A magical land filled with legends of witches, goblins, fairies and devils. A country that has survived many occupations and wars, KGB spies and secret police. A destination that offers historical insight, amazing architecture and really good food…..I introduce you to the Baltic country of Lithuania. The country itself is about the size of West Virginia, yet they have an impressive public transportation system, a bustling capital and beautiful seaside resorts. Where is it? Lithuania is just south of Latvia and Estonia, making it a great stop on a European adventure! An adventure fueled by potato pancakes and accompanied by the possible encounter with an ever elusive dragon.

Getting There

You can fly into the international airport in Lithuania from many different European countries. We actually flew into Latvia from NYC and drove 3.5 hours south to Vilnius (the capital of Lithuania). There are no non-stop flights from the US to the Baltic countries. We took Air France and had to fly through Paris (unfortunately). I would do anything to AVOID going through Paris airport at all costs. It was an absolute nightmare. I think the devils and witches from Lithuania were actually working in the Paris Airport.

Things To Do

Gediminas Castle Tower– Ready for an uphill walk to the sole remaining part of the upper castle of Vilinius? Good news…there’s a tram if you don’t want to walk. The legend of Gediminas Tower involves a Grand Duke, a dream of an iron wolf and a pagan priest. Sounds like the beginning of a joke…According to Lithuanian folklore, in the 14th century Duke Gediminas dreamt of an iron wolf while sleeping on this very hill. The dream was interpreted by a Pagan priest to mean that the city should be built on the hill, and so it was. Apparently the remaining tower was one of the only historical monuments that the Lithuanian’s were still “permitted” to take pride in during the USSR occupation. The tower is open every day from 10 am until 8 pm. Tickets cost 8. euros for adults. Views are priceless.

Visit Trakai Island Castle– So if you are into dragon hunting, you are not alone! You may not find them at Trakai Castle, but you will get close. sort of. The Order of the Dragon actually held meetings here during the 1500s. Traikai island is a short day trip from Lithuania’s capital (about 30 minutes from Vilnius). You can spend some time walking around the Lake Galve, do a little shopping and have lunch on the water. There is a walking bridge that leads to the Trakai Castle. Once there, you can explore the interior of the castle which is filled with antiquities from different time periods.

Travel Tip: we drove to Trakai and parked in one of the public lots for a few euros for the entire day.

Take a 30 minute boat ride around the castle for 5.00 Euros pp. you can enjoy an awesome boat ride on Lake Galve. Walk a little further from the bridge for the cheapest price (same boats, same route).

Visit the Peninsular Castle – A short walk away from Trakai Castle is another castle to explore. You can buy a combo ticket to visit both castles online.

Spend Time at the Devil Museum in Kaunas– The only one like it in the world…The Devil Museum consists of 3 floors filled with thousands of devil relics all collected by one man: Lithuanian artist Antanas Zmuidzinavicius. Now that’s a name that you could win Scrabble with! After admiring all of the devils, you can tour the artist’s original home and studio which is attached to the museum. This was such a cool and unique thing to do in Lithuania. – The town of Kaunus is about a 1.5 hour drive from Vilnius. There’s also a train that goes there. – The admission fee is just your soul…or a few euros. The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 to 5.

The town of Kaunus is more than just The Devil Museum. There’s a main shopping street, a castle on the water to explore and several other museums to visit.

Visit the former Lithuanian KGB Headquarters- This was wild. The Museum of Occupation consists of underground prisons, a museum showcasing the atrocities committed by the Soviet Union and even an execution room. This is certainly an eye opening experience displaying the brutality of the communist regime that existed for many years in Lithuania.

Visit the republic of Uzupis– Cross a tiny bridge over a river in the old town to reach the republic of Uzupis…..one of the smallest republics in the world. Uzupis has it’s own constitution, government and currency. There is even a mermaid in the river greeting you as you cross the bridge. It’s hippy, it’s quirky, it’s whimsical.

Combine your trip with a few days in Latvia- Read my post on Latvia to learn more about a visit to this other magical and mystical country….only a few hour drive from Vilnius!

Where to Stay

The Holiday Inn– This hotel was in a good location, about a 10-15 minute walk to old town.

Where to Eat

The Blue Lotus- The curry at this restaurant was some of the best. A glass of wine was average for Vilnius…about 6 euros a glass!

Radisson Hotel Rooftop- Great spot for a drink during sunset. Enjoy the views and a glass of prosecco.

Pilies Katpedele- The menu was extensive…kind of like Lithuanias answer to a New York diner. I opted for the most amazing potato dumplings and the local beet soup. both came with the countries favorite condiment: sour cream!

Birzu Duona- Great bakery down the street from the Holiday Inn. A croissant and coffee cost about 3 euros. oh and their pinwheel cookies were so yummy.

Fun Facts and Tips

Lithuania uses the euro as their national currency

Driving was relatively easy, but a car was not nessesary as public trollies and trains seem to go everywhere.

The weather in Lithuania was exremely pleasant in August, but the country does seem to get very cold winters. The summer days are very long with sunset being close to 10 pm.

Most people spoke English in Vilnius (the countries capital) but it’s alway good to know a few words in their native language. Thank you in Lithuanian; aciu sounds like “a-choo” .

So if you want a vacation spot a little off the grid, not as trendy and popular as some other European destinations, but far cheaper, less crowded and equally interesting, consider Lithuania. Don’t be afraid of the witches and goblins, they only come out to party after sunset. The dragons are forever locked away in the castle dungeons and the devils are many, but seemingly harmless. As for the pagans, they are alive and well in modern day Lithuania, but that’s the best part.

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