Vilnius is the centre of Europe

Amazing, but true: the geographical centre point of Europe more or less coincides with the location of the Lithuanian capital. In the middle of the 15th century Vilnius was the administrative hub of a realm that stretched all the way from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. Those great times can still be sensed in the Old Town, which is one of the most impressive of its kind in Europe.

Admittedly, history has also been much less kind to Vilnius, and so any excessive contemplation of the city’s past can rapidly dampen the mood of the inquisitive tourist. This is a place where it’s worth just soaking up the unique ambience, which is characterised by a self-consciousness born of history and a firm faith in what tomorrow will bring. Even though the 20th century turned its back on Vilnius, the city has now reawakened and is flourishing again with all the vigour and colour of its past days of glory.

Artistic life
This is not a city that lends itself to the tourist on a strict itinerary, but instead it rewards those who simply take the time to enjoy whatever they encounter here and there. Vilnius leads a rich and varied life centred on cafés, restaurants and cultural events that take place not only in designated sanctuaries, but also in the streets. On the other hand, one should not be so aimless as to miss out on the Uzupis district of the city. Though previously a deprived area, it has nowadays become a sought-after locality for artists, students and more wealthy local residents. There is a generally permissive ambience about the area and something is always happening here.

Mediaeval castles
Visitors to Lithuania should not pass up the opportunity to see Trakai, which is just 25 kilometres from Vilnius. Trakai is a mediaeval knight’s castle that massively guards the surrounding scenic lake district and nearby village of Trakai, which is a delightfully peaceful place to restore one’s energies before returning to Vilnius. Visitors should also be sure to sample kibinai, the plain but delicious meat pie that is a Lithuanian national dish.