Lithuania
is the fastest growing tourist destination in Europe. Summer is the best
season to visit the Lithuanian cities and experience the beauty of
beach life at the Lithuanian seaside. Visitors can avoid the tourist rush
during late spring and early autumn. If visitors are targeting to experience
the night life and restaurants only then perhaps weather does not matter.
Vilnius is one of the main
Lithuanian tourist attractions. It is situated at the crossroads between
Eastern Europe, Scandinavia and Western Europe. Gediminas Castle
and Cathedral Square are prime sights of the city.
The Old Town of Vilnius also
has historical significance and it is enlisted in UNESCO world heritage
list in 1994. Vilnius has been targeted to transform into capital of European
Culture up to 2009 which will be a great achievement for the city in modern
time.
Another, tourist attractions
in Lithuania is Curonian Spit and Palanga. Curonian Spit can be recognized
as the major separation line between Curonian Lagoon and Baltic Sea. It
has been speculating that Curonian Spit was formed approximately 5000 years
ago. On the other hand, Palanga is a seaside resort town. There is myth
about the name is that it is named after a beautiful priestess who had
promised the god to guard her virginity for the whole life but it could
not happen and after the death of her husband "Kestutisâ", she returned
to this place and served the god until she died.
Today, visitors can get here
pagan's shrine. Some famous tourist centers of Palanga are Church of Saint
Marie, Zemaiciu alka, Pajurio Regional Park, Sea Bridge, the street of
J. Basanavicius, Birute hill and museum of Amber.
The major pilgrimage site
of Lithuania is hill of crosses. Its religious significance was recognized
on September 7, 1993 when Pope John Paul II visited this place and declared
it as the place of hope, peace, love and sacrifice.
Druskininkai is situated
at the estuary of the Nemunas River. The USP of this place is its beautiful
landscape which is amalgamation of rivers, lakes, hills and forests. It
is also known as "spa town" which was honored by czar Nicholas I of Russia
in 1837.
The first water park of Lithuania
is also in the credit of Druskininkai. The city is also a prime centre
of historical museums and galleries. "Druskininkai poetic fall" is a very
famous annual event of the city.
Thus, Lithuanian tourist
attractions are perfect combination of art, culture and trendiness which
have capability to attract visitors of different tastes and interests.
If, someone is looking for spirituality then "hill of crosses" may be the
perfect choice.
Similarly, Vilnius is offering
balance between trendiness and historical legacy and everyone should have
faith upon the administration as the city is targeted to be the capital
city of European culture. The great Myth attached with Palanga may attract
various tourists. Even, Curopian Spit has capability to proof itself as
a heritage hub. Although, in spite of various environmental concerns; it
is in the UNESCO's World Heritage List under cultural criteria.
Top
I
was looking for my next holiday destination and instead of returning back
to my favourite places I decided to give Vilnius a go, which sounded just
as charming and romantic. I was also looking for something new, a refreshing
break from some of Europe's mass tourism destinations. In a couple of weeks
I flew to Vilnius.
