Kaunas | Exploring Lithuania

Kaunas is a city located in the central part of Lithuania, and it is situated at the confluence of the country’s two largest rivers, the Nemunas and the Neris. This strategic location has played a crucial role in shaping its long and significant history. With a population of approximately 304,000 inhabitants, Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania. The city is known for its vibrant cultural scene, its beautiful Old Town, and its unique collection of interwar architecture, which has earned it international recognition.

The identity of Kaunas is that of a city that blends its rich past with a dynamic, modern present. Its most defining historical period was the interwar era, from 1919 to 1940, when it served as the temporary capital of Lithuania. This era left an indelible mark on the city’s character, fostering a unique architectural and cultural landscape that is still celebrated today. The city was designated a UNESCO City of Design in 2015, and its modernist architecture was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023. Today, Kaunas stands as a major center for academia, culture, and industry in the heart of Lithuania.

Our Visits to Kaunas

We visited Kaunas in the summer of 2024. It was a family weekend getaway to the second-largest city in Lithuania. It turned out to be a trip that started with a summer heatwave and ended with a rainy and a stormy day.

History of Kaunas

The history of Kaunas stretches back over a millennium, from its origins as a defensive outpost to its modern role as a major European cultural center. A castle stood at the confluence of the rivers as early as the 11th century. The city’s official development began in the 15th century when it was granted self-governing rights, which allowed it to flourish as a vital trading hub. Over the centuries, Kaunas has experienced periods of both great prosperity and significant hardship, including wars and devastating fires. The most transformative period in its history was the early 20th century when it became the temporary capital of a newly independent Lithuania, an event that profoundly shaped its urban and cultural landscape.

A Vital Trading Post

The city of Kaunas was granted Magdeburg rights in 1408, a charter that gave it a significant degree of self-governance and spurred its growth. It quickly became a vital trading post and a member of the Hanseatic League. Its strategic location on the Nemunas River made it a key point on the trade routes that connected the Baltic Sea with Eastern Europe. Merchants from various nations, including Germany, Poland, and other parts of Europe, settled in the city, contributing to its economic prosperity and its multicultural character. The city’s Old Town, with its impressive brick Gothic architecture, is a testament to this prosperous medieval period.

The Temporary Capital

The most significant period in the city’s history was the interwar era, from 1919 to 1940. During this time, the historic capital of Vilnius was under Polish control, so Kaunas was designated as the temporary capital of the newly independent Republic of Lithuania. This new status led to a period of rapid modernization and intense construction. A new, modern city center was built alongside the historic Old Town. Thousands of new buildings were constructed in the distinctive Modernist, Art Deco, and Lithuanian National Romanticism styles. This architectural boom transformed Kaunas into a symbol of a modern and progressive European nation.

The Soviet Era and Beyond

After World War II, Lithuania was incorporated into the Soviet Union, and Kaunas lost its status as the capital. Despite this, it remained a major industrial and cultural center within the Lithuanian Soviet Socialist Republic. The city was a center for resistance against the Soviet regime, and it was the site of the famous self-immolation of Romas Kalanta in 1972, an event that sparked major anti-Soviet protests. Since Lithuania regained its independence in 1990, Kaunas has undergone a significant transformation. It has re-established itself as a major center for culture and education, culminating in its designation as the European Capital of Culture for 2022.

Sights in Kaunas

The sights in Kaunas are a captivating mix of medieval history and early 20th-century modernism. Visitors can wander through the charming streets of the Old Town, which is home to a beautiful collection of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Just a short walk away is the New Town, which is famous for its unique interwar modernist architecture. This remarkable collection of buildings from the 1920s and 30s has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The city’s location at the confluence of two major rivers also provides a beautiful natural setting for its many historical and cultural landmarks.

Kaunas Castle

The Kaunas Castle is a historic 14th-century Gothic fortress located at the confluence of the Nemunas and Neris rivers. It is one of the oldest buildings in the city and holds deep historical significance. The castle was first built in the mid-14th century as a key defensive outpost against the raids of the Teutonic Knights. Though it was largely ruined after various conflicts, parts of its defensive walls and one of its main towers have been reconstructed. Today, the preserved ruins host a small museum and serve as a popular venue for cultural events and festivals.

Kaunas Town Hall

The Kaunas Town Hall is a magnificent and elegant building that dominates the main square of the Old Town. It is often called the “White Swan” due to its graceful, white facade and its tall, slender tower. The building’s history began with a Gothic structure in the 16th century. It has been rebuilt and renovated several times throughout its history, and its current appearance is a beautiful blend of Baroque and Classical architectural styles. Today, the town hall is used for ceremonial purposes and houses a museum of ceramics.

Vytautas the Great Church

The Church of Vytautas the Great is one of the oldest and most beautiful churches in Kaunas. It is situated in a picturesque location on the northern bank of the Nemunas River, very close to the water’s edge. The church was consecrated in the year 1400. Its striking red-brick Gothic architecture is a fine example of the style in Lithuania. The church is named after the Grand Duke Vytautas the Great, who is said to have founded it as a tribute for surviving a major battle.

Perkūnas House

The House of Perkūnas is a striking and highly distinctive late Gothic merchant house located in the Old Town. It is one of the most original examples of Gothic secular architecture in Lithuania. The house is famous for its intricate and ornate brick facade, with its beautiful gables and decorative details. The name of the house is connected to a local legend that an idol of the pagan thunder god, Perkūnas, was once found within its walls, although its true origins lie with the Hanseatic merchants who built it in the 15th century.

Kaunas Cathedral Basilica

The Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul is the main Roman Catholic church in Kaunas and the largest Gothic church in all of Lithuania. The magnificent building has a long and complex history of construction, which has resulted in a fascinating blend of architectural styles. While its main structure is Gothic, the interior reveals layers of Renaissance, Baroque, and Neo-Gothic additions and decorations. The cathedral has a beautiful and ornate interior, and it is a major landmark of the city’s Old Town.

IX Fort

The IX Fort is a part of the vast Kaunas Fortress system that was built in the late 19th century. This historic site tells a very somber and important story. During the Soviet occupation of Lithuania, it was used as a prison by the NKVD. During the Nazi occupation in World War II, it was the site of the mass murder of tens of thousands of people, most of them Jews from Kaunas and other parts of Europe. Today, the fort houses a powerful and very moving museum, and a massive, monumental sculpture stands as a memorial to the victims of these atrocities.

Pažaislis Monastery

The Pažaislis Monastery is a magnificent Baroque monastery complex located on the outskirts of the city, on the beautiful Pažaislis peninsula in the Kaunas Reservoir. It is considered to be one of the most beautiful examples of Italian Baroque architecture in all of Eastern Europe. The monastery was founded in the 17th century. The magnificent church is famous for its hexagonal dome and its incredibly ornate interior, which is filled with beautiful frescoes and stucco work. The complex is now home to a community of nuns and also houses a hotel and a restaurant.

Confluence Park (Santaka Park)

The Confluence Park, or Santaka Park, is a large and beautiful public park that is located at the meeting point of Lithuania’s two largest rivers, the Nemunas and the Neris. This spot is often called the “birthplace of Kaunas.” The expansive green space is a very popular place for leisurely walks, picnics, and cycling. The park is crisscrossed by a network of paths that weave through lush landscapes. It is also a popular venue for a variety of cultural events and festivals, blending nature with the life of the city.

Laisvės alėja (Liberty Avenue)

Laisvės alėja, or Liberty Avenue, is the main pedestrian street in the heart of Kaunas. This wide and beautiful avenue stretches for over 1.6 kilometers, making it one of the longest pedestrian streets in Europe. The avenue is lined with beautiful linden trees, benches, and a variety of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It is the main artery of the city’s New Town and is a hub of social and commercial life. A walk along this famous avenue is an essential part of the Kaunas experience.

Interwar Architecture

The New Town of Kaunas is famous for its unique and extensive collection of interwar modernist architecture. This collection of buildings from the 1920s and 30s has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. As you walk through the New Town, you can see hundreds of examples of this architectural style, which is characterized by its functionalist design, its geometric shapes, and its use of local materials. Key examples include the Central Post Office, the Officers’ Club Ramovė, and the Christ’s Resurrection Church.

Sports in Kaunas

Kaunas is a city with a deep and passionate connection to sports, and its identity is inextricably linked with the game of basketball. The city is often called the “capital of Lithuanian basketball,” a title it wears with great pride, as the sport is considered a second religion throughout the country. This passion is centered on its legendary basketball club, which is one of the most famous in all of Europe. While basketball holds a special place in the hearts of the city’s residents, other sports, such as football, also have a strong and growing presence. The city’s sports infrastructure is very well-developed, and it includes several large and modern venues that host major international events. These include the magnificent Žalgiris Arena, the largest indoor arena in the Baltic States, and the historic Darius and Girėnas Stadium, which serves as the national stadium for football.

Basketball & BC Žalgiris Kaunas

Basketball is the most popular sport in Lithuania, and BC Žalgiris Kaunas is the city’s legendary and most celebrated sports club. The club was founded in 1944, and it has become a true symbol of the city and of Lithuanian national identity. It is the most titled and successful team in the history of Lithuanian basketball, having won the domestic league championship numerous times. Žalgiris is also a major power in European basketball, and it is a regular participant in the prestigious EuroLeague, which is the top club competition in Europe. The team has a massive and incredibly passionate fanbase, and their home games at the magnificent Žalgiris Arena are famous for their electric and deafening atmosphere.

Football & FK Kauno Žalgiris

While basketball dominates the sports scene, football also has a dedicated following in Kaunas. The main professional football club is FK Kauno Žalgiris. The club was founded in 2004, and it competes in the A Lyga, which is the top tier of the Lithuanian football league system. The club shares its name and its green-and-white colors with the famous basketball team, creating a unified sporting identity for the city. FK Kauno Žalgiris plays its home matches at the historic Darius and Girėnas Stadium, which is the national stadium of Lithuania. The club has established itself as a regular contender in the top half of the domestic league.

Žalgiris Arena (Multi-sport)

The Žalgiris Arena is the largest and most modern multi-purpose indoor arena in the entire Baltic States. The arena is located in a beautiful setting on an island in the Nemunas River, in the heart of the city. It is primarily the home of the legendary BC Žalgiris Kaunas basketball team. With a seating capacity of over 15,000 for basketball games, the arena is famous for its incredible atmosphere during EuroLeague matches. In addition to basketball, the arena is a very versatile venue, and it also hosts a wide variety of other events, including major international concerts, ice hockey games, and trade fairs.

Darius and Girėnas Stadium (Multi-sport)

The Darius and Girėnas Stadium is the main and largest stadium in Kaunas and in all of Lithuania. The stadium is named after two famous Lithuanian pilots, Steponas Darius and Stasys Girėnas, who were national heroes. The original stadium was built in 1925, but it has been completely reconstructed and modernized in recent years, reopening in 2022. With a seating capacity of over 15,000, it is the national stadium for the Lithuanian national football team. It is also the home ground for the local football club, FK Kauno Žalgiris. The stadium is a multi-purpose venue, and it also hosts major athletics events.

How to Get to Kaunas?

Kaunas is a central transport hub in Lithuania, and it is very well-connected and easy to reach. The city has its own international airport, which is a major base for low-cost airlines. It is also located at the crossroads of several major international highways. The city’s bus and train stations offer extensive connections to destinations both within Lithuania and across Europe. This excellent transport infrastructure makes Kaunas a very accessible destination.

Gateways to the Sky

Kaunas International Airport (KUN) is the second-busiest airport in Lithuania. It is located about 14 kilometers northeast of the city center. The airport is a major base for the low-cost airline Ryanair, and it offers direct flights to many destinations across Europe, including cities in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Germany, and Spain. Another major option for air travel is Vilnius International Airport (VNO). This is the largest airport in Lithuania, and it is located approximately 100 kilometers east of Kaunas. There are frequent and direct express bus services that connect Vilnius Airport with the center of Kaunas.

Navigating the Road

Driving to Kaunas is very convenient, as the city is located at the intersection of several major highways. The main A1 motorway, which is the most important road in Lithuania, connects Kaunas directly with the capital city of Vilnius to the east and the major port city of Klaipėda to the west. The city is also located on the crucial pan-European road corridor, the Via Baltica (E67). This major highway connects Warsaw and Prague in the south with Riga and Tallinn in the north.

Connecting by Bus

The Kaunas Bus Station is a modern and well-organized transport hub that is located near the city center. The station offers an extensive network of bus routes that connect Kaunas with all the major cities and towns in Lithuania. There are also numerous international bus services that operate from the station. Several different companies, such as FlixBus and Ecolines, offer direct and frequent connections to cities in neighboring countries, including Poland, Latvia, and Estonia. There are also services to other destinations in Western and Eastern Europe.

The Iron Horse

The Kaunas Railway Station is another important transport hub in the city. The national railway company, LTG Link, operates frequent and modern train services that connect Kaunas with the capital city of Vilnius. The journey by train between Lithuania’s two largest cities is fast and comfortable, taking just over an hour. There are also international train services that operate from Kaunas. A notable connection is the modern train that runs from Kaunas to Białystok and Warsaw in Poland, providing a direct rail link with the rest of the European standard-gauge railway network.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 20 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Jonava, Lithuania – 30 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Kėdainiai, Lithuania – 50 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
• Marijampolė, Lithuania – 60 kilometers (0 h 50 min)
• Alytus, Lithuania – 65 kilometers (1 h 00 min)
• Vilnius, Lithuania – 100 kilometers (1 h 10 min)
• Panevėžys, Lithuania – 110 kilometers (1 h 20 min)
• Suwałki, Poland – 125 kilometers (1 h 30 min)
• Šiauliai, Lithuania – 160 kilometers (2 h 10 min)
• Grodno, Belarus – 170 kilometers (2 h 30 min)
• Daugavpils, Latvia – 210 kilometers (2 h 50 min)
• Klaipėda, Lithuania – 215 kilometers (2 h 00 min)
• Białystok, Poland – 240 kilometers (3 h 10 min)
• Kaliningrad, Russia – 250 kilometers (3 h 30 min)
• Riga, Latvia – 260 kilometers (3 h 30 min)
• Minsk, Belarus – 280 kilometers (3 h 20 min)
• Liepāja, Latvia – 305 kilometers (3 h 20 min)
• Warsaw, Poland – 400 kilometers (4 h 10 min)
• Gdańsk, Poland – 455 kilometers (6 h 00 min)
• Tartu, Estonia – 535 kilometers (7 h 40 min)
• Tallinn, Estonia – 570 kilometers (7 h 00 min)

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