Winter vacation in the European country that loves us the most

The European winter has a special charm and if you are looking for a place that is not completely ordinary, cheap and pleasant – you are recommended to get to know Lithuania. I visited Vilnius during Christmas, about a month ago, and discovered a sweet, beautiful city, not very big, where you can walk from place to place and wander the streets and alleys. You just have to dress well. really well

You can enjoy beautiful and local restaurants with Lithuanian food, Michelin restaurants, museums, sweet cafes, a Nordic atmosphere and a sense of security. I recommend choosing a hotel in a central location, so that you can take breaks between wandering around the city, put bags in the room, warm up a bit and continue.

Vilnius International Airport (VNO) is about 15 minutes from the city center. There are direct flights from Israel, with Wizz Wizz and Israir. The duration of the flight is about 4 hours. It is a small airport and from there you can reach the city by taxi, bolt bolt, rented car, or public transportation.

Vilnius is located in the south-east of Lithuania, at the confluence of the Neris and Vilnius rivers, surrounded by forests and lakes. In spring and summer everything is green and in winter the landscape is snowy and picturesque. Now the temperatures are low and even reach below zero, from experience, so you will arrive dressed in the “onion” method, since museums, restaurants and cafes and closed places are well heated.

Vilnius was founded in the 14th century and was the capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania – one of the most important powers in the region. For hundreds of years it passed from hand to hand: Poland, Russia, Germany and the Soviet Union.

Until World War II, a magnificent and large Jewish community flourished there. Many important people from Jewish culture were born and worked in Lithuania, mainly in Vilnius (the genius from Vilnius, Baal Shem Tov, Leah Goldberg and more). The Jewish community in Lithuania was almost completely destroyed during the Holocaust, only a few survived to tell first-person testimonies and pass on the stories and memories to future generations. Since gaining independence in 1990, Vilnius has been building a new identity: European, young, cultural – without giving up memory and commemoration.

Israel’s ambassador to Lithuania, Shelly Hagler Livna, states that “bilateral relations between the countries are good, there is a noticeable increase in the number of Israeli tourists who come to visit the country and the sense of security on the street is high. According to her, the Lithuanian authorities are working against anti-Semitism and support Israel.”

The ambassador also stated that Lithuania places emphasis on a rich and diverse culture, on preserving the memory of the painful Jewish history and recommends to Israeli tourists to visit the Jewish ghetto in Vilnius, visit the city of Kovna and hear the story of a magnificent community that was almost completely destroyed. “It was not for nothing that Vilna was called ‘Jerusalem Dalita’, a nickname that indicates its great importance.”

The Old City – a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Here you will find cobbled streets, the Vilnius Cathedral, a bell tower, churches, small squares and lots of charm. You don’t have to reach a certain point on the map, you can go and stop where feels right and special. When it’s too cold, you go into a restaurant with a burning fireplace, or a cute French cafe and order a croissant with coffee or hot chocolate.

There is the Jewish Street, the areas of the small ghetto and the large ghetto, memorial monuments and statues of important figures. It is highly recommended to join a guided tour to understand Jewish history during World War II and what preceded it. I participated in the tour with a local Lithuanian guide (Lina +37060068509, English speaking), the tour lasts about two to three hours and passes through important and fascinating points, must be arranged in advance.

the indoor market – Hales Market

Central market in Vilnius. Here you will find second-hand clothes, works of art, and a particularly valuable hall of the food market, with cheeses, sausages, pastries, spices, pickles, a wealth of colors, smells and tastes and is very suitable for cold and rainy days.

Ouzopis neighborhood (Zarocha) Uzupis

“Across the river”. A special neighborhood and a fascinating urban phenomenon, located across the Vilnia River, not far from the old city. At the entrance you will find a “transit station”, where the passport can be stamped with the stamp of the state of Ouzopis.

The neighborhood is considered almost as an independent country, with its own characteristics. Many artists live and work here, and during the tour of the neighborhood you will see graffiti on the walls, cafes, shops and a bohemian atmosphere. On the wall at the entrance appears the Ouzoupis Charter in many languages, including Hebrew, it’s worth reading, it’s entertaining and charming.

It is about 30 minutes from Vilnius Trakai (Tracks) – A historic town with a 14th century citadel built on an island in the middle of a lake. In winter, when the lake is frozen or covered with snow, the view is spectacular and if you complain at the Esperanza Spa Hotel, you will enjoy an experience of landscapes that seems to have come out of a fairy tale with a pampering spa and fine food. Tarkai is also an area of ​​the Karaite community, with a unique cultural story.

Cup – Another large mall including restaurants and attractions.

Acropolis Acropolis – Considered the largest mall in the city. On weekends in the winter you will also find a flea market there.