Taking advantage of a long autumn weekend, we set off on a journey to Lithuania. Our first day was dedicated to water relaxation at the Druskininkai Aquapark, the largest water park in the country. Opened in 2006, it covers 30,000 m², offers five water slides, 19 different saunas, and pools holding over 2.5 million liters of water.

The next stage of our trip led us along Lithuania’s rather poor roads, lined with endless average-speed checks and speed cameras. In fact, Lithuania has around 150 fixed speed cameras plus dozens of average-speed systems installed in recent years. Eventually, we reached Vilnius, where we rented a room in the very heart of the Old Town. Thanks to this location, our car could rest until departure, while we explored the city on foot—logging well over 50,000 steps.

Our sightseeing began at the Energy and Technology Museum, housed in Vilnius’ first power station. This interactive museum lets visitors walk among authentic turbines, boilers, and generators, while also exploring exhibits on nuclear and renewable energy. It was a highlight of the trip, combining industrial heritage with hands-on science.

We climbed Bekieszowa Hill several times at different hours to admire the panorama of Vilnius. At its summit stands the iconic Three Crosses Monument, a national symbol commemorating Franciscan friars martyred here in the 17th century. The current concrete crosses were rebuilt in 1989 after the Soviets demolished the earlier version.

On Cathedral Square, we found the famous Miracle Tile (Stebuklas). This small stone is said to grant wishes if you spin on it, but it also marks the endpoint of the 1989 Baltic Way, the human chain linking Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn in a peaceful protest for independence.

We strolled through Town Hall Square, dominated by the neoclassical Vilnius Town Hall, rebuilt in 1799 by architect Laurynas Gucevičius. The square has long been a stage for civic life, fairs, and even executions in medieval times.

We also visited the Adam Mickiewicz Monument. Mickiewicz (1798–1855) was a Polish Romantic poet, born in what is now Belarus, educated in Vilnius, and regarded as a national poet in Poland, Lithuania, and Belarus. Though ethnically Polish, his legacy is shared across these nations.

At Rasos Cemetery, we visited the poignant monument containing the heart of Marshal Józef Piłsudski, buried alongside his mother. Piłsudski, a key figure in Polish independence, requested that his heart remain in Vilnius, symbolizing his bond with the city.

We also encountered the whimsical Easter Egg Sculpture (Margutis), a 300-kg egg placed on a granite column.

Another highlight was the Gate of Dawn (Ostra Brama), one of the most important religious and historical monuments in Vilnius. Built in the early 16th century as part of the city’s defensive walls, it houses the revered icon of the Virgin Mary, considered miraculous by both Catholics and Orthodox Christians. Near the gate, we enjoyed excellent coffee and matcha cakes, a sweet pause in our exploration.

We also walked past the Basteja of Vilnius Defensive Wall, a restored 16th-century fortification with towers and underground passages. Today it serves as a museum, offering insight into the city’s military history and medieval defenses.

For a taste of nostalgia, we stopped at Hesburger. This Finnish fast-food chain brought back memories of our summer trip to Finland, especially with its signature grill seasoning—simple, smoky, and delicious. A small but meaningful culinary throwback during our Lithuanian adventure.

Finally, we ended our Vilnius adventure at the Museum of Illusions, this interactive space blends science and art with optical illusions, Ames rooms, mirror mazes, and playful exhibits that challenge perception. It’s a family-friendly highlight, perfect for curious minds.

Our trip to Vilnius combined relaxation, history, and playful discoveries—from saunas and panoramas to monuments, sacred sites, nostalgic flavors, and illusions. A city of contrasts, Vilnius rewarded us with culture, symbolism, and countless steps through its storied streets.

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