Things to know about Lithuania before your next travel

Lithuania, a country often overlooked by travelers, is a hidden treasure in Northern Europe. This Baltic nation offers a rich tapestry of history, stunning landscapes, and a unique cultural heritage that’s sure to captivate visitors. From its medieval castles to its pristine beaches, Lithuania has something for everyone.

Where is Lithuania Located?

Located in Northern Europe, Lithuania is one of the three Baltic states, alongside Latvia and Estonia. It shares borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Russia’s Kaliningrad Oblast to the southwest. The country’s western coast meets the Baltic Sea, providing it with a strategic position and beautiful shoreline.

Explore Lithuania

• Lithuania [Country Info]
• Safety Guides For Travelers To Lithuania

Brief History of Lithuania

Lithuania’s history is as complex as it is fascinating. The country traces its roots back to the 13th century when it emerged as a powerful medieval kingdom. Under the rule of Grand Duke Gediminas and his successors, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania became one of the largest states in Europe, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea. In 1569, Lithuania formed a union with Poland, creating the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. However, by the end of the 18th century, the country was partitioned and came under Russian rule. Lithuania briefly gained independence in 1918, only to be occupied by the Soviet Union during World War II. It wasn’t until 1990 that Lithuania regained its independence, becoming the first Soviet republic to declare itself free from Moscow’s rule.

Landscapes of Lithuania

The landscapes of Lithuania are diverse and breathtaking. The country is known for its lush forests, which cover about a third of its territory. These woodlands are home to a variety of wildlife, including elk, deer, and even wolves. Lithuania’s coastline stretches for 90 kilometers, featuring long stretches of sandy beaches and the unique Curonian Spit, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inland, the country is dotted with over 3,000 lakes, providing ample opportunities for water activities and scenic views.

Geographical of Lithuania

Lithuania can be divided into five main geographical regions:

1. The coastal lowlands along the Baltic Sea
2. The Samogitian Highlands in the northwest
3. The Middle Lithuanian Lowland
4. The Sudovian Highlands in the south
5. The Eastern Lithuanian Highlands

Tourism in Lithuania

Tourism in Lithuania has been growing steadily in recent years. The capital city, Vilnius, is a major draw with its well-preserved Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visitors can wander through cobblestone streets, admire baroque architecture, and explore numerous churches and museums. The Hill of Crosses near Šiauliai is another popular attraction, featuring thousands of crosses placed by pilgrims over the years. For nature lovers, the Curonian Spit offers pristine beaches and sand dunes, while Trakai Island Castle provides a glimpse into medieval Lithuania.

Lithuanian Cuisine

Lithuanian cuisine is hearty and flavorful, reflecting the country’s agricultural traditions and long, cold winters. Staple foods include potatoes, rye bread, and various meats, particularly pork. One of the most famous Lithuanian dishes is cepelinai, large dumplings made from grated potatoes and stuffed with meat or cheese. They’re often served with sour cream and bacon bits.

Another beloved dish is šaltibarščiai, a cold beet soup that’s particularly popular in summer. It’s made with buttermilk, beets, cucumbers, and dill, resulting in a vibrant pink color. Lithuanians also take pride in their beer-making traditions, with many small breweries producing unique and flavorful craft beers.

Population and demographics

As of 2024, Lithuania’s population stands at about 2.8 million people. The country has experienced significant demographic changes since regaining independence, with emigration being a major factor. However, in recent years, there’s been a trend of Lithuanians returning home and an increase in immigration from other countries.

Lithuania is a relatively homogeneous country in terms of ethnicity. According to the 2021 census, Lithuanians make up 84.6% of the population. The largest ethnic minorities are Poles (6.5%) and Russians (5%). Other minority groups include Belarusians, Ukrainians, and Jews.

Languages spoken in Lithuania

The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian, which belongs to the Baltic branch of the Indo-European language family. It’s one of the oldest living Indo-European languages and is known for its conservatism, retaining many archaic features that have been lost in other languages.

While Lithuanian is the primary language used in government, education, and media, you’ll find that many Lithuanians, especially in urban areas and younger generations, speak English quite well. Russian is also widely understood, particularly among older generations who grew up during the Soviet era. In some regions, particularly near the Polish border, you might hear Polish being spoken as well.

Travel Safety In Lithuania

When it comes to travel safety, Lithuania is generally considered a safe country to visit. Crime rates are relatively low, especially violent crime. However, as with any destination, it’s important to take standard precautions. Petty theft can occur in tourist areas and on public transportation, so keep an eye on your belongings and be aware of your surroundings.

In recent years, Lithuania has made significant efforts to improve road safety, but caution is still advised when driving, especially in rural areas where road conditions may vary. In winter, be prepared for snow and ice on the roads. It’s also worth noting that Lithuania has strict laws regarding alcohol consumption and driving, with a very low legal blood alcohol limit.

Emergency Numbers

In case of emergencies, here are the important numbers to know:

• 112 – General Emergency (Police, Fire, Ambulance)
• 01 – Fire Station
• 02 – Police
• 03 – Medical Emergency

Currency Used In Lithuania

The official currency of Lithuania is the Euro (€), which it adopted in 2015. This makes travel within the Eurozone convenient, as you won’t need to exchange currency if you’re coming from another Euro-using country.

ATMs are widely available in cities and towns, and credit cards are accepted in most establishments, especially in urban areas. However, it’s always a good idea to carry some cash, particularly if you’re planning to visit smaller towns or rural areas where card payments might not always be possible.

Popular Cities In Lithuania

Here’s a list of the top 20 cities in Lithuania by population:

1. Vilnius
2. Kaunas
3. Klaipėda
4. Šiauliai
5. Panevėžys
6. Alytus
7. Marijampolė
8. Mažeikiai
9. Jonava
10. Utena
11. Kėdainiai
12. Tauragė
13. Telšiai
14. Ukmergė
15. Visaginas
16. Plungė
17. Kretinga
18. Palanga
19. Radviliškis
20. Šilutė

Interesting Facts about Lithuania

1. Lithuania was the last pagan country in Europe to convert to Christianity.
2. The Lithuanian language is one of the oldest living languages in the world.
3. Basketball is considered the second religion in Lithuania.
4. Vilnius University, founded in 1579, is one of the oldest universities in Eastern Europe.
5. Lithuania has the fastest public Wi-Fi in the world.
6. The geographical center of Europe is located in Lithuania, just north of Vilnius.
7. Lithuania was the first Soviet republic to declare independence from the USSR.
8. The country has one of the highest rates of hot air balloon usage per capita in the world.
9. Lithuanians are among the tallest people in the world.
10. The Lithuanian national anthem is called “Tautiška giesmė” (The National Song).

Customs, Norms, and Etiquettes

• Greetings:
  Lithuanians typically greet each other with a handshake. Close friends might hug or kiss on the cheek. It’s common to use formal titles (Mr., Mrs., Dr.) until invited to use first names.
• Punctuality:
  Being on time is valued in Lithuania. It’s considered polite to arrive at the agreed time for social gatherings and a few minutes early for business meetings.
• Gift-giving:
  When invited to someone’s home, it’s customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, chocolates, or a bottle of wine. If bringing flowers, make sure the bouquet has an odd number of flowers, as even numbers are associated with funerals.
• Dining etiquettes:
  Wait for the host to start eating before you begin. It’s polite to try everything that’s offered. Leaving a small amount of food on your plate is considered polite, as it suggests you’ve had enough to eat.
• Conversation topics:
  Lithuanians generally appreciate discussions about their culture, history, and nature. However, be cautious when discussing the Soviet era, as it can be a sensitive topic for some.
• Shoes off:
  In many Lithuanian homes, it’s customary to remove your shoes when entering. Your host will usually let you know if this is necessary.
• Public behavior:
  Lithuanians tend to be reserved in public. Loud talking or public displays of affection are generally frowned upon.
• Drinking culture:
  While Lithuanians enjoy socializing over drinks, public drunkenness is not well-regarded. It’s common to toast before drinking, often with the word “Į sveikatą” (To your health).

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External Resources:

• World Factbook – Lithuania:
  https://www.cia.gov/the-world-factbook/countries/lithuania/
• Wiki Travel – Lithuania:
  https://wikitravel.org/en/Lithuania
• State Travel Advisory – Lithuania:
  https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Lithuania.html

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