About Lithuania

Lithuania is a small yet captivating country in Northern Europe, one of the three Baltic States alongside Latvia and Estonia.

It borders Latvia, Belarus, Poland, and the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad, with the Baltic Sea to the west.

The country has a population of around 2.8 million people, and its capital, Vilnius, is known for its Baroque architecture and lively cultural scene.

Lithuania is part of the European Union, NATO, and the Schengen Area, offering modern infrastructure and easy travel access.

Lithuania is known for basketball. Fishing and mushroom picking are popular leisure activities.

🏰 A Glimpse of History

Founded in the 13th century, the Grand Duchy of Lithuania once stretched from the Baltic to the Black Sea, making it one of medieval Europe’s largest states. Later, Lithuania formed a historic union with Poland and eventually regained independence in 1918, after centuries of foreign rule. After Soviet occupation, Lithuania was the first country to declare independence from the USSR in 1990 — a proud moment in its modern history.

🗣️ Language

The official language is Lithuanian, one of the world’s oldest living Indo-European languages, belonging, together with Latvian, to the Baltic language group.

In addition to Lithuanian, you can communicate in Lithuania using:

English is common among younger people and in tourist areas.
Russian is widely understood.
Polish can be used with many older Lithuanians, especially in Vilnius area.

Below are some useful phrases in Lithuanian:

Hello – Sveiki!
Hi – Labas!
Thank you – Ačiū!
Please – Prašau!
Goodbye – Viso gero!
Cheers! – Į sveikatą!
Enjoy your meal! - Skanaus!

🍲 Lithuanian Cuisine

Lithuanian food is hearty, rustic, and flavorful. Local favorites include cepelinai (potato dumplings with meat), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup with kefir), and kibinai (savory pastries). Meals are often served with dark rye bread, and you shouldn’t leave without trying gira (fermented low-alcoholic beverage) or herbal liqueur midus, made from honey - national alcoholic beverages from natural bee honey.

Sweet lovers must try šakotis and šimtalapis.

🌿 Nature

Lithuania is a land of forests, lakes, and dunes. Nearly one-third of the country is covered by forests, making it ideal for hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching.

Don’t miss the Curonian Spit National Park, a unique sand dune peninsula shared with Russia, offering serene beaches and spectacular views of the Baltic Sea.

🏞️ What to See

Vilnius Old Town – a UNESCO World Heritage site full of Baroque charm.

Trakai Castle – a fairytale fortress on an island, just 30 km from Vilnius.

Kaunas – Lithuania’s second city, known for its interwar architecture and modern art.

Hill of Crosses – a powerful symbol of faith and resistance near Šiauliai.

🧭 Practical Tips

⏰ Time Zone

Lithuania is in the Eastern European Time zone (EET, UTC+2).

💶 Currency

Lithuania uses the euro (€). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, but having some cash can be useful for small purchases in local shops or markets.

🛒 Shops and Supermarkets

Major grocery chains include Maxima, Iki, Lidl, and Rimi. Most shops are open daily, though hours may vary on weekends.

We encourage you to support the local economy and to shop at Lithuanian brand stores.

🍷 Alcohol Sales

Alcohol can be purchased in shops from 10:00 to 20:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and from 10:00 to 15:00 on Sundays. It is not sold at night.

🚖 Transport and Getting Around

Taxis and ride-sharing: The Bolt app (founded in Estonia) is the most popular and convenient way to get around. Choosing Bolt also supports the Baltic region’s economy.
Trains: Lithuania’s national railway company LTG – Lietuvos Geležinkeliai operates reliable connections between major cities. Tickets can be purchased online or at train stations.
Driving: Speed limits are usually 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on country roads, and 130 km/h on highways (110 km/h in winter). Headlights must be on at all times.

☎️ Communication

The country calling code for Lithuania is +370. Free Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafés, and public spaces.
For information on how to greet or communicate with locals, please check the Language section.

💁‍♀️ Tipping

Tipping is not obligatory, but appreciated — 5–10% in restaurants or cafés is customary.

⚡ Electricity

Standard European sockets (Type C/F, 230 V) are used.

🚨 Emergency Numbers

Dial 112 for any emergency — it works across all EU countries.

🌿 Lithuanians are friendly and helpful — don’t hesitate to ask for directions or advice!

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