Vilnius has probably traditionally not been the main destination for Norwegian tourists, and Lithuania in general has been a country that many Norwegians have defended themselves to travel to. With a growth in both modernity and economy, Lithuania’s capital has become a tourist gem, which with a low price level and extremely many historic buildings is an eldorado for culture and history enthusiasts. The buildings in the city are characterized by different styles, with everything from works of art from the Renaissance and Baroque.
With almost 580,000 inhabitants, according to DigoPaul, Vilnius is a European capital the size of Oslo , and is not far from the Norwegian capital either. The number of tourists visiting Vilnius increases every year, but the city is still far less visited than the typical tourist cities in Europe. This allows you to get a more authentic experience of the city.
Recommended hotels in Vilnius
- Grand Hotel Kempinski Vilnius-Simply an incredibly good hotel in the heart of Vilnius. The hotel is considered a five star hotel and they really live up to their stars. The hotel has a lovely spa and swimming pool, as well as its own restaurant and bar. Very good feedback from Norwegian guests. The best hotel in Vilnius?
- Artagonist Art Hotel- Lovely four star hotel a short walk from Vilnius Cathedral. The rooms are beautiful, spacious and modern. Simply a very good hotel, which is relatively affordable and has a nice location in the old town of Vilnius.
- Shakespeare Boutique Hotel–A beautiful and relatively small hotel with a lot of soul and charm. Central and nice location with a short way to walk to most of the sights. Perfect hotel for you who want a slightly different experience.
Travel to Vilnius
Several airlines take you to Vilnius directly from Oslo Airport in less than two hours, and the flight tickets are usually very cheap. The city is well located inland, and has a relatively warm summer climate without the extreme temperatures. The tourist season lasts from early May to late September. Lithuania is one of the Eastern European countries that has not adopted the euro, but practices Lithuanian litas. 1 thus corresponds to approximately 2.50 Norwegian kroner.
The ever-increasing tourist growth has led to prices rising somewhat in Vilnius only in the last ten years, but for Norwegians it will in any case be perceived as very cheap. This applies to everything from dining to shopping and accommodation. Although many have prejudices against the Eastern European countries, it is mostly completely safe to travel as a tourist in Vilnius. The drinking water should come from the bottle, and not from the tap.
Hotels and restaurants in Vilnius
Accommodation in Lithuania and Vilnius will be experienced as extremely cheap for Norwegians, and you can get a hotel with a good location and a high standard for less than 300 kroner a night. It is in the city center that most of the sights are located, and most tourists choose to settle near the old town. Choosing a slightly more remote location can save quite a bit of money.
Vilnius has a number of exotic restaurants serving meals from all over the world, but first and foremost there are simple tourist restaurants and local eateries. The city is not known for its luxury restaurants, but many will appreciate the extremely low price level. Here you can eat your fill and enjoy lots of good drinks for a 100-lap per person.
Attractions in Vilnius
Although most Norwegians hardly know Lithuania as a rich country, the capital Vilnius has played an important role for the country for many centuries. It can now be relived through the many historic buildings and museums.
Cathedral and Vilnius
The most important gathering point in the city through the ages has been on the cathedral square itself. This is also where most tourists travel today, as the city’s largest and most beautiful cathedral is located here. Inside, there are many memories and sights, while the building itself is an iconic symbol for many Lithuanians.
Gediminas Castle
The most famous castle in the city is called Gediminas, and was built as early as the 13th century. You are not a tourist in Vilnius without visiting the castle, which is located on a small hilltop right in the center of the old town. Here you can also enjoy the city’s best view, and see the ruins of what was once an even greater masterpiece.
St. Annes Church
Another impressive structure in Vilnius is the Church of St. Annes. After first being a wooden church for several hundred years, it burned down in the 15th century, and was later rebuilt in a Gothic style. Many historical figures are said to have lived in the extensive building, which today is used by the city’s religious in addition to being a major tourist attraction.
Museum in Vilnius
Museum goers will enjoy themselves in Vilnius with the city’s many museums. A tour of the Jewish Museum addresses the situation during World War II, while the KGB Museum in Vilnius tells you everything you need to know about the Russian intelligence service, which has a very dark history. Something more pleasant will be a visit to the National Museum, where you can see various works of art from around the world, with a separate department for historical weapons and armor.
The TV tower in Vilnius
As an Eastern European capital, all that was needed was for Vilnius to have a giant TV tower in the middle of the city. The tower rises 325 meters above the ground and has a delicious restaurant that rotates to give you the best view of the entire city. If you are in the airy mood, there is also a bungee jump from the tower.