[Travel to Europe] Lithuania: Kaunas

Kaunas is Lithuania’s second largest city. Located in central Lithuania, the city has a long history dating back to the 11th century. Due to its long history, the city has many historical monuments and is a great place to learn more about Lithuanian history. Kaunas is also a transportation hub and is very accessible.

place

Kaunas is a city located in central Lithuania.

history

Kaunas is said to have already been civilized around the 10th century. In 1361, it appears in surviving documents, and at the same time a wall was built to protect the town from the Teutonic Knights. It became a Hanseatic city in the 1400s and reached its peak in the 16th century. However, it fell into disrepair after being attacked by Napoleon and invaded by Russia. With Lithuania’s independence in 1991, the city also became a Lithuanian territory.

climate

Kaunas is known for its very pleasant summers but very cold winters. Temperatures range from -6°C to 23°C throughout the year.

language

Lithuania’s official languages are Lithuanian and Latvian. Others speak Polish and Russian.

security

Kaunas is known as a student town because of its many universities, and is safe. However, avoid going out at night, as incidents can occur.

industry

Kaunas has long been an important transportation hub due to its well-developed infrastructure. As such, it functions as the economic center of the central region of Lithuania.

Race

Lithuanians are over 80%. Others are Poles, Russians and Belarusians.

religion

Catholics are the majority in Lithuania. Others include Islam, Lutheranism, and Judaism.

currency

Lithuania uses the Euro.

Sightseeing Spot 1 : Kaunas Old Town Hall

The Old Town Hall of Kaunas is located in the Civic Square, and was used as a prison for political prisoners during the Russian Empire, and later as a villa for the emperor. Part of the building is used as a pottery museum.

Sightseeing Spot 2 : Kaunas castle

The castle was built in the 13th century in preparation for the invasion of the Teutonic Knights. It was repeatedly attacked and destroyed, but was rebuilt in the 15th century. The war has largely destroyed it again.

Sightseeing Spot 3 : Laisves Street

It is a single street that runs through the city of Kaunas. It is a street that connects the new town and the old town of Kaunas, and is lined with hotels, cafes, movie theaters, and small supermarkets.

Sightseeing Spot 4 : 9th Fort Museum

The Ninth Fortress Museum is a former Russian fortress in Kaunas. It was used as a concentration camp by Nazi Germany and was used to massacre Jews.

Sightseeing Spot 5 : Kaunas photo gallery

The photo gallery is located in the center of Kaunas Old Town. It was rebuilt and reopened in 2010. The gallery has works not only from Lithuania, but also from other regions.

Sightseeing Spot 6 : Devil museum

It is an annex of the National Museum of Ciurlionis. This unusual museum collects sculptures featuring demons from all over the world. There are more than 3000 works.

Sightseeing Spot 7 : House of Perkunas

House of Perkunas is a Gothic building in Kaunas. It is said to have been the site of the temple of Perkunas, the god of thunder, but now it is used as a library.

Hotel

Kaunas has a wide range of accommodation options. The nearest airport is Kaunas International Airport. You can book flights and accommodation from the link below. Other languages are also supported.