"Country of diversities - Lithuania" Top 5 Page for this destination Lithuania by Raimix

Lithuania Travel Guide: 5,642 reviews and 10,226 photos

© Lithuanian State Department of Tourism - Lithuania

Location, statistics

Lithuania (in Lithuanian language "Lietuva") is a country located in northern Europe. It is the largest of the three Baltic States, has the borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the southeast, Poland and the Russian exclave of the Kaliningrad Oblast to the southwest.

In Lithuania live about 3,5 million people, 83.5% of the Lithuanian population are ethnic Lithuanians, major minorities are Poles (6.7%), Russians (6.3%), and Belarusians (1.2%).
The main five cities, their populations and size of it is here:

1. Vilnius 541 824 and 401 km²
2. Kaunas 360 637 and 157 km²
3. Klaipeda 187 316 and 98 km²
4. Siauliai 129 037 and 81 km²
5. Panevezys 115 315 and 52 km²

Lithuania is one of the fast growing economically countries in Europe. Joining NATO and European Union shows great performance of this country.

Why "country of diversities"?

Trakai - island's gothic castle

Country of diversities - as you can find here places, influenced by different people, nations, religions.
Lets say, Vilnius is baroque town, had influence from Poland, lot of churches are designed by Italian architects, and the mix of cultures.
Kaunas and Klaipeda - the influence of German gothic.
Kedainiai - architecture of XVI-XVII century Lutherans.
Trakai - some places remained from Karaites culture
Nida - Lithuanian "sachara"

What is more, Lithuania consists of the four historical and cultural regions; you can find some differences in language, culture and old village houses architecture as well:

Aukstaitija, literally, the "Highlands", more hilly area, historical most significant in Lithuania. Free first capitals of Lithuania located here: Kernave, Trakai, Vilnius.

Zemaitija, literally, the "Lowlands". It is an area of Western Lithuania, near the sea, so such famous places are here as Klaipeda, Palanga, Nida.

Dzukija - the south of Lithuania, area of forests and old wooden house villages and lot of mushrooms. One most famous resort located here - Druskininkai.

Suvalkija - a part of Western-Southern area, having borders with Zemaitija and Dzukija, it is a land of Nemunas river and people, who are stereotypically called "counting every cent".

Places and actions, inscribed to UNESCO list

Vilnius - pearl of baroque style

Lithuania's three touristic spots were inscribed to UNESCO World Heritage list and I really suggest visiting them when coming to Lithuania. These places are:

Vilnius historic centre;
Curonian Split;
The Kernave Archaeological Site.

There are three other things in UNESCO list, but they are not natural-architectural spots, but valuable human actions, it is:
1. An art to carve crosses from wood (different crosses, small chapels, wooden carvings of wailing people). The best examples of it are Hill of Crosses (near Siauliai city) and Ciurlionio Kelias (road from Varena to
Druskininkai).
2. Song Festival, when really much people gather together to one place to sing national and all other songs - it is common with Latvia and Estonia.
3. Glee songs, spread mostly just in Lithuania territory.

ABOUT THIS PAGE STRUCTURE:
If you look at "Things to do" tips, there are places, where, in my personal opinion, worth being a least one day or more.
The other places, that you could just visit for a day or a half or simply have a look on your way to any other main town, are mentioned in "Off the beaten path".

Pros and Cons

Pros:Lot of to see, gloriuos history, diversities in sightseeing.
Cons:Big differences of life standarts in some places.
In a nutshell:Beautiful cities, green forests, blue rivers and lakes.

Intro Updated Mar 9, 2011
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Reviews (39)

Senieji Trakai - homeland of Vytautas the Great - Lithuania

Senieji Trakai - homeland of Vytautas... Off The Beaten Path (18)

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Semeliskes - cozy town with old wooden church - Lithuania

Semeliskes - cozy town with old wooden... Off The Beaten Path (18)

The place is known from 13th century. It is predicted that Grand Duke of Lithuanian Duchy Traidenis gave land here for... more travel advice

Lentvaris - English style palace and park site - Lithuania

Lentvaris - English style palace and... Off The Beaten Path (18)

Mostly it started to develop from 19th century, when in 1861-1862 railroad Warsaw - St. Petersburg was driven.... more travel advice

Medininkai - square form medieval castle - Lithuania

Medininkai - square form medieval castle Off The Beaten Path (18)

Medininkai is known for its castle from 13th century. It was one of the most significant castles in Grand Duchy of... more travel advice

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Comments (31)

HORSCHECK Oct 10, 2010 at 3:26 AM Report Abuse

Raimis, excellent updates since my last visit of your page 6 years ago. I have now been to many places in Lithuania, but luckily there are even more still to explore. I could eat Cepelinai right now. *winkygrin*
arldi2 May 17, 2010 at 5:38 AM Report Abuse

So true. When I call back to the US, person filling in my mailing address often asks: "but what State is that in?" My fellow Americans are the worst.
balhannah Jan 5, 2010 at 1:27 PM Report Abuse

Interesting page filling me in on your home country.
Pinat Jul 18, 2009 at 2:54 AM Report Abuse

Nice and detailed info for a country I don't know much about. I loved the wood carving tradition. Hope to visit one day. Greetings from Ankara, Pinar
Jim_Eliason Aug 28, 2007 at 6:46 AM Report Abuse

great page, how ridiculous of a question everyone knows Lithunia is in South America! LOL!
Kristina1701 Jan 26, 2007 at 9:40 AM Report Abuse

what a beautiful country
sue_stone Dec 6, 2006 at 1:47 AM Report Abuse

Thanks for the tour of Lithuania! Looks like a really interesting country : )
King_Golo Dec 3, 2006 at 1:33 AM Report Abuse

your lithuania pages are very helpful!
Sue08080 May 13, 2006 at 10:25 AM Report Abuse

Hello Raimundas, I enjoyed reading about your country. thank you!
luigi_pl Mar 9, 2006 at 7:23 AM Report Abuse

yes, that's true. this is really redicoulus question "where's lithuania?". it shows how stupid and fuuccikng dumb asss-hole these idiots are. every little child in poland knows that it is our neighbour and where's lithuania . cheers for all lithuanians!