A Travel Guide for Schengen Countries: Delightful Lithuania

A perfect blend of nature's wonders, Soviet architecture remnants and bustles of city life is what Lithuania presents to its visitors. The many castles and museums depict the rich heritage of the country, while the beaches and forests offer travelers an ideal paradise to unwind. The deep influence of culture in Lithuanian life can be experienced through the various festivals held during the year.

Why Visit Lithuania

If you are looking to unravel the mysteries of ancient civilizations and pagan cultures, Lithuania is your ideal vacation destination. If ‘reconnecting with nature' is part of your vacation itinerary, visit Lithuania. Discover the Curonian Spit, with its pristine sandy beaches or explore forest trails.

Enjoy the music of the shepherd's horn or wooden bells, which are characteristic of Lithuanian traditions and form part of most music and dance festivals of the country.

When to Visit

Anytime is a good time to visit Lithuania. The summer months from June to August bring out the best of the country, with warm seawater ideal for a swim and several festivals. The weather is pleasant in September and October too, with autumn coloring the landscape, making it ideal for countryside visits.

The winter months find Lithuania covered with snow and the temperatures are usually below freezing point. There are several festivals celebrated during this season, which add to the charm of the country. The waters are usually too cold for a swim during winter.

Spring in Lithuania is short and is a great time to visit the country. If you visit during late April or early May, you could be lucky enough to witness the transformation of the landscapes from winter white to spring colors!

Schengen Visa for Lithuania

Every tourist needs to possess a Schengen Visa to travel to Lithuania. Considered as a boon for tourists, the Schengen Pact is the result of cooperation between 26 European countries. These countries have eliminated individual visa requirements, thereby minimizing border control.

The Pact ensures tourists and citizens enjoy hassle-free movement within the member countries on a common visa. Simply put, a Schengen Visa lets one travel to any member country without applying for multiple visas.

How to Apply for a Schengen Visa

To apply for a Schengen Visa, one needs to download the Visa Application Form, which is easily available online. Submit the duly filled form along with valid documentation to the destination country's embassy in India.

Remember, the form needs to be filled carefully stating the reason for your visit. It also needs to be supported with your recent financial statement. Also, availing the right travel insurance plan is mandatory for securing a visa approval for a Schengen country.

How to Travel

The capital city of Lithuania, Vilnius, has an international airport that is well connected to European and Russian countries. The airport is about 6 km from the main city and there are regular bus and train services from the airport to the city. The Palanga International Airport is also connected to European countries.

If you are visiting Northern Lithuania, it is ideal to book a flight to Riga International Airport in Latvia and take a bus or taxi from there. You can also hop on the Flybus, which is a shuttle between Lithuanian and Latvian airports, from Riga. Lithuania is connected via rail to Latvia, Russia, Poland and Belarus, making train travel to the country another suitable option.

You can also travel by car on the Via Baltica, the highway that connects Kaunas in Lithuania to Warsaw and the other Baltic countries of Latvia and Estonia.

Once in Lithuania, buses are a reliable form of public transport. The roads in Lithuania are one of the best in Europe, with highways connecting the cities of Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Panevezys and the town of Palanga. The major cities such as Vilnius and Kaunas have buses as well as trolleybuses (electric buses). Apart from the good road conditions, the bus services are regular and economical, making it the most comfortable means for sightseeing. Timetables are available online, so you can schedule your visits accordingly.

You can also use cars or bikes to get around. Most major roads in the cities have a separate path for bikes and the bike renting system in Vilnius offers bikes free, for half-hour trips. The rail system is as efficient as the networks in other European countries and are usually slower than buses, though less expensive.

Where to Stay

Things to Do

While there are several features common to all Baltic countries, such as the beaches, fine weather and unexplored countryside, here are a few things you can look forward to do on your tour to Lithuania.

• Learn Lithuanian history
  Lithuania has a rich history and the Lithuanians have preserved their past well, through the various structures and traditions, despite the transition of the country into an economic hub. UNESCO has declared the Old Town of Vilnius as a World Heritage Site, owing to its medieval architecture.
  In addition, there are several museums such as the National Museum in Vilnius, Open Air Museum in Rumsiskes and cathedrals. You can hike up the 'Hill of Crosses', a pilgrimage centre, and be in awe of the acts of faith. Also, explore the recreated soviet bunker, about 25 km from Vilnius, which can give you a rare opportunity to experience the life back in the Soviet era.
• Explore Lithuanian castles and fortresses
  Raudondvaris Castle (Red Manor) is located about 10 km from Kaunas, in the village of Raudondvaris. It is a redbrick manor with majestic towers and walls. Raudone Castle is popular for its neo-gothic architecture while Panemune Castle is located on a hill surrounded by ponds, bringing together nature and history. All three castles are located along the Neman River.
  Another sight to visit is the Trakai Island Castle located in the Lake Galve. Kaunas Fortress, which is partly under renovation, serves as a museum. It was built as a defensive structure and was later used for interrogation and execution during the Soviet rule.
• Imbibe Lithuanian culture
  Lithuania celebrates a number of festivals during the year, such as the Kaunas' Song and Dance Festival, Jazz Festival and International Poetry Festival in April and May, which exhibit the culture of the country. Kaziuko muge or Saint Casimir's Fair is held during March in Vilnius and is the annual arts and crafts fair.
  Sartai horse racing is a spectacular event, where races are conducted on the ice formed on Lake Sartai during February.
  Menuo Juodaragis is a cultural festival of the tribes celebrated in the last weekend of summer. A medley of song, dance, art, and craft, it gives a significant peek into the traditions and culture. Alongside, do not forget to savor the Zeppelins, a delicacy that forms a part of Lithuanian cuisine, which is potato dumplings stuffed with meat.
• Enjoy Lithuanian landscape
  Your visit to Lithuania would be incomplete without a trip to the Curonian Spit, a sandy beach separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea coast. Pine trees and sand dunes constitute the stretch, making it the ideal place for a hike or unwind. Boars, deer and elk are a part of the wildlife in the spit. Exploring it is like recharging yourself!
  In addition to this, the country has several national and regional parks that are covered by untouched marshlands and dense forests. Explore the trails, go bird watching or simply lose yourself in the pristine beauty. The country is home to 3,000 odd lakes and relaxing by one lends tranquility. If you visit in winter, you might be lucky to see enchanting frozen lakes!

Do's & Don'ts in Lithuania

Whether you are visiting Lithuania for business or pleasure, keep in mind the following tips for an enjoyable stay there.

• Buses and crowded area are popular for pickpockets, so be alert and take care of your belongings during a sightseeing trip. Also, avoid leaving your possessions unattended in the car while you are outside.
• Stick to the main road after dark, especially in deserted areas or in uncertain neighborhoods.
• Lithuania is a crowded country and the traffic is quite dense in the city areas. Be alert while walking, since rash and irresponsible driving is common.
• If you are driving through the countryside or close to the forests, be cautious and drive at a moderate speed. Wild animals may cross your path without warning.

A comprehensive travel insurance plan offers peace of mind during your trip and some lovely Lithuanian memories to cherish.

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