Sightseeing in Lithuania
Including Curonian Spit, Hill of Crosses, and Kaunas Old Town. On the map.
The vibe
Lithuania’s compact historic towns let you walk straight into layers of medieval, baroque, and Soviet history, a feeling you rarely get in larger nations. Late spring through early autumn offers long daylight and bustling street festivals that make the sites come alive. The experience blends organized city tours with easy wandering, so you’ll encounter both modest crowds and quiet corners.
Curonian Spit, Neringa
Klaipėda County
Alexey Komarov / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
This thin, 98-kilometer-long curving sand dune spit separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Known for its massive shifting dunes and picturesque wooden fishing villages like Nida, it is a UNESCO-listed landscape of rare natural and cultural beauty.
Access. Accessible by ferry from Klaipėda, followed by bus or car travel along the spit.
Notes. Visitors must pay an ecological fee to enter the national park area.
Hill of Crosses, Šiauliai
Šiauliai County
Diliff / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
A unique and hauntingly beautiful pilgrimage site, this small hill is covered in hundreds of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, and statues placed by visitors over centuries. It stands as a powerful testament to Lithuanian faith, resilience, and national identity.
Access. Located near the city of Šiauliai; most travelers reach it via rental car or a short taxi ride from the local bus station.
Notes. Respectful behavior is expected as it is a sacred site.
Kaunas Old Town, Kaunas
Kaunas County
August BigHead ( BigHead ) / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Kaunas features a charming historic center where the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers meets a well-preserved medieval castle. The area is celebrated for its distinctive red-brick architecture and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
Access. Located in the center of Kaunas, easily reachable by train from Vilnius or by walking from the city's main thoroughfares.
Trakai Island Castle, Trakai
Vilnius County
Hans Brian Brandsberg Berg from Kalmar, SWEDEN / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
Situated on an island in Lake Galvė, this iconic 14th-century red-brick castle is a masterpiece of medieval defensive architecture. It serves as a symbol of Lithuania's Grand Duchy history and offers a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding blue waters.
Access. A popular day trip from Vilnius, reachable by a 30-minute train or bus ride followed by a short walk.
Notes. Can get crowded during summer weekends; the interior museum requires a ticket.
Vilnius Old Town, Vilnius
Vilnius County
Oleg Krivolapov / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
One of the largest and best-preserved medieval old towns in Northern Europe, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a labyrinth of winding streets and diverse architectural styles. Travelers come to admire the blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings that define the Lithuanian capital's historic heart.
Access. Easily accessible by walking from the central Vilnius train and bus stations or via public transit within the city.
Notes. Best explored on foot; the area is largely pedestrianized.