Amber Coast & Baroque
Travel Tips
-
Embrace the Local Culture
Bring flowers in odd numbers to hosts.
-
Respect Nature
Cycle the Curonian Spit’s dune forests.
-
Be Flexible
Buses complement rail—book online.
-
Support Local Businesses
Contactless popular; tip 10 % if happy.
Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses sprouted 200,000 crucifixes on a small mound where Soviet bulldozers repeatedly failed to destroy this symbol of peaceful resistance—today three generations plant crosses together in powerful acts of remembrance. The wooden crosses range from tiny pendants to 5-meter giants, creating a forest of faith that rattles hauntingly in Baltic winds. Nearby Šiauliai’s Saulės Delta aquapark ($20/family) provides post-pilgrimage fun with Lithuania’s longest lazy river where toddlers float while teenagers tackle kamikaze slides.
Trakai Island Castle rises from Lake Galvė where 14th-century red brick reflects in waters that freeze solid enough for ice fishing each winter. Summer paddleboat rentals ($15/hour) circle the castle while traditional kibinai pastries—Karaite meat pies brought by Crimean Tatars—fuel exploration. Hotel Pacai in Vilnius ($380/night) occupies a baroque mansion where breakfast includes cepelinai (zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings) that challenge even teenage appetites.
Curonian Spit’s shifting sand dunes reach 60 meters high where “Lithuanian Sahara” buried entire villages—wooden stairs climb Parnidis Dune for views into Russia’s Kaliningrad. Thomas Mann’s summer house museum ($4) in Nida reveals where the Nobel laureate wrote while children prefer hunting amber on beaches where Baltic storms deposit prehistoric resin containing 40-million-year-old insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to see what Lithuania has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
-
Visit Vilnius for historical sites like the Gediminas Tower and Vilnius Cathedral, explore Trakai Castle, enjoy the beaches in Palanga, and partake in family-friendly activities at the Lithuanian Sea Museum. Don’t miss the annual Vilnius Festival in June and the Sea Festival in Palanga in late July.
-
A vacation rental with at least 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms is ideal for a family of 4-6, ensuring everyone has space and privacy.
-
Budget approximately €100-€200 per night for the vacation rental, with a total trip budget of around €1,500-€2,500, covering flights, accommodation, meals, and activities.
-
Essential amenities include a fully equipped kitchen for family meals, laundry facilities for convenience, and outdoor space for kids to play. Wi-Fi is also important for staying connected.
-
Vilnius is a great base for exploring, with family-friendly neighborhoods like Užupis and the Old Town. Trakai is also ideal for day trips, offering scenic views and historical sites.
-
Public transportation includes buses and trams in Vilnius, with options for car rentals and taxis. Consider using rideshare apps for convenience.
-
Check platforms like Airbnb or Booking.com for vacation rentals, filtering for family-friendly properties, and read reviews focusing on cleanliness, safety, and amenities. Look for Superhost statuses or properties with high ratings (4.5 stars and above).