Why Lithuanians Love Nature So Much !?
If you’ve ever paid attention, many Lithuanians put on their Instagram profile “Nature Lover” but why do they really love nature so much? I’ve tried to figure it out in one of my recent trips. Let’s talk.
I decided to visit 2 places to understand more about this passion for nature. Don’t get me wrong, I also love nature but I don’t need to add it on my Instagram profile. So I guess if you go to the level of promoting your nature love, then there must be a new level for this. So I was super curious about it.
Before I forget, this is the video in case you prefer to watch a more complete version:
PART I: A BLESSED COUNTRY
Lithuania is one of those small countries that you might not know exactly where it is or what language they speak (surely most of us would have wrongly said Russian). However, when you find out not just where Lithuania is but also its different cities, towns and villages, then you start speaking their language without learning it.
Lithuania is truly a country blessed with stunning natural landscapes. They have a lot of natural wonders from boulders to very old trees and interesting islands.
If it’s your first time ever in Lithuania, then you need to visit the capital Vilnius but if you have a couple of extra days then you need to go to Kaunas (less international and more local in a way). And if by any chance you want to go wild, then you don’t need Vilnius or Kaunas, you just need to get a car and explore the raw Lithuania, the green country. This is the best of Lithuania from my perspective, although again if it’s first time, then you might just want to get a flavour so Vilnius & Kaunas are a good combination.
I made videos about many places in Lithuania, so if watching is your thing, you can check them out here. But if you’re more of a reader, stay here to understand why Lithuanians love nature so much.
PART II: BIRŠTONAS
Birštonas is a small spa town, located around 90 km west of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. In fact, Vytautas Mineral SPA is the only specialised mineral spa facility in the Baltic region where guests can improve their wellbeing thanks to the unique minerals. The curative properties of the water attracts people from all over the Baltic region, Russia and Poland.
Birštonas is by the Nemunas River surrounded by pine forests so how can’t you love that? This is probably a good initial understanding to unpack why Lithuanians love nature so much. But forgetting about the spa, the town also has a city centre with some interesting restaurants and places to hang out. Yes, it’s primarily a spa town but you have enough entertainment to do different things from time to time.
In one of my first trips to Lithuania many years ago, I visited that spa and it was absolutely fantastic. We just came there to relax and rejuvenate but some people also come to rehabilitate from injuries too. Few weeks ago I also had a baptism in Birštonas, so this place has certainly a lot to offer and for some reason this is unknown to Western European countries. I can understand the US and countries far away but in Europe we’re never too far away, so I hope Lithuania can keep promoting what they do across the world.
PART III: ZARASAI
Zarasai is a city in northeastern Lithuania, surrounded by many lakes and rivers. In fact this city has 7 lakes. When tourists come for the first time, it’s like seeing a paradise full of hills, lakes and forests. In other words, the Lithuanian Switzerland.
Kristina and I spent some time in Lake Sartai, located in Rokiškis and Zarasai municipalities. The lake’s 79 km shoreline is the longest in Lithuania. In summer this is probably one of the most beautiful places in Lithuania but in reality this lake was famous for the annual horse races that had been organised on the frozen lake near Dusetos.
Visiting Zarasai is like visiting the capital of lakes. If you’re a Brit reading, then this place will make you feel like in Lake District.
The lesson I need to learn for my future trips to Lithuania is to visit the country in July instead of August… but if I truly enjoy the rain, then August would be a better fit. Did you know that Lithuania means “The Country of Rain”? For real. Regardless the weather, there’s always something interesting to explore in this green country. The country of nature lovers.
There’s a lot more to cover but hopefully the video can complement it.
