lithuania is set on the shore of picturesque Lake Galve. It's a quiet town, in an attractive area of lakes and islands dotted with old wooden cottages. Sailing and windsurfing are some of the activities on offer on the water. The town has a castle dating from the 14th century.

Vilnius

Walk along the winding cobbled streets of this picturesque and historic capital city, noted for its fine baroque architecture and a skyline pinpricked with church spires. Vilnius has the largest Old Town in Europe. At the heart of the city is Gedimas Square, a spacious area that features a lovely Classical-style Cathedral. Other interesting churches are St Paul's Church, which houses the body of St Casimieras, one of the most revered of Lithuania's dukes; and the gothic St Ann's Church and St Peter. Elsewhere, the University of Vilnius, among the oldest education institutions in central Europe (it was granted its charter in 1579), has some pleasant old courtyards and arcades, giving the place a distinctly Renaissance feel.

Great city views can be had by climbing the tower of Gedimins Castle, built on a hill overlooking the city.

Travellers visiting the city in February will be able to enjoy the Mardi Gras festivities; the procession in Old Town at the beginning of February remains the most renowned in the country. Those visiting during the Days of the Capital festival in September, will be spoilt with carnivals, concerts, fairs and fireworks, all of which take place in all streets and squares of the city.

Activities

Beaches

Palanga and Kursiu Nerija (with the settlements of Nida and Juodkrante) are popular seaside resorts, famous for their clean white-sand beaches, pine forests and natural sand dunes. Palanga also boasts an interesting botanical park and the Amber Museum-Gallery.

Extreme Sports

Anyone looking for thrills will be able to find them in the many extreme sports of offer in Lithuania, such as gliding, hot-air ballooning, or the chance to leap off Vilnius' TV Tower, the tallest bungee jump of its kind in Europe.

Nature

There are five national parks and many other conservation areas within Lithuania, and approximately one-quarter of the country is covered by forest. Trakai National Park contains many lakes while Zemaitija and Aukstaitija National Parks feature hills, lakes and uplands. Hiking trails can be found all over the country.

One of the country's natural highlights is the Curonian Spit National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site), set on the peninsula separating the Baltic Sea from the pretty Curonian Lagoon Sea. The big sand dunes and pine forests are popular with hikers, particularly during the warm summer months. The area is also inhabited by elk, deer and wild boar.