Kaunas Travel Answers

Hi, I'd grab a coach from the main station and head off to the capital - Vilnius. There check out the Castle & the far-reaching views from the Tower. To reach it you'll be going up an elevator, offering great views over the river. Next, head for the Hill of Three Crosses, accessed via some woods, and then get back to Kaunas for your flight back to my next holiday destination: UAE ;-)

Thanks so much! That is useful. I have a flight back home at 3 pm on the 10th out of Vilnius. So I should be able to do some of what you suggested on the 10th morning. I also have late afternoon and the evening free in Kaunas on the 8th. I read somewhere that there are good (fast) train connections to Vilnius from Kaunas.

Visit to Vilnius is possible - total travel time will be something like 3.5 hours. Generally Vinius has more architecture/museums to offer, but I'm not sure if it is good idea to go there since You did not mention Your interests. I dont't see any meaning in walking trough the snow to the Hill of three Crosses when one can see them nicely from the Castle??? Kaunas has quite nice Historical Museum, Museum of Devils (devils in all kinds of art objects) is something original You will not find anywhere.

Hey, I noted you mentioned the weather, yet I have suggested this outdoor trip! Kaunas is pretty & compact with a Castle in the mini-valley, some old ruins, derelict historic churches, etc, which are worth a peep for sure. Also try the beetroot soup, etc at an authentic tavern. Great traditional food. But it would be a shame to pass up the beautiful capital, also with many attractive buildings, the large, impressive, Parliament Square, White Church, etc. Sights are very well sign-posted in the capital, and you walk through dainty little streets with very attractive houses. However do note that due to the winter season, it will turn dark by 1600 hours, and so to head to Vilnius you really must start as early as possible on the 10th!! You don't need visible light on the way there!! But you want maximum light on arrival to see everything at ease, and get back in time for your flight. There is a bus from outside the coach station to the airport (Kaunas) taking approximately 30 minutes. For the reasons outlined above, a quick trip on the 8th evening is out of the question!! Instead, on the 8th take a walk along the river in Kaunas, perhaps climbing up to the high viewing point via the elevator.

Sorry, an oversight - I just noticed you're flying out of Vilnius!! Even better :-)

Yes, trains are quite good and not crowded, but not very freequent (buses are leaving each 15-20 minutes - check if it is a fast bus or with many stops!): http://www.litrail.lt/wps/portal http://www.autobusubilietai.lt/ Keep in mind that You have to be in airport at least 1 hour before departure. That means You have to leave Kaunas early to have some reasonable program in Vilnius. There are special trains to airport from railway station in Vilnius or bus No 1 (bus terminal and railway station in Vilnius are very close to each other).

Thanks guys! I appreciate your inputs. Yes, I should not venture out to Vilnius on the 8th because it would get dark soon. I will try and get to the Museum of Devils in Kaunas if they are open. If nothing else then I'll just enjoy the famous Lithuanian beer!!! I will have to head out early on the 10th morning if I am to see anything in Vilnius. I have a 3 pm departure and the client has arranged for a car to take me to Vilnius. I will have to see where I can park my bag though. Both of you have been very helpful.

Hi You cannot visit Kaunas and not visit the Sugihara House - how often you you get to be privy to the life and times of a rogue Japanese diplomat from the Samurai class who spectacularly flouted the rules and saved thousands of lives in WWII as a result of his insubordination???! Also the Church of Christ's Resurection, which looks like a set from a Flash Gordon movie and is one of the most interesting buildings in Lithuania as well as being the largest basilica in the Baltics (which was also used as a radio factory during the communist era). See my Kaunas pages for more information on both. Both are in the inner suburbs and indoors, so should be prety well weatherproof! Regards Cathy

Kaunas is full of interesting things to see and do: look at my Kaunas pages. If you dress appropriately (lots of thin layers, warm waterproof jacket/coat, hat, scarf, gloves and sensible shoes/boots (plus two pairs of thin socks)) you can have a most enjoyable day wandering around and exploring.....and popping into cafes and bars for lots of warming coffees/beer/potato pancakes etc etc. :-)

Thanks for the tip Cathy! I will have to prioritize what I see in Kaunas given the limited time and look for more work that may take me that way again. Have always wanted to visit the Baltic states thought not in winter:-)

Completely agree. The secret is to wear several thin layers to keep the cold out. I'd better hunt for those gloves now!! I'm heading tonight to Shanghai and Saigon then back to Dubai for a day followed by Amsterdam and Kaunas. Not complaining - as yet. Thanks for your input!

The Baltics are absolutely brilliant! If you are lucky enough to return, do have a look at Tim's (aka antistar) as he captures the spirit of the region wonderfully. We liked Latvia and Lithuania so much that we are treating ourselves to a 'arents only' four days in Tallinn just before Christmas (our Christmas present from my family in the UK is to babysit!) Bon voyage and let us know how it goes! Regards Cathy

Welcome to Vt, Raoul. Can I suggest that you spend some time exploring the thousands of pages of information on this site, all written by VT locals and visitors? Although I have never heard of the 'portal' you mention I am certain you will find far more information, tips and photos about places such as Kaunas than you will find on any other website. Have a look at the VT pages about Kaunas (put the name into the searchbox top right of this page). I am sure you will be amazed by how much information is right here on VT...and maybe VT will help with your future travels as well! :-)