In Lithuania, we have four seasons, and although cold and snowy winters are natural for locals, even we find them too long and too dark.
Fun fact: December 2023 beat the record of all time as the darkest month ever registered in Lithuania. The duration of sunlight averaged 8.7 hours, constituting only 30% of the December long-term norm (29 hours).
Additionally, new record lows for December sunlight were reached at three meteorological stations:
- In Varėna, the sun shone for only 2.4 hours for the entire month! (the previous record was 5.1 hours in 2000);
- In Vilnius – 2.9 hours (the previous record was 3.8 hours in 2018);
- In Kybartai, it was 8.7 hours (the previous record was 15.5 hours in 2018).
Do you understand now why Lithuanians are especially happy when spring finally arrives?
Longer days and warmer weather allow us to get back to nature or outside cafes, have longer walks, breathe the air with full lungs, and feel more energetic. Every spring brings much joy and is very good for our physical and mental health.
So, as this spring has finally shown up and we have lovely weather outside, let’s talk about places where local people love to go for a walk.
Europos parkas (Open Air Museum of the Center of Europe)
Near Vilnius lies Europos Parkas, a unique spot that blends park and museum right at Europe’s geographical heart. Created in 1991 by young Lithuanian sculptor Gintaras Karosas, this 55-hectare area showcases modern art worldwide.
The park boasts over 90 sculptures from 27 countries, including highlights like the LNK Infotree, made of 3,000 TVs, and the Monument of the Centre of Europe, both by Karosas. Visitors can rent bikes or wander among artworks made from wood, stone, metal, and more, enjoying natural springs and blooming flowers in spring.
Getting there
Take the bus 66 from Vilnius at the Žalgirio stop towards Skirgiškės, or drive—it’s about 15-20 minutes away. There is an entrance fee.
Varnikai Educational Nature Trail
Varnikai Trail winds through forests and swamps. Considered one of the rarest and most unique in the entire country, it is located in the Varnikai botanical-zoological reserve. The majority of the educational trail consists of a wooden pathway. It allows visitors to experience nature as it truly is. The route's length is 3.45 km.
Getting there
You can go to Trakai by train and from there join the trail. However, it will be a few extra kilometers.
If you’re driving, before reaching Trakai, turn right towards Lentvaris and, after a short drive, turn left upon seeing a sign for Varnikai.
Kadagių slėnis (Juniper Valley Trail)
Juniper Valley Trail was crowned the most beautiful Lithuanian nature trail in 2016. This is a pedestrian path winding through the Alvariškės Botanical Reserve. About half of the trail is decked out with boards, making it accessible for people with disabilities. Located in the Kaunas Lagoon Regional Park, the trail offers stunning views of the Nemunas Valley and brings you up close and personal with the shores of the Kaunas Lagoon. The entire route stretches to 1.3 km, making for a scenic stroll.
Source: Realisbeautifulstock
Getting there
The Juniper Valley is in the middle of the forest, about 25 km from Kaunas. Unfortunately, you can’t go there by public transport. For driving by car, enter Kadagių slėnis to the navigation system, which will direct you immediately.
Paulava Republic
Very few people know that in the 18th century, Lithuania was home to another tiny country—the Pavlov (Paulava) Republic. Spanning just 16.3 square kilometers, it was the second smallest country in the world at the time!
Unlike its neighbors stuck in serfdom, this mini-state offered peasants personal freedom, its currency, army, president, and even a constitution.
Founded by the forward-thinking noble Paweł Ksawery Brzostowski, the republic abolished serfdom, granting peasants property rights and freedom to trade and craft. This mini-nation, boasting schools, healthcare, and a unique government system, thrived for 30 years before fading into history, now remembered by the mysterious ruins of its capital, Pavlov, and its villages near Merkinė.
Getting there
It's near Merkinė village (35 km from Vilnius), not to be confused with Merkinė city in Alytus county. Use GPS coordinates for an accurate visit.
Olando kepurė (Dutchman’s Cap)
Dutchman's Cap is a 24.4 m high cliff on the Baltic Sea coast near Karklė. It was formed 12-15 thousand years ago by the Baltic glacier.
Dutchman's Cap has long been a landmark for sailors and fishermen, leading to the construction of navigational signs in the early 19th century and its subsequent marking on maps. It offers a stunning sea view with steep shores and rocky beaches. The cliff is a prime spot for watching birds flying over the sea.
Source: Realisbeautifulstock
The sea intensely erodes this parabolic dune. It’s changing constantly, so who knows what it will look like in 50 years? You should see it now while it’s so beautiful!
Getting there
The bus 24. It stops at the “Olando kepurė” bus stop, and then there is a nice pathway to the viewpoint.
The former Lithuanian Community manager wrote about more places worth visiting, like Kernavė, Labanoras, and Curonian Spit. You can read more about these places here.
Karolina, OLS Community Manager – Lithuanian