Reisgids Litouwen: essentiële tips

1. What are the top attractions in Vilnius?
Top attractions in Vilnius include the UNESCO-listed Old Town with Gediminas Castle, the Cathedral Square, and St. Anne’s Church. Don’t miss the Gates of Dawn, the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights, and a stroll along the Užupis district, known as the “Republic of Artists.”

2. What is the best time to visit Lithuania?
The best time to visit Lithuania is summer (June to August) for warm weather, ideal for exploring Vilnius and the Curonian Spit. Spring (May) and autumn (September) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, while winter (December to February) is great for Christmas markets in Vilnius and ice fishing in Trakai.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Lithuania?
Lithuania is in the EU and Schengen Area. EU citizens don’t need a visa. US, Canadian, and Australian citizens can stay visa-free for up to 90 days within a 180-day period. Others may need a Schengen visa—check with the Lithuanian embassy for specific requirements.

4. What are the best places to visit outside Vilnius?
Visit Trakai for its island castle on Lake Galvė, Kaunas for its medieval old town and Ninth Fort, the Curonian Spit for its sand dunes and beaches, and the Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai, a unique pilgrimage site. Klaipėda offers access to the Baltic Sea and the Smiltynė beach.

5. Is Lithuania expensive to travel to?
Lithuania is budget-friendly. Daily costs average $50–$80 per person for accommodation, food, and transport. A mid-range trip can cost $600–$900 for a week. Vilnius and Klaipėda are slightly pricier, but rural areas like Trakai or Šiauliai offer affordable guesthouses and dining.

6. What are traditional Lithuanian foods to try?
Try cepelinai (potato dumplings with meat), šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup), kugelis (potato pudding), and šakotis (a spit cake). For snacks, enjoy kepta duona (fried bread with garlic) with a local beer like Švyturys. Pair your meal with midus, a traditional honey mead.

7. What are the best outdoor activities in Lithuania?
Popular activities include hiking in the Curonian Spit National Park, kayaking on Lake Galvė in Trakai, and cycling in the Aukštaitija National Park. Visit the Dzūkija National Park for mushroom foraging, or go hot air ballooning over Vilnius for stunning views.

8. What are the best festivals in Lithuania?
Top festivals include the Vilnius Festival (June) for classical music, the Sea Festival in Klaipėda (July), and the Kaziukas Fair in Vilnius (March) for crafts and food. The Rumšiškės Folk Festival (summer) showcases traditional Lithuanian music and dance.

9. Can I visit Lithuania’s beaches?
Yes, Lithuania has beautiful Baltic beaches. The Curonian Spit, a UNESCO site, offers sandy beaches like Nida and Juodkrantė. Palanga is a popular resort town with a lively beach and pier, while Klaipėda’s Smiltynė beach is quieter and accessible by ferry.

10. How can I travel around Lithuania?
Buses and trains connect major cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipėda affordably. Renting a car is ideal for exploring rural areas like the Curonian Spit or Trakai. Vilnius has an efficient public transport system with buses and trolleybuses for getting around the city.