Things to see and do Lithuania

Not to be missed! We discover the evolution of the bicycle since the 19th century. Faced with certain machines, you wonder how it can roll... You can even test your cycling skills on certain bikes! This museum has existed since 1980, because the city is known for its cycling industry. Not to be missed: a célerifère - a "running machine" - that the Count of Sivrac rode in 1792 in Paris by pushing against the ground with his feet.

On the second floor of the university library, there's a very unusual place: a whole room covered in centas. When Lithuania abandoned its currency, the litas, to switch to the euro, the city's Union of Non-Governmental Associations had the idea of collecting as many centas as possible to pay tribute: 157,100.30 centimes were collected. Enough to completely cover a room with silver coins. Even the curtains are weighted with cents. A map of Lithuania and a throne are also decorated with coins. Truly astonishing.

The particularity of this park lies in the numerous holes, a phenomenon of corrosion of the limestone that appears when the water erodes the gypsum layers. These landslides create chasms and underground cavities that abound in pagan legends. Today there are 9 000. The most visited is the "cow's cave" (Karvės ola) consisting of five caves and underground lakes, which attract speleologists. It is located in Karajimiškis, 2 km from Biržai. Many other holes can be seen along the road of Mantagailiškis, near Padaičiai, Užubaliai and Kirkilai. The Regional Park was established in 1992 to preserve these geological formations.

In the park you can travel by bike, foot or boat. At the edge of Feature Lake, the largest of the park and the entire region, a campsite is located. You can find amber, bathe and walk in a boat, canoe or pedal boat. Many mounds are visible in the park, dating from the wars between the teutonic knights and the Order livonien.

Around Lake Biržulis you can find stone age camps. The park identifies more than rare plants listed in the Red Book. A trail of botanical discovery is set up (2 km). For the best walkers or cyclists, a road through the forest is located in the south of the park (23 km). The park is also an important ornithological reserve in Lithuania.

Klaipėda is a port city on the west coast of Lithuania. It offers a unique blend of history, culture and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the town's historic center, with its cobbled streets and colorful buildings, as well as Klaipėda Castle, which today houses a museum. Art lovers can visit the Klaipėda Art Gallery, which exhibits works by local and international artists. Nature lovers can enjoy the town's sandy beaches, as well as the Curonian Lagoon National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Klaipėda also offers a variety of restaurants, cafés and bars, where visitors can sample local and international cuisine.

The Baltic Clipper is the city's tourist office. It offers a wide range of trips, from active vacations to exotic and cultural tours. They also offer specially designed trips for seniors, families with children and newlyweds. Destinations range from Turkey and Spain to Greece and Egypt. Baltic Clipper offers year-round travel, with departures possible at any time. Baltic Clipper is a reputable travel agency, offering quality travel at competitive prices.

The Samogitie Tourist Information Center (VšĮ Žemaitijos turizmo informacijos centras) is Telšiai's tourist office. The center offers information on the region's tourist attractions, accommodation, restaurants and leisure activities. Visitors can obtain brochures, maps and useful tips for planning their stay in Telšiai.

The Panevėžys region is known for its flax production. So it is the area of the mills. The museum recounts the process of manufacturing flax in a 125-year-old mill. It is advisable to call before travelling.

The tourist office is staffed by director Rasa Jasinevičienė, accountant Sonata Kraujelienė, cashier-manager Aušra Bikelienė and director Ugnė Šinkūnaitė.

In the country's largest regional park, forest covers 80% of the territory, and lakes 14%. It includes the districts of Moletai, Svenčionys and Utena. It houses many pagan sites, wooden churches and the very famous astronomical observatory. The park is ideal for fishing, berries and mushrooms (in season), walking and kayaking, especially on the Lakaja River to the south of the park. Please contact the park office for the rental of the equipment.

3 km north of Utena, on the shores of Lake Kloviniai, there are wooden sculptures representing the ritual of marriage.

The museum is dedicated to the everyday life of Lithuanians from the 13th century to the Second World War. The first rooms are devoted to painting. The most interesting is on the first floor with the reconstruction of the traditional habitat during the ages and the linen costumes. There are also wooden pagan crosses and religious paintings from the 16th and 17th centuries. Near the museum is a statue of Mindaugas, the first grand duke of all Lithuania and the first and only Lithuanian king. The base of the statue is surrounded by symbols of the ancient Baltic calendar.

The Centre of Contemporary Art is an opportunity to discover modern Lithuanian creations. It has a small, but pleasant cafe-restaurant.

Kaliningrad is a fascinating city with a rich history. The website also provides an online tourist guide in PDF format, which can be downloaded for offline use. Tourists can also visit the Kaliningrad tourist office for brochures and personalized advice on local attractions, restaurants and events.

Blog in French on art and culture in Lithuania.

Blog of a French pensioner in Lithuania.

The Parc de l'Europe is an open-air museum located 20 minutes from the center of Vilnius. Founded in 1991 by sculptor Gintaras Karosas, it aims to give an artistic dimension to the geographical center of the European continent. The museum covers an area of 55 hectares and houses over 100 sculptures by renowned contemporary artists such as Abakanowicz, LeWitt and Oppenheim. One of the park's main attractions is the Centre of Europe monument, created in 1993 by Gintaras Karosas, which indicates directions and distances to all European capitals. Europe Park is one of Lithuania's most popular tourist attractions. It is open daily from 10:00 am until sunset. Guided tours are available in Lithuanian, English and Russian. The park also has a restaurant, souvenir store and post office. To get there, simply take Kalvariju Street in Vilnius, follow the signs to the Santariskiu traffic circle and head for Zaliuju Ezeru (Green Lakes). The park's address is Europos Parko g. 300, Joneikiskes, LT-15143 Vilnius street, Lithuania.

Kalinigrad is a town in the Kaliningrad Oblast, Russia. The site provides information on how to get to Kalinigrad by public transport, where to stay, where to eat and what to do. You'll also find information on cultural events, exhibitions, concerts and festivals taking place in Kalinigrad. For foreign tourists, there's a special section with important information. The site also offers sightseeing tours and guided tours of the city's attractions.

Here you will find a fishing licence. Free exhibition, park information, children's games at the entrance.

Šilutė is a town in the Šilutė district. The town is known for its tourist information center, Šilutės turizmo informacijos centras, which offers information on local attractions, events and tourist activities in the area. It also offers guided tours of the area. Šilutė is an ideal base for exploring the Nemunas Delta region, known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Visitors can enjoy boat trips along the Nemunas River, visit nature reserves and birdwatch in the surrounding marshes. The town itself also offers attractions such as historic churches, museums and parks. Šilutė is an interesting tourist destination for those seeking an authentic Lithuanian experience.

Druskininkai is a Lithuanian town in the Alytus apskritis. It's a popular destination for tourists thanks to its cultural, historical and festive atmosphere. The town is famous for its water park, the Druskininkai Aquapark, where visitors can enjoy a wide range of aquatic attractions. The K.Dineika wellness park is another popular venue, offering a green space for relaxation and rejuvenation. In addition to these activities, Druskininkai is renowned for its spas, notably SPA VILNIUS Druskininkai, which offers wellness and relaxation treatments. The town also has a variety of hotels and restaurants to welcome visitors. Druskininkai is a must for those wishing to discover the beauty and culture of Lithuania.

1.

Klaipėda is a city on the Baltic Sea coast of Lithuania. It is the country's third-largest city and the capital of its eponymous county. It is also Lithuania's only major seaport. The city has a complex history due to the combined regional importance of the generally ice-free port of Klaipėda at the mouth of the Akmena-Danë River. Historically located in Lithuania Minor, it was part of Poland-Lithuania, Prussia and Germany until the Treaty of Versailles in 1919, when it gained independence and was placed under French occupation. In 1923, Klaipėda's revolt led to its annexation by Lithuania, which lasted until its occupation by Germany following the German ultimatum of 1939. Klaipėda has remained part of Lithuania since the country's independence. The city continues to experience a steady demographic decline due to the exodus to the suburbs and other cities. The number of inhabitants in the city of Klaipėda has fallen from 202,929 in 1989 to 162,360 in 2011, but Klaipėda's urban area has expanded into the suburbs that have sprung up around the city and surrounded it on three sides. These suburbs are partly integrated into the city (city bus routes, city water supply, etc.) and the majority of suburban residents work in Klaipėda. According to data from the Department of Statistics, there are 212,302 permanent inhabitants (in 2020) in the municipalities of Klaipėda city and Klaipėda district combined.

Trakai is a municipality in the Trakai district of Lithuania. Its capital is the town of Trakai. This medieval castle is a major historical site and attracts many visitors every year. Lake Galvė itself is also a popular spot for swimming and water sports. Trakai is surrounded by the Trakai National Historical Park, which offers great opportunities for hiking and nature discovery. In addition to these attractions, the municipality of Trakai also offers other activities and sites to discover.

Lithuania offers a wide choice of accommodation to suit all budgets. Whether you're looking for a hotel, guesthouse, homestay, farmhouse, youth hostel or campsite, you're sure to find what you're looking for. Rates are generally lower than in Western Europe, although resorts on the Baltic coast are more expensive in summer. Youth hostels are mainly located in cities, while campsites offer splendid views, especially along the coast. Hotels are plentiful in Lithuania, ranging from the Spartan minimum to decadent luxury. Guesthouses are often better value than hotels and offer more character. Homestays and farm stays are an excellent way to discover the country and its people. Prices vary according to season and type of accommodation.

Dzūkija National Park is located in Lithuania. It is Lithuania's largest protected area, created in 1991 with the aim of preserving the pine forests, which make up 80% of the park, as well as the region's landscapes and villages over an area of 58,519 hectares. The park's most distinctive landscapes are the continental dune massifs at Marcinkonys, Lynežeris, Grybaulia and Šunupis. The park's administrative center is located in Marcinkonys. The park is also home to the Grūtas theme park.

Vilnius is a fascinating city to explore in Lithuania. With its cobbled streets, historic buildings and lively atmosphere, it offers visitors a unique experience. Among the city's must-see sites are the Gates of Dawn, an ancient city gate housing a sacred icon. The Taharat Ha-Kodesh choral synagogue is also an interesting place to visit to discover the Jewish history of Vilnius. For history buffs, the Paneriai site is a poignant reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust. Apart from these sites, Vilnius is full of charming cafés, delicious restaurants and quaint boutiques.

Klaipéda is a port city in Lithuania.

In the extension of Pilies street, Didžiooji Street opens on the square of the old town hall, the place Rotušòs (pronounced rtoutchesse), now invaded by foreign brands. Right of town hall has been built a centre of contemporary art. Near the square Rotusos, the oldest church in the city, the Baroque church Saint-Casimir, set up by the Jesuits at the beginning of the th century, was converted to the czars in the Orthodox Church and transformed by the Sociétiques into the Atheism Museum!

Located in the region of Trakai and crossed by rivers and Verknė Strėva, this picturesque park and rich in lakes and forests of century-old pine attracts all nature lovers. The park has five courses hiking or cycling, and also allows you to canoeing.

This museum, dedicated to one of the leading styles of the interwar period, is the brainchild of Karolis Banys and Petras Gaidamavičius. These young men fell in love with this architectural style and this beautiful gray building that once belonged to a doctor, and lovingly restored an apartment to its 1929 appearance. After a tour of the exterior, take a stroll through the apartment, listen to stories about the rooms and their former inhabitants, and enjoy a drink in the lounge as you recapture the atmosphere of Kaunas' beloved Roaring Twenties.

Ladakalnis Hill, between the lakes Ūkojas and Linkmenas, not far from the village of Ginučiai, is 175 metres high and offers a sublime panorama on seven lakes in the heart of the ancient tree forest. The view is incredible. This hill is known for being the place of sacrifice for Lada, the goddess who gave birth to the Earth.

A beautiful area ideal for walkers, in unspoilt wilderness.

A 3,5 km botanical road is located around Lūšiai Lake, between the villages of Palūšė and Meironys, to discover more than 150 plant species.

This craft center, housed in a large wooden house, also serves as the local branch of the Šilutė region tourist office. As well as discovering the skills of its craftsmen, you can get all the information you need to organize your stay in the area, discover this charming region and, of course, the town of Švėkšna. The Christmas crafts are particularly charming, with wooden or straw ornaments to decorate your Christmas tree.

This alley connects Užupis Street with the Vilnius Academy of Arts - obviously for an artists' district! Surmounted by metal pillars at its start, the walls that delimit the alley are tagged by various artists before leading to staircases, a wasteland and the banks of the Vilnia river. Named after Jonas Mekas, the Lithuanian writer and filmmaker who emigrated to the United States and was a friend of Andy Warhol. Extend your walk to the Fluxus Bridge, a tribute to Jurgis George Mačiūnas, founder of this artistic movement.

Incredible: a prison just a stone's throw from the Old Town! From the beginning of the ^20th century until 2019, Lukiškės gaols kept political prisoners (including former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin) and common criminals behind bars. Soon after its closure, this fortress was taken over by artists and creators to turn it into a place of joy rather than suffering. Guided tours are organized so as not to forget its original vocation. The prison was also used as a film location for season 4 of Stranger Things.

Vilnius's newest museum. In a setting designed by Daniel Libeskind, scientists Danguolė and Viktoras Butkus display the thousands of works of modern and contemporary art they have collected over the years. What makes the museum so special? Almost exclusively Lithuanian artists from the last sixty years. Exhibitions change twice a year, so you can discover other works and artists depending on the theme. It's a great way to learn more about contemporary Lithuanian art. A big bonus? A floor reserved for children.

A newcomer to the Vilnius urban landscape (to be inaugurated in spring 2023), this Japanese garden offers an oasis of serenity in the heart of the city's hustle and bustle. Designed according to the principles of renowned landscape architect Shiro Nakane, it features stone and green arrangements, inviting visitors to take a meditative stroll in a clockwise direction. A pond, a Japanese bridge, a waterfall and an avenue of Japanese cherry trees add to the magic of this space. Take the opportunity to catch your breath for a visit.

Vilnius City Tours not only offers hop-on-hop-off bus tours. The company specializes in organizing regular guided tours of Vilnius and Trakai, as well as of the whole of Lithuania. These tours take place in comfortable minibuses. Located in the heart of the city center, this agency will help you discover all the wonders of Lithuania. Other activities: transfers, excursions, English-speaking guides. Don't hesitate to contact them to find a tour that suits you. Free hop-on-hop-off with Vilnius Pass and discount for Trakaï.

It's in the city's very first power station that this museum dedicated to technology has logically taken its place. The enormous steam boiler is still there, and is the centerpiece of the museum. In the basement, the Transformation Hall and its interactive exhibition invite children and teenagers in particular to learn more about electricity. Each visitor is given a card, the Quantum Card, and at each station a challenge awaits you to put into practice what you've just learned. The more challenges you win, the more points you earn, which you can redeem in the gift store.

The Energy Exhibition shows you how the power plant works, in all its glory. We take you through the bowels of this monster, in a tangle of pipes. Most impressive of all? The control room recreates the ear-splitting thud of electricity.

The Industry Exhibition focuses on the industrialization of Vilnius and the production of goods. The Made in Vilnius room is particularly well done, with reproductions of a 1970s apartment filled with appliances and furniture developed in Vilnius. The top two floors are entirely dedicated to younger visitors, with the aim of stimulating their interest in science. Even the power station's roof terrace is used to display a replica of the Lituanica, a plane piloted by Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who both attempted a transatlantic flight to Kaunas.

Loftas, an art factory, decided to open this open-air gallery on the large site of the former Elfa factory, which used to manufacture electrical appliances (including the highly acclaimed cassette recorders). The aim? To restore life and color to a neglected industrial complex, yet right in the heart of the city. How did they do it? By bringing in street artists and offering them huge canvases (the factory walls) to give free rein to their creativity. Some twenty frescoes, mosaics and sculptures are scattered all over the place. (D)amazing!