Vilnius (Lithuania)
Distance: 184 km
Travel time: 2 h 20 min
Inhabitants: 600.000
The capital of Lithuania convinces with a rich shopping and cultural offer with a special flair. The city's architecture was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1994. Buildings of the early Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classicism give the cityscape a unique structure of great architecture in Eastern Europe. The opportunity to make a trip to Lithuania should not be missed.
In 2009, Vilnius was European Capital of Culture and Lithuania celebrated with many festivals 1000 years since the mention in the historical chronicles.
Touristic attractions:
Numerous Baroque churches and monasteries today testify to a Christian mission of faith in the fight against the pagan power of Lithuanian customs and traditions. The Jesuits never gave up Vilnius and in 1579 founded the University of Vilnius in addition to the many churches and monasteries that have been restored today. The centuries-old university quarter, with its Italian-style courtyards, St. John's Church, the magnificently designed interiors of the observatory and the library, blends into a unique ensemble of outstanding architecture.
Shopping / Hints:
As a rule, shops in Vilnius and in the cities are open Mon-Fri from 10 am to 7 pm, Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm. The major shopping centers are usually open until 10pm, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to 8pm. There are also 24-hour shops. For smaller shops, as well as in the more rural area, you should expect that they close comparatively early and also make noon rest. In most larger shops, restaurants and hotels credit cards can be used. Traveler's checks can be redeemed at most banks.
Vilnius organizes many events each year, such as the International Summer Music Festival "St. Christophorus", the Capital Festival "Sostines dienos", the International Theater Festival, music jazz festivals and events during the Christmas period. The festivals comprise a total of over 100 concerts. The song festivals are even on the UNESCO heritage list.
Insider-tip: Particularly advantageous is the good airport connection to travel particularly comfortable in the region of the Comfort House. The airport, 7 km from the city center, is the country's main airport. In 1991, an operating company of the Lithuanian state took over the airport. In 1993, a new terminal was inaugurated. The airport complies with the provisions of the Schengen Agreement. Another terminal was opened in October 2007 to handle up to three million passengers per year. Cheap flights are also available from European cities such as Frankfurt (Main), Hahn, Berlin, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Dusseldorf, etc. (with AirBaltic and Ryanair).