Quite literally at centre of Europe is the Baltic state of Lithuania. For many years occupied by the Soviet Union, but now open to all for culture, pilgrimage, great beer, filling food and even a breakaway republic.
Our trip started over Easter weekend, when many southern parts of Europe are basking in spring sunshine, but up here you may still encounter snow and will need to pack warm even at this time of year.
Vilnius can be visited in a day or two, so make sure you also get a hire car to travel a little further afield and see a bit more of the country.
Vilnius
A pretty City that can easily be explored in a day or two with great free tours that kick off on a daily basis and will give you a perfect introduction to the City.
Along its quaint cobbled streets
The Ducal Palace for state rooms and very sharp, pointy weapons
The imposing Cathedral
The gothic church of St Anne & Bernadine, that was a favourite of Napoleon’s horses and grandmas that like to knit trees.
and the quirky Republic of Užupis…an artist haven that declared its independence in 1988.
With its own flag, money and constitution that amongst other things enshrines that ‘everyone has the right to die, but this is not an obligation’ and that ‘ A cat is not obliged to love its owner, but must help in time of need’!
The republic is a bit tongue in cheek, so it does not make it onto official country counts, but you can pop into the Republic’s post office to get a stamp for your passport and pray to the backpacking Jesus.
A final must see in Vilnius is to the old headquarters of the KGB…a bit of an oppressive place with padded rooms, detention cells and bars everywhere, but key to understand the regime that once occupied the country.
Thankfully there are plenty opportunities to pick your spirits up with a visit to one of the many restaurants and bars that populate the city.
Afternoon hot chocolate and cake at Sokolades, that also has furniture made from chocolate (although not for sitting on).
Aline Leiciai for local beer, sausages, potato dumplings (also known as Zeppelins) and soldiers with garlic cheese dip…all perfect for the wintry weather outside.
Head to Dvaras for dinner…unashamedly touristy but great with it for more beer, zeppelins and pigs ears!
Trakai Island Castle
After a couple of days in the city, load up your car and do a bit of sight-seeing a bit further afield. About 35 mins to the west of Vilnius is Trakai and its island castle.
Set in a pretty little village the red bricked 14th century castle that has the air of colourful Dracula about it…all towers, courtyards and stairways.
A spacious, warm interior to get a quick respite from the cold outside.
The geographical centre of Europe
From Trakai head northwards to the centre of Europe…or at least one of it’s centres. France, Poland, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus and Hungary have all been vying for this central top spot, and Lithuania claims it based on a 1989 study of the continent of Europe.
Naturally the centre will change based on what you think Europe is, but for us this was good enough estimation to jump for European joy!
The Hill of Crosses
Heading a bit further out to the North West you’ll come to the very unique Hill of Crosses.
It’s 2.5 hrs from Vilnius but well worth the day trip to see this arresting sight.
First appearing in the 19th century the ‘hill’was seen as a place of peaceful resistance during the communist period the hill and surrounds is a magnet for pilgrims and their crosses…
as long as the crosses are less than 3 metres in height (which seems big enough) then you can bring your own cross and place it here freely.
Having completed a full day of sights, head back to Vilnius for some filling food and drinks…enjoy!
