Investigating the Emerging Lithuanian 'Golden Triangle' - European Perspective
Fancy a fresh European adventure? Check out the thrilling "Golden Triangle" of southern Lithuania, encompassing the country's two largest cities, an unbelievable spa town, and a breathtaking national park.
No matter if you're in a group tour or driving solo with a rental car, this triangular route is roughly 150 miles (250 km) or a manageable three and a half hours total drive time.
Lithuania's Golden Triangle caters to just about anyone who enjoys a lively European summer vacation, offering historic buildings and churches, art and architecture, outdoor adventures, fantastic bars, and even Michelin-star restaurants.
For self-drivers, weekly rentals from Vilnius Airport range from a wallet-friendly $160 for a Volkswagen Polo or other economy car and $190 for a Toyota Yarus compact SUV up to around $500 for a BMW 5 Series or Audi Q5 luxury SUV. The transportation's pure, especially the multi-lane A1 motorway between Vilnius and Kaunas, and unleaded gas is currently going for $6 per gallon (Euro 1.45 per liter).
Here are some unforgettable experiences along the way:
Hello, Vilnius!
With half a dozen major universities and tens of thousands of students, Vilnius is occasionally referred to as the Athens of the North. Expect to see plenty of baroque and renaissance buildings in the old town on your way to the city's must-see spots.
Start by climbing Gediminas' Hill, where you'll find castle walls, watchtowers, and a bird's eye view of the sprawling metropolis, the River Neris dividing the colorful old town from modern buildings on the north side. You can hike up for free or opt for the funicular for a small fee.
Take a stroll through the funky Užupis neighborhood, which humorously declared itself an independent republic in 1997. It’s famous for its quirky outdoor artworks, one-of-a-kind cafes, and a bohemian vibe. The district even has a faux border patrol post that doubles as a souvenir shop.
Don't miss the MO Museum of modern art, opened in 2018 inside a stunning contemporary structure with a spiraling staircase. Expect both a permanent collection and edgy exhibitions, such as a recent one exploring sexuality in Lithuania during Soviet times.
Take a trip back in time with a guided tour of the infamous Lukiškės Prison, where the Tsar's thugs and later the KGB imprisoned and tortured dissidents and political prisoners. Afterward, enjoy live music or sip craft beer at the outdoor bar now occupying the prison yard's main area.
Stimulate your taste buds at Vilnius' newly crowned Michelin-star restaurants in the old town. Nineteen18 (named after the year Lithuania won its independence from Tsarist Russia) offers a 10-dish menu with colorful explanations from owner/chef Andrius Kubilius about how he created the signature dishes.
Hello again, Kaunas!
As the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, one of Europe's largest and most powerful nations during the Late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, Kaunas is steeped in history.
Kaunas Castle epitomizes a medieval citadel, featuring fortified bastions and imposing defense towers. Visit during the warmer months to catch open-air plays, concerts, and events at the castle amphitheater.
Take a leisurely walk down Laisves Aleja and Vilniaus gatve, two tree-lined avenues in the city center that have been converted into pedestrian zones. You'll pass Numerous restaurants and cafes, stretching between the dramatic 19th-century Church of St. Michael the Archangel and the elegant 16th-century Kaunas Town Hall. Stop off at a side street to admire the elaborate Gothic façade of the House of Perkūnas.
Take in the panoramic view from the observation deck atop Aleksotas Hill on the Nemunas River. Take a hike up or ride the ancient funicular to the summit.
Modern art thrived in Kaunas, and you can see it at the M. K. Čiurlionis National Art Museum, housed inside a classic Art Deco building. The museum displays the work of artist Čiurlionis and other modern painters, sculptors, musicians, photographers, and folk artists. The Satellite Devil's Museum, part of the main collection, boasts over 3,000 depictions of demons, evil spirits, and incubi from around the world.
Woodsy Delights in Birštonas and Trakai
The second side of the Golden Triangle leads to Birštonas, an old spa town nestled in the densely forested countryside. Among its half-dozen wellness resorts is the luxurious Vytautas Mineral Spa, offering modern Scandinavian-style rooms and various health and beauty treatments, such as massages, facials, water aerobics, and traditional peat mud wraps.
Travel back in time with a hike through the Birštonas Forest, once the private hunting grounds of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. Take the trail to the Birštonas Observation Tower for a panoramic view of the Nemunas River meandering through the heavily wooded Nemunas Loops Regional Park.
The final side of the triangle takes you on a scenic drive through the countryside en route to Trakai, passing Trakai Historical National Park. It revolves around a majestic 14th-century island castle.
A wooden bridge connects visitors from the mainland to the castle, but you can also view the towering bastions from scenic boat trips that depart from Trakai village. The picturesque Trakai village is also home to one of Lithuania's most intriguing dining experiences, Karaim cuisine served at Restaurant Kybynlar.
If you're staying overnight in Trakai at one of its many boutique hotels or guesthouses, rise early the next day for a stunning hot-air balloon ride over the lakes, woods, and castle before the half-hour drive back to Vilnius.
- Exploring the Golden Triangle of southern Lithuania, venture through thrilling thoroughfares, with the A1 motorway between Vilnius and Kaunas offering a smooth drive.
- In Vilnius, known as the Athens of the North, appreciate baroque and renaissance architecture, and take a stroll through the quirky Užupis neighborhood, famous for its outdoor artworks and bohemian vibe.
- Visit the cleverly declared independent republic of Užupis, and don't forget to stop by the MO Museum of modern art for both a permanent collection and edgy exhibitions.
- Take a guided tour of Lukiškės Prison, a chilling reminder of past atrocities, and later enjoy live music or craft beer at the outdoor bar in the prison yard's main area.
- Savour dishes crafted by the talented chefs at Vilnius' swanky new Michelin-star restaurants, like the 10-dish menu at Nineteen18.
- In Kaunas, steeped in history as the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, marvel at Kaunas Castle and the Church of St. Michael the Archangel.
- Stroll along Laisves Aleja and Vilniaus gatve, passing numerous eateries and cafes, and admire the elaborate Gothic façade of the House of Perkūnas.
- Experience the panoramic view from the observation deck atop Aleksotas Hill in Kaunas or embark on a hot-air balloon ride over Trakai's picturesque countryside, lakes, and castle, an unforgettable adventure for any traveler.
