Visit Kaunas
You are in the heart of Lithuania. Kaunas is a city where two great rivers meet and flow together. It has a beautiful old town with a town hall that locals call the White Swan because of its graceful shape. You can explore the Kaunas Castle which stands at the edge of the water and tells stories of ancient battles. The city is famous for its art deco buildings and cool street art that covers many old walls. You can spend a whole day finding giant murals on the sides of old apartments and factories.
Walk down the Laisvės Alėja, which is a two kilometer long pedestrian avenue lined with lime trees that bloom in the summer. It is one of the longest walking streets in Europe and is always full of life and music. You can visit the Devils Museum for a quirky look at local legends and folk tales. The city feels very proud and has a strong local spirit that you can feel in the markets. It is a place that celebrates its past while looking forward to a modern future. You can find tiny coffee shops tucked inside the old courtyards where it is easy to lose track of time.
Kaunas is a must for any trip through the Baltics via the Via Baltica highway. It is located right in the middle of the country which makes it a great home base for your car. You can reach the sandy coast or the deep forests in just a few hours from the city center. The city is easy to explore and the people are very friendly to visitors. You will find plenty of great spots to eat hearty local food like Cepelinai and rest before the next leg of your journey.
Top sights to visit
- Kaunas Castle Visit the oldest brick castle in the country sitting right where two big rivers meet. You can walk around the thick walls and see the tower that once protected the town. It is a great spot for a river view.
- Laisvės Alėja Pedestrian Street This is one of the longest walking streets in Europe lined with tall lime trees. You can find many local shops and bakeries that serve warm pastries and coffee. It is the social heart of the city for locals.
- The Devils Museum Explore this quirky museum that holds thousands of devil statues from all over the world. It is a unique look at folk art and local legends that you will not find anywhere else. It is a fun and fast stop for travelers.
- Pazaislis Monastery Drive to the edge of the city to see this stunning baroque building by the water. It is one of the most beautiful examples of its kind in the north with grand murals. The forest paths around it are very quiet.
- Ninth Fort Memorial This massive stone monument tells a powerful story of local history and bravery during difficult times. You can tour the old tunnels and see the museum dedicated to the past. It is a deep and moving experience for all.
- M.K. Čiurlionis Art Museum See the dreamlike paintings and listen to the music of the most famous artist in the nation. The museum is a calm space that celebrates the local soul and creative spirit. It is a must for fans of unique art.
- The Funiculars of Kaunas Take the old yellow cable cars up the green hills for a fast and cheap view of the city. These are some of the oldest working funiculars in Europe and feel like a trip back in time. They are very charming and fun.
- Sugihara House Visit the former Japanese consulate where a brave man saved thousands of lives during the war. It is a small and quiet museum that tells a story of great hope and humanity. It is located in a beautiful old neighborhood.
- Unity Square This modern plaza is a great place to see the new energy of the city with fountains and lights. It is a popular spot for skating and relaxing in the sun among sleek buildings. The design is very fresh and open.
- The Old Town Hall Known as the White Swan this elegant building sits in the center of the historic square. It is a popular spot for local weddings and is surrounded by many outdoor cafes. The architecture is very graceful and bright.
- Kaunas Reservoir and Beach Drive to this large man made lake for a swim or a boat ride during the summer. It is a popular local spot for a picnic and a break from the city heat. The pine forests around the water stay cool and fresh.
- Street Art Route Follow the map of giant murals painted on the sides of old buildings and factories. The Yard Gallery is a hidden gem where local artists have turned a courtyard into an art space. It is a colorful way to see the city.
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History of Kaunas
Kaunas was founded as a river fortress to protect the nation from the Teutonic Knights. Built at the meeting point of the Nemunas and Neris rivers, Kaunas Castle was a vital shield for the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. In the middle ages, it became a wealthy member of the Hanseatic League, filled with merchants and red-brick churches. Its location in the heart of the country made it a crossroads for trade and many ancient battles.
The city’s most famous period came in the 1920s when it served as the "Temporary Capital" of the country. During this time, Kaunas exploded with creativity and new architecture, becoming a hub for Art Deco style and modern thought. This era gave the city its elegant, cosmopolitan feel along the Laisvės Alėja. It became a symbol of national pride and a place where the local culture was protected and celebrated.
For travelers, Kaunas offers a deep look into the resilience of the Baltic people. From the medieval castle to the Ninth Fort and modern street art, the city shows how it has survived through many different eras. It is a city of two rivers and many layers of history. Parking near the Old Town gives you easy access to a world where ancient legends and modern energy live side by side.