Lithuania, officially the Republic of Lithuania, is a country in the Baltic region of
Europe. It is one of three Baltic states and lies on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea
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Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, is where most people start their journey. This vibrant city has long been the cultural, economic, and political centre of Lithuania. It is no wonder then that there’s a wealth of sights and monuments from different periods to be admired here. Throughout the Old Town, you will find Medieval and Baroque structures, like the Cathedral, Palace, and University buildings. Vilnius also has lots of beautiful art and history museums. But Vilnius is more than a treasure trove of historical artefacts. It is also a decisively modern city with a thriving art scene. Nowhere is that more clear than in the Republic of Uzupis, in the middle of Vilnius. This alternative artist enclave in the middle of Vilnius declared itself an independent state as a sort of joke on April 1, 1998. It is a fascinating place!
Next, we’re off to Kaunas, the second biggest city in Lithuania. It is often referred to as Lithuania’s heart, both because of the central location and history. This history dates back to the construction of the Kaunas castle in the 14th century. During the Russian occupation before the First World War, the city developed into a military stronghold, which still stands today. The Old Town, with lots of Medieval architecture, is the main tourist attraction. The 19th century New Town is also worth a visit, especially the 1.6 km pedestrian zone nicknamed “Freedom Lane”.
The municipality of Neringa is a small cluster of villages in the west of Lithuania, just south of Klaipeda. The resort towns are a popular destination for domestic and Russian tourists who want to spend some time on the beach. The blue water and white sand beaches provide the perfect backdrop for a summer holiday. For more active visitors, there are plenty of hiking opportunities in the pristine dunes. The three villages in Neringa are home to traditional fishermen houses, which have many Pagan elements in their decoration and architecture. The combination of culture and nature makes Neringa one of the most beautiful places in Lithuania.