Lithuania is a country with name starting with L. Check Countryaah to see a full list of countries starting with L.
Nature
Nature-loving vacationers and active people will find a backdrop that is not stingy with charms. The changeful landscapes with deep forests, wonderful stretches of coast, countless lakes, moor and pasture landscapes and the gentle hill formations as relics of the last ice age are a wonderful territory for hiking, cycling holidays, or simply to relax.
There are a total of five national parks in Lithuania. Among them, the Curonian Spit National Park is certainly the most famous and most visited. It was founded in 1991 and has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2000. Its unique dune landscape and the special atmosphere of the small fishing villages attract numerous visitors every year. The Curonian Spit, along with the Nemunas Delta (Memel Delta), is one of the most important stations of bird migration.
In the far east of Lithuania, the Aukstaitija National Park awaits you with a very original nature experience. The almost untouched Azvinkia jungle is unique. Pine trees and oaks that are up to 200 years old grow here. Lakes, forests, moors, heathland and meadows characterize the reserve. The numerous lakes with their inflows and outflows result in a dense network of waterways that inspires canoeists.
The largest national park in Lithuania in terms of area is the Dzukija National Park in the south of the country. The Cepkeliai wetland is located in the park and is the largest contiguous bog in Lithuania. The fauna is unique: cranes, eagles, moose, wolves and snakes say goodnight to each other here. With a guide you can explore the area on wooden plank paths and take in the incomparable silence of the almost mystical moor landscape.
In addition to the national parks, Lithuania has numerous other reserves and protected areas. With a little luck you can see lynx, wolves, elk or even bears. Pond turtles, beavers, otters and grass snakes can also be seen here and there. The bird life in Lithuania is particularly interesting: it is represented by cranes, storks, sea eagles and herons, among other things.
Culture
From a cultural point of view, Lithuania doesn’t need to hide. The country is steeped in history and has an eventful past, which is reflected in architecture, culture and customs. There is a lot to discover for those interested in culture. Of course, the cities with their architectural monuments should be explored, as well as the magnificent palaces, manors and mighty castles. In addition, the state’s museums are also worth visiting, and various (cultural) events complement the offer.
The museum world in Lithuania is diverse and interesting: In Kaunas, for example, you can visit the Mikalojus-Konstantinas-Ciurlionis National Museum. It was named after the probably most famous Lithuanian artist Ciurlionis (1875-1911), who was a painter and composer. The museum shows many of his exhibits, but is also devoted to Lithuanian art in general from the Middle Ages to the present day.
In Grutas Park near Druskininkai there is an exhibition of the Soviet monuments “discarded” after independence. More than 100 objects, mainly images of Soviet leaders, can be seen. They reflect the ideology and personality cult of the Soviet era. Old watchtowers and parts of labor camps can also be found on the site. An associated museum examines the Soviet rule.
Anyone interested in art will find what they are looking for in the many galleries and art exhibitions. The Lithuanian Art Museum in Vilnius, for example, is one of the most modern and youngest art centers in Lithuania. It houses more than 40,000 drawings and paintings. In Europa Park – at the center of Europe calculated in 1989 – around 100 sculptures by international artists are exhibited in the open air.
There are also numerous extraordinary museums such as the clock museum and the blacksmith museum (both in Klaipeda), or the devil museum in Kaunas.
What many do not know: Carnival definitely plays a role in Lithuania. He is supposed to drive away the winter, it is eaten hearty (pancakes and pea porridge) and celebrated wildly. Masks are popular as disguises, and depictions of animals, devils or demons are often chosen. With whistling concerts, noise and singing, the winter should finally be put to flight. By the way: there is even a carnival museum at Gut Plateliai.
In general, events and celebrations take place everywhere in Lithuania, especially in the summer months when Mardi Gras has defeated winter. There are festivals for classical or jazz, rock and pop, blues and independent music as well as traditional folklore festivals. The Song Festival, which is held every four years in Vilnius, is of course at the top of the list of celebrations with an ethnic twist. The singing festival has been taking place since 1924. Like the song festivals in Latvia and Estonia, it is an intangible UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In any case, it is worth taking a look at the events calendar of the Tourism Office of Lithuania *. “Let there be night”, for example, is the name of a cultural event that is celebrated in Vilnius every June. Around 1,500 performances are presented in the Lithuanian “Culture Night”, more than 100 cultural organizations and around 500 artists are involved. Museums, churches, galleries and theaters are open all night. Concerts, exhibitions and art performances await night owls.
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