About Lithuania

Lithuania's cultural richness, attributed to the empire it once shared with Poland, is one that shouldn't be missed. A popular slogan on Lithuanian souvenirs is "I Love Lithuania - But Where Is It?" Lithuania, located in northeastern Europe, borders Poland, Belarus, Russia, Latvia and the Baltic Sea. It is composed mostly of lowlands with many lakes scattered across its terrain.

Lithuania is well-known for its outgoing, friendly people and its vast agricultural land. Many townsmen still ride horses and live in small cottages, lending Lithuania a cozy, hometown feel that is hard to find any other place in northeastern Europe. Though Lithuania is only slightly larger than West Virginia, its uniqueness and flair make it stand out among other Baltic states.

The Lithuanian folk tradition of carving large wooden objects, like crosses and saints, dates back to 1842. Wooden folk sculptures are a distinct product of Lithuania and are centralized around Roman Catholicism, the dominant religion. Some of the icons used are Christ of Nazareth, St. George and the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception.

Woodcarving was prohibited during the Soviet reign but the Lithuanian people still continued their traditional practice. The Hill of Crosses, where thousands of crosses in various shapes and sizes are placed, is a monumental example of Lithuanian's religious and cultural devotion. The Hill of Crosses was destroyed multiple times by fire and bulldozer and replaced with waste during the Soviet era. Government officials also dug trenches around the monument and had all roads leading to the Hill of Crosses blocked and guarded but despite the government's attempt to ban traditional woodcarving, the Hill of Crosses always reappeared. The shrine symbolizes the hardships Lithuanians have endured and overcome.

Vilnius, Lithuania's capital city, is the cultural hub of Lithuania and is being hailed as the "New Prague." The city's active role throughout history has contributed to its cultural wealth and diversity. Gediminas Castle, the country's landmark, is located in the heart of Vilnius city. The Castle was originally made of wood but was renovated with stone around 1316, you can view the original pieces in Gediminas Castle.

Vilnius’s Baroque-style Old Town is the largest in Eastern Europe and is famous for its sundry architectural styles. The city’s distinct structural design has been shaped by the role it once played as the easternmost center of Western culture. Cathedral Square marks the start of the Old Town and is the site of the neo-classical Vilnius Cathedral. Three Crosses Hill, located on the outskirts of town, is where three monks were allegedly crucified for martyrdom in the 17th century.

The New Town of Vilnius, constructed almost entirely in the 19th century, is 1 mile west of the Old Town. The Museum of the Genocide of Lithuanian People, housed in the former KGB building, is guided by former inmates.

For the Frank Zappa Lover, Vilnius has the only memorial statue of the music icon. Constructed in 1995, it stands out among the New Town's traditional architecture.

Palanga is Lithuania's summer hotspot with pine-covered seaside resorts and white sandy beaches. Palanga starts the summer celebration the first Sunday in June until the last Saturday in August. The summer festivities end with a street carnival, song festival and pop concert.

Palanga Botanical Park, designed by E.F. Andre, famous French botanist and landscape architect, has over 200 types of plants and many beautiful rose gardens. Located on the grounds is the Palanga Amber Museum, located in Tiskeviciai Palace. The museum has the world's largest collection of amber inclusions and displays many archaeological remnants dating back to the 2nd century.

The resort town of Druskininkai has long been praised for its mineral hot springs and mud baths. It was named one of Europe's 2003 top health resorts by Newsweek magazine, however, there is more to Druskininkai than its world-renowned sanatorium. Druskininkai also has many museums.

The Museum of Druskininkai Town displays the city’s historical artifacts and also contains the Children's Art Gallery, which exhibits many creative works by children. The M.K. Ciurlionis Museum shows the artist's reproduced works and a collection of Ciurlionis-inspired art. Stalin World, or the Soviet Sculpture Garden at Grutas Park, is the most controversial attraction in Druskininkai. The park features Soviet era statues, propaganda and the Gallery of Soviet Realism.

Seasonal Activities

If you are a ski-bum or avid fisherman, winter is the best time to go to Lithuania. The Curonian Lagoon, the largest lagoon in the Baltic Sea, is Lithuania's most popular ice fishing location. Other winter activities include tobogganing, ice-skating and cross-country skiing. Aukstaitija National Park has Lithuania's best cross-country skiing trails.

If you're more of a summer person, there is also plenty of outdoor activities to do. The Vente ornithological reserve attracts bird-watchers from all over the world to see migratory birds like the Rough-legged buzzard and Long-tailed duck. Other birds include cranes, White-tailed eagles, sparrow hawks and White-fronted geese.

Canoeing and other water activities are also ideal in Lithuania. Aukstaitija National Park has over 200 lakes interconnected by long, winding streams, perfect for canoeing, fishing or sailing. Aukstaitija National Park is also very popular for hiking and biking. Ice Hill, also called Ladakalnis Hill, is an easy hike with a fantastic panoramic view at the top. If you are more of an adrenaline junkie, Vilnius city is the place for you. Here you can skydive, paraglide or go ballooning over the city for a picturesque landscape view.

There are five national parks in Lithuania and several nature reserves, here are some favorites.

Trakai National Park is located just outside Vilnius and houses the historic city of Trakai. Trakai was once the bustling capital city but is now nestled around country lakes and small islands. The Island Castle, once inhabited by Grand Duke Vytautas, is now the Museum of History. The museum displays 16th and 17th century pottery, coins and tiles. It also contains a Karaite Ethnographic Exhibit. Karaites, a Judaist sect originally from Baghdad, were once employed by Vytautas the Great as 14th century bodyguards. The exhibit includes Karaite historical material and information on the Karaite applied arts.

Aukstaitija National Park is covered in coniferous forest and over 200 lakes and streams. Aukstaitija is ideal for ice fishing, canoeing, hiking and exploring the parks 106 architectural and archaeological sites. Ginuciai Mound, Paluse Church and the ancient Bee-keeping Museum are some of Aukstaitija National Park's treasures.

The Curonian Spit, nicknamed the Lithuanian Sahara, is composed of the Juodkrante, Pervalka, Preila and Nida settlements and was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. These isolated coastal settlements are composed of pine-forested sand dunes and are populated by wild boar, elk and deer. The Curonian Spit can be visited all year long, in the winter you can drink vodka as you ice fish and in the summer, view the beautiful scenery via ferry, paddle boat or Jet Ski. One treat for all seasons is the freshly smoked Curonian fish, a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

Local Events

The Lithuanian Song Festival, held once every five years, gathers hundreds of Baltic choirs to perform from Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania. The next festival will be in 2005 and is expected to draw a crowd of more than 100,000 people.

The Baltika Folk Festival takes place in a different Baltic location every year. The festival introduces authentic Lithuanian, Latvian and Estonian folklore and historical and cultural traditions. Baltic handicrafts, national cuisine and performance arts are also represented.

St. Casmir's Day, a Lithuanian national and religious holiday, is celebrated on March 4th and honors Lithuania's sole patron saint. St. Casmir's life and piety is commemorated with a Kazuiko Muge, or Casmir's Fair, where Lithuanians from all over the state congregate and celebrate. A favorite treat at the fair is Muginukas, heart-shaped gingerbread or honey cookies baked and decorated with colored sugar.

Vilnius City Days in mid-September hosts three days of cultural and musical events like Madame Butterfly and the Red Gazelle ballet. The festivities are held at various street, theater and concert hall locations and celebrate Lithuania’s performance arts.

Lithuania's beauty lies in its varied natural landscape and rich cultural heritage, from Karaites to kings, artists to athletes, townsman to tourist, Lithuania’s diversity will surely find a place in your heart.

N. Johnson

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