Enchanting Lithuania

From cities and towns full of historic monuments to wonderful retreats in a pristine natural environment, Lithuania is of interest for everyone. And with the already adequate tourist infrastructure being constantly developed and expanded and numerous flights connecting Lithuania with most major European airports, travelling to Lithuania is very easy. Finding accommodation in Lithuania is easy as well since the possibilities vary from 5-star hotels to youth hostels for packbackers.

Lithuania’s capital city, Vilnius, is the European Capital of Culture in 2009. Vilnius attracts with its small-town atmosphere, although there are almost 550 000 inhabitants. Time presses at amazing speed in this city with an international flavour, when you explore the beautiful streets and secluded courtyards – everything is conveniently nearby. The nearby city of Trakai which is surrounded by lakes is a perfect place to spnd a summer day having a picnic or trying out water sports. Also the geographical centre of Europe lay only a stone’s throw away from Vilnius. You can spend the day golfing or admireing the works of art in a big outdoor museum. No better way to spend summer holidays!

Summer is not a real summer in Lithuania without visiting the seaside: Palanga, Klaipeda and Neringa. Sandy beaches and sunshine of the seashore captivate the ones looking for a beach holiday. During the summer plenty of activities and festivals will be arranged there, for example classical music concerts, the Thomas Mann -festival, Fisherman's Festivities and opera- and jazz festivals. The romantic night serenades in Palanga crown the warm summer nights at the seaside.

Lithuania is also worth visiting for its cultural scene. In Vilnius alone there are tens of museums, churches from different epochs, monasteries and monuments of architecture. Its Old Town is one of the biggest in the Eastern Europe and is included into the World Heritage List of UNESCO. Active holiday-makers will find a lot of enjoyment in Lithuania also due to numerous events, festivals and concerts organised through the year. During Lithuania's Culture Capital year in 2009 many interesting events will be held and many of them will be developed into annual festivities. Such events are for example the Street Musician Day, Culture Night: Let there be night! and LUX - Festival of Light.

During the summer tourists can for example wonder the history of Lithuania's millenium at an anniversary exhibition, enjoy the Song- and Dance Festival, explore the different genres of music at the St. Christophers Summer Festival, sail along with the Regatta at the seaside or experience modern art at the international Vilnius Art Fair. Lot's to see and to do for each taste!

You can’t say no to the nightlife. Diversified restaurants with international cuisines seduce gastronomes and trendy clubbers feel drawn to nightclubs. Shopping is both easy and advantageous, since prices are rather attractive from a Scandinavian point of view and it is easy to pay by international credit cards.

Whether you like to spend your time in a city enjoying unique architecture and cultural life, or shopping and partying the night out, or relaxing on a sandy beach by the Europe's largest dunes, you will find it in Lithuania.

You will find out that Lithuanians are warm, open and hospitable people that will often go out of their way to help you. You are warmly welcome!

- Darius Skaudis, Director of Lithuanian Tourist Information Centre