Lithuania

Lithuania is the largest of the three Baltic countries with a proud history and resilient spirit! The capital Vilnius has one of Europe's largest and most beautiful baroque old towns, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning churches, courtyards, and winding medieval streets. Lithuania was once a powerful empire stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea, and Trakai Castle on an island lake is a stunning reminder of this medieval glory.

Lithuania's Baltic Sea coast is famous for amber - fossilized tree resin called "Baltic gold" that washes up on beaches. The Curonian Spit is a unique sand dune peninsula with forests, shifting dunes, and charming fishing villages. Lithuanian culture celebrates nature, with traditions of herb gathering, mushroom picking, and celebrating seasonal cycles. Basketball is almost a religion here - Lithuania consistently produces world-class players despite its small size! Lithuanian cuisine features hearty potato dishes, cepelinai (zeppelin-shaped dumplings), and šakotis (tree cake). From the Hill of Crosses where thousands of crosses honor loved ones to cutting-edge lasers (Lithuania is a laser manufacturing center!), Lithuania shows strength, creativity, and deep cultural roots.