Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, was European Capital of Culture a long time ago. At that time I saw the city in winter and only stayed for a weekend. Already then I decided that one day I would be back. It took me more than ten years to return. So what are the main cities of Lithuania and what can you expect there? Here they in order of my trip and not any special order.
1.) Vilnius wins you over with its many churches, museums and its overall cultural diversity. While in Vilnius I participated in a free walking tour and went to two museums. For the rest of the time I strolled through the old town or walked up a ‘mountain’.
Bell tower and cathedral @Vilnius
2.) Kaunas will be the European Capital of Culture in 2022. The second largest city of Lithuania offers a range of cultural activities. It has an old center, a handful of forts from the Russian empire, and lots of street art murals throughout the city.
old man with pipe @Kaunas
3.) Klaipėda is a seaport the gateway to the Curonian spit. It was also in German hands for a long time, first by the Teutonic Knights and then as part of Prussia. This influence is obvious while walking through the third largest city of Lithuania.
timber frame house @Klaipėda
4.) Šiauliai is not worth visiting at all, but it is the city closest to the Hill of Crosses which is not to be missed when visiting Lithuania. It’s almost surreal walking around the hill with its more than one hundred thousand crosses.
between the many crosses I found one from Austria @Hill of Crosses
After spending a week in Lithuania I can’t say I have seen it all, but I got an impression from this country. It is beautiful and has so many different sides that you will not get bored. Public transport also works well and there is no need to rent a car. It does save time though. In hindsight it would have made a lot of sense. But then my love for reading on the train or bus always wins. Yours, Pollybert
