Baltics is a region in Europe that is overlooked by most of them as a travel destination. Lithuania is a country you don't read about much in blogs and travel sites. Well, as a curious traveler, I'd love to explore every inch of this planet.
Geography:
Vilnius is capital of Lithuania, Baltic country brushing borders of Latvia, Belarus, Russia and Poland.
Language:
Lithuanian, English
Currency:
Euro
Getting There:
Since its on far east side of Europe, even though there are buses from different cities, flights would be the best option.
What's Famous here:
Gediminas Castle, St. Annes church, Old town, Trakai island Castle, Gate of Dawn.
My Story:
I came out of the airport, drizzles of rain had started to decorate the city. As I entered the city of Vilnius, it felt more like I was put back to medieval ages.
I was out in the streets to explore as soon as I finished my lunch. The fun and excitement in exploring a new and an unknown place is indescribable.
The fall colors were still very evident and it had sprinkled itself all over the city.
The best thing about Vilnius is that, it is small which means its incredibly walk-able.
The best thing about Vilnius is that, it is small which means its incredibly walk-able.
What's really inconspicuous about Vilnius is that, its very honest in what its giving to us. It still retains its true vibe, its nature of innocence.
The history of Lithuania is filled with grit, belief, oppression and faith. It has been slaughtered during and after world war. Its stubbornness to stay what it was, is what makes it beautiful.
Crossing beautiful streets, I reached Gate of Dawn. It is the last Gate in defense wall standing for Vilnius. Walk through the arch in the gate realizing that you have passed through something that is standing for many centuries.
The atmosphere and environment of old town really meets the meaning of the name given to it. There are plenty of old churches in this area and I visited few. You really feel like you are in 1700's when you are walking in the streets here.
Hopping street after street I reached the Bell tower and Vilnius Cathedral. The mark of Soviet is so very visible even today all over the town.
I like to explore and travel raw. Visiting famous landmarks is not the only aim when I reach a place. I like to go street after street, talk to locals, go to tiny cafes and restaurants, shop in small shops, try some local food, get a true sense and attitude of the place. I did the same and Vilnius rewarded me nicely.
Early in the morning next day, I had a bus to Trakai which is about 50 mins away from Vilnius. Many would have overlooked this wonderful place even though they have visited Vilnius.
A small bus brought me to this very scarcely populated place. From the bus station the Medieval castle is about 6 miles. I began to walk as lakes on either side of me gave company.
It was end of fall, the entire village was showered with leaves. Colorful images, smell of rain, and loud silence joining me to visit the island castle. It looked more like a Disney castle, placed perfectly in a small island surrounded by Galve lake.
I spent some time inside the castle paying attention to its architecture and history. Later, a lazy walk around the castle and lovely time in the shops entertaining with some local items and souvenirs kept me excited.
After spending half a day in Trakai I came back to Vilnius to visit Uzupis and St. Annes church.
Uzupis is an interesting neighborhood in Vilnius claimed to be a republic of its own formed by group of artists. Well, the constitution has some crazy rules and the formation day is celebrated on April fools day.
St.Annes Church is one of its kind located close to Uzupis.
Rain poured on that afternoon, so I decided to spend some time indoors shopping and looking for unique stuff native to the land.
Great coffee bars, plenty of history, oozing natural beauty, street art, medieval neighborhoods and good food is definitely a perfect combination for trip.
The farther we go to explore the pureness and uniqueness of a land, the more we gain in exploring ourselves and the world.
The satisfaction of a sleep can be realized only after we wake up, likewise the richness of travel can be realized very very slowly when culture and philosophy of various lands has become a part of you enriching and enlightening you to view the world with a much better vision.
-UR
uday.s7@gmail.com
The history of Lithuania is filled with grit, belief, oppression and faith. It has been slaughtered during and after world war. Its stubbornness to stay what it was, is what makes it beautiful.
Crossing beautiful streets, I reached Gate of Dawn. It is the last Gate in defense wall standing for Vilnius. Walk through the arch in the gate realizing that you have passed through something that is standing for many centuries.
 |
| Gate of Dawn |
 |
| Gate of Dawn |
The atmosphere and environment of old town really meets the meaning of the name given to it. There are plenty of old churches in this area and I visited few. You really feel like you are in 1700's when you are walking in the streets here.
 |
| Old Town |
 |
| Old Town |
 |
| Old Town |
Hopping street after street I reached the Bell tower and Vilnius Cathedral. The mark of Soviet is so very visible even today all over the town.
I like to explore and travel raw. Visiting famous landmarks is not the only aim when I reach a place. I like to go street after street, talk to locals, go to tiny cafes and restaurants, shop in small shops, try some local food, get a true sense and attitude of the place. I did the same and Vilnius rewarded me nicely.
 |
| Delicious dinner |
Early in the morning next day, I had a bus to Trakai which is about 50 mins away from Vilnius. Many would have overlooked this wonderful place even though they have visited Vilnius.
A small bus brought me to this very scarcely populated place. From the bus station the Medieval castle is about 6 miles. I began to walk as lakes on either side of me gave company.
 |
| On the way to Castle |
 |
| On the way to Castle |
It was end of fall, the entire village was showered with leaves. Colorful images, smell of rain, and loud silence joining me to visit the island castle. It looked more like a Disney castle, placed perfectly in a small island surrounded by Galve lake.
 |
| Medieval Castle |
Medieval Castle
I spent some time inside the castle paying attention to its architecture and history. Later, a lazy walk around the castle and lovely time in the shops entertaining with some local items and souvenirs kept me excited.
 |
| Around Castle |
 |
| Inside Castle |
 |
| Inside Castle |
After spending half a day in Trakai I came back to Vilnius to visit Uzupis and St. Annes church.
Uzupis is an interesting neighborhood in Vilnius claimed to be a republic of its own formed by group of artists. Well, the constitution has some crazy rules and the formation day is celebrated on April fools day.
 |
| Uzupis Constitution |
 |
| Uzupis Constitution listed on the wall |
St.Annes Church is one of its kind located close to Uzupis.
 |
| St. Annes Church |
Rain poured on that afternoon, so I decided to spend some time indoors shopping and looking for unique stuff native to the land.
Great coffee bars, plenty of history, oozing natural beauty, street art, medieval neighborhoods and good food is definitely a perfect combination for trip.
The farther we go to explore the pureness and uniqueness of a land, the more we gain in exploring ourselves and the world.
The satisfaction of a sleep can be realized only after we wake up, likewise the richness of travel can be realized very very slowly when culture and philosophy of various lands has become a part of you enriching and enlightening you to view the world with a much better vision.
Tips:
- Best time to visit the place is fro May to October.
- Uzupis can stamp your passport with their visa on your request.
- Find a Hostel/Hotel close to old town.
-UR
uday.s7@gmail.com
