Travel to Vilnius

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Vilnius, Lithuania

Vilnius is the first Lithuanian city and it is an ancient ducal city preserving Gothic, Baroque and Neo-Renaissance monuments. It is sometimes compared to Prague and Krakow. An intriguing paradox, this beautiful city is not far from Poland, or even Belarus, and yet it is distinguished by a very specific identity, which is that of Lithuania. Unlike its Baltic neighbours (Latvia, Estonia), Lithuania is formed around a homogeneous ethnic group, with a lack of strong ethnic presence from abroad. Today, it proudly boasts its unique identity, the strong ties to its land, its geography, its history and its local products. From the archaeological site of Kernavé to the Trakai Castle, from the lakes, forests and plains to the Curonian dunes along the Baltic Sea, Vilnius is to be discovered little by little, like a gateway to the unknown. Nothing is ever very far away in Lithuania, as the country is just 250 miles long and 190 miles wide. Of course, this does not mean that you can see it all in one weekend, but if you are staying two or three days, stay in Vilnius and go to see Trakai one afternoon. If you are going during the summer period, take two additional days holiday to discover the seaside from Palanga to Nida via Klaipeda: 62 miles of coastline with alternating resorts, industrial factories and trade stores, as well as the beautifully preserved and classified Curonian peninsula. The European Union designated Vilnius as the 2009 capital of culture. Therefore, celebrations are organised there, as well as in the rest of the country, throughout the year, because 2009 also marks its millennium anniversary. Let's celebrate!

A convivial and lively city.
Nature and history on the city's doorstep

cons

Some sites, like Kernavé or the Hill of Crosses, are a little 'overrated'.

Visit Vilnius

To see

The Medieval and Baroque capital of Vilnius is home to numerous churches and chapels, including one chapel which spans the length and width of a road. The latter has thus been named the Ausros Vartu (the Gates of Dawn) which is at the top of the road of the same name in the Old Town. As you are walking around, take the time to explore the little streets and lanes with all their new cafés, restaurants and art studios; then go on to Trakai to visit the castle fort and wander around the Karaite village.

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To do

This place is on the Baltic Sea and couldn't be any more different from the capital city, Vilnius. From Klaipeda, you can access the Curonian peninsula, a preserved nature site which has been classified by UNESCO for its unique ecosystem: its white sand dunes, succulent plants and wild birds. You should go by car (or by bus) to Nida or rent a bike to explore the rest of the peninsula (its fishing villages) and breath in the sea air; you will feel as though you are at the end of the world.

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To think about

The city of Vilnius has undergone much renovation (buildings, streets) and it is the 2009 European Capital of Culture.

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To avoid

To appreciate the archaeological site of Kernavé (tumuli without apparent ruins), you have to be a specialist; you need to spend some time there and the weather has to be fine. Despite this, the site has been added to the UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites. As for the Hill of Crosses, this is a pilgrimage site which could make you feel uncomfortable. It is a jumble of crosses piled on top of a mound, with each cross reflecting the desire of a believer for his prayers to be fulfilled.

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To try

Among the tasty dishes offered in the restaurants (which are not too expensive), you can have beetroot soup (called "bortsch", as in the Ukraine), sausages with herbs and juniper berries, beef in beer and duck with honey. Unusual, but you must try them out! The same goes for the Karaite specialties, (if you go via Trakai) which usually consist of pies stuffed with meat, as in Turkey, because that's where the Karaite culture originates from. The old city of Vilnius is full of good restaurants. We recommend the Medininkai, located at Auros Vartu 6, for its traditional recipes and its terrace in the summer time.

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To bring back

If you like beautiful material and translucent resin (ranging from white to gold), Lithuania is the place for you! Of course, these souvenirs are worth paying the price because they are of good quality, but it is a pleasure to bargain hunt in the shops and markets of Vilnius in order to find the perfect pendants, earrings or linen shirt that you were looking for. Go for a spot of window shopping, and when you're tired of that visit the Amber Museum, located at Auros Vartu 9, in Old Vilnius. Here, you will find amber encrusted translucent columns and cream, orange or auburn-coloured sculptures of all sizes.

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