Real is Beautiful

In the spotlight

Hiking, rambling, trekking and other ways of nature exploration have grown popular among European travellers, who are used to well-maintained trails, breathtaking scenery and comfort along the way. With its 200+ nature trails, Lithuania always had something to offer to visitors wanting to escape the city for a day or two. But starting this season, the Baltic country has a newly marked 747-kilometre forest trail added to one of the longest hiking trails in Europe – the E11. True to its name, the Miško Takas (Forest Trail) passes through some of the greenest spots in the country, including several national parks.

Screen fatigue and the lack of life-work balance may lead to burnout, but getting away from the city and disconnecting may be a good solution. Lithuania offers five off-the-grid destinations, such as camping in lakeside tipis or hiking in a private peninsula, for a rejuvenating and health-restoring trip.

Lithuanian ice cream parlors become as eclectic as the country’s nature during the summertime. Filled with unexpected flavors such as cricket, dill, or nettle, these treats are a result of local chefs using innovative techniques with traditional ingredients to create one-of-a-kind flavors.

In Lithuania, the summer solstice festival, Joninės (St. John’s Eve), signals the rebirth of Nature, calling Lithuanians for a one-of-a-kind night of festivities and rituals. Travelers have a unique opportunity to get to know the country and join the locals in jumping over a fire for health, making a herb wreath for love, and searching for fern flowers for power together.

Lithuania’s national tourism development agency, Lithuania Travel, invites visitors to exchange their busy routine for a revitalizing lifestyle by finding out what an ordinary day in Lithuania entails. According to the campaign, starting from a morning kayak ride, the average Lithuanian gets to enjoy everyday experiences at their own pace before sleeping in an amphibious vehicle for the night.