Lithuania – Visit the Best Kept Secret of Northern Europe

Lithuania, the vibrant nation of Northern Europe, is located on the shore of the Baltic Sea and shares its border with countries like Latvia, Belarus and Poland. It is the European Capital of Culture and has unlimited worth in the form of tourist attractions.

History:
Lithuania started accommodating population way back in the 10th century BC. It was around 2nd and 3rd centuries BC that Baltic tribes inhabited the region and consisted of people of Proto, Indo and European origins. After being ruled by these tribes for long time period, Lithuania was captured by Mindaugas. Christian crusaders and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania were at constant war to capture the area. In the 14th century AD, Lithuania became the largest European country and a personal union took place between Poland and Lithuania.

The Swedish army caused severe damage to the country in the 17th century. It was in the late 18th century that most of the Lithuanian territory was captured by Russia. Lithuania acquired independence in 1918, during the First World War. However, it was still under the control of Polish and German influence. During the Second World War, Lithuania kept rolling between German and the Soviet Union Forces and was finally captured by the latter. It was in 1990 that Lithuania became the first Soviet Union Republic to regain its independence.

Popular Places:
The five important regions of Lithuanian territory include:
•    Aukstaitija
•    Zemaitija
•    Suvalkija
•    Dainava and
•    Lithuania Minor

Some of the important cities of the country are Vilnius, the capital city, along with Jonava, Kretinga, Palanga and Trakai.

Vilnius is the capital city of Lithuania and is known for sites like Basilian Gates, Centre for Stateless Cultures, Church of All Saints, Egg Statue and a number of museums and churches. Aukstaitija national park is an important tourist destination of Lithuania and features elks, wild boars and old pine trees. Gediminas Square, Curonian Spit and Hill of Crosses are other interesting tourist venues of the region.

Lithuania is famous for its forests, lakes and castles. A number of national parks and wildlife conservation areas can be visited in the country. Kaunas is the city of museums and Kernave can be visited to view mysterious grass mounds. The Amber Museum Gallery of Palanga and Nida’s lighthouse are other attractions worth visiting.

Getting Around:
Bus services connect all major cities and towns of Lithuania. A good guide is to keep some small notes and coins handy to pay for the journey. The train service called Litrail is another good option to get around the country. Apart from that car rentals and taxi services can also be chosen to explore various parts of the country.

Places of Entertainment:
White sand beaches of the Baltic Sea offer irresistible fun for the tourists. Natural sand dunes and pine forests are best venues to explore. Mardi Gras festivities are organized by all towns and cities. One can also enjoy participating in sports like hiking, ballooning, bungee jumping, gliding, along with sailing, paragliding, kiting and windsurfing. One can also visit the open air markets and other shopping areas to fill the shopping bags. Pork, beef and vegetables are main attractions of the food menus served at various restaurants and cafes. Beer, vodka and a variety of wines can be enjoyed at various bars and clubs.   

Accommodation Options:
Vilnius is the best city to find a good budget hotels, though all other cities have finest accommodation options as well. Homestay options, youth hostels, bed & breakfast, guesthouse, inns, motels, and camping accommodations can also be chosen by the tourists.

Currency:
Litas (LTL) is the currency of Lithuania and one can easily find currency exchange points in all small and big cities and towns. The currency is available in the denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 centų, 1, 2 and 5 litai coins and banknotes of 5, 10, 20 and 50 centai, and 5, 10, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 litų, check the news and internet for the latest exchange rates.

Lithuania group accommodation | Cheap hostels & budget hotels