Lithuania is the southernmost of the three Baltic countries. Along with neighbouring Estonia and Latvia the country has attracted a fair number of tourists since the fall of Soviet 'communism' in the 1990's. They visit to experience the unique culture of these countries that were once hidden behind the Iron Curtain. Lithuania is marked, for better and for worse, by years of Soviet domination, but it is certainly an interesting travel destination, both historically and culturally.
Find your travel arrangement to Lithuania here
Region and City Guides
Region:
City:
Facts
Local name
Lietuvos Respublika
Capital
Vilnius (597,000)
Size
65,200 sq. km
Principal Languages
Lithuanian
Principal Religion
Roman Catholic
Inhabitants
3,700,000 (1995)
Government
Republic
Geography
Lithuania is a very flat country. It has a number of rivers - with Nemunas as the largest - and some small islands.
Travel preparation
Best time to visit
You can visit Lithuania all year around, but in terms of the weather it is best to go in the period from May to October. The Lithuanian winter can be very cold and snowy.
Local conditions
Weight and Measures
Lithuania uses the metric system.
Photography
If you avoid taking pictures of public buildings and exhibit general courtesy by asking people's permission before photographing them you shouldn't have any problems.
Drinking water
Don't use Lithuanian tap water for drinking or for brushing your teeth.
Electricity
220 Volts AC/50 Hz
Business Hours
Banks are open from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm Monday to Friday, and some banks open for business again for a few hours in the afternoon as well.
Shops are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturdays. Some shops will close for lunch.
Offices are open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 2.00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday. Government offices are open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday.
Shops are open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday and from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm Saturdays. Some shops will close for lunch.
Offices are open from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and again from 2.00 pm to 6:00 pm Monday to Friday. Government offices are open from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm Monday to Friday.
Food and drink
The menus in Lithuanian restaurants are mainly inspired by Russian and Slavic cuisine, so varieties of flesh dishes are the dominant fare. In the drink department there is local Lithuanian vodka and liquors, and the country's excellent beer.
Holidays
New Year's Day: January 1
Independence Day: February 16
Day of National Rebirth: March 11
Labour Day: May 1
National Day: July 6
All Saints Day: November 1
Christmas: December 25 and 26
Independence Day: February 16
Day of National Rebirth: March 11
Labour Day: May 1
National Day: July 6
All Saints Day: November 1
Christmas: December 25 and 26
Accommodation / Hotel
Like the other Baltic countries, Lithuania has really 'pulled itself up by the bootlaces' since the fall of soviet 'communism'. Most hotels and camping grounds are up to West European standards, but there are still establishments existing with very poor standards.
Book your Hotel in Lithuania here
Book your Hotel in Lithuania here
Camping
There are a number of camping grounds in Lithuania, mostly along the coast and near the major cities. Many of the inland camping grounds are fairly shabby, sometimes no more than a piece of bare ground.
After the fall of soviet 'communism' the Lithuanian people have worked hard to bring the hotels up to Western standards - and with some success. The invasion of the international Hotel chains has been particularly successful. You still run into the odd ultra low quality Hotel, but then the price is accordingly low.
Other Accommodation
The Lithuanian tourist office arranges private accommodation with local families, and unless you have a problem with living close together with people you don't known, it can be a very rewarding cultural experience.
Youth hostels are quite common in Lithuania.
Youth hostels are quite common in Lithuania.
Local transport
Getting around in Lithuania is easy, but not always very comfortable. In general, the roads are in OK shape, but rough surfaces and potholes are still common.
Planes
Apart from the main airport in Vilnius there are a number of small airstrips, but there aren't many domestic Flights.
Bus
Lithuanian buses are generally cheaper, faster, and more reliable than the trains. Furthermore the buses will take you to even the most remote corners of the country.
Trains
The Lithuanian railways connect the major cities, but if you're going out in the country, you should probably take the bus.
Taxi
It's easy to hail a taxi in most Lithuanian cities. They're generally cheap, but remember that they usually charge extra at night. It's always a good idea to agree on the price before the ride.
car rental
You can rent both cars and chauffeurs in Lithuania through your Hotel or directly from a rental company. The Lithuanian road system is generally not bad, but many small roads are unpaved, and you will come across the occasional hole in the road.
