View over the roofs and church towers of Kaunas. © Tadas/stock.adobe.com
View over the roofs and church towers of Kaunas. © Tadas/stock.adobe.com

Kaunas – Cultural Capital with Tradition

Published: 13 June 2024, 14:30

Kaunas is the second largest city in Lithuania after Vilnius. The rich history of the former Lithuanian capital, which still shapes the cityscape today, dates back to the 14th century. Divided into new and old towns, Kaunas has both a modern, creative side and neighbourhoods where you feel as if time has stood still. To stroll through the alleys of the well-preserved old town is to experience pure relaxation. The many architectural styles from Gothic to Baroque to Bauhaus make Kaunas an architectural jewel in European city tourism.

In the 2022 Capital of Culture year, Kaunas presented a wide range of cultural offerings and put modernist architecture right in the foreground. Many small galleries, art events and theatres, as well as a wealth of interesting museums, still attract culture lovers to the Lithuanian city today. Numerous festivals such as the Architecture Festival, Design Week and the Textile Art Biennale complement its extensive cultural programme.

Numbers, data, facts

  • Time difference: + 1 hour
  • Population: 400.000
  • Official language: Lithuanian
  • Currency: EUR (Euro)

Ten Highlights of Kaunas

Kaunas – The Heart of Lithuania

Kaunas is embedded in a beautiful natural landscape characterised by dense forests, lakes and rivers. The city, which lies at the confluence of the Neris and Memel rivers, is often referred to by locals as the Heart of Lithuania. Due to its central location in Lithuania, the smallest Baltic country can be easily explored from Kaunas. The city is ideal both as a starting point for a tour of Lithuania and for day trips in all directions. Beautiful destinations include the Curonian Spit with the highest dunes in Europe, the Trakai Water Fortress, the magnificent forest and lake landscapes of the national parks and the Siauliai Hill of Crosses. Those who do not yet know Lithuania will discover a country full of unknown beauty.

Fascinating Lithuania: Five Excursions from Kaunas

Kaunas from BER

Five Travel Tips for …

1. The Devil's Museum with more than 3,000 masks, pictures and sculptures

2. The Museum of Medicine and Pharmacy in an old pharmacy

3. The art museum in honour of the Lithuanian artist MK Ciurlionis  

4. The City Museum in the White Swan (Town Hall)

5. The Maironis Museum next to the Town Hall (Literature Museum)

1. Ideal for summer: saltibarsciai (cold beetroot soup)

2. Popular national dish: cepelinai (stuffed potato dumplings)

3. Hearty and down-to-earth: kugelis (potato dish from the oven)

4. For snacking: kepta duona (bread with garlic)

5. Sweet dessert: simtalapis (filled pastry)

1. Admire street art on the houses and walls

2. Cross Lake Lampedis by pedal boat or kayak

3. Stroll along the river Neman

4. Listen to the birds singing in the Botanical Garden

5. Take the funicular to a viewpoint

Picture Source title:
© Tadas/stock.adobe.com 

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