1. Vilnius
The city of Vilnius is not only the largest city in Lithuania, it is also the capital. Just over half of a million people call Vilnius home. It was Napoleon who referred to the city as the Jerusalem of the North as he passed through the region back in 1812. Many consider Vilnius to be one of the capitals of European culture as well.
2. Kaunas
The second largest city in the country is that of Kaunas. Situated where the Neris and the Nemunas Rivers merge, the views around Kaunas are nothing les than picturesque. The area where the city rests today has been inhabited for millennia. There are many fine examples of architecture dating back hundreds of years that can be found throughout the city of Kaunas.
3. Palanga
Located along the shores of the Baltic Sea is where you will find the charming seaside resort village of Palanga. It is considered to be home to some of the busiest resorts in the country. The 18 kilometers of beach which is more than 300 meters wide in some locations, attract countless visitors to the area each summer.
4. Klaipėda
Located at the Danė River mouth where it opens up into the majestic Baltic Sea is where the nation’s third largest city can be found. Klaipėda has a very rich and colorful history that spans the centuries. Since it is also home to one of the few ports on the Baltic that does not ice over in the winter, it has grown to become an important economic hub for the country.
5. Druskininkai
In the southern portion of Lithuania, you will find the town of Druskininkai. Situated within the estuary of the Ratnyčia River, close to the Nemunas River, the town of Druskininkai has grown to become a very popular spa town in the country. Every year countless people make their way to the healing spas of Druskininkai.
6. Trakai
Just west of the city of Vilnius, you will find the popular resort town of Trakai. Since it is only 28 kilometers from the nation’s capital, it has grown to become one of the most popular weekend destinations for those wanting to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The resorts in Trakai are also a popular destination for international visitors to Lithuania.
7. Nida
You will find the resort town of Nida situated along the Curonian Spit. It is the westernmost city in the country. The city has its own airport so reaching it is simple. While only home to less than 2,000 permanent residents, more than a quarter of a million visitors make their way to the resorts in Nida each and every single year.
8. Šiauliai
The fourth largest city in Lithuania is that of Šiauliai. The city is situated in the eastern portion of the region that has become known as the Northern Plateau. Near by the city you will find the Venta, Mūša and Dubysa rivers. As a result, the countryside which surrounds the city is lush and green throughout the summer months.
9. Molėtai
One of the oldest inhabited regions of Lithuania can be found in the northeaster city of Molėtai. Not only is the city home to the only astronomical observatory in Lithuania, it is also home to the world’s first Museum of Ethnocosmology. The city of Molėtai has grown over the years to become a very popular resort town for the residents of the nation’s capital.
10. Kretinga
The city of Kretinga can be found along the shores of the Baltic Sea, only twelve kilometers from the nation’s most popular resorts. Only 25 kilometers from Kretinga you will find the nation’s third largest port areas. The city of Kretinga is also a popular destination in Lithuania for those who wish to rest along the shores of the Baltic Sea but do not want the crowds associated with the more popular resort towns.
11. Pikeliai
The sleepy little town of Pikeliai is home to less than 600 people, yet annually it attracts thousands of visitors. There are a number of old churches in the city of which the oldest dates back to 1636. In recent years, the town has flourished as a result of the growing ecotourism industry in.
12. Panevėžys
Known as the fifth largest city in the country, Panevėžys is home to just over a hundred thousand permanent residents. The city plays a crucial role as a transportation hub within Lithuania as most major roads in the country and the national railway makes its way through the city. The city is also home to one of the most well-preserved narrow gauge rail systems in the country.
13. Alytus
You will find the city of Alytus in the southern part of Lithuania, along the Nemunas River banks. It is known as an important historical center of the region. For centuries, the city of Alytus has been divided into two distinct parts. The area known locally as Alytus I is the smaller residential part of the city.
14. Marijampolė
In the southern part of Lithuania, where the country meets with Poland and Lake Vištytis, you will find the industrialized city of Marijampolė. The city is situated along both banks of the Šešupė River and there are a total of six magnificent bridges which interconnect the two halves of the city.
15. Utena
You will find the city of Utena located in the northeastern part of the country. The city has been inhabited for thousands of years, but has only been referred to as Utena since 1261. In recent years, the city has undergone a large infrastructure reconstruction in order to accommodate the vast amounts of visitors that make their way to Utena every year.
16. Senieji Trakai
The village of Senieji Trakai is a historic one which has been inhabited for a millennia. Back in the early 14th century, Senieji Trakai was the capital of Lithuania and as such, today it is home to a number of castles. The original castle had been destroyed and donated to Benedictine monks, but its replacement still stands today.
17. Kėdainiai
Located along the banks of the mighty Nevėžis River, you will find one of the oldest cities in the country, Kėdainiai. While inhabited for centuries prior, it was first mentioned back in 1372. Over the years the city has been host to a number of battles and as such, the local castle now lies in ruins.
18. Lazdijai
Along the Lithuanian border with Poland, you will find the city of Lazdijai. The city is known as being the birthplace of Joseph Achron, a Russian-American violinist and composer. Because of its location on the border with Poland, Lazdijai is the most frequently visited point for those making their way to the country for a much needed holiday.
19. Joniškis
You will find the city of Joniškis in the northern part of Lithuania. It is situated only fourteen kilometers from the country’s border with Latvia and as such is a common stopping point for those traveling between the two countries. There are a number of attractions in the city including a World War II memorial cemetery which is the final resting place for countless victims of the horrendous acts that occurred throughout the war.
