Lithuania Highlights
Vilnius baroque old town, Trakai Castle and the Curonian Spit
Lithuania is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe — Vilnius has the largest surviving medieval old town in Northern Europe, Trakai Castle is a fairy-tale island fortress, the Curonian Spit is a UNESCO World Heritage sand dune peninsula, and the Hill of Crosses is one of the most extraordinary pilgrimage sites in the world.
Top Lithuania Highlights to Visit
Handpicked destinations for the ultimate lithuania highlights experience
Trakai Castle
A fairy-tale island castle on a lake — the most romantic landmark in Lithuania
Trakai Castle is the most romantic landmark in Lithuania — a 14th-century island castle on Lake Galvė, 28km west of Vilnius, surrounded by water on all sides and connected to the shore by wooden bridges. The castle was the seat of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and has been beautifully restored to its medieval appearance. The surrounding Trakai Historical National Park has extraordinary lakes, forests, and the charming Karaite community — a small Turkic ethnic group brought to Lithuania by Grand Duke Vytautas in the 14th century, who still maintain their unique culture and cuisine.
Highlights
- A 14th-century island castle on a lake — the most romantic in Lithuania
- The seat of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania
- Beautifully restored to its medieval appearance
- The Karaite community — a unique Turkic ethnic group in Lithuania
- Trakai Historical National Park — extraordinary lakes and forests
- 28km from Vilnius — easily combined with a Vilnius visit
Things to Do
- Explore the castle museum
- Kayak on Lake Galvė
- Try kibinai (Karaite pastries)
- Walk the wooden bridges to the castle
- Explore Trakai Historical National Park
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
May–September (best weather); winter is magical with snow
Recommended Duration
1 day
Typical Cost
Castle entry €10 adults
Travel Tips
- ·30 minutes from Vilnius by train or bus
- ·Hire a kayak to paddle around the castle
- ·Try kibinai — the traditional Karaite pastry — at one of the restaurants near the castle
- ·Combine with Vilnius Old Town for a complete Lithuania day trip
Nearby Attractions
Curonian Spit
UNESCO World Heritage sand dune peninsula — the largest sand dunes in Europe
The Curonian Spit is one of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in Europe — a UNESCO World Heritage 98km sand dune peninsula separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea, shared between Lithuania and Russia (Kaliningrad). The Lithuanian section has the largest sand dunes in Europe (up to 60 metres high), extraordinary pine forests, charming fishing villages, and the famous Hill of Witches near Juodkrantė. The Curonian Spit has been inhabited for thousands of years and has a unique cultural landscape of fishing villages, amber beaches, and extraordinary natural beauty.
Highlights
- UNESCO World Heritage Site — the largest sand dunes in Europe
- A 98km sand dune peninsula between the Baltic Sea and Curonian Lagoon
- Extraordinary pine forests and charming fishing villages
- The Hill of Witches — a forest sculpture park near Juodkrantė
- Amber beaches — the Baltic coast is one of the world's best sources of amber
- One of the most extraordinary natural landscapes in Europe
Things to Do
- Climb the Parnidis Dune
- Cycle the spit from Nida to Juodkrantė
- Visit the Hill of Witches
- Swim in the Curonian Lagoon
- Search for amber on the beaches
Practical Info
Best Time to Visit
June–August (beach season); September–October (quieter, beautiful light)
Recommended Duration
2–3 days
Typical Cost
Ferry from Klaipėda €1.50; national park entry €3
Travel Tips
- ·Take the ferry from Klaipėda to the spit (5 minutes)
- ·Hire a bicycle — the spit has excellent cycle paths
- ·Nida is the most charming village on the spit
- ·Combine with Vilnius and Trakai for a complete Lithuania trip
Nearby Attractions
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