Holidays in Lithuania - is sandy beaches of the Baltic Sea, green meadows and valleys of the central part of the country, hilly area with silver threads of rivers and lakes in the mirror in the east. Holidays in Lithuania - is architectural monuments bearing seal almost all architectural styles. Holidays Lithuania amaze you comfort, home decor and comfort.
Geography
Lithuania - a country located on the north-west of Europe, on the Baltic Sea. The coastline - 99 kilometers. By sea passes milestone with Western Europe, but here are the shortest routes from Lithuania in European countries: Sweden and Denmark, and Germany.
In the north, the country borders with Latvia, in the east and south-east of Belarus, on the south by a small area of Poland, and in the south-west of Kaliningrad, an enclave of the Russian Federation. Area of the state - 65.2 thousand square meters. km.
Most of the state is a low hilly plain, rising to the west of the Baltic Sea to the east. Height almost never exceed 300 meters. In the east and south of the country is a fragment of an arc of the Baltic Islands. Perhaps a unique phenomenon can be considered as the Curonian Spit, Neringa (as it is known in Lithuania).
Climate
Lithuania mild maritime climate on the coast, rolling in continental in the heartland. Cool summer - is not about Lithuania. There's no sweltering heat, and cool the country it will not name.
The average summer temperature +25 ° C. For the third consecutive year, the May weather pleases tourists - +28 ° C, and the swimming season starts earlier than expected. Water temperature - about +19 ° C, but often rises to +22 ° C. Heat the water does not depend on temperature, but depends on currents and wind direction.
With the proximity to the sea connected by unstable weather.
Capital
Vilnius
Population
Lithuania's population (3.414 million people. (2005)): Lithuanians - 83.45%, Poles - 6.74%, Russian - 6%, Belarusians - 1.23%.
Language
The official language of Lithuania, also circulated Russian, German and English.
Currency
The currency of Lithuania - Lithuanian Litas (LTL).
Lithuanian litas is equal to 100 cents. In the course of banknotes in denominations of 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 lit, and coins in denominations of 5, 2 and 1 lit, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent.
Since the summer of 2004 the Lithuanian litas exchange rate tightly pegged to the Euro 3,4528 LTL one with next-country eurozone.
Banks are generally open from 9:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.
Currency can be freely exchanged in numerous exchange offices, as well as banks and hotels (often exchanged dilapidated or torn bills). Amounts in excess of the equivalent of $ 5,000, exchange banks only ID card, below this - freely and without any documentary evidence.
Credit cards are accepted in most shops, hotels and travel agencies in large cities (in the province until they are less common, but in recent years, and in small towns more institutions accept them for payment.) ATMs are located in virtually every bank and large stores. Travellers checks can be cashed at banks or offices of foreign companies. VAT (18%) are usually included in the price of all goods and services.
Time zone
Coincides with the Kiev
Religion
Major religions: 79% of the population - Catholics, 4.07% - Orthodox, 14.86% - believe.
Political Structure
Legislative and executive power belongs to the Parliament in Lithuania Lithuania - unicameral Seimas (141 place) and the president. Deputies are elected for 4 years. In 2004, Lithuania joined the European Union.
Customs regulations
Import to Lithuania to 10 000 U.S. dollars per person - free. Anything over is subject to compulsory declaration. One person may import up to 1 liter of vodka, brandy or liqueur, 2 liters of wine and 200 cigarettes or 250 grams. tobacco, 3 kg. Chocolate, 2 lbs. coffee, 20 gallons of gasoline, 50 gr. precious metals. Forbidden to bring in weapons, drugs and explosives. The export of antiques, drugs and weapons. On controversial cases can be consulted in the Customs Department of the Republic of Lithuania on the phone 61-30-27 in Vilnius. Amount of exchange is not limited to both sides, is not the production of documents. Limited export amber, historical and art objects.
Link
Fire - 01. Police - 02. Emergency - 03. Information - 09.
Electricity
Electrical supply - 220V, frequency - 50 Hz. Plugs and sockets used the European model.
Shops
Shops are generally open from 8.00 to 17.00. On Sunday, most of the shops closed.
Transport
Well-developed infrastructure: rail from Moscow can get to Vilnius, Kaunas, aircraft fly directly to the coast - in Palanga and Klaipeda. And on motorways in Lithuania always legendary. Those who go to Lithuania by car be sure to know that traffic offenders are huge fines. Strictly prohibited parking at an undisclosed location, movement in parks and protected areas (check the CO), and the worst thing - drunk driving. But for the mandatory and decent tourist does not mean anything, and in conjunction with the excellent quality of roads and allowed high speeds on the highway will turn into a great start to holiday at some, you have chosen the resort.
Tip
Tipping is normally paid by the client, it is usually sufficient amount of 1 lit.
Weekends and holidays
January 1 - New Year.
February 16 - Independence Day.
March 3 - Day Kaziukas or St. Casimir.
March 11 - Day of Restoration of Lithuanian statehood.
April-May - Catholic Easter.
first Sunday in May - Mother's Day.
June 14 - Day of Sorrow and Hope (the memory of the beginning of Stalin's purges).
July 6 - The Coronation of King Mindaugas.
November 1 - All Saints Day.
Christmas - December 25-26.
In the summer, plenty of festivals - National Song Festival, Midsummer celebrations on the night of June 23, the peoples of the Baltic Sea Festival, the Summer Music Festival. Autumn interesting Vilnius City Days.
Useful things
Lithuanian national parks is prohibited without the authorization of access to the exception set and specially equipped routes. The parks do not install tents, bonfires in unknown locations, in any way harm the vegetation and animals, leave the asphalt or concrete pavement, put the vehicles in unexpected places for this purpose, to engage unlicensed hunting or fishing.
Permission to set camping and fishing sites can be obtained from the offices of the administration of most parks, as well as holiday homes and rentals. Hunting can be achieved, provided the design of a special request to the administration of the park, and only on special isolated areas of parks and hunting grounds.
Entry into the summer resorts of Lithuania by car fee.
Main Attractions
As in any other capital Vilnius Baltic focused most interesting sights in the Old City. Vilnius old town is one of the largest in Eastern Europe (360 ha). In 1994, included in the UNESCO list of World Cultural Heritage. Vilnius declared the cultural capital of Europe in 2009. The heart of Lithuanians believe chateau hill and Gediminas Tower (the tower in 1960 acts as the city museum and observation deck). At the foot of the hill lies the Cathedral Square where the monument to Gediminas and as the name Square Cathedral of St. Stanislaus. From Cathedral Square to the Town Hall stretch streets Piles (Castle) and Didžioji (Large). On the square stands the Town Hall was built in the classical style. Until the only surviving gate (Dawn) is the street Dawn Warta (Ostrovorotnaya).
Near the castle hill is a mountain three crosses (Bald or curve). In the 12th year here identified three concrete cross (architect Antoni Vivulskio). These crosses were blown up in 1951. In 1989 and restored. Next is Mount Bekes (Hungarian military leader).
An entire city block between Pilies IIIc. Yono, universities, Scapa is known Vilnius University. The complex of buildings began to take shape since 1570. Now consists of 13 buildings in several buildings which include the Church of St. John, the tower, courtyards.
Places of interest include the former bishop's palace, which was rebuilt in the 18th century as a residence Vilna Governor - General.
In the western part of Lithuania on the Baltic Sea is one of the most famous resorts - Palanga.
This place was chosen by the people long ago, and the first settlements appeared here in the 3rd century. BC His fame as a health resort of Palanga is the 19th century. People isolated Palanga for its curative mineral water, mud baths and architecture.
Modern Palanga Nemirseta stretches from the south to the Latvian border in the north. The composition of the resort towns are united in one city - Nemirseta, Palanga Vanagupe, Kunigishke, Montsishke Šventoji Butinge.
Old Town is located in the center of the sandy coast, stretching for 25 km.
Town buildings, gradually shifting parks and pine forests are located along the Baltic Sea. City and cross the river Šventoji Ronge flowing into the Baltic Sea. The holiday season in Palanga is from May to September. This place attracts half a million tourists.
As interest is called the palace and the palace park broken Tyshkyavichusa Felix (1897, architect. Eduard Andre and dendrite. Buissen Koulon). Since 1960, this is one of the richest park in Lithuania turned into a botanical garden. It grows about 300 species of shrubs and trees. In the museum of the palace of Amber. Next to the museum stands the holy mountain of the Gentiles Birute.
Walking advise you to J. Basanavičiaus street, you can find a lot of cafes and restaurants. Many vacationers evening stroll on the pier, watching the sunset.
One of the most amazing places in Lithuania is Curonian Spit. The Curonian Spit is a peninsula 4 km wide and 100 km long. The combination of sand dunes and pine woodlands, endless blue sea and crimson sunset create an atmosphere of fantastic places.
These places are famous and rich in amber. Amber was formed thousands of years ago from the resin of trees. Now the sea makes the treasure ashore and anybody can easily find a rock on the coast. Amber is also a major stumbling to local jewelers. Palanga Amber Museum is open, which exhibited the most interesting stones and stone products.
Kaunas - the second largest city. And the first Kaunas Castle appeared at the confluence of two rivers - the Nemunas and Neris - in the XIII century. Over 100 years of defending it against the attacks of the Crusaders Lithuania, was captured and destroyed, then rebuilt again. These days, survived only one tower of the castle of the four. The old and new city-alley Laysveys similarities to Moscow Arbat. XIX century architecture gives it a unique atmosphere. There are many outdoor cafes and restaurants. Artists paint on the street. In Kaunas, many interesting museums. And there are the most unexpected: amber, hours, cats, bicycles, sculptures and even a museum ... sewage. (!) Almost 40 years ago, opened another museum - features. Today, it is stored figures 20,000 devils in different sizes and colors. Every year there are more and more new items - from Asia, Africa and Europe. And this original museum keepers say is always happy to see his museum of new features.
Trakai - town situated among lakes. Once it was the most important political and military center of the state, stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea. Trakai castle in the old days was the residence of the rulers of Lithuania and is considered one of the most impregnable fortresses in Eastern Europe. Nearby is a new castle built mason Order of Crusaders. In medieval Trakai was a thriving city, and often stayed in the castle dignitaries and foreign ambassadors. Duke Vytautas - the owner of the castle and the grandson of Gediminas knew many languages, distinguished for his bravery, diplomatic skills and extraordinary hospitality. The signing of important contracts occurred in New Castle. Receptions were held immediately.
In Siauliai miraculously survived church - the highest and most beautiful in northern Lithuania. After all, the historical part of the city was destroyed during World War II. However, just over 20 years ago in Siauliai enthusiastically adopted appears in a new area with a sundial sculpture and gold hands. Architects made a gift to citizens - built in honor of the area 750-th anniversary of the Battle of Saulis.
Not far from the city is a unique place - a mountain or mountain Molebny crosses. It is a holy place for Catholics. People come here from all over the world to pray and leave on the mountain even the smallest cross. During the Soviet era the crosses have tried many times to carry. Buried concrete, wood burning. But one night the locals put on the old place new crosses. And now, the exact number is impossible to calculate. No wonder after visiting the Hill of Crosses, Pope John Paul II sent a cross there.
