Kaunas, the historical capital of interwar Lithuania, is located on the junction of the country‘s longest rivers: the Nemunas and the Neris. Chronicles and historical sources first mentioned Kaunas in the XI century.
In terms of transport, Lithuania‘s second-largest city is in a very convenient location, close to the middle of the country: it is at a minimal distance from either Vilnius, Alytus, Marijampolė, Klaipėda, Šiauliai or Panevėžys.
The central part of the city and the old town is surrounded by the hills of Aleksotas, Žaliakalnis, and Šilainiai. Kaunas is famous for its quiet recreational zones – the Oak Park, Pažaislis and Panemunė groves, Kaunas Lagoon and Yacht Club. History fans might be interested in our ring of nine forts and batteries built in the 19th century, the operating cable cars, one of the oldest in Europe railway tunnel that is 1,285 meters long, and the Napoleon Hill. Legend has it that in 1812, it was from here that the French military leader watched his troops moving across the Nemunas.
First of all, Kaunas is characterized by having a distinctive relationship between its people and eras of history, architectural objects, and cultural phenomena. The city‘s major pedestrian promenades – Laisvės alėja (Liberty Avenue) and its continuation, Vilniaus street – are distinctively fascinating, full of the hustle and bustle of multiethnic students, the city‘s pigeons, artists, costumed clerks and staff, and weirdos who are living several lives at the same time.
The Sun does not show in Liberty Avenue from November to February. However, this does not stop the city-dwellers from focusing on the most important things – after all, this street was designed for everyone to give a taste of one‘s quality and evaluate oneself and others.
Do not be surprised if, when walking down the Avenue, you suddenly find yourself in the lanes of Kaunas‘ history, science, arts, or entertainment. Everything is near: the church, the inter-war modernist architecture, cozy cafes and restaurants, the old tiled roofs and courtyards, the bays of different historical periods, the Christmas tree that is created by artists and is different every year, coffee shops, bistros and bars, concerts, art galleries, and museums – for everyone according to their moods and preferences: from the War museum, Devils‘ museum, and Zoological museum to the museum dedicated to Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis, Lithuanian genius of symbolism.
For those who are always looking for something unique, Kaunas is worth a visit during its cultural events: it traditionally hosts Kaunas Biennial, the festivals “Poetry Spring”, “Kaunas Photo”, and “Kaunas Jazz”, as well as performances by dance theater “Aura”, “Kaunas Hansa Days”, various colorful fairs and folk festivals.