Compact Lithuania has much to offer. Those with a passion for baroque architecture, ancient castles and archaeological treasures will find plenty in the capital and beyond. There are sculpture parks and interactive museums for travellers wishing to delve into the country's traumatic recent history; modern art spaces and exhibitions to titillate those whose interests are more contemporary; and all-night clubbing in the bigger cities and on the coast for those requiring something less cerebral.
Away from the cities, the pristine beaches and giant sand dunes on the west coast are a must-see. The Hill of Crosses is an unexpected delight. Elsewhere, the country’s woods and lakes come alive in summer with cyclists, berry pickers and campers.
COUNTRY FACTS
Area 65,303 sq km
Capital Vilnius
Country Code 370
Currency Euro (€)
Emergency 112
Language Lithuanian
Money ATMs are everywhere
Population 2.9 million
Visas Not required for citizens of the EU, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand, Switzerland or the US for stays of 90 days
CAR & MOTORCYCLE
Modern four-lane highways link Vilnius with Klaipėda (via Kaunas).
Drivers must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driving licence in their country of residence.
The speed limit is 50km/h in cities, 70km/h to 90km/h on two-lane highways, and 110km/h to 130km/h on motorways.
The blood-alcohol limit is 0.04%.
Headlights must be on day and night.
International and local car-rental agencies are well represented at Vilnius International Airport. Expect to pay around €150 per week for a compact.
LOCAL TRANSPORT
Lithuanian cities generally have good public transport, based on buses, trolleybuses and minibuses.
A ride usually costs around €1.
TRAIN
The country's efficient train network, Lithuanian Rail, links Vilnius to Kaunas, Klaipėda and Trakai, though for some journeys, including Kaunas to Klaipėda, buses are faster.
The Lithuanian Rail website has a handy timetable in English.
ESSENTIAL FOOD & DRINK
Potato creations Try the cepelinai (potato-dough 'zeppelin' stuffed with meat, mushrooms or cheese), bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes) oržemaičių blynai (heart-shaped mashed potato stuffed with meat and fried), or the vedarai (baked pig intestines stuffed with mashed potato).
Beer snacks No drinking session is complete without a plate of smoked pigs' ears and kepta duona (deep-fried garlicky bread sticks).
Beetroot delight Cold, creamy šaltibarščiai (beetroot soup) is a summer speciality, served with a side of fried potatoes.
Unusual meat Sample the game, such as beaver stew or bear sausages.
Smoked fish The Curonian Spit is famous for its smoked fish, particularly the superb rukytas unguris (smoked eel).
Beer and mead Šytutys, Utenos and Kalnapilis are top beers; midus(mead) is a honey-tinged nobleman's drink.
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