The southernmost Baltic state is a typical European destination for sightseeing and excursion holidays. Lithuania is a country of magnificently preserved Baroque and Gothic architecture, cozy pedestrian streets with numerous open-air cafes, castles and ancient fortresses, churches and basilicas. However, people come here not only to leisurely wander along the old intimate streets and look at the local sights. In addition, Lithuania is known for its balneological resorts, national nature parks and, of course, the Baltic coast. Although this Baltic state can hardly be called a popular destination for a beach holiday, the healing air and mild climate have made the Lithuanian Baltic popular among connoisseurs of peaceful retreats and health holidays (including with children).
Let’s add to the list of arguments in favor of Lithuania the relative proximity to Russia and the high level of prevalence of the Russian language. In addition, a vacation in this hospitable country will cost much less than in most states of “Old” Europe.
When on holiday in Lithuania, it is worth wandering around the old part of the city in Kaunas and Vilnius, visiting one of the jazz festivals, strolling around the resort of Palanga and the port of Klaipeda. The almost 100-kilometer Curonian Spit deserves special mention – a picturesque place famous for the largest sand dunes in Europe. Lovers of a serene health holiday will love the balneological resorts of Druskininkai and Birstonas with their numerous health resorts, swimming pools, spa complexes. Rural eco-tourism is well developed in the country. In addition, Lithuania can be called an almost ideal destination for weekend excursions.
The main thing about the country
- The Republic of Lithuania is located in northern Europe on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea. The coastline is 99 km long. It borders Latvia, Poland, Belarus, and the Kaliningrad Region of Russia. The capital is Vilnius. The area of Lithuania is 65,300 km², the population is 2.79 million people.
- Considering that Lithuania is a relatively inexpensive destination for a sightseeing holiday in Europe, the minimum budget for the trip will be approximately 25 euros (2,130 rubles) per day per person. A flight from Moscow will cost an average of 8,100 – 13,300 rubles, depending on the season and date.
- The official language is Lithuanian. A significant part of the population (including young people) speaks Russian fluently. In addition, in many establishments and on city streets you can easily communicate in English (according to the census, about 30% of residents speak it).
- Time zone – UTC +2. In summer there is no time difference with Moscow. In winter it is -1 hour.
- Lithuania is a secular state, and there is no state religion. About 80% of the population of Lithuanian believers profess Catholicism. Orthodoxy is less widespread in Lithuania (about 4.1%). Religious communities are represented by Evangelicals, Jews, Muslims, Karaites, and Old Believers.
- Despite the fact that Lithuania is a European country with very democratic principles, when vacationing here, as in any country, it is worth following certain rules of conduct. Respect local traditions and customs, adhere to the appropriate dress code when visiting religious institutions. Remember that smoking in public places is prohibited in Lithuania (there are specially designated areas for this), and throwing a cigarette butt on the ground will result in a fine of 20-140 euros. In addition, the country has a state-level legislative ban on the display of Soviet paraphernalia, as well as the performance of the USSR anthem. It is prohibited to set up tents and make fires on the territory of nature reserves.
- The locals are quite calm, but at the same time friendly and treat tourists with interest and curiosity. Contrary to popular belief, you are unlikely to encounter language difficulties while on holiday in Lithuania. If necessary, you can always address those around you in Russian (of course, after first checking whether your interlocutor speaks it).
- The central and eastern parts of Lithuania have a moderate continental climate. The coast has a mild maritime climate with an average temperature of +18-25°C in summer and up to -5-7°C in winter. Most of the year the country has mild weather without sharp fluctuations in temperature and atmospheric pressure. Lithuanian summers are not hot and quite comfortable, and winters are damp and warm. Drizzling rains and fogs are typical for any time of year. The beach season on the Baltic coast lasts in July and August, at which time the sea water warms up to +21-22°C.
- More than 57% of Lithuania’s territory is covered by fields and meadows. Forests (mostly coniferous) account for about 20% of the country’s territory, which includes five national parks, as well as many smaller regional parks and reserves. Lithuania is a predominantly flat country, with its highest point (Aukštojas Hill) being only 294 metres above sea level.
Visa and entry
Considering that Lithuania is a full member of the Schengen Agreement, Russian citizens need a Schengen visa to enter. To do this, you must contact the consular office of the Republic of Lithuania in Russia, providing a passport, application form, one color photo and a copy of your regular passport. To obtain a Schengen visa, you will also need a mandatory medical insurance policy for the entire duration of the trip and proof of accommodation (or a written invitation from the host). The passport must be valid for at least 3 months after the end of the trip.
Please note the customs restrictions. One person has the right to import duty-free no more than 1 liter of strong alcohol, 4 liters of wine, 200 cigarettes. Keep in mind that it is prohibited to export antiques and weapons from Lithuania.
There are three international airports in Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. The most popular and busiest is the capital Vilnius, which receives more than 90 flights daily. There is a railway connection between Lithuania and major cities in Russia, but due to coronavirus restrictions it has been temporarily suspended.
When to go
The high tourist season in Lithuania is traditionally considered to be summer. However, many tourists choose May as a time to visit, as well as the first half of September (“grandmother’s summer”, as Lithuanians call it). At this time, the influx of guests in the country is noticeably smaller, and prices are lower. Summer is the best time to visit national parks, Baltic beaches, and balneological resorts. If you are planning to visit Lithuania for the holidays, we recommend choosing the Christmas holidays (Christmas is celebrated on December 25-26). Keep in mind that in this case, you will have to book your air tickets and accommodation in advance – several months in advance.
Hotels
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Currency
The national currency of Lithuania is the euro. We recommend exchanging the necessary amount in Russia, since currency exchange in the territory of the Republic of Lithuania is carried out exclusively in banks, as well as exchange offices operating at banking institutions. Most of them are open on weekdays from 9 am to 5 pm. On weekends, currency can be exchanged mainly in large shopping centers. Most establishments accept international credit cards MasterCard and Visa.
Kitchen
A full lunch or dinner for two with drinks will cost around 20-25 euros. In Lithuanian cafes and restaurants, be sure to try the famous national dish cepelinai – potato dumplings with various meat and vegetable fillings.
Other dishes worth trying include cream of mushroom soup in a bun, cold Lithuanian borscht, pig ears, and traditional šakotis cake. Keep in mind that portions in cafes and restaurants are quite large, and meat or fish are almost always served with a side dish and pickled vegetables.
Safety and Medicine
Although Lithuania is considered a fairly calm and safe country, beware of scammers and do not leave personal belongings unattended in public places. Do not carry your wallet in your pocket. In case of any trouble, seek help from the police, who usually respond to requests very quickly.
When relaxing outdoors during the warm season, beware of ticks. In case of any problems, call the emergency medical helpline 112. When taking out health insurance before traveling to Lithuania, make sure it covers all possible cases. Most Lithuanian pharmacies are open from Monday to Friday, and on Saturdays with reduced hours. On Sundays, pharmacies can be found in large shopping centers.
Souvenirs
The most popular souvenirs that tourists bring from Lithuania are dominated by products made of local amber, famous Lithuanian cheeses and chocolate, linen textiles and accessories, and shakotis cakes. Lovers of good alcohol will love local liqueurs, tinctures, and dessert berry wines.
Internet
There are three mobile operators providing services in Lithuania: Telia, Bite and Tele2.
If you plan to use communications and 4G Internet, the best solution would be a prepaid SIM card, which can be purchased without documents at any communications store, newsstand, post office, and gas station. Most Lithuanian establishments have good free Wi-Fi.
Interesting facts
- The main public transport is buses. Trolleybuses operate in Vilnius and Kaunas. Buses and trolleybuses have different travel cards. There is no metro.
- Renting an economy class car from a car sharing service will cost an average of 25 euros per day.
- The cost of a taxi ride ranges from 0.75 to 1.5 euros per kilometer.
- Sockets – C, F (220 V).
- Tips in restaurants are at your discretion (usually 5-15% of the bill). It is not customary to leave tips in taxis.