Baltic beauty: Lithuania is fast becoming Europe’s haven for the senses

Perhaps you’re familiar with the winding cobblestone streets of Vilnius, or have earmarked the Curonian Spit as a natural wonder to explore. But Lithuania offers far more than what typically makes it into the standard ‘things to do’ travel guides. A true feast for all senses, this tucked-away treasure perched on the Baltic Sea whisks visitors away to its pristine landscapes, world-class culinary scene and picturesque wellness oases where age-old rituals and healing traditions reign supreme – all just a short trip from the Nordics.

Follow along as Vogue Scandinavia takes you on an immersive journey through everything that makes Lithuania a must-visit destination teeming with storied history, wild nature, bold flavours and vibrant culture. Here’s why Europe’s best-kept secret deserves a top spot in your travel bucket list.

From off-the-beaten-path adventures to luxury hideaways nestled in nature, Lithuania’s breathtaking landscapes boast something for everyone. Think shimmering, crystal-clear lakes cradled by endless, deep green forests, silky sand dunes that stretch for miles on end, and gently rolling rivers that snake across the country – all topped off with the freshest air and an unmatched sense of stillness. 

The best way to soak in Lithuania’s natural beauty is on foot (or by running or biking, if you’re feeling sporty). It’s made easy by the country’s extensive network of trails – over 200 walking routes slice through forests, fields and coastlines. One of the most picturesque trails is the Anykščiai Treetop Walkway, a gradually rising wooden path that lifts you up to 21 meters, delivering a panoramic view of the verdant canopy.

For a truly immersive experience, consider staying at the sought-after Kernavė Treehouse (around a 40-minute drive from Vilnius) or at one of the many luxe glamping sites dotted throughout the country, such as Glamping Lithuania. If you prefer stunning lakeside views, destinations like the Esperanza Lake Resort – located under an hour’s drive from Vilnius – offer unparalleled vistas of the glistening Ungurys Lake, complete with high-end amenities.

One cannot discuss Lithuania’s nature without mentioning the Unesco-listed Curonian Spit, a majestic, 98-kilometre-long sand dune separating the Curonian Lagoon from the Baltic Sea. Its sprawling, windswept beaches invite long, leisurely barefoot walks wrapped in the salty sea breeze, while the striking locale can also be explored by car, bike or sailboat – each offering a unique experience sure to linger long in your memory.

While Lithuania’s peaceful outdoors is one of its greatest calling cards, its cities steeped in history are equally worth a visit, especially for those yearning to revel in dynamic culture and vibrant art. The country’s two largest and most popular cities, Vilnius (the capital) and Kaunas, each unlock distinct experiences.

Dating back to 1323, Vilnius captivates with its old-world charm, and the city is home to one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval Old Towns. Grab a hot beverage from one of the quaint coffee shops lining the serpentine cobblestone streets and marvel at the town’s stunning blend of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture.

While you're roaming around, make your way to Užupis, Vilnius’ answer to Copenhagen’s Christiania, just steps away from the Old Town. This bustling bohemian quarter, which is the smallest district in the capital, may have had a rowdy reputation in the 1990s, but today it’s a must-see corner of the city, brimming with street art, local designer boutiques and hip eateries.

Speaking of art – Kaunas, the more modern sister of Vilnius, boasts a bevvy of museums and galleries to spend a rainy day in, from the Devil’s Museum and Kaunas Picture Gallery to the Museum of Fine Arts. But the city’s streets are a visual delight in their own right, with much of the architecture featuring Bauhaus and Modernist styles and buzzy artist residencies sprinkled across town.

Looking to get a bird’s-eye view of the cities? Consider booking a scenic hot air balloon ride – a unique way to take in the urban landscape in all its glory, while capturing a few Instagram-worthy shots along the way.

Lithuania’s sensory feast isn’t limited to its scenery – there’s a range of bold and tasty flavours to discover, from local delights to Michelin-level dining. In Vilnius, world-class eateries like Nineteen18, Džiaugsmas, Pas Mus and Demo serve up inventive dishes crafted from fresh, often locally sourced ingredients, reinventing classic Lithuanian tastes into mouthwatering, modern plates. For fine dining aficionados heading to Kaunas, stop at Dia, where the menu draws inspiration from cuisines worldwide, including Japanese, Indian, Thai, Italian and French.

If you’ve ever tried Lithuanian or Baltic food, you’ll know how much the region cherishes hearty and rustic dishes honing in on local, seasonal ingredients like grains, root vegetables and fermented foods. Must-try local bites include the vibrant pink, cold beetroot soup, šaltibarščiai and cepelinai, the soft, cloud-like potato dumplings filled with meat or mushrooms.

Did you know that Lithuania is home to entire towns dedicated to wellness? Among the most renowned are Birštonas and Druskininkai, both under a two-hour drive from Vilnius. In these spa towns, wellness traditions stretch back to the 19th century, offering deeply rejuvenating treatments and therapies that blend time-honoured healing practices with modern techniques and trends to bring the best of both worlds.

What makes these places unique are their water-based therapies, which harness nearby mineral-rich springs for everything from restorative baths (balneotherapy) to mud and salt treatments – all believed to offer significant benefits for skin health, immunity, circulation, and stress relief. Also worth trying is the forest sauna ritual, which combines a traditional Finnish wood-fired sauna with the surrounding nature, often incorporating herbal steam and gentle whisking of birch or oak branches (a practice also rooted in Finnish sauna culture), finished off with invigorating cold plunges.

Another unmissable spa town in Lithuania is Palanga, delivering a different mood with its seaside location, peppered with sweeping sandy beaches bordered by fragrant pine forests. There, you can discover spas and wellness havens providing signature treatments including thalassotherapy, which leverages seawater, seaweed and mineral-packed mud to promote health by detoxifying the body, improving circulation, boosting skin health, and relieving muscle and joint pain.

City Days 2025 – Taking place this September in Vilnius, City Days is an open-air celebration of art, culture, music and food. Expect everything from captivating street performances to concerts, exhibitions and pop-up shops bringing the capital to life.

Vilniaus Marathon 2025 – Have you gotten completely hooked on running this year? Then consider the Vilniaus Marathon this September – a race among the most scenic marathons in Europe. You’ll sprint through the very best the capital has to offer, from winding medieval streets to art-filled neighbourhoods.

Fluxus Festival 2025 – Attention, Kaunas-bound folks: The quirky and endlessly fun Fluxus Festival is back for its 2025 edition this September, and this year’s event will continue to honour the creativity, community and joyful spirit that defines the city.

Kaunas Biennial 2025 – Another exciting event to mark down in Kaunas this September is the Kaunas Biennial, Lithuania’s largest international contemporary art event. Taking place every two years, the 2025 edition will feature a host of interesting exhibitions and installations, as well as inspiring talks.

Vilnius International Theatre Festival ‘Sirenos’ – A highlight in many a Vilnian’s calendar, the capital’s international theatre festival, 'Sirenos', returns this autumn, running from September 25 to October 13. Visitors are invited to enter the magical world of theatre via a programme featuring special performances, installations, concerts, exhibitions and panel discussions, creating a world where everyone can be a creator, a spectator, and a critic.

ArtVilnius Art Fair 2025– ArtVilnius, the Baltic region’s leading contemporary art fair, takes over the Lithuanian capital yet again during the first week of October 2025. A buzzy meeting point for galleries, collectors, and artists alike, the event is not to be missed.

Vilnius Jazz Festival 2025 – A jazz lover, or simply keen to soak up great vibes? Then the Vilnius Jazz Festival is for you. One of the longest-running jazz festivals in Eastern Europe, this year’s edition takes place in October, with a lineup bursting with both local and international talent, from seasoned veterans to exciting new voices.

Gastronomy Week 2025 – Calling all foodies: Gastronomy Week is back. This November, local culinary stars will gather in Vilnius for a week of exclusive tasting menus and pop-up experiences that celebrate seasonal flavours and showcase Lithuania’s thriving food scene.

Vilnius Light Festival – This January, Vilnius Light Festival transforms the capital into a striking display of light and colour, with illuminated open-air installations drenching the city in a magical glow, just in time for the darkest season of the year.