Tourism in Lithuania is definitely a growing business, and the country is proving ever more popular with all types of holiday makers. The stable economy and low crime rate when combined with the friendly people and wonderful sights make it a country well worth a visit and one that is cropping up in more and more vacation plans. The country is certainly unique in the Baltic States, with a capital city not of Germanic heritage and towns that represent the majority of European architectural movements from the centuries.

Vilnius is the most populated city in Lithuania, and the near-700 year old town is set in a beautiful wooded valley near the rivers of Neris and Vilnia. Many churches and cathedrals are open to perusal, such as St. Anne’s Church and the cathedral in Gediminas Square. Elsewhere in the internationally-influenced city is the University of Vilnius – one of the oldest universities in Europe. The long history of Lithuania is documented in a number of ways, from the street of gedimino prospektas, which documents all of the foreign powers that ruled over the country through the years, to the former KGB headquarters, now the Genocide Museum, documenting the atrocities the nation faced through the 20th century. Those wishing for more active pursuits in the capital can visit any number of renowned theatres, ballets, operas or puppet shows, and those looking for a bit of midus (a mild honey spirit) with their sightseeing can visit a host of bars, nightclubs, discos and restaurants.

Lithuania’s ‘second’ city, Kaunas, was at one point the capital and offers visitors the chance to see the industrial and cultural centre of the nation. Many museums and memorials adorn the city, including Freedom Avenue, Unity Square, the Mykolas Ћilinskas Art Museum and the Devil’s Museum, as well as churches and holy buildings such as Jesuit Church and the last remaining synagogue in the city – a reminder of the Jewish population that once was.

Elsewhere in the country are a multitude of activities, attractions and opportunities. The city of Trakai – an ancient capital of Lithuania – sits on the beautiful Lake Galve and is home to 14th century castles and museums, as well as its fair share of sheer magnificence. The Curonian Spit in the North of the country mixes pine scents with wild deer, elk and boar, and offers a simply wonderful experience of tranquillity. The multitude of small towns and villages dotted through the countryside all offer their stories of the history of Lithuania, and a fair few are home to more museums and ancient points of interest.

Hiking is popular in Lithuania owing to the flat nature of the country, and mountain biking is becoming more widespread. Fishing, windsurfing, skating and basketball are all popular pastimes, amongst others.