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Booklet presenting Lithuania to the European Union's new member, and inviting her to visit. It singled out 10 "reasons" to come to Lithuania, which attractive, interesting tourist objects and other features of the country.
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From cities and towns full of historic monuments to wonderful retreats in a pristine natural environment, Lithuania has places to go and things to see for everyone. This is a good time to discover one of the new members of the European Union as Lithuania has seen impressive economic growth in recent years. And with the already adequate tourist infrastructure being constantly developed and expanded and numerous flights connecting Lithuania with most major European airports, you will be sure to your Lithuanian experience will come off without a glitch. You will find out that Lithuanians are warm, open and hospitable people that will often go out of their way to help you.
Of course, this list barely touches upon what Lithuania has to offer to the visitor. We hope you will be able to discover your own reasons in person.
Lithuania - a new member of the European Union
Roam the medieval streets
Vilnius Old Town boasts outstanding architectural diversity in one of the largest and best-preserved old towns in all of Central and Eastern Europe. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque masterpieces. Narrow medieval streets, secluded courtyards, town castles and fortifications and an incredible number of churches reflect the city’s rich and vibrant history. The maze of streets and courtyards provide countless hours of exploration and travellers who wish to shop, dine and be entertained will face a variety of establishments from which to choose.
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Vilnius Old Town
Sea, sand and tranquility
Neringa
Neringa is the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Spit, a long and narrow sand peninsula that separates the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. This natural wonder, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, still exists today solely due to human efforts to counter the natural erosion process. The Neringa landscape is truly unique, dominated by picturesque sand dunes and pristine beaches. The area has a distinct ethnographic flavour, characterised by wooden fishermen cottages and the local speciality of smoked fish. Those looking for a quiet seaside vacation in picturesque surroundings will most definitely be not disappointed.
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The land of forests and lakes
Low population density means that most of the country consists of forests, lakes and farmland. Pollution levels are low, with problem spots few and far between, so expect to find most of the countryside in its natural pristine condition. Significant areas are designated national or regional parks that have their own facilities. Many private farmsteads and guest houses offer accommodation and leisure facilities so that you can indulge in days spent relaxing by the lake or by actively exploring the Lithuanian countryside. There are plenty of fishing and hunting opportunities, too.
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Unspoilt nature
Trakai, the ancient capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, is nestled amidst picturesque lakes. It is best known for its captivating 14th century fairytale castle on an island on lake Galvė, now housing a museum. Other than exploring the Gothic red brick castle, the town of Trakai itself with its quaint architecture is well-worth wandering around. There also are plenty of options for fun on the placid waters of the surrounding lakes. Due to its proximity to Vilnius, Trakai is a popular day trip destination.
TrakaiOut of a fairyta
le
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While several countries claim it, calculations made by the French national Geographic Institute in 1989 reveal that the geographical centre of Europe is in Lithuania. This is even listed in the Guiness Book of World Records. It lies just 26 km north of Vilnius, at 54°54’N, 25°19’E. This fact is celebrated by the nearby Open Air Museum of the Centre of Europe which exhibits sculptures created by artists from all over the world, including renowned contemporary artists like Magdalena Abakanowicz, Sol LeWitt and Dennis Oppenheim.
Beware of the imitators!
Geographical centre of Europe
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5 Area: 65 300 sq kmCoastline: 99 kmCapital: Vilnius (population 533 900)Population: 3.46 million (2002)Ethnic composition: Lithuanians 81,8 % Russians 8.1 % Poles 6.9 % other 3.2 % The state language: LithuanianThe national currency: Litas ( 1 EUR = 3.45 Lt)Local time: GMT+2 hours
Arrival and Transportation:By air: www.lal.lt, www.vilnius-airport.lt By ferry: www.krantas.ltBy bus: www.eurolines.ltBy train: www.litrail.lt
Tourist information: www.tourism.lt – official informationwww.LithuanianTravel.com – travel informationwww.vilnius.lt, www.tourism.vilnius.lt – about Vilniuswww.inyourpocket.com – travel guidewww.countryside.lt/en - countryside tourismwww.opera.lt, www.filharmonija.lt, www.teatras.lt – classical entertainmentwww.muziejai.lt – Lithuanian museums www.maps.lt – map of Lithuania
Lithuanian State Department of TourismA.Juozapaviciaus 13, 09311 Vilniusphone +370 5 [email protected]
Lithuanian Tourism FundA.Juozapaviciaus 13, 09311 Vilniusphone +370 5 [email protected]
Lithuania has come a long way in the recent years. The tourist sector is highly competitive now with new businesses cropping up all the time, and the tourist infrastructure is rapidly improving. You can be sure to expect modern amenities wherever you go: hotels, restaurants, well-stocked supermarkets, petrol stations, ATMs, etc. There are plenty of places adequately equipped to host a conference, no matter big or small, and plenty of options for that special incentive trip or any type of corporate functions.
All the modern amenities
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High standards
Eating out in Lithuania is certainly a rewarding experience. There are options for every taste and occasion, from typical Lithuanian cuisine to exotic ethnic restaurants, from bargain eateries to formal restaurants. And when the check comes you will be pleasantly surprised at how reasonable the prices are. Lithuanian beer is renowned for its distinctive full-bodied flavour and is to be found nearly everywhere – and at extremely reasonable prices, too! Vilnius features a dynamic and vibrant nightlife which is definitely not to be missed.
Satisfy your appetite
7 Food, drink and nightlife
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Revitalise your body and soul
Famous for its mineral springs, the spa towns of Druskininkai and Birštonas have attracted those seeking to improve their health for centuries. Nestled in a beautiful pine forest along the Nemunas river, the town of Druskininkai is famous not just for its mineral waters and local healing muds, but also its picturesque surroundings, ideal for walking and cycling. The town has seen rapid development of its infrastructure in the recent years, with many European standard facilities opening. This is the perfect place to repose your body and soul in tranquillity
8 Spa towns
Don t miss the gala performance
9 Cultural life
Lithuania has a deep classical music tradition and there are many things for the discerning visitor to see and hear. There is an outstanding number of symphony and chamber orchestras, choirs, theatre and ballet troupes, which makes sure there is something going on any day. Performers such as opera singer Violeta Urmana (soprano) and conductor Gintaras Rinkevičius as well as numerous others are well-known internationally. Performances directed by Oskaras Koršunovas, four-time participants in the official programme of the prestigious international Avignon theatre festival, confirm the excellent reputation of the Lithuanian theatre. Jazz music is popular too, with several annual international festivals.
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Visitors will observe that Lithuania has maintained much of its ethnographical character, visible in cities as well as the countryside. Lithuanians are proud of their national traditions that often involve pre-Christian elements. An important part of the heritage is folk songs, which are celebrated every four years in widely attended song and dance festivals. Lithuanian song festivals, along with similar festivals in the neighbouring Baltic States, have received international recognition with UNESCO putting them on its list of Masterpieces of
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the same Authentic folk traditions
Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Moreover traditional Lithuanian handicrafts, typically amber, wood and linen articles, make great souvenirs.
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AnykščiaiGegužės 1, Anykščiaiphone/fax (370 381) 59 [email protected]
BirštonasJaunimo 3, Birštonasphone (370 319) 65 740, fax (370 319) 65 [email protected]
DruskininkaiČiurlionio 65, Druskininkai, phone/fax (370 313) 52 198Gardino 1, Druskininkai, phone/fax (370 313) 51 [email protected] www.druskonis.lt/info/
IgnalinaTaikos 11, Ignalinaphone (370 386) 52 597, fax (370 386) 53 [email protected]/tic.html
KaunasKaunas Region TICA. Mickevičiaus 36/ Laisvės 40, KaunasPhone (370 37) 323 436, phone/fax (370 37) 423 678 [email protected] www.kaunas.lt
KlaipėdaTurgaus 7, Klaipėda Phone (370 46) [email protected]
MolėtaiInturkės 4, MolėtaiPhone/fax (370 383) 51 187, phone (370 698) 43 [email protected]
NeringaTaikos 4, NidaPhone (370 469) 52 345, fax (370 469) 52 [email protected] www.neringainfo.lt
PalangaKretingos 1, PalangaPhone (370 460) 48 811, fax (370 460) 48 [email protected]
ŠiauliaiVilniaus 213, ŠiauliaiPhone (370 41) 523 110, fax (370 41) 523 [email protected] www.siauliai.lt
TrakaiVytauto 69, TrakaiPhone/fax (370 528) 51 [email protected]
VilniusDidžioji 31, VilniusPhone (370 5) 262 64 70, phone/fax (370 5) 262 07 62, [email protected]
Vilniaus 22, LT-2600 VilniusPhone (370 5) 262 96 60, fax (370 5) 262 81 69, [email protected]
Geležinkelio 16, VilniusPhone/fax (370 5) 269 20 91,[email protected]
Tourist Information Centers inside Lithuania
Information Centers in the National Parks
Aukštaitija NPPalušė, Ignalinos Dstr.Phone (370 386) 52891, phone /Fax (370 386) 53 135 [email protected]
Dzūkija NPMarcinkonys TIC, Miškininkų 61, Marcinkonys, Varėnos Dstr.Phone (370 310) 44 466, Fax (370 310) 44 471
Merkinė TIC, Vilniaus 2, Merkinė, Varėnos Dstr. Phone (370 310) 57 [email protected]
Kuršių Nerija NPSmiltynės 11, KlaipėdaPhone (370 46) 402256, Fax (370 46) [email protected]
Trakai NPKaraimų 5, TrakaiPhone (370 528) 55776, phone/Fax (370 528) [email protected]/area.patria/
Žemaitija NPPlateliai TIC, Didžioji 8, Plateliai, Plunges Dstr.Phone ( 370 448) 49231, fax (370 448) [email protected]
FinlandKapteeninkatu 7, 00140 Helsinki Phone (358 9) 622 777 17, fax (358 9) 622 777 [email protected]
PolandAl.Ujazdowskie 51, 00-536 WarsawPhone (48 22) 5847052fax (48 22) [email protected]
RussiaBorisoglebskij per. 13 korpus 2161069 MoscowPhone/fax 7 095 203 [email protected]
GermanyBaltikum Tourismus Zentrale (BTZ)Fremdenverkehrszentrale Estland-Lettland-Litauen Katharinen str. 19 10711 Berlin Phone 030-89009091, fax 030-89009092 [email protected]
Tourist Information Centers Abroad
