Lithuania Beyond Vilnius

Lithuania has a wonderful capital in Vilnius, replete with Old World charm and a slew of important landmarks in a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Center. From the Cathedral of the Theotokos to the National Museum of Lithuania, Royal Palace to the Gate of Dawn, the city of close to 600,000 people is a gem.

While Vilnius is the European Capital of Culture for 2009, Lithuania has many other fine destinations to explore. Check out what else the Baltic Sea state has to offer.

Kaunas

With over 350,000 people, Kaunas is second only to Vilnius in population. The city was the capital of Lithuania in the interwar period and sits at the confluence of the Neris and Nemunas rivers. Points of interest in Kaunas include Pazaislis monastery and church.

Perhaps the best example of Baroque architecture in the country, the monastery complex dates back to the late 17th century and hosts a popular classical music festival every summer.

Though Kaunas is full of historic monuments, one of the most prominent landmarks in the city was built relatively recently. Completed in 2005, Christ’s Resurrection Church is a magnificent representation of Functionalism architecture and offers supreme views of Kaunas.

Strategically located where the Neris and Nemunas meet, Gothic Kaunas Castle was built in the mid-14th century. Though more than two-thirds of the castle is in ruins today, it still forms a vital tourist attraction and hosts many events throughout the year. Thankfully, restoration plans are underway.

Discover great hotel deals in Kaunas, Lithuania.

Klaipeda

The only port city in Lithuania is a marvelous destination. As a gateway to resorts on the Baltic Sea, Kursiu Nerija National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Curonian Spit, Klaipeda is first-rate. While nearby towns like Nida, once home to Thomas Mann, offer wonderful escape, take the time to explore the city of 240,000 people.

While a new crop of skyscrapers have put Klaipeda on the map, the best attractions for tourists remain in the old city center. A former domain of the Teutonic Order, Memelburg Castle dates back to the 13th century. Iron Age hill forts still stand on the shores of the Smiltele River and the city has a notable and massive maritime and sea museum built into a former fortress.

Palanga

After Klaipeda, Palanga is a logical next stop on your Lithuania itinerary. The Baltic Sea resort town is the most popular summer holiday destination in the entire country, famous for swaths of idyllic coastline. While gorgeous summer weather and 18 km of sandy shores draw the interest of most, Palanga has other points of interest as well.

The awesome, Neo-Renaissance Tyszkiewicz Palace for one, is a marvel. Built in the very late 19th century for a prominent noble family, the palace complex is home to two of the best attractions in Lithuania: Palanga Amber Museum and Palanga Botanical Garden.

Seaside Regional Park protects over 12,300 acres of land and sea that spans from Old Palanga to Klaipeda. A haven of biodiversity, the park has vital cultural monuments to explore as well, via horseback, bicycle or on foot.

Of course, no visit to Palanga is complete without a walk on the pier. At close to 500 m, the Baltic Sea promenade is a phenomenal place to stroll and mingle with locals and visitors alike. A first-rate congregation spot in Palanga, if ever there was one.

Just outside of Palanga proper, the small resort town of Sventoji beckons. Smack on the border of Latvia, the community is a major base of archaeological excavation, with a treasure trove of artifacts that date back to 3,000 B.C. A hill in Sventoji is also a hub of Baltic Pagan worship, with eleven folk sculptures to represent various gods. A good place to visit come vernal equinox or summer solstice.

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