MAIN Travel Eastern Europe Lithuania

Take the trip up to the top of Gediminas castle for the best views of Vilnius, Lithuania's scenic capital.

Bordered by Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east, Poland to the southwest, and Russia to the west, Lithuania has emerged as a former Soviet Republic to stand proudly on its own as an EU country.

With its rich history and culture, and tempestuously beautiful Baltic Sea coast beaches, Lithuania has also proven to be a a thriving tourist hot spot attracting visitors near and far from throughout Eastern and Western Europe.

No longer Eastern Europe's best kept secret, Lithuania boasts wide swaths of forest, shimmering lakes, as well as the otherworldly Curonian Spit with its seemingly mile-high drifting sand dunes (the largest in Europe) lying to the west.

For most visitors to Lithuania, however, directly east lies the country's capital, Vilnius which, although small in size, claims the biggest attractions in terms of Lithuanian history, culture and architectural treasures.

Traverse this very walkable city by foot to ramble around the Old Town and to take in incredibly beautiful Gothic and Baroque churches and cathedrals, with strolls around the Neris riverfront.

While here, a trip up to the top of the 13th century Gediminas castle will reveal the best view of Vilnius and surroundings. Then be sure to stop at one of Vilinius' very fashionable neighborhood cafes or restaurants for a well-earned break.

For sheer contrast, also take in the Frank Zappa statue near the Arts Academy, another tourist attraction on Vilnius' must-see list. Today, the oddity is most notable for its connection to a local fan club that wanted to express its wild abandon for all things Western -- following Lithuania's liberation from the Russian empire in the 1990s.

During the height of the summer season, see why Vilnius is also considered the country's cultural capital as the city comes alive with fashion, music and theater festivals frequently scheduled throughout July and August.

More about Lithuania travel & tourism around the Web:

Lithuanian Travel - The official travel site featuring guides to major cities, regions and beach resorts, national parks and other attractions including online hotel and airfare booking, maps and a stunning photo gallery.

Lithuania travel guide - Good, general overview of major attractions in Vilnius, Baltic sea coast beaches and other must-sees throughout the country with guides to Lithuanian food, culture and history, practical travel advice and safety tips.

Lithuania Travel - Lonely Planet World Guide - Fast facts, feature attractions, when to go, plus maps, photo galleries and special looks at Vilnius, Aukštaitija National Park, Palanga beach resort, the Curonian Spit and more.