Vilnius Car hire

Guide of Vilnius

Geography

Vilnius, the Capital, the largest Lithuanian city as well as the centre of the country’s economic and cultural life is located in the southeastern sector, 40 kilometres from the Belarus border. Lithuania, with Estonia and Latvia gained independence in the 1900s from the Russian Empire as well as the Soviet Union to form three autonomous countries. With borders on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea Lithuania, with Estonia and Latvia became known as the Baltic States. Vilnius is established at the confluence of the river Neris and its tributary Vilnius which both historically contributed to the city’s economic development in conjunction with driving water based industrial mechanisms or providing fish and other riverside trades. The landscape which is relatively flat but extremely fertile has been and is still providing excellent agricultural and farming. The climatic conditions of a varied temperature range, northeastern sunlight hours and precipitation drives a passion for a lucrative industry. Crop farming of grains, rye, wheat, barley to vegetables or fruits like carrots, beetroots, potatoes to apples or berries. Dairy leads to an extensive milk yield with unique cheeses a highlight. Cattle, pigs, sheep, chicken and other fowl are bred. With the Baltic Sea at its doorstep, lakes and rivers throughout the country fish and other seafood are a staple in Vilnius.

Climate in Vilnius

Vilnius location in the northeastern inland region of Central Europe heavily influences its climatic conditions. As a traveller one needs to be prepared for the climatic conditions of the current season to enjoy the opportunities available at the time. Do not hesitate just to plunge in, immerse yourself and enjoy. Summer, June to August, whilst mild with average temperatures in the 20°C range. Layer up at night for the temperature lowers to a chilly 7°C. Expect precipitation all year round so keep the umbrella close at hand. Even though the days maybe long in Summer, around 17 hours, the sunshine is intermittent. In Autumn, September to November, now at about 10 hours in length the days are becoming shorter the sunshine less and the average temperature tries to stay above 10°C. The precipitation is tending to be a mixture of rain, snow flurries or snow as Winter is pending. Winter, December to February, highlights the possibility of snow, entails comfort food, provides winter activities like skating and is a time for special celebrations which add joy to this season. The daily temperature ranges up to 4°C, whilst the night usually drops down around -20°C freezing the ice for skating or the ground for the next day’s adventure. Spring, March to May, one has all the anticipation of the the days increasing in length, the sun shining more, and increasing temperatures. By May the average daily temperature is around 13°C, the days are 14 hours long and the sun has appeared.

Culture

Vilnius ultimately part of Lithuania’s long evolved past that included periods of autonomous ruler ship by the Grand Duchy with lands extending from the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea and prosperous times that had wealthy merchants, immigrants encouraged to relocate with tax exemptions or work opportunities. In contrast there have been decades of occupation by foreign powers, Poland, Russia and the Soviet Union, shifting borders, new policies due to the effects of war, economic or environmental factors have altered the landscape, but the Vilnius people have maintained elements from their traditional past whilst drawing upon the new technology advances to develop a rich future.

Vilnius conveys a vision of a creative capital be it in the latest technology, arts, crafts, literature, seasonal produce served in inspiring recipes or the pride associated with inherited family traditions. Traditional culture serves as a background to the current Vilnius’ identity and is proudly displayed to make amends for the years where language, religion and artistic expression where suppressed with the Russification policies of the Russian Empire and similar political ruling of the Soviet era.

Kaziukas Fair, which takes place during the first weekend of March, fills the streets with food stalls, traditional dances and musicians. Music Day in May, is set aside in response to invite musicians again to pervade the streets with joy. The May International Folklore Festival Skamba Skamba Kankliai is a highlight of Europe since 1973. In June, music, dance, theatre, cinema with photography is celebrated on Cultural Night. Lithuanian Song Celebration, in July, acknowledges the individual’s creative self-expression, vitality of the national culture, pride for Vilnius and people. Vilnius City Fiesta, in September, is another grand occasion before the preparations start for the beautiful Christmas period.

Whilst the genres of music, dance, arts, crafts may vary, with the subtlety of the food stalls at the festivals, it is the traditional dances, musical instruments played and the food provided that is the highlight, respected as well as the pride of the Vilnius inhabitant that is contagious to visitor observing. The dancing men and women in their natural fabric woven linen and wool skirt, or trousers, shirt then vest all tied at waist with brightly regional depicting sashes. The women adorned with Baltic amber beads that have been highly regarded for their beauty, value, mystical qualities and used since Lithuania history was recorded. The Baltic songs have a haunting ancient melody, often sung as Acapella, with multiple voices in different keys, weaving a story as the harmony either complements or clashes. The musical instruments, like the crafts, were made by the player or artist out of natural products, usually wood.

Things To Do in Vilnius

Vilnius’ Old Town, originally a walled city, is worth prioritising on your to do list. With a radiating circular medieval street plan, presumably from the initial castle site, the landscape is divided into town squares and blocks for Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Classical style buildings. Vilnius’ past of prosperity is engraved within the multicultural influences and reinforced with the churches constructed for varied denominations, Catholicism, Christianity, Judaism. In 1994 UNESCO inscribed Vilnius’ Old Town onto the World Heritage List as an exceptional display of a medieval Central European town which evolved over a period of five centuries and is one of the best preserved in Northern Europe.

Now think of seeing the Old Town covered in snow, Christmas lights, decorations whilst people partake in festive activities. Vilnius through December into early January embraces Christmas traditions intertwined with some contemporary. You will be excited, stimulated, inundated with possibilities and sated with the numerous offerings of speciality cuisine or perhaps a mulled wine.

Let’s start with the lighting of the Christmas Trees. Cathedral Square and Town Hall Square have separate symbolic tree lighting ceremonies to reveal each year’s magical tree’s theme.

Christmas Trees are synonymous of presents, so the lighting of the trees for Vilnius marks the opening of their numerous Christmas markets. Dress warmly in layers for the outdoor markets, although credit cards are excepted some vendors only except cash and your own carry bag would be useful. Cathedral Square vendors brave the cold to offer sweet treats, traditional seasonal items such as gloves or earmuffs, Lithuanian folk art and handmade Christmas ornaments. Town Hall Square market stalls like the Design Market on Kudirkos Square use glass domes to protect the shopper from the elements. Local designers display their work at the Design Market. You will find one of a kind jewellery, sustainable fashion clothing, stylish dog collars to stocking stuffer items that the difficulty will be in the making of the decisions. Panorama Shopping Centre has Vilnius best indoor market. As you enter the aroma of Lithuanian meats, cheeses, homemade soaps, candles propels you to each stall of woollen slippers, handmade jewellery, linen wear and other accessories.

In true Christmas Spirit, Cathedral Square has life size nativity scenes, while at the Bernadine Church live animals are part of their manger display. Vilnius Cathedral or Bernadine Church both provide a memorable Christmas service.

Shopping done. Time now to warm up with a few turns around the ice on the outdoor Old Town Skating Rink or just give yourself a rest with some time to enjoy the surroundings by riding on the Christmas train, conceivably with one of Vilnius’ warm Meduolis, a gingerbread soft cake.

Visit Vilnius in Spring or Summer the squares, parks are colourful, whilst the streets are often filled with festivals, arts, music or theatre. Gediminas Castle Tower will give you spectacular views of Vilnius’ red roof tops, church towers to the Medieval Old Town narrow streets. As you climb the narrow tower steps at different levels exhibits are displayed, such as the development of Vilnius’s Castle, Baltic jewellery, important military artefacts, a visual timeline of a crusader attack and a Renaissance image for your comparison so you can be amazed at what change has occurred over the centuries.

Uzupis, a small independent republic area within Vilnius is a beautiful neighbourhood of artists, intellectuals and entrepreneurs. Famous for its open air sculptures, installations which are constantly changing you could be inspired, challenged or they may make you laugh.

Vilnius is filled with parks, squares or forests, almost half of the city, so embrace nature to either hike, jog or just relax surrounded by colourful greenery. Bernardine Garden in the Old Town is the oldest park, established in 1469 by the Bernardine monks. Vingis Park, 160 hectares along the Neris river, is a local favourite, with a forest atmosphere, numerous walking tracks you will feel like you are in a natural oasis, especially if you spot some wildlife.

Eating Out in Vilnius

Inspired by a long history, multiculturally influenced through close associations or immigration, enlighten when the economy was thriving or surviving when the town was occupied, Vilnius is emerging as a culinary destination. The Vilnius’ chefs are interpreting traditional cuisine that utilises the northeastern cool climate staples such as meats, poultry, cereals, grains, root vegetables in a seasonal farm to table mission whilst focusing on improvisation with a contemporary design.

Chef Martynas from Dziaugsmas states that his goal at the restaurant is simple ‘ to present dishes that are made from the best quality Lithuanian grown or raised products to be shared amongst friends or family whilst supplemented with local natural wines’. Signature share plates are cod potato fritters, toasted rye bread, cured pork fatback with apple jam or beef ribs with complementary sides or beef tartare, fried candied bones, smoked egg sauce, onions with elderberry capers.

Step back in time at Ertlio Namas restaurant. Firstly located in an historic 17th century German house, each meal has been inspired by an ancient recipe which is detailed in the four or six course degustation menu for your enjoyment. Start with the classic 17th century rye bread with dill butter, move to a 14th century rabbit tart swirling in an artichoke sauce, follow next with a 16th century beetroot soup with veal, 14th century duck in a wine sauce and end with a rhubarb tart.

Lithuanian beer which is an old tradition with a unique taste is served along side the stronger Lithuanian mead, a fermented stronger beverage from honey, herbs and the natural regional air born yeast at the family established restaurant, Senoji Trobele. Heritage dishes that move through the centuries are presented, like the daily baked natural sourdough bread with flax seeds to the popular 18th century lamb or venison served with sides. Vegetarian plates are inventive from the seasonal locally grown Vilnius products. Dessert lovers will not be disappointed.

Transport

Vilnius International airport if seven kilometres south of the city centre. With the variety of options, taxi, train, Vilniecio Kortele bus or car rental for the approximate 15 minute drive to Vilnius. Once in Vilnius the Old Town encourages a pedestrian friendly culture of walking between the sights just take care to wear comfortable footwear for the cobblestone streets. In Vilnius if you are young at heart or adventurous options of bikes, electric scooters are available, whilst the city also offers an excellent coverage with the bus and trolley bus service. As usual taxis and Uber are there for your benefit. To take full advantage of the Vilnius and the surrounds the convenience and flexibility of hiring a car would be ideal.