My friend picked up some great information about Lithuania while visiting the Lithuanian Embassy here in Oslo, Norway. I was so excited because I think that this is some wonderful information for anyone who ever wanted to visit Lithuania about what to do there. It made me realize how much I want to go back because there is so much left to see.

Lithuania has reappeared on the map of Europe relatively recently. Although some have already discovered this fascinating country, for others Lithuania remains something of an enigma. Many, upon their first visit, are pleasantly surprised to discover a country rich with tradition, natural and cultural treasures. Why should you consider a visit? Just some of the answers to that question can be found here in this post.

So here it is: 25 Things Not To Miss In Lithuania

1. Lithuanian Language

~ Listen to the way they spoke in ancient times

About half of the world’s population speak languages that originate from an original Proto-Indo-European language, including English, Spanish, French, German and many others. Most scientists agree that in its phonetics and morphology Lithuanian is the only living language closest to the Proto-Indo-European language. So while in Lithuania you have a chance to listen to a language that would be something like what your distant ancestors could have been speaking.

2. Vilnius Old Town

~ Admire the majestic views

From the tower of Gediminas Castle visitors are presented with breathtaking views of the baroque Vilnius Old Town. The abundance of churches is particularly eye-catching: it is often said that regardless of where in the Old Town you are, you are always next to a church. From the Gothic masterpiece of St. Anne’s to the baroque splendour of Saints Peter and Paul, the architectural variety demonstrates the rich heritage of the city, drawing from influences of different cultures. Visit Vilnius.lt

3. Trakai castle

~ Visit a medieval fairytale

A small town surrounded by lakes, Trakai, once the capital of Lithuania, is proud of its rich history. Its beautifully restored medieval red brick castle on an island in the lake, the residence of Lithuanian dukes, looks as if it could only exist in fairytales. Medieval buffs will surely spend some quality time exploring the castle and its surroundings. This popular tourist destination also offers a chance to acquire Lithuanian souvenirs or to learn more about the local Karaite food specialties. Visit Trakai.lt

4.Uzupis republic

~ Discover the artist within

The Uzupis quarter in Vilnius, favoured by artists and those with bohemian inclinations, is a veritable republic with its own traditions, boarder crossing points and even a constitution…or this is at least what many Uzupis residents claim. Contrasting with the renovated and commercialised Old Town, Uzupis offers a real look into the avant-garde as working artists open their studios to the public, sculpture pieces are tucked alongside the river and local cafes play host to poets scribbling verse and students having animated philosophical debates.

5. Hot air ballooning above Vilnius

~ Admire an awesome view

Only a few European capitals allow flying over the city in a hot air balloon. In Vilnius you can enjoy this breathtaking activity that is sure to leave a lasting impression as the city reveals its full beauty from an aerial view. It is noteworthy that hot air balloons can take off and land right in the city centre, by the Neris River.

6. The Hill of Crosses

~ Witness the miracle of faith

The Hill of Crosses is a special monument of faith. Tens of thousands of crosses crowd the slopes of the hill. The first crosses were put here for those fallen during the 1831 uprising against the tsarist regime. Since then new crosses were constantly being put up there. The hill that was seen as a symbol of resistance was razed four times under the Soviet regime, but it was resurrected every time. Pope John Paul II visited this site in 1993. A cross donated by him still stands.

7. The Curonian Spit

~ Seek refuge in the arms of nature

The Curonian Spit is a long and thin peninsula, separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Covered in sand, it has been preserved due to human effort to counter the natural erosion process by deforestation. The landscape of the Curonian Spit, an entry in the UNESCO heritage list, is dominated by picturesque sand dunes and pine tree forests. The beaches here are exceptionally clean. Resort towns on the Curonian Spit manage to preserve their old fishing village charm. This is a splendid place for a tranquil seaside family repose. Visit Neringainfo.lt

8. Jazz

~ Communicate in the international language of jazz

In Lithuania the interest in jazz rose particularly in the sixties and seventies as an expression of aspirations towards a greater amount of freedom. The sustained popularity of jazz music is reflected in the fact that there are several sizable annual international jazz festivals taking place in the capital as well as other cities. A jazz devotee, with a little planning, will easily find a chance to enjoy some fine music.

9. Classical music

~ Hear the perfect harmony

Lithuania has an old and deep-running classical music tradition. A number of internationally prominent musicians have connections to Lithuania; visits by world famous performers are not uncommon. Many local performers and companies are known as high-level internationally acclaimed professionals. Numerous classical, as well as modern classical, music festivals are regularly held. The discerning listener will always find some fine events to attend, and will be pleasantly surprised by the box office rates.

10. Kernave

~ Discover ancient civilizations

Traces of ancient civilization dating back to 11,000 years ago have been discovered in the unique Kernave archaeological reserve, which was also an important political centre for Lithuania in the early middle ages. The reserve is inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Every year in the beginning of July, on the Day of Statehood, a Lithuanian national holiday, the Days of Living History & Archaeology are held in Kernave. The event offers a chance for visitors and locals to learn about the daily life of the pre-historical and early medieval Lithuanians with an emphasis on the lives of artists and craftsmen. Visit Kernave.org.

11. Frank Zappa monument

~ Visit the only Frank Zappa bust in the world

Although there is no connection between Lithuania and the last nonconformist rock musician and composer Frank Zappa, he has impressed local fans so much that they have decided to erect a monument in his honour. It was unveiled in 1995 in a Vilnius square, and a military orchestra played at the ceremony. It is noteworthy that a bronze bust was commissioned to a sculptor whose previous work includes some Lennins and other socialist heroes.

12. Shrove Tuesday in Rumsiskes

~ Take part in special festive proceedings

Lithuania, being the last country in Europe to accept Christianity, has specific folk festival traditions, where Christian and pre-Christian elements are often combined. One such event is Uzgavenes, or Shrove Tuesday in Lithuanian. It takes place in the Rumsiskes open-air ethnographical museum close to Kaunas. The traditions come back to life here in all of their pictorial splendour, including people acting as special festive characters, special dishes and winter-chasing rituals.

13. The song festival

~ Feel the breath of the nation

Folk song has always served Lithuania as meas of asserting its national identity, a unique expression of natural culture that at certain points gained political significance. Thus the traditional folk song and dance festival, started more than a hundred years ago and taking place every four years, is often seen as the central event of Lithuanian cultural life, attracting many people from within the country as well as abroad. This event is on the UNESCO list of Oral and Intangible Heritage.

14. Canoeing in the Aukstaitijos national park

~ Row your boat along tranquil streams and lakes

The Aukstaitija national park, occupying a significant territory, is rich in picturesque lakes and forests as well as a great variety you wildlife and flora. One of the best ways to enjoy the beauty of nature is to go on a canoeing trip for several days on one of the chosen routes. Specialised travel companies will be happy to rent you canoes and other equipment and supply you with more detailed information.

15. Castles along the Nemunas River

~ Travel along the medieval front line

The Nemunas River has long been a front line of Lithuanian resistance to the crusaders. On the right bank many castles and fortifications were built, some have survived and can be visited today on a day trip on the road running along the river. It is worth climbing atop the towers of Raudone and Panemune castles stunning views open up towards the plains on the opposite bank.

16. Grutas park

~ Take a tour behind the Iron Curtain

Many post communist countries had their symbols of a bygone era removed and hidden away or destroyed. In Lithuania a singular theme park was created using removed ideological sculptures and other symbols of the Soviet era by private initiative of a local entrepreneur. This park affords the opportunity to imagine the special atmosphere of these years to those who have never experienced living socialism. Visit Grutoparkas.lt.

17. The geographical centre of Europe

~ Find yourself right in the middle of the continent

In 1989 the French national geographical institute determined that the geographical centre of Europe lies about 26 km north of Vilnius. Some other Central European countries claim their own centres of Europe, ascertained by using different methods, but the Lithuanian one is in the Guiness Book of World Records. The exact spot is marked by a column that was erected to commemorate Lithuanian accession to the EU. Visit EGC.lt.

18. Druskininkai and Birstonas

~ Recharge your batteries

Resort towns of Druskininkai and Birstonas, situated on the Nemunas River between pine forests, have been known for their mineral waters as well as beauty and health spas for a couple of centuries. Here you can enjoy excellent and vary reasonably priced mud and whirlpool baths, massage and many other treatments, stroll or ride bikes on trails surrounded by lakes and pine forests. Visit Druskininkai.lt or Birstonas.lt.

19. Palanga

~ Enjoy the beach

Lured by sandy beaches, entertainment and a wild nightlife, this is a small seaside town to which people flock in the summertime. The obligatory evening promenade on the sea pier to bid goodbye to the sun setting into the sea has become a long-standing tradition. Of interest is the seaside landscape park, which features a neo-classical palace, now housing an amber museum. Visit Palangatic.lt.

20. Countryside tourism

~ Enjoy your stay in idyllic surroundings

The fast evolving countryside tourism industry offers a great opportunity to enjoy yourself in a picturesque natural setting, often next to a body of water of some sort. Aside from being a perfect place to spend some days off, active or otherwise, the Lithuanian countryside also makes for a good place to hold your next seminar, conference, incentive event and the like. Modern infrastructure reaches into the more remote idyllic corners to make sure guests can enjoy the tranquility of nature without having to sacrifice conveniences. Visit Countryside.lt.

21. Beer and fried bread

~ Cheers!

Lithuanian beer has won acclaim on many levels from enthusiastic Old Town bar patrons to the international fairs and championships. There is a plethora of different types of beer, several large breweries are operating, and some are successfully exporting their brew. The most popular beer snack is the famous fried bread with garlic. Well-prepared fried bread has a crunchy crust and nicely compliments the taste of beer - you just have to try it!

22. Cepelinai and other potato dishes

~ Fill up your stomach!

Hospitable Lithuanian hosts will always make sure their guests are so full they would be unable to swallow another bite before they leave. Lithuanian cuisine has peasant origins, designed to give power and energy to those who work in the fields and is mostly characterised by meat and potatoes prepared in ton or another way. The local favourite, epitomising Lithuanian food, are so called cepelinai potato dumplings stuffed with meat, served with bits of bacon. Other potato dishes, such as kugelis, zemaiciu blynai (Samogitian pancakes) and potato pancakes are also firm favorites.

23. Lithuanian handicrafts

~ Don’t come home without souvenirs!

Traditional Lithuanian handicrafts, such as artistic linen, ceramic or amber articles, can make beautiful decorations for your home or great gifts. Probably the best time for souvenir shopping is in the beginning of March, when the traditional Kaziukas fair is held in Vilnius. The fair is also famous for its verbos traditional ornately beautiful Palm Sunday arrangements of dried plants.

24. Vilnius nightlife

~ Party into the morning hours

After dark the Vilnius Old Town becomes busy with nightlife. Cafes, bars, clubs, discos and casinos of all descriptions are in abundance and usually filled to capacity. Happy partygoers, a great atmosphere and reasonable prices have already met international enthusiastic responses. From those who favour the latest house beats to those preferring some live music, everyone will be sure to find a place that is right for them for a memorable night-out.

25. Basketball

~ Visit the European basketball powerhouse

Basketball has made its appearance in Lithuania in the twenties and has since become the dominating national sport. It became especially popular after Lithuania won the European championships of 1937 and 1939. A purpose-built basketball arena that hosted the 1939 championship still stands in Kaunas. In the Soviet era successes of Lithuanian teams on basketball courts had become kind of a symbol of resistance. The continual popularity of the game is witnessed by the fact that Lithuania is still a major source of European basketball talent, represented internationally by players of top leagues, including the NBA.