Visit Lithuania: The Baltic country full of history, culture and stunning food - here's why you have to go
As someone who wasn’t a complete stranger to the Baltics, I must admit the chance to visit the only state I hadn’t yet frequented in the shape of Lithuania was an opportunity I simply did not want to miss.
Too often Eastern Europe and the surrounding areas have been viewed as a place for inexpensive beers and vibrant nightlife, however, Lithuania will offer you something a little more memorable.
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Hide AdNow let me tell you, if you’re someone that is always busy, perhaps the biggest compliment that can be given to Lithuania is it will really allow you a moment to take a breath as you take in everything this beautiful country has to offer. That ‘I’m ready for home now’ moment that so often accompanies the end of a city break simply never arrived. And still hasn’t.
Their culture will awaken even those of you that hated history as a pupil and will combine it with the present day adventurer that loves nothing more than meeting new people over a dish of sumptuous local food.
Here’s why you should make Lithuania you’re next holiday destination.
Vilnius
Arriving at in the capital city of Vilnius at 12:30am it was clear this was a city seeped into culture and history. One of oldest remaining medieval towns in Northern Europe, the Artagonist hotel typified Vilnius perfectly. A dash of quirky decor combined with so many little details that felt like it had something new to see at every corner. The room was beyond spacious – and my God, they have comfortable beds.
So comfortable, it set me up perfectly for a day of discovery around numerous awe-inspiring cathedrals in Vilnius Old Town. Luckily we had a guide that was loaded with more information than any blog could tell you. A pagan country until the 1300s, Pope Urban VI first recognized the status of Lithuania as a Roman Catholic state in April 1389 and thus is jam packed with ancient religious buildings that offer up fascinating stories that wouldn’t look out of place in the latest Hollywood blockbuster.
The Stebuklas miracle tile outside of the vast Cathedral Square plaza had the most fascinating tale of all, however.
For over 50 years, Lithuania was a country occupied by the Soviets – much to the dislike of many Lithuanians. In 1989 Lithuanians protested by creating the longest unbroken human chain in history alongside neighbouring countries Latvia and Estonia. Spanning 370 miles, it ended at the tile and the act played a vital role in the country achieving its independent status in 1991. Now viewed as something that offers up good luck if you spin on it three times and make a wish (though you must not tell anyone!).
I don’t mind a little bit of dark tourism during my holiday either, so next up we visited the infamous and notorious Lukiškės Prison. Guarded by barbed wire and high walls, it stood in the centre of Vilnius for over a century and housed Lithuania’s most notorious criminals though since 2019 it has been the home of something far more creative, hosting hundreds local creators instead,. It also featured prominently in season four of Netflix’s most popular series Stranger Things, for those who love a bit of TV tourism.
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Hide AdIf you really want to deep dive into the country’s vast history, visit the historic town and lake resort of Trakai, a short 30 minute drive away. Featuring a centuries old castle, it will tell you the tale of the Lithuania hero Vytautas the Great. With jaw dropping panoramic views and every room showcasing another part of Lithuania’s history, it’s impossible to get bored here and will teach you more about the extensive history of this wonderful country.
To relax after a day of exploring, you should definitely visit the Nineteen18 restaurant to try out their Chef’s Tasting Menu. Amazing local food is combined with a fascinating story behind each one. Ever seen the film The Menu? Imagine Ralph Fiennes was Lithuania, had a beard, and didn’t have a murderous plan at the end. We were even offered a tartlet decorated with ants from the local forest, which had been picked that day. Sour tasting, if you’re wondering.
During the 10-course meal, their potato dish with sour cream, pike caviar and chickweed was the pick of the bunch. Lithuania prides itself on its potato dishes too, with the country hailing them as king when it comes to food and forming part of many of their local dishes. Washed down with the best Negroni I’ve ever tasted, a drink the server said the restaurant are particularly proud of due to it being aged in an oak barrel for five weeks, hence its undeniably deep flavour.
Kaunas
Kaunas is a little different to Vilnius. Something about it told me this was real Lithuania. After all, it was a ‘temporary capital’ as recently as 1920.
After checking in at the super hip Moxy hotel in the city centre and being handed a cocktail on arrival, we ventured a long, straight road which occupies the centre of Kaunas and directed ourselves into the Old Town with our excellent tour guide Rolanda, who knew more about Kaunas than Kaunas knew about itself.
Offering cobbled pathing stones and an air of chill, the Old Town has some beautiful architecture, mountains of history and combines it with cool cafes and restaurants that offer even more great Lithuanian food.
The fine upmarket dining destination of Dia may yet be the best restaurant I have ever visited. It is also the first time I have came face to face with Zalgiris – a local drink that is 75% alcohol (yes, really). A drink so potent, our server told us it was not allowed outside of the country, so was very much a one time opportunity for us.
While some will look to tourist destinations such as Krakow in Poland, Prague in Czech Republic or perhaps even the increasingly popular city of Bratislava in Slovakia, I implore you to give Lithuania a try – and in particular Kaunas and Vilnius, cities full of history, amazing food and fantastic people.