Lithuania is one of the three countries along with Latvia and Estonia that constitute the Baltic states. Lithuania was the first country to declare independence from the Soviet Union which it did in March 1990 leading the way for other countries to break free as well. I flew from Milano to Vilnius 2 years ago. The temperature was over 35 degrees in Milano but when we arrive in Vilnius, the temperature was around 15 degrees. So It was so weird. We lived two season in 1 hour. I have been to whole Baltic area but I enjoyed more in Lithuania than any other Baltic country. The people are there were nice and so kind. Vilnius has about half million population and the city actually was cheap If we compare the other Europen countries. We have found a host on couchsurfing( Couchsurfing is a hospitality service which helps to traveller) for Vilnius We have stayed her haouse for 2 days. She was nice and so kind.
Vilnius
Vilnius is quite a unique city. It has an image of a modern metropolis. On the other hand, Vilnius has kept features of a rural, small town. Vilnius is very green. You can walk through the whole old town by foot.
As I remember, the first day we went to genocide museum. It was so sad to learn about their history beacuse they lived so heartbreaking things in their past. I could not take pictures inside the museum beacuse It was forbidden to take picture but I’ve taken some pictures somewhere near the museum. It might give you some idea why they called there genocide museum.
Actually, I loved Lithuanian people because they love playing basketball like I do like. Look how they are playing on the streets, they even closed the traffic for that.
Trakai
After 2 days spending our time in lovely city in Vilnius, we went to Trakai which is quite turistic place. If you are planing to visit Lithuania, do not leave Lithuania without visiting to Trakai. You can explore whole Trakai in a few hours.
I will introduce you to Trakai castle now. The castle was built in 14th century by a Lithuanian monarch. As his new primary residence and treasury the castle suffered interminable damage during Its first phase and was besieged twice after the assassination of It's patron monarch. During the second part of construction a chapel and interior yard and more defence structures were added. The foundation of the structure is primarily made of stone while more accessible parts are made of red gothic brick giving it a gothic and Romanesque look. The walls made thicker during the third phaseand the castle become a fortress and prison. In the aftermath of world war II a significant reconstruction of the castle was undertaken which led to it now being open to visitors year-round.
Nida Island
I think Nida island is the best part of Lithuania. We have found host on couchsurfing. He was living in somewhere near Nida island. He was alone and an old guy who is helpful and nice. When I checked his couchsurfing account, I saw that he hosted over 100 people. He was like he is continue his life that just by helping to travellers. We went to Nida island and I really loved the weather, the beauty of nature there. We rented bicycle with my friend. As I remember, It was coast 10 or 20 Euro which was quite expensive but what to do ? we could not discover whole island by walking.
We traveled the entire island and we get back to house. We ask to him for recommendation about how to go by hitchhiking from there to Riga where capital city of Latvia. He explained everything how we can go and we've leaved his house. And we went the place where we should wait for hitchhking. You know If you are a beautiful girl It's easy to hitchhike but If you are two tanned guy like us in Lithuania, It's almost impossible to find a driver who can drive you where you want to go. We have waited there for four hours but we never give up. We know that somebody will stop soon. In the end, a guy stopped and picked up us. If I see him again in this life, I will buy whatever he wants.He is a real lifesaver.
Thanks for reading my post , please let me know If you've ever been in Lithuania before or just comment in below what you think about this amazing country.
All pictures are taken by me.
