You can start sightseeing in Lithuania from Vilnius, the current capital of the country. According to findjobdescriptions, Vilnius is a mixture of old buildings, modern shops and cozy home restaurants. The city is actively developing and at the same time preserves its cultural heritage. On the left bank of the Neris River is the Old Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, which is also the largest historical architectural complex in all of Eastern Europe. Be sure to visit Gediminas Castle, Gediminas Tower and Cathedral Square. Vilnius University is the largest in Eastern Europe, it is a first-class education in the atmosphere of medieval buildings and fountains. It is impossible not to mention the museums of Vilnius, because there is not only the National Museum and the Vilnius State Art Museum, but also the Customs Museum, The Museum of Genocide Victims, the State Jewish Museum, the Museum of Theatre, Cinematography and Music, and even the Central Police Museum. Trakai is the ancient capital of Lithuania and at the same time a historical park where the colorful Trakai Festival takes place every year. Trakai Castle is a visiting card not only of the city itself, but of the whole of Lithuania. By the way, this is the only island castle in Eastern Europe! The incredibly beautiful architecture of the Middle Ages is combined here with the natural wealth of the country, the Trakai National Park. The objects that deserve attention in Trakai are the pillar of St. John Nepomukas, Kenessa, the Church of the Apparition of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God. Kernavė is the oldest city in Lithuania, from where the whole history of the Principality of Lithuania originates. It is also recognized as a UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site. The most interesting time to visit Kernavė is in July, at this time “Living History Days” are held here, when you can get acquainted with the history of these places not only through books and paintings, but also with the help of a colorful carnival in historical costumes and even historical reconstructions. Lithuania is not only medieval architecture, it is also rich nature! There are five national parks in the country: Aukstaitia, Samogitia, Dzukia, Trakai Historical National Park and the Curonian Spit. The last one is worth a closer look. The Curonian Spit, or rather its Lithuanian part, is a surprisingly authentic atmosphere of old fishing villages with small houses with thatched roofs, surrounded by silent expanses of sand dunes and forests. Here is the main resort of Lithuania – Neringa, divided into four villages of Nida, Juodkrante, Preily and Pervalki. The first two are especially popular among tourists due to the developed infrastructure, original hotels and delicious national cuisine. Palanga is one of the most popular Lithuanian seaside towns among tourists and locals. This is a cozy “country” town on the coast of the Baltic Sea, surrounded by traditional nature for the region: sand dunes, majestic pines and the aromas of the sea breeze. This place is perfect for a calm measured rest, as well as treatment. It is in Palanga that the largest balneological resorts in Lithuania are located. It offers peat mud wraps, sea and chloride sodium-calcium baths, massage programs, inhalations and much more. Druskininkai is the largest and oldest health resort in the whole country. Back in the 19th century, it was valued as the best resort in the entire Baltic! During the Soviet period, many party leaders preferred to improve their health and relax in Druskininkai. Now this place offers a lot of useful procedures, including pearl, carbon dioxide, iodine-bromine and turpentine baths, galvanic mud therapy and medicinal peat, and at the same time maintains a very affordable level of prices for these services.
National cuisine of Lithuania
Traditional Lithuanian cuisine is both original and not particularly exotic for a Russian tourist. It has its roots in the taste traditions of Eastern Europe, close to Russia. Thanks to this, the problem of addiction can be avoided, as happens, for example, in Asia with its spicy dishes. The main products of the national cuisine of Lithuania are potatoes, cabbage, mushrooms, rye and, of course, meat. Dairy products are also popular in Lithuania. Of the hit dishes that vividly characterize the national cuisine of Lithuania, it is worth trying “buckets” – pork intestines stuffed with mashed potatoes with bacon, smoked eel, “Zhemaichu” – potato pancakes with meat filling, smoked pork ears and tails, as well as “Ploksteinis” – potato pudding. Zeppelins are a visiting card of the local cuisine, they are small dumplings with various fillings, it can be fish, meat, smoked bacon or even mushrooms. Lithuania is famous for its high-quality bread products, as well as the signature cake Shakotis – the dough for it is made using a special technology on a spit over a fire. Of the local alcohol, it is worth highlighting the traditional honey tinctures Suktinis and Medovas, as well as Svyturys Baltijos Extra beer. Of the non-alcoholic drinks, kvass is very popular among the locals.
Transport
There are three international airports in Lithuania at once: in Vilnius, Palanga and Kaunas. They operate regular direct flights from Moscow, as well as an even greater number of flights with transfers in European cities. You can also get here by train, from Belorussky railway station in Moscow or Vitebsky railway station in St. Petersburg. Trains depart daily, travel time will be from 14 to 16 hours. You can also get from St. Petersburg to Lithuania by BalticShuttle bus, but this option is only available during the summer season. Intercity transport is very well developed in Lithuania, so there will be no problems with moving. Here you can choose from a quality railway covering almost the entire country, as well as intercity buses and taxis. In Lithuanian cities, public transport is represented by buses and trolleybuses, which work from 5:00 to 23:00-24:00. Tickets are sold at the box office at stops and from drivers. At any time of the day, you can also use the services of a fixed-route taxi. When ordering a taxi by phone, and not from the parking lot, you will not only save money, but also be able to be calm for your safety. You can also rent a car and move around Lithuania on your own, for this you will need an international driver’s license and a credit card as a deposit.
