| 6 mins read
Can you imagine reliving ancient pagan rituals under moonlit skies, dancing over the ever-shifting dunes or witnessing the burial of a bee in a tombstone? Sounds fascinating, right? Fortunately, you can try such cool experiences in Lithuania, a hidden gem in Europe.
Lithuania is known for its ancient legends, picturesque landscapes and eternal traditions. Beyond its famous Baroque architecture, the old town of Vilnius and the Trakai Island Castle, the country offers some of the most thrilling and unusual experiences unique to the place! Read this blog to learn about six fantastic experiences that you can add to your adventure bucket list, a perfect amalgamation of historical, cultural and natural adventures!
Hear Stories of Lithuania's Pagan Rituals at the Hill of Witches
According to legend, the Hill of Witches was the ritual place for an ancient festival that marked the mid-summer solstice. On this day, witches would gather to worship and harness nature's power by conjuring spells, making potions and dancing in the moonlight. Today, the Hill of Witches has become a popular open-air museum, containing over 100 wooden sculptures by local artists, showcasing stories from Lithuanian folklore. Dragons, giants, witches, you name it, each sculpture serves as an exceptional example of art combined with mysterious traditions! On your visit, as you hear the tales from a local guide, you will be surrounded by the strange quietness of the whispering winds, rustling leaves and mysterious sculptures, all of which add up to relive the pagan experience.
Marvel at the Power of Mother Nature at the Dead Dunes
A beautiful havoc in the Curonian Spit, the Dead Dunes of Lithuania have gotten their place in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites due to their uncontested power! Contrary to their name, the Dead Dunes are ever-shifting dunes which have swallowed everything that has come their way over the years. Stories have it that the region was inhabited by the Teutonic Knights, and the stay resulted in intense grazing and logging, thus leading to deforestation and laying an easier path for the shifting dunes. Between 1675 and 1854, these dunes submerged two cemeteries and hid underneath forests and villages. It was in the 19th century that the reforestation work started, which was largely successful.
Beyond just the sand, the area also comprises the sensitive zone of Nagliai Nature Reserve, where you can see exotic plants. Interestingly, some dunes reach upto 60 metres in height, giving panoramic views of the Baltic Sea on one side and the Curonian Lagoon on the other.
Discover the Sweet Taste of Tradition at the Ancient Beekeeping Museum
In the history of Lithuania, beekeeping has been more than just an economic pursuit; bees were actually considered sacred, and beekeeping was a spiritual activity. A surprising example of this can be seen at the Ancient Beekeeping Museum, part of Aukštaitija National Park, which houses 'bee-tombstones.' Yes, you read it right! Whenever a bee would die, locals would respectfully give it a proper burial in a small tombstone, honouring the bond between humans and bees.
Similarly, at the Beekeeping Museum, you will be amazed by many more stories and practices that you never knew existed! The museum was established in 1984, and it showcases tools and methods that were involved in the practice of beekeeping. The best time to visit is during the honey gathering season, which is celebrated on the 15th of August every year. On this day, the museum becomes a sight of local artists performing, storytelling of ancient tales and lores and people who come to buy honey products and learn about the ancient practices of beekeeping.
Note: The museum is open for visitors only from May to September. To know more about the exact dates and visit, it is better to contact a local guide.
Enjoy a Romantic Flight Over Vilnius Old Town
Of the few European countries that allow a hot air balloon ride, Lithuania is one of them. As one ascends on a hot air balloon ride, one is exposed to the captivating charm of the Old Town in Vilnius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lithuania, the stunning Trakai Castle, the Neris River, and the famous Gediminas Castle Tower, all bathed in the hues of the rising or setting sun. While in Lithuania, you must enjoy a hot air balloon ride simply because of the unique vantage point that it provides and also because it makes up the best combination of adventure and romance.
Trail through the Secret Paths at Sietuvos kūlgrinda
Built to protect the locals from foreign invaders, Sietuvos kūlgrinda is an offbeat tourist attraction in Lithuania, with a system of hidden pathways built over swamps. What are kulgrindas? Kulgrindas refer to secret passageways, which were made of stones, wood and gravel, laid over the snow during winter. Once the ice would melt, these passages would sink inside the water, thus providing safe escapes- known only to the people who lay it!
Today, over 25 kulgrindas have been discovered across Lithuania, of which many are open to tourists. However, to successfully go on the quest to escape like the locals, it is best to hire a local guide. Not only will you seamlessly get to discover the paths, but you will also get to know in detail about the events associated with the secret paths that once connected forts to villages!
Witness the Change in the Narrative of Lukiškės Prison
Operating since 1904 (approx.), the Lukiškės Prison complex was built by Czar Nicholas II to accommodate the sudden increase in the number of prisoners due to the revision of the Criminal Code. The prison also included an Orthodox church, a Catholic chapel and a Jewish synagogue. Today, after more than a century of accommodating all sorts of criminals, the complex is an artistic and lively place, popularly referred to by some as Lukiškės Prison 2.0. The complex has studios of around 250 local artists, thus transforming the narrative from a site of the ‘dark ages’ to a culturally rich and lively place. With a local guide on your side, you will get to learn about the stories and life of inmates, the history of the prison, and since Russia then occupied Vilnius- what does the complex stand as a testament of?
Lithuania offers something for everyone. And well, these six experiences only scratch the surface of what the country offers. There is much more to see and experience, some of which you will have to discover on your own!