Be confident exploring the world with our destination guides and local experiences that make each destination unique and the best places to stay in every corner of the world Explore the latest stories from the award-winning UK travel magazine Copyright © 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright © 2015-2025 National Geographic Partners 2025Jamie Naill JrPrep Baseball MD Scouting Director Follow Prep Baseball Maryland on TwitterFacebook & Instagram We continue our spring high school previews and projections with a look at 15 "Picks to Click" as we inch closer to the 2025 baseball season Highlighted in these stories are players that we believe are in contention for "Player of the Year" or "Pitcher of the Year" and we will give a detailed analysis we would like to highlight Ty Kaunas from Brunswick High School Kaunas transferred into Brunswick in 2024 and took the state by storm leading the Railroaders to their first state title since 2016 and cementing his name as one of the top positional players in the state.  the University of Maryland commit can "pick it" with the best of them coupled with innate baseball IQ allows Kaunas to make any play look easy and fluid The hit tool sparked consistently all spring long showcasing doubles power to the alleys with the occassional "long ball" strength that pushes Kaunas into "Player of the Year" conversation If the bat stays consistent and Kaunas can lead this Brunswick team on another deep playoff run in 2025 the slick fielding shortstop may be the odds on favorite to take home the illustrious award.             Our Route Opportunities feature explores the latest unserved and underserved routes promoted through Routes 360 providing supporting information for airline network planners to consider and capitalize on is strategically located in the country’s central region the airport saw a nearly 10% increase in passenger numbers Kaunas Airport has been surpassing its pre-pandemic traffic figures since 2022 KUN is also a hub for aircraft maintenance where a multitude of providers (like FL Technics Ryanair Engineering) make KUN a truly one-stop-shop experience for aircraft operators The airport aims to strengthen its development strategy raise awareness of its prime geographic location and attract companies specializing in aircraft repair KUN is expanding its terminal to double capacity allowing for two million passengers and 15,000 annual aircraft movements The expansion is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025 and will enable the airport to accommodate up to six passenger aircraft simultaneously KUN saw a 13% increase on seats offered during 2024 compared to the previous year but also launched three new routes linking KUN with Berlin (BER) The winter 2024-25 schedule connected KUN with 18 destinations across Europe including the new 4X-weekly Ryanair service to Belfast aviation Summer season 2025 will see yet another Italian connection for KUN as Ryanair is scheduled to launch direct services to Pescara (PSR) Alongside growing regular passenger operations KUN also handles a healthy number of cargo and military personnel flights due to its central location in the country Passenger data shows that 18% of KUN travellers fly for business 40% for leisure and 42% to visit friends and relatives More than 60% of passengers are between the ages of 25 and 44 As a Routes 360 member with significant growth potential, KUN is working to expand its European route network. The airport has identified multiple unserved and underserved route opportunities on its profile Discover the latest available routes and identify new business opportunities Routes 360 is a powerful digital platform designed for the aviation community communicate key messages to engaged contacts and access the most up-to-date industry information.<\/p>Empower your route development strategy today.  insight and analysis from our award-winning editors delivered to your inbox daily After being waived by the Boston Celtics out of training camp, six-year NBA veteran Lonnie Walker IV will sign a contract with Zalgiris Kaunas of the Euroleague Walker's deal with the Lithuanian club includes an NBA buyout clause until Feb The 25-year-old Walker has averaged 9.8 points in 20.3 minutes over his six seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Lakers and Brooklyn Nets 18 pick in the 2018 NBA draft to the Spurs 38.4% 3-point shooting and 17.4 minutes for the Nets Migration specialists were forced to work in temporary premises after a major fire in December 2023 when an electrical panel caught fire in the building on A Juozapavičiaus Avenue.Visits are already open for booking the department said in a press release on Wednesday ArtReviewNews21 January 2025artreview.com Adomas Narkevičius is to curate the fifteenth edition of the Kaunas Biennial Narkevičius is Lithuanian and said the exhibition ‘offers a unique opportunity to present a perspective from our so-called “semi-peripheral” region – embracing its irreverent he was previously curator at Vilnius’s Rupert Centre for Art Narkevičius envisages an ‘exhibition that engages with our time – and My aim is for it to imaginatively address the palpable shifts in the international order and the long-held ideas surrounding contemporary art serving as a space of possibility for the invited artists and their visions.’ which will run 12 September to 23 November 2025 will include a satellite exhibition in collaboration with the 2024 Lyon Biennale (France) and CHRONIQUES – the Biennale des Imaginaires Numériques (France) teams and the 2025–26 Biennale Gherdëina (Italy) ArtReviewNews Mia SternNews ArtReviewNewsartreview.com02 May 2025 The painting, worth €50 million, has sustained visible scratches The 10 Exhibitions to See in May 2025ArtReviewPreviewsartreview.com02 May 2025 Our editors on the exhibitions they’re looking forward to this month, from the Venice Architecture Biennale to Gallery Weekends in Berlin and Beijing AdvertisementHow the Museum Became a WeaponWilliam ShokiOpinionartreview.com02 May 2025 In apartheid South Africa, museums glorified white settlement and erased Black history; in the US today, they are again being captured under the guise of neutrality Vyjayanthi Rao to curate 2026 Sharjah Architecture TriennialMia SternNewsartreview.com02 May 2025 She will be joined by Tau Tavengwa as associate curator Ari Emanuel buys Frieze from EndeavorArtReviewNewsartreview.com01 May 2025 The entertainment company’s own former chief executive has acquired Frieze for a reported $200m Inaugural Annie Leibowitz prize awarded to photographer of migrant experiencesArtReviewNewsartreview.com01 May 2025 Zélie Hallosserie to receive $10,000 for her documentary work in Calais Helmut Lang Has Always Been ProvocativeClaudia RossReviewsArtReview01 May 2025 Lang’s newest artwork, like his clothing, explores the uncanny ways that industrial refuse can interact with and even evoke human flesh IKOB Feminist Art Prize announces winnersArtReviewNewsartreview.com01 May 2025 Matt Copson: Never Grow UpMartin HerbertReviewsArtReview30 April 2025 “What’s living with no hope?” asks the artist’s big animated baby at KW, Berlin. One thing is certain: we can’t stop watching Disability Is Not a Separate Category of PersonhoodAlice HattrickOpinionartreview.com30 April 2025 The disabled experience is increasingly visible in the artworld yet an ableist political landscape is constantly on the attack. This affects us all We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, revised Privacy Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience A magical Winter Wonderland for both young and old Lithuania's Christmas Markets are a must this festive season when the switch is thrown and the lights of the Vilnius Christmas Tree burst into colour illuminating every falling snowflake and every wide smile the Lithuanian capital's Old Town will be transformed into a world of magical delight Centrally located in the city's Cathedral Square under the watchful eye of the ancient Gediminas’ Tower the tree becomes the glittering centrepiece of a bustling Christmas Market that will capture the hearts of visitors of all ages the Vilnius Christmas Tree has been widely recognised around the world as one of the most beautiful and most decorative to be found in Europe and beyond While the Lithuanian capital may not be as well-known as some of the other larger European festive destinations welcoming demeanour that draws people back again and again from the end of November until the end of December the Christmas Market becomes the city's central hub of festive entertainment and light the market – and the entire festive city – shines brightly waiting to be discovered by families wrapped snugly in warm winter woollens couples capturing the moment with a glass of steaming mulled wine and a selfie beside the lavishly decorated tree or by every grown-up child wishing to rekindle the magic of Christmas past The market itself is formed around the tree into a circular labyrinth of ornamentally decked out wooden stalls offering a Santa's sleigh brimming with festive goods warm handmade clothing and scented candles If you happen to be shopping for the perfect festive gift Lithuania offers a treasure trove of delightful discoveries – native amber jewellery If exploring starts to make you feel a little peckish the market stalls also serve an endless assortment of traditional and modern snacks and drinks to pick you up from hot chocolate and spiced wine to tasty meat-filled pastries (kibinai) and the Lithuanian festive favourite šakotis a deliciously sweet spit-cake made from butter You have to keep your energy levels high to get the full Christmas experience in Vilnius as there is more than just one Christmas market and one Christmas experience to savour in the city A firm favourite with children of all ages is the Christmas train that trundles its way musically from Cathedral Square along the cobbled pedestrian Pilies street churches and galleries towards the smaller more compact market located in the nearby Rotušė or Town Hall Square the swoosh of skates and joy-filled laughter can be heard from the Christmas ice rink backed by festive melodies played by musicians tasty treats and flaming braziers offer warmth to cold hands and feet while the tall columns of the city's old Town Hall add a burst of seasonal sparkle to the Old Town square the day after the official lighting of the tree in the Cathedral Square the Town Hall Square plays host to the annual International Christmas Charity Bazaar The Bazaar is run and overseen by residents from Lithuania's international community and offers a flavour of Christmas and seasonal delights from over 40 countries while raising money for local charities on the winding and ancient Stikliu and Savičiaus Streets tiny boutiques and artisanal workshops are bathed in the light of overhead festive decorations and miniature Christmas trees dripping in fairy lights guide your way from store to store From hand-bound notebooks and one-of-a-kind trinkets to traditional Lithuanian linen clothing and ceramics the tiny winding streets of the city's one-time Jewish ghetto are drawn from the illustrations of a child's book of fairy tales none of the city's other festive attractions are ever far away the city boasts a festival of illuminations and for those who like to get some exercise when they travel they can don a cheerful Santa hat and take part in the great Vilnius City Christmas Run Christmas Eve is the big event for almost all Lithuanian families who gather together on the evening of the 24th and indulge in an age-old dining tradition – kūčios This special Yuletide meal originates from both Pagan and Christian traditions and consists of 12 different dishes – all without meat – that symbolise the months of the year and diners should sample each one to ensure success in the following 12 months you'll find poppy seed milk; kūčiukai (tiny Christmas Eve cookies made from dough and poppy seeds); a drink or dessert called spanguolių kisielius starch and water; pickled herring; mushroom dumplings; and other simple but traditional dishes If you happen to be invited to kūčios in a Lithuanian's home be prepared to try some unusual tastes and combinations If pickled herring and poppy seed milk isn't your bag the Lithuanian capital is also home to a selection of Michelin Guide restaurants bistros and eateries where you can dine in luxury and be assured of sampling the finest ingredients and served in a range of unique environments a delectable little restaurant that you'll fall in love with at any time of year the chef has conjured all of the tastes of 'nonna'-style cooking that can usually only be found in the Italian backstreets but for the best experience a seat at the counter will bring the whole experience to life a designer boutique hotel which sits beside the aforementioned restaurant Nineteen18 From sampling delicious treats and warming beverages at Cathedral Square's Christmas Market to donning your skates and taking to the ice Vilnius at Christmas really is a magical winter wonderland waiting to be enjoyed by everyone who loves the magic of the season but it’s not the only place worth visiting on your festive break Christmas is a very special time in the city Kaunas boasts a magnificently unique festive atmosphere and cosy backstreet cafés serving up warming glasses of mulled wine and cider hot chocolate or steaming mugs of coffee overflowing with marshmallows a chic spot serving contemporary Nordic style dishes that is both laid-back and lively at the same time if you’re planning on visiting Vilnius this Christmas why not leave a little time to travel to Kaunas and enjoy the Holiday season in a smaller The airports at both Vilnius and Kaunas are only three hours or less from most major European cities easy-to-get-to Christmas stocking filler – and the perfect place to fill your stockings too If you can't make it before the year's end The Vilnius Holiday festivities – including a grand New Year celebration in the Cathedral Square – continue right up until 7th January with the final procession of the Three Kings winding through the city's Old Town streets wrapping up a magical experience for another year Merry Christmas!Hero Image: © Krivinis/iStock From listening bars to neighbourhood restaurants explore all the top recommendations from Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare One of the most prominent chefs serving Indian cuisine talks India and his New York these splurge-worthy hotels have the design and prestige to rival even that most historic of city landmarks The first hotel on this list is just 20 minutes from Florence From vineyards to infinity pools and farm-to-table restaurants every one of these 14 Tuscan classics is within two hours of the city What the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors Saw in 2025 The Mexican capital takes center stage alongside the culinary world's top talents the best hotel rooftops are a go-to when you touch down From Texas Barbecue to Mexico City's cutting-edge dining these new MICHELIN Guide hot spots promise unforgettable vacations and world-class cuisine These are the best lake vacations for a summer break from Lake Tahoe in the US to Lake Como in Switzerland and the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and bolt holes to bed down in when you visit The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have already added hundreds of hotels to the MICHELIN selection in 2025 we’re highlighting a special list of 10 that thrive in the sunny season where do fashion’s biggest names retreat for a bite and a bed We imagine the post-Gala sanctuaries of the chicest attendees these iconic chefs mentor professional chefs who have an ego ​13 new restaurants receive their first MICHELIN Star ​Three new establishments are awarded the MICHELIN Green Star Who knew brisket and biscuits could be so good Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels under the watchful eye of the ancient Gediminas\u2019 Tower the market \u2013 and the entire festive city \u2013 shines brightly Lithuania offers a treasure trove of delightful discoveries \u2013 native amber jewellery from hot chocolate and spiced wine to tasty meat-filled pastries (kibinai) and the Lithuanian festive favourite \u0161akotis more compact market located in the nearby Rotu\u0161\u0117 or Town Hall Square on the winding and ancient Stikliu and Savi\u010diaus Streets who gather together on the evening of the 24th and indulge in an age-old dining tradition \u2013 k\u016b\u010dios This special Yuletide meal originates from both Pagan and Christian traditions and consists of 12 different dishes \u2013 all without meat \u2013 that symbolise the months of the year you'll find poppy seed milk; k\u016b\u010diukai (tiny Christmas Eve cookies made from dough and poppy seeds); a drink or dessert called spanguoli\u0173 kisielius If you happen to be invited to k\u016b\u010dios in a Lithuanian's home but it\u2019s not the only place worth visiting on your festive break bus or train \u2013 and like all of Lithuania and cosy backstreet caf\u00e9s serving up warming glasses of mulled wine and cider if you\u2019re planning on visiting Vilnius this Christmas easy-to-get-to Christmas stocking filler \u2013 and the perfect place to fill your stockings too The Vilnius Holiday festivities \u2013 including a grand New Year celebration in the Cathedral Square \u2013 continue right up until 7th January Merry Christmas!Hero Image: \u00a9 Krivinis/iStock Blending historic red-brick buildings with its UNESCO-recognised modernist architecture Lithuania’s second city is a cultural powerhouse Here are some of the best things to do in Kaunas… Lithuania’s second city is 92km from the capital of Vilnius Two rivers – Neris and Nemunas (Neman) meet close to the Old Town Vilnius Street is the most central and beautiful a popular spot for public events such as its Christmas Market is one of the oldest and most important buildings in the city The mid-16th century building now houses a modern permanent exhibition presenting the city’s history as well as changing exhibitions exploring Kaunas from different perspectives Events and educational activities at Kaunas Town Hall are geared towards the diverse interests of Kaunas residents encouraging them to get to know and discuss their city better Kaunas Castle sits behind the town hall in Santaka Park former inmates allegedly haunt the round tower and bastion which are partly surrounded by the remnants of defensive walls festivals and archery and crossbow workshops while inside a museum displays paintings historical photos and archaeological discoveries such as crossbows Its Michelin Guide restaurant serves ingredients grown in the monastery garden and some local dishes such as grilled cabbage with wild garlic cream and buckthorn gel There are two working funiculars in Kaunas they both survived WWII and became symbols of resilience to the city and you’ll ride from Kaunas Old Town up the slopes of Aleksotas Hill At the top is an observation deck where you can admire the cityscape from above A highlight includes spotting the smiling sundial on the façade of one of the city’s university buildings Žaliakalnis Funicular with its yellow tram has been operating since 1931 and takes passengers on a speedy 1-minute-40-second ride up to the monumental Roman Catholic Church of Basilica of the Resurrection Kaunas saw its most transformational era as it stepped up to become Lithuania’s provisional capital between the two world wars More than 12,000 new buildings were constructed across the city particularly in Naujamiestis (New Town) and Žaliakalnis (Green Hill) This important phase in Kaunas’ history was recognised by UNESCO in 2023 with its architecture collectively designated as a World Heritage Site it can be difficult to know where to begin A couple of suggested must-see buildings include: the Central Post Office which blends national style with modernism; the Bank of Lithuania an elegant building which you can book tours inside if you plan in advance; and the Kaunas State Musical Theatre a venue that still puts on performances by a theatrical company established in the 1940s Another architectural style developed during the interwar period in Kaunas were its wooden villas Although many have been lost in recent years a selection are still well-preserved and highlight another side of the city’s urban history The Žaliakalnis district is full of wooden properties Keep an eye out for wooden birdboxes hidden in trees around the city which were inspired by this charming interwar architecture from a pink elephant to an interactive portrait of the Mona Lisa inspired by Dadaism Look out for Star Seeder near Unity Square; Morfai painted a silhouette of a man throwing stars behind an existing sculpture of a man sewing a basket of seeds The Old Wise Man meanwhile is a 440 sq m sketch of an elderly man smoking a pipe on the wall of an old shoe factory a Lithuanian artist who co-founded the art collective known as Fluxus A 25-minute bus ride north of the city takes you to the Ninth Fort But while it was originally built to protect Linkuva Hill it was transformed into a hard labour prison at the end of the First World War when a six-metre brick wall and watchtowers were added In 1940 when Lithuania was under Soviet rule people were assembled at the fort before being sent to Gulag camps the Nazis murdered Jews and Communists at the fort – on 29 October 1941 alone almost a tenth of the victims killed at the site throughout the Second World War explore a park nearby and see a 32-metre monument to the victims both of which use modern techniques to reinvent Lithuanian dishes Art Deco is one of the major architectural styles that helped shape modernist Kaunas. In the heart of uptown, the Art Deco Museum is set inside a restored 1920s apartment and celebrates this important part of interwar heritage with its furniture and household utensils transporting visitors back in time to the city’s golden era Following on from the Art Deco Museum’s success, the founders opened the Amsterdam School Museum in 2023 set within the only Amsterdam School-style building in Lithuania Visitors can join an experiential tour inside the restored apartment not only to admire the blending of Art Deco and Art Nouveau elements but also acknowledge the harrowing stories of the building’s former Jewish residents many of whom were victims of the Holocaust The Devil’s Museum is another of Kaunas’ quirky attractions What began as the private collection of the local artist Antanas Žmuidzinavičius has morphed into an exhibition of 3,000 exhibits spread over three floors The collection has been sourced from 70 countries and as well as clay sculptures and works made from glass and paper visitors can expect to see wooden masks from Sri Lanka spells to exorcise evil forces and a tree stump that resembles Satan For more information, go to visit.kaunas.lt Sign up to our newsletter for free with the Wanderlust Club Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Barça's 2024/25 Euroleague season is under way with a defeat in Lithuania 74-67 against Zalgiris Kaunas despite an excellent second half from Joan Peñarroya's team Laprovittola with 12 points and Parker and Punter with 11 were the top scorers in the game for the blaugranes A debut against Zalgiris Kaunas is not the easiest way to start a Euroleague campaign and Barça were up against it early with the home side taking a 21-14 lead at the end of the first quarter In the second quarter the Lithuanians continued to dominate with Brazdeikis scoring 10 points to help his side to a 43-31 lead at the break Barça scored six unanswered points at the start of the second half and the blaugranes' defence started to take control Towards the end of the third quarter Peñarroya's team levelled things up at 48-48 with the game still in the balance Zalgiris opened up a lead in the fourth quarter of almost eight points at one stage before Barça brought it back to 69-65 A three pointer from Zalgiris' Francisco sent the balance in favour of the home side and the Lithuanians held on for a 74-67 win Butkevicius (6) and Birutis (3) - starting five - Francisco (19) Parker (11) and Willy (8) - starting five - Vesely (7) About us | Advertise with us | Contact us Posted: 19 June 2024 | | No comments yet Lithuania unveils refined proposals for the Kaunas-Vilnius Rail Baltica route inviting public feedback until 9 August 2024 to enhance regional connectivity and infrastructure development In a recent development concerning the Rail Baltica project’s Kaunas-Vilnius section revised solutions have been unveiled to the public The initiative aims to integrate the Baltic capitals into the European rail network swiftly Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications of Lithuania said: “One of the main objectives of Rail Baltica is to integrate the Baltic capitals into the European rail network as quickly as possible The link with Vilnius undoubtedly increases the added value of the project and is important for the whole region so we hope that the improved solutions based on the received proposals will allow us to move forward and better meet the expectations of the public.” The drafting process for the special territorial planning document has diligently considered 215 public proposals These include adjustments to motorway routes said: “Many of the proposals have been taken into account wherever possible The municipalities and citizens know best the transport routes that matter to them the most which is why public involvement is essential Bringing infrastructure to an urbanised area is always more difficult assured and consider the interests and emerging needs of local residents and businesses.” The Rail Baltica project envisages a 95km main line from Vilnius to Kaunas it promises to reduce travel time between Vilnius and Kaunas to approximately 38 minutes marking a significant advancement in regional connectivity Amtrak releases FY23 Sustainability Report had been selected in late 2021 following extensive stakeholder consultations The current phase involves the preparation of the Engineering Infrastructure Development Plan by joint venture partners Sweco Lietuva UAB and DB Engineering & Consulting GmbH hailed as the largest railway infrastructure endeavour in Baltic history will establish an electrified European-standard two-track railway across Lithuania affirming its transformative impact on regional transportation and connectivity Members of the public can review the draft special spatial planning document and Strategic Environmental Assessment Report until 9 August 2024 accessible via the Ministry of Transport and Communications of the Republic of Lithuania’s website the TPS Gateway and designated public offices An exhibition of these documents is also scheduled at various municipal administrations across key districts until the same date For further details and engagement opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to visit the project’s Web GIS portal and participate in ongoing consultations , , , By No comments yet All subscriptions include online membership giving you access to the journal and exclusive content By Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id" "a2a33fba83e3aa545a0bcc05178c041c" );document.getElementById("j0f0bb4fb4").setAttribute( "id" Write for us | Advertise with us Global Railway Review is published by: Russell Publishing Ltd.Court LodgeHogtrough HillBrasted © Russell Publishing Limited Website development by e-Motive Media Limited Routes is part of the Informa Markets Division of Informa PLC "Kaunas Airport plays a critical role in the long-term strategic development of Lithuanian Airports (LTOU) the terminal will be able to serve twice as many passengers – up to 2 million annually This will lay a solid foundation for future growth addressing current travel trends and technological advancements Passengers will immediately notice the improvements and additional shopping and dining options," said Arnas Dūmanas Director of the Development Department at Lithuanian Airports the architectural features of the new annexes will become apparent Approximately 2,000 square meters of multilayer panels will be used for the exterior walls along with 1,600 square meters of glass structures A key design goal is to ensure ample natural light within the three-story terminal Architects focused on functional simplicity and light permeability when designing the facades The facade and roofing are expected to be completed by the end of 2024 Dūmanas highlighted that the possibility of expanding the terminal on both sides was envisioned as early as 2008 when a new passenger terminal was constructed at Kaunas Airport Lithuanian Airports decided to utilize this structural flexibility The company “Infes,” which won the public procurement tender last year is carrying out the construction work and maintaining architectural consistency with the existing terminal design The passenger terminal expansion project is slated for completion in the second half of 2025 The terminal’s total area will increase by approximately 4,400 square meters enabling the airport to handle up to six passenger aircraft simultaneously and passenger waiting areas will all expand Additional spaces for dining and shopping will also be introduced the new spaces will feature various technological innovations next-generation passenger baggage scanners Kaunas Airport can accommodate passengers from up to four flights per hour in its arrival and departure zones Kaunas was the first city in Lithuania to light up its Christmas tree the city’s main tree is installed in Vienybės (Unity) Square due to the reconstruction of the Town Hall Square the city was decorated with a 17-metre-high spruce donated by a Kaunas woman adorned with more than 200 different shapes of gingerbread-shaped decorations and 40,000 lights the event in Vienybės Square included performances by Silvester Belt the stretch of the Neris near Kaunas is home to ducks rather than boats but enthusiasts envision a thriving recreational and tourism corridor linking the country’s two largest cities The river route spans 175 kilometers and was added to the national inland waterways registry in 2001 though funding shortages have kept development plans on hold president of the Recreational Boating Industry Association and head of LITBOAT Demand for recreational boating is growing naturally he argued: “There are real estate projects forming along the Neris Associate professor Laurynas Jukna said developing the waterway could threaten protected fish species such as the asp “Constructing a waterway would contribute to the degradation and loss of vital ecosystems,” he said Jukna argued that the Neris should be removed from the list of navigable rivers with exceptions made only for short stretches within Vilnius and Kaunas He supports limited navigation using flat-bottomed boats that do not require dredging or altering the riverbed “But invasive modifications and deepening the riverbed are unnecessary” and risk damaging both the ecosystem and the hydrographic heritage director of the Inland Waterways Directorate acknowledged that current depths along the route average only 75 centimetres requiring clearance of debris and obstacles He estimated it would take five to seven years to prepare the river for boats though the project lacks both funding and an environmental impact assessment Vytautas Magnus University professor Petras Punys said the potential for modern hydrotechnology to minimise environmental impact exists but he remains sceptical about the economic feasibility of full-scale navigation “I don’t believe yachts could be cruising the Neris all the way to Vilnius – really impossible,” he said “At least the first phase should aim for Jonava.” Lithuania has nearly 900 kilometres of designated inland waterways though only about 500 kilometres are currently in use which had been operating on Vilniaus Street in Kaunas Old Town for almost six years its owner Italian Simone Rotoli took a job in a pizzeria in Vilnius the business faced many challenges while operating in Kaunas Old Town followed by the reconstruction of Vilniaus Street which started before the restaurant could recover from the pandemic “Instead of closing the street in an orderly manner and compensating for the damage – which would have been the sensible thing to do – the city authorities closed half the street They demolished one side and allowed people to walk on the other side nobody would come to a street that was being repaired and dirty,” Rotoli told LRT.lt the rental prices for premises in Kaunas Old Town are too high which also leads to businesses closing down it’s practically empty on weekdays and during the cold season and on a Tuesday night three tables are occupied,” he said the reintroduction of the standard VAT rate of 21 percent for the hospitality sector after the coronavirus pandemic was another painful blow “The situation is shameful because there is a handful of people who control everything and independent small restaurants cannot survive we cannot move the missing money from another restaurant,” the Italian man explained Rotoli now works in a pizzeria in Vilnius and says that the situation in the Lithuanian capital is different “There are a lot more people on the streets of Vilnius and many more of them go to restaurants on weekdays,” he said Eglė Simuntienė was the owner of the restaurant Galerija Urbana and the bar Shamrock in Kaunas Old Town “Galerija Urbana had to close during the reconstruction of Vilniaus Street because the owners of the premises did not agree to stop the lease,” Simuntienė said the Kaunas city authorities did not pay any attention to the entrepreneurs’ plea for help “We were warned two weeks in advance that all businesses would have to close in July [...] We couldn’t get into our premises and had to stop our activities Then we appealed to Kaunas Municipality for compensation but they said that we were doing business in the Old Town and we had to be prepared for such cases,” Simuntienė explained “And then the electricity prices went up a lot Kaunas Old Town never recovered,” she added customers did not return to the bars and restaurants after the reconstruction of Vilnius Street was completed but the municipality did not care about it and the final straw was the car pollution tax and you see that you cannot survive like that anymore We just decided to close our bar after 14 years in operation,” she said the Genys Taproom bar on Vilniaus Street also closed its doors and its manager Laurynas Lisauskas explained the reasons for it on Facebook and to allow to do business in the way the law allows,” he wrote the situation in Kaunas Old Town was different followed by the prolonged reconstruction of Vilniaus Street [...] And then the city gave the Old Town a hastily introduced Low Emission Zone which completely switched off that tiny light at the end of the tunnel,” Lisauskas wrote When you prevent business from doing business and you turn off the light at the end of the tunnel which announced the closure of the restaurant in Kaunas Old Town in September named the same reasons for the closure – the decrease in the number of customers “We can no longer maintain the restaurant because people are concentrating in other places in Kaunas and the Old Town has become unattractive to residents,” Bložienė said another reconstruction started in Kaunas Old Town “We understand that the reconstruction of Vilnius Street was not the easiest period for business in the Old Town but today Vilnius Street has turned into an attractive space despite the reconstruction of the Town Hall Square many activities and events are planned to increase the attractiveness of the Old Town,” Paulius Keras deputy director of Kaunas Municipality Administration the director of Kaunas Municipality Administration was quoted in a press release issued earlier and assured that the city authorities are in contact with the Old Town entrepreneurs “We hear the business community; we know their current situation We already have the first decisions on how to make this part of the city more attractive so that Kaunas citizens and visitors don’t bypass it,” he said While other religious communities in Lithuania have successfully regained property lost under Soviet rule the Muslim community’s efforts have stalled allegedly due to the presence of burial sites on part of the land “This is not about special treatment or exceptions – we simply want the law to apply equally to all,” said Mufti Aleksandras Beganskas The community currently leases an 84-are plot surrounding the mosque but it has been petitioning for full ownership for seven years Beganskas noted that the Muslim population in Kaunas is growing rapidly with some 2,500 people attending holiday prayers often forcing the community to hold Friday prayers twice to accommodate worshippers Kaunas municipal authorities cite the presence of graves as the main obstacle to returning the land though they have begun proceedings to amend the area’s zoning the parcel would be split: one section would be allocated to the mosque and potentially returned to the community while the portion with graves would remain public land designated for cemetery use “Certain steps are already underway,” said a spokesperson for the National Land Service “The Kaunas municipal administration and the Department of Cultural Heritage are reviewing the matter We’ll know what decisions can be made after their assessment.” noting that other religious groups have recovered property despite similar complications “We’ve seen churches regain their land even when graves of priests are present on the site – including one-hectare parcels like in Zapyškis,” he said The community emphasises that it would not pursue commercial development on the land the reclaimed area would be used to improve access and facilities for worshippers Following the latest unfavourable ruling from the Lithuanian Administrative Court community leaders say they may turn to the European Court of Human Rights The legal team argues that the situation reflects unequal legal protection and potential signs of religious discrimination “There are solid grounds for this kind of complaint,” said the community’s legal counsel “The damage to the community is significant and the European Court could order the state to compensate for it – all that’s needed now is the community’s decision to proceed.” The deadline to file a claim with the European Court is the end of May Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, 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Aukstaitija National Park One of Europe’s smaller gems, Lithuania is speckled with lakes covered by forests and lapped at by the Baltic Sea Yet the country is rich in more than just natural beauty. The cobblestone medieval lanes of its capital, Vilnius, are packed with spired churches that beckon with their baroque finery, while the unparalleled art deco architecture of its second city, Kaunas, has recently earned a UNESCO designation Lithuania is one of the best countries to visit next year. See our full list of Best in Travel 2025 winners party all night in beachfront Palanga and explore the coastline forests and sand dunes of the bewitching Curonian Spit on foot and on two wheels you’ll discover that spark that makes Lithuania so compelling Since July and August bring crowds to the supremely scenic beaches and forests of the Curonian Spit consider staying in the smaller villages of Preila and Pervalka rather than the tourist hotspot of Nida Budget-conscious travelers might be drawn to winter (December to February), when there are few tourists, accommodation is inexpensive (outside the Christmas/New Year period) and the historic city centers of Vilnius and Kaunas, as well as Trakai Castle are particularly picturesque under a covering of snow You can pack a lot into a weekend in Lithuania from soaking up the atmosphere in Vilnius to visiting the spectacular castle on Trakai Island – an easy day trip from the capital Lithuania also richly rewards more in-depth If you only have a couple of days, focus your energy on Vilnius for at least one of them. Wander its cobbled Old Town, summit Gediminas Hill, visit the Museum of Occupations and Freedom Fights and check out the breakaway “mini-republic” of Užupis you can take a bus west to Klaipėda and a ferry onward to the Curonian Spit sun yourself on white-sand beaches and explore its fishing villages you can head northeast to Aukštaitija National Park to hike along forest trails between traditional tiny villages consider heading south to Druskininkai to take its mineral waters and wander among the Soviet statuary at Grūto Parkas You can pay your respects at the Hill of Crosses visit a Soviet nuclear bunker in Žemaitija National Park then taste Lithuania’s traditional farmhouse-style beer in Biržai and takes 45 minutes to one hour; a taxi (30 minutes or so) should cost less than €20 Tiny Palanga airport serves a few international cities Vilnius and Kaunas are covered by a comprehensive network of inexpensive public buses with many attractions clustered close together Cyclists will love the ever-growing networks of bike lanes and bicycles are easy to rent from multiple docking stations; you can also opt for Bolt electric scooters Cycling is a terrific way to explore destinations on the Baltic coast such as the Curonian Spit and the Nemunas Delta as well as the forest-cloaked Aukštaitija and Žemaitija National Parks inexpensive trains are particularly useful for traveling between Vilnius and Kaunas intercity buses – which link all major cities and towns – are the faster option consider renting a car to get between multiple destinations signage is simple and – other than in cobblestoned town centers – parking isn’t hard to come by Dining-wise, in Vilnius you can choose between Lithuanian classics such as potato pancakes, pork roasts and dumplings at the kitschy-yet-fun Etno Dvaras, or tasting menus of reimagined Baltic cuisine, paired with carefully chosen wines or original nonalcoholic beverages made in-house, at Nineteen18 (book ahead) opt for meaty stews and beetroot soup amid rustic farmyard decor at Bernelių Užeiga or make reservations at Uoksas for menus crafted from sustainable seasonal ingredients harvested from the Baltic Sea An easy half-day trip from Vilnius is Trakai, home to Lithuania’s most picturesque castle. Since the monument sits on an island in Lake Galvė, we recommend renting a stand-up paddle board to take it in from all angles. Visit the Karaite Ethnographic Museum on Trakai’s main street to learn about the fascinating Karaites before tasting Karaite kibinai (meat-stuffed pasties) at one of the lakeside restaurants In addition to its charming Old Town, Kaunas has two must-see apartments that exemplify the city’s art deco architecture. Small-group “experiential” tours take visitors to the Art Deco Museum and the Amsterdam School Museum through rooms painstakingly restored with period furnishings while they drink sparkling wine from cut-crystal glasses and learn the stories of the apartments’ original inhabitants Basing myself in one of four former fishing villages along this long delicate sliver of pine-covered land that juts out into the Baltic Sea I love to wander the walking trails that crisscross its pine and birch woodlands mushrooming in the autumn and taking dips in the chilly water and to watch its pearlescent waters on an endless summer evening dining on eel freshly cured at the village smokery Lithuania is a relatively inexpensive country to visit – though accommodation prices vary considerably depending on whether it’s the height of summer by the Baltic Sea or the depths of winter in a city Self-catering apartment (including Airbnb): €45–100 Public transport ticket: €1 for a single bus ride While older generations also speak Russian Lithuanians in their 20s and 30s tend to speak very good English Larger cities such as Vilnius and Kaunas have vibrant nightlife scenes, with trendy wine and craft beer bars, clubs hosting DJ sets and live-music venues. Do Lithuanian restaurants cater to vegetarians and vegans? Vegetarian diets are quite common in Lithuania these days, and while there are few exclusively vegetarian restaurants outside of Vilnius and Kaunas, the vast majority of restaurants everywhere will serve vegetarian dishes. Pack beachwear and casual attire if traveling during the summer months – but also bring layers, since temperatures drop at night, even in the warmest weeks. Since activity options are numerous, pack a variety of clothing options, including comfortable walking shoes. If you’re planning on dining in pricier establishments or clubbing, bring some smart clothes. In winter, you won’t regret packing a warm parka and snow boots. “Crayfish Necks” – these were some of the names of sweets produced in Kaunas confectionary factories during the interwar period and Tilka factories were already producing candies of chocolate and a myriad of other flavours 100 years ago there is little information about the Abrikos factory “It is written that it produced a large quantity of products – more than ten different types which can be visited on Daukšos Street 28 in Kaunas,” she said “Aškinazi was built at the end of the 19th century It was suppressed during the First World War but was restored after Lithuania regained independence “Tilka was a company founded by the Tilmansai family a very famous family not only in the chocolate industry they decided to open a new sweets factory together in Šančiai The name Tilka came from the founders Tilmansai and Kagans,” Sarapinaitė explained Special sweets were dedicated to the sixtieth anniversary of President Antanas Smetona in 1934 “I would single out the chocolate that was dedicated to Antanas Smetona It was advertised with the following message: ‘Demand our cheapest chocolate everywhere the chocolate of President Antanas Smetona’ A box of chocolates was also dedicated to President Smetona and is now kept in the Kaunas Presidential Palace It is a velvety dark green box with many small drawers – a special exclusive set,” the researcher said There were also disagreements between the sweets factories Tilka got into an unpleasant situation when it sued Aškinazi over the “Mountain Cow” “This was a special chocolate which was the subject of litigation as to who had the right to produce it There was also litigation over ‘Crayfish Necks’ chocolate It is very interesting that the press described how it was made It was a tub of sugar syrup filled with chocolate,” Sarapinaitė noted There were also plenty of patisseries in interwar Kaunas that used to sell their own products They differed from cafés in that they had only a few branded confectionery products and the possibility of ordering coffee and tea They also served as social and cultural hubs “The fact that Perkovskis Patisserie was a social and cultural centre is evidenced by the chess players who loved to gather there and hold various discussions It is a bit different with Konradas Patisserie which can also be seen as a symbol of the bohemian community It was not only a place to eat but also to socialise and discuss People queued up and waited for hours to get in.” Sarapinaitė said “All kinds of literary and artistic topics were discussed there wrote: ‘If you want to be considered a writer go to Konradas Patisserie every day and sit for a few hours among the owners of this establishment’,” she added Kaunas patisseries were also not strangers to competition which manifested itself in criticism in the press “In Konradas Patisserie you could smoke and bring dogs Many newspapers wrote that there were vermin and cockroaches But that was very natural,” said researcher Sarapinaitė would still run to Konradas Patisserie to talk to her friends This led to resentment about customers being stolen which were made public in the newspapers,” she added The company’s booking website shows that there will not be any service between the two cities from April the airline will be flying to the German capital on Mondays Ryanair issued a statement saying that due to the very high taxes at Berlin Brandenburg Airport it would be forced to reduce its flight frequencies to and from Berlin by 20 percent A similar situation occurred in Lithuania in early 2023 when Ryanair announced that it would drop two routes from Vilnius and reduce service on 11 other routes The company said this was due to a 28-percent increase in Vilnius Airport’s toll charges Berlin will continue to be served from Vilnius three times a week on Mondays Lee says he was not particularly interested in science or sports at school and often heard people say he should become a gymnast I thought it was shameful for men to wear tights But I couldn’t find any information about it anywhere and there were no dance studios where I could learn breakdancing,” says Lee Then his mother took him to a contemporary dance studio “She took me to a small studio where the teachers were teaching contemporary dance I knew straight away that it wasn’t breakdance I stayed in that style and started exploring it,” the dancer recalls He then went on to study contemporary dance at the Korea National University of Arts he worked with several modern dance companies in Korea Lee came to Kaunas after seeing an invitation to audition for Aura on a website and after a few months in Germany and two years in Poland Lee says that he was inspired to go to Europe by his teachers everyone is different – we have different nationalities You can see how different we are when we dance together,” Lee says about Aura The group trains together from Monday to Friday “Sometimes we take part in commercial events but our main goal is to work in the theatre [...] Some months are quiet and some are very busy,” the dancer says In addition to his ongoing career as a dancer Lee has also started choreographing his own works in recent years He says he likes to explore the themes of meaning it is important to talk about my own experiences,” he says “I don’t want to adapt topical issues such as war or political upheavals but I have never experienced it with my own skin That is why I cannot talk about things that are far away from me I want to talk about what is familiar to me,” Lee adds Lee has already received recognition from professionals in the field which he created together with his stage and life partner Lee also organises performances for children Such performances are very different from those for adults but it can change depending on the behaviour of the children it’s better to just relax and trust that we can find a common language.” Lee says he got used to life in Kaunas easily and now feels at home here life in Lithuania’s second city is very different from his hometown Seoul I felt really uncomfortable because of the never-ending movement,” Lee says the dancer doesn’t think that he will stay in Kaunas for the rest of his life it is important for the artist to draw inspiration from different sources and not to stay comfortably in one place too long She has lived in Lithuania for almost ten years I have been in Kaunas for almost seven years And I don’t ask the question of whether this city is good or bad It’s just about asking yourself if it’s not time for a change,” Lee shares the city is paralysed and difficult to drive through at the moment,” Odeta Vaitkevičienė clear layer of ice that forms on the road surface when the air temperature is around 0C degrees Black ice usually forms on Lithuanian roads in late autumn or early winter amid unstable weather temperatures Because the road surface is dark grey or black the thin layer of ice is usually unnoticeable by the drivers Posted: 3 October 2024 | | No comments yet The first Rail Baltica Information Centre has opened in Kaunas providing insights into the transformative high-speed railway project and its impact on regional transport Rail Baltica has announced that it has opened its first Information Centre at Kaunas Railway Station marking a significant step forward in the development of the largest railway infrastructure project in the Baltic region This new facility is dedicated to providing comprehensive and up-to-date information on the Rail Baltica project a central hub in Lithuania’s rail network has been strategically chosen as the location for this information centre Kaunas is projected to become a critical part of the Rail Baltica network with its international station expected to serve approximately 11,000 passengers daily Lithuania’s Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications said: “Rail Baltica is the biggest railway project in the history of our country It is in Kaunas that Lithuania’s main transport arteries and strategically important freight routes from Northern Western and Central Europe already connect gives everyone a special opportunity to get a closer look at this project of exceptional importance and scale.” which will link the Baltic countries to the rest of Europe visible construction progress is evident in Estonia while Latvia is preparing for key sections towards the Lithuanian border with 29km of the mainline embankment under construction in the Jonava district which will soon extend toward Panevėžys and Kaunas These developments can now be observed at the new information centre and by travellers passing through the station Rail Baltica also holds potential for transforming Kaunas into a key logistics hub highlighted that Kaunas is already connected to the European rail network with freight trains utilising European-standard rolling stock The full implementation of Rail Baltica will strengthen this role positioning the city as a crucial logistics centre in the region The Rail Baltica Information Centre in Kaunas is a pilot initiative that may be expanded to other locations in Lithuania as the project progresses As rail passenger numbers continue to rise across the country – with a 9% increase expected in 2024 – the opening of such centers reflects a broader effort to integrate rail stations into the social and cultural life of the communities they serve , , No comments yet By "a2d4420e13221d2ba02c64d2a87fe403" );document.getElementById("j0f0bb4fb4").setAttribute( "id"