Skip to content

Lithuania: Vilnius, Kaunas, and the Curonian Spit

Accommodation in Lithuania

2 adults · no children · 1 room
Advertisement · We may receive a commission if you book.

Lithuania brings together the Baroque-influenced capital Vilnius, Kaunas’s architecture, inland lakes and castles, and the Baltic coast. For a well-balanced itinerary, it is worth treating city stays, excursions, and time on the coast as separate stages. The Old Town of Vilnius, Kaunas, Trakai, and Druskininkai each appeal to different travel interests.

Ostsee - Litauen Litauen als eines der drei baltischen Staaten steht an der Schwelle, eine große touristische Destination zu werden. Photo: Andrey

Lithuania at a glance

  • Vilnius, Kaunas, and Trakai combine city experiences, architecture, and lake scenery.
  • The Curonian Spit can be reached by ferry from Klaipėda.
  • The four main settlements on the spit are Nida, Juodkrantė, Preila, and Pervalka.
  • The spit is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared across national borders.

Cities and inland Lithuania

Vilnius is well suited to a stay centered on its Old Town, churches, and squares. Kaunas offers a different focus, with its interwar architecture. Trakai adds lakeside scenery and an island castle to a city break, while Druskininkai is a spa town for a more relaxed stay. If you want to visit more than one of these places, plan the connections and overnight stays as separate stages of your trip.

Lithuania can be planned as part of a trip through the Baltic States. The Baltic States also include the next stage to the north, Latvia, and farther north, Estonia. Lithuania lies south of Latvia, and the two countries can be planned as consecutive stages of a trip.

The Curonian Spit and the Baltic Sea

The Curonian Spit is a long stretch of dunes between the Baltic Sea and the Curonian Lagoon. It extends across Lithuania and Russia and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site shared across national borders. Nida, Juodkrantė, Preila, and Pervalka are the four main settlements, with Nida the largest. Dunes, forests, fishing villages, and stretches of beach define the landscape. An exhibition at the national park visitor center in Juodkrantė introduces visitors to the area’s nature, landscape, and cultural heritage.

A regular ferry runs from Klaipėda to the spit. The ferry operator runs an Old Terminal and a New Terminal, which together make up the ferry connection. Construction work at the New Terminal has been underway since September 14, 2026. While the work is in progress, only two ferries are temporarily operating, which may reduce capacity and increase waiting times. This is particularly important when traveling with a vehicle or when planning a tight return schedule.

On the spit, visits to settlements can be combined with beach walks, cycling, and hiking. If you are planning just a day trip, it is best to focus on one place or activity, such as Nida or Juodkrantė. Visiting several settlements and taking part in longer activities requires more time. Staying in accommodation in Lithuania near your chosen coastal destination shortens the journey to the beach and town center.

Regional routes

Lithuania can be combined with Latvia and Estonia for a trip through the Baltic States. If you travel onward from Lithuania to Latvia, you can plan your stages around coastal or inland destinations; the Lithuania–Latvia route leads into the southern Baltic region. Estonia offers another stage for a northbound journey. The Caucasus and other destinations in Eastern Europe offer travel through different landscapes and cultural regions. As a neighboring country, Latvia can come before or after Lithuania in your itinerary.

Season and daylight are especially important when planning a coastal trip. On the spit, beaches, dunes, and forests are part of a sensitive natural environment, and trails and protected-area rules help guide visits. Allow extra time if your ferry crossing and onward journey are planned for the same day.

Frequently asked questions about Lithuania

How many days should you plan for Lithuania?

Vilnius and Trakai can be combined in a compact city break. Kaunas and the Curonian Spit each merit a separate stage if you want more than a brief look around.

How do you get to the Curonian Spit?

A regular ferry connects Klaipėda with the spit. While construction work has been underway since September 14, 2026, only two ferries are temporarily operating, which may affect capacity and waiting times.

Which settlements are on the Curonian Spit?

The four main settlements are Nida, Juodkrantė, Preila, and Pervalka. Nida is the largest settlement, and the national park visitor center is in Juodkrantė.

What is the difference between Vilnius and Kaunas?

Vilnius is known for its historic Old Town, while Kaunas focuses on interwar architecture. Comparing the two reveals distinct city experiences within the country.

Is the Curonian Spit suitable for a day trip?

A day trip can include one settlement or activity. The ferry, travel along the spit, and return journey all take time; with temporarily reduced ferry capacity, a tightly scheduled day trip is harder to plan.

Where is the national park visitor center?

The visitor center is at L. Rėzos gatvė 8 in Juodkrantė. An exhibition there offers an introduction to the Curonian Spit’s landscape, nature, and cultural heritage.