Other Lithuania

In Lithuania, a wide range of news sources is available in various languages, allowing immigrants to stay informed and integrate into society.

Lithuanian news portals

Delfi: One of the largest news portals in Lithuania, offering content in Lithuanian, Russian, and English languages.

15min: The second most popular news site in Lithuania, providing news in Lithuanian. It has sections in English and Russian.

Lietuvos Rytas: A socio-political daily newspaper offering news in Lithuanian. It has an online version with sections in English and Russian.

National media

LRT (Lithuanian National Radio and Television): Provides news, live broadcasts, video, and audio in Lithuanian. It has sections in English and Russian.

International news resources

BBC News: An international news portal in English, covering events worldwide, including Lithuania.

The Guardian: A British newspaper providing news and analytical materials in English.

Social networks and mobile apps

Many Lithuanian media outlets actively use social networks like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to distribute news. Subscribing to the official pages of these publications will allow you to receive up-to-date information conveniently.

Foreign language news resources

Polish language

German language

Baltische Rundschau: A German-language portal specializing in news from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia (baltische-rundschau.eu).

French language

Le Monde Diplomatique (Baltic Edition): Specialized material about Baltic countries, including Lithuania, available in French. Although this publication focuses on international analytics, it also covers local events. The site is accessible through a subscription to a French magazine.

Belarusian language

Ukrainian language

Ukrainian Wave in Vilnius: A Ukrainian radio project that broadcasts news and programs for the Ukrainian diaspora in Lithuania. It can be found through local radio stations or online platforms.

Russian language

Other languages

Scandinavian languages (Swedish, Norwegian, Danish): Many embassies of Scandinavian countries publish news about Lithuania on their official pages.

Italian language: The Italian community in Lithuania periodically releases news bulletins through cultural centers or the Italian embassy.

Thus, news resources in Lithuania are diverse and suitable for representatives of different nationalities. If you want to follow the news in a specific language, you should refer to specialized portals or diaspora contacts.

Lithuania is a country with a rich history and culture, but like many other states, it is surrounded by various stereotypes.

Lithuania is a cold and snowy country

Many people believe that it's cold and snowy in Lithuania year-round. Although winter can be cold, with temperatures below zero, summer in Lithuania is warm and pleasant, often with temperatures above +25°C. The country's climate is moderate, with clear seasonal changes.

Lithuanians are reserved and not smiling

There is an opinion that the locals are reserved and do not openly express emotions. In reality, Lithuanians may seem a bit shy at first meeting, but they are friendly and hospitable once they get to know a person better. The culture assumes respect for personal space and casual communication.

Everyone speaks Russian

Some believe that all Lithuanians are fluent in Russian. Although the older generation may speak Russian due to historical reasons, the younger generation is more likely to speak English. The official language of the country is Lithuanian, and it is the primary language spoken by most residents.

Lithuania is an agricultural and underdeveloped country

The stereotype suggests that Lithuania's economy is solely based on agriculture. In fact, Lithuania is a modern country with developed infrastructure, technology, and services. The IT sector, biotechnology, and startups thrive in the country.

Lithuania is part of Russia or the former USSR

Some people mistakenly believe that Lithuania is still connected with Russia. Lithuania became independent in 1990 and is now a member of the European Union and NATO. The country has its own government and actively participates in international politics.

Lithuanian cuisine is monotonous

There is a belief that Lithuanian cuisine consists only of potato and meat dishes. Although traditional dishes do include these ingredients, Lithuanian cuisine is rich and diverse, featuring fresh vegetables, fish, and even modern gastronomic trends.

Lithuanians are tall blondes

This stereotype generalizes the appearance of the population. While there are people in Lithuania with this appearance, the population is diverse, and generalizations do not reflect reality.

Stereotypes often arise from a lack of information or outdated ideas. To form an accurate opinion about Lithuania, it is recommended to explore its culture, history, and modern life from reliable sources or visit the country personally.

Transport and Navigation

Trafi: The app provides real-time information about public transport schedules and routes, including buses, trolleys, and trains. It also allows for purchasing tickets online.

m.Ticket: The official app for buying public transport tickets in Vilnius and Kaunas. It allows you to purchase tickets and check their validity.

Bolt: A service for ordering taxis and renting electric scooters. Widely used in Lithuanian cities.

CityBee: A car-sharing service offering cars and bicycles for rent. Convenient for short trips around the city.

Parking

m.Parking: The official app for paying for parking in Vilnius. It allows you to pay for parking and receive notifications about parking time.

UniPark: An app for paying for parking in various cities of Lithuania. It provides information about available parking spaces and rates.

Finance

Swedbank Lietuva and SEB Lietuva: Mobile apps of Lithuania's largest banks, allowing you to manage accounts, make payments, and control finances.

Health

e.sveikata: The official app of Lithuania's healthcare system, providing access to medical records, prescriptions, and health information.

 Travel and Leisure

Park4night: An app for finding camping and motorhome parking spots, including information about parking areas in Lithuania.

PrieJūros: A service for finding accommodation and events on the Lithuanian and Latvian coasts. It provides information on over 500 accommodation options and 100 events monthly.

Weather

Orai.lt: An app with accurate weather forecasts in Lithuania, including warnings about adverse conditions.

Government Services

Mobiliųjų paslaugų portalas: The official app for accessing government services, such as residence registration, tax information, and other services.

Lithuania offers various entertainment and cultural events reflecting its rich heritage and modern trends.

Festivals and Celebrations

Song and Dance Festival of Lithuania: A large-scale event held every five years, gathering thousands of participants to perform traditional songs and dances. Included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Cultural Night in Vilnius: An annual festival held in June or July, when urban spaces fill with diverse cultural events—from theatrical performances to art installations.

Vilnius Light Festival: Takes place in January, illuminating city streets and buildings with bright light installations, creating a unique atmosphere during winter.

Theaters and Concerts

Lithuania has numerous theaters, concert halls, and opera houses offering a wide range of performances—from classical to contemporary. Particularly notable are the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre and the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre.

Museums and Galleries

The country is rich in museums reflecting its history, art, and culture. Among them are the National Museum of Lithuania, the Museum of Genocide Victims, and the Amber Museum in Palanga. Art galleries, such as the National Gallery of Art, regularly host exhibitions of local and international artists.

Outdoor Entertainment

Baltic Sea Beaches: The resorts of Palanga and Nida are famous for their sandy beaches, attracting sea vacation lovers.

National Parks: Lithuania offers many natural parks, such as Aukstaitija and Žemaitija, ideal for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

Family Entertainment

Amusement Parks: Labyrinth Theme Park and other parks offer attractions and activities for the whole family.

Water Parks: Water parks such as Vichy and Druskininkai provide a variety of water entertainment for children and adults.

Nightlife

Vilnius offers a variety of nightclubs and bars to suit different musical tastes. Among the popular venues are Tarantino Club, Tamsta Club, and Loftas.

Cinema and Escape Rooms

Cinemas: Modern cinemas in major cities showcase both international and local films.

Escape Rooms: Quest rooms, such as Insight Out Escape Room, offer interactive adventures for groups of friends or families.

Sporting Events

Lithuania is known for its love of basketball. Attending local team matches or international competitions is a popular pastime among residents.

Craft Fairs

Kazys Fair: A traditional craft fair held in Vilnius in early March, where you can purchase local crafts and enjoy folk music.

Gastronomic Festivals

In Lithuania, festivals dedicated to local cuisine are regularly held, such as the Beer Days in Kaunas or the Fish Festival in Klaipeda, offering tastings and culinary masterclasses.

Thus, Lithuania offers a wide range of entertainment and cultural events that can satisfy the interests of both locals and visitors.

In Lithuania, especially in major cities like Vilnius, Kaunas, and Klaipeda, public toilets are available for residents and visitors. However, the number and quality of services may vary depending on the location.

Public Toilets in Vilnius

In the capital city of Vilnius, there are 17 public toilets, of which 7 are automatic and 10 are connected to the sewage system. Starting April 2024, Vilnius City Municipality has decided to make public toilets free for all users. In the next two years, there are plans to renovate existing and build new public toilets, as well as mark their locations on Google Maps for easy finding.

Public Toilets in Other Cities

In other cities of Lithuania, the situation with public toilets may differ. For example, in Kaunas, some toilets are free, while others charge a fee of 50 euro cents. Plans to implement a card payment system for user convenience are underway.

Alternative Options

Besides specially equipped public toilets, visitors can use toilets in shopping centers, cafes, restaurants, and museums. However, in some establishments, access to toilets may be restricted to customers only.

Recommendations for Users

Planning: When attending city events or walking tours, it is recommended to plan routes in advance considering the availability of public toilets.

Using Maps: With applications like Google Maps, one can find the nearest public toilets, their operating hours, and possible user reviews.

Having Change: In some places, cash may still be required, so it's advisable to have small change with you.

Learning Lithuanian is a key step for successful integration into Lithuanian society. There are numerous learning options, including in-person courses, online resources, and mobile apps.

In-Person Lithuanian Language Courses

Kalba.Lt: Offers free Lithuanian language courses for European Union citizens and third-country nationals who have been living in Lithuania for at least one year. The training is funded by the Employment Service, allowing language study at no additional cost.

Lingua Lituanica: The Institute of Language and Culture offers various Lithuanian language courses in groups, preparing students for exams on certain language proficiency categories.

Caritas: Provides free Lithuanian language courses for third-country citizens who have already obtained residence permits in Lithuania.

Online Resources for Self-study

Let’s be Friends: A free interactive course consisting of 24 lessons aimed at developing reading, comprehension, speaking, and writing skills in the Lithuanian language.

Loecsen: Offers free online Lithuanian language courses for beginners, including basic phrases and vocabulary.

50 Languages: Contains 100 lessons divided by topics, with audio files recorded by native speakers, helping to improve pronunciation and comprehension.

Mobile Apps

LinGo Play: A Lithuanian language learning app offering thousands of new words and phrases, as well as the opportunity to participate in online games and tournaments to reinforce learning.

LingoHut: Provides 125 free Lithuanian language lessons focused on self-study with an emphasis on vocabulary and pronunciation.

University Programs

Vilnius University: The Department of Lithuanian Studies offers Lithuanian language courses of various durations and costs, suitable for different proficiency levels.

Vytautas Magnus University: Offers Lithuanian language courses and educational resources for foreign students wishing to deepen their knowledge.

Additional Resources

Lituanistika: Provides educational materials and resources on the Lithuanian language and culture, facilitating a deeper understanding of the context of the language being studied.

Learning the Lithuanian language will open up new opportunities for you and facilitate integration into Lithuanian society. Take advantage of these resources and recommendations to achieve success in this process.

Main public holidays:

January 1 — New Year: Celebrated, as in many countries, with fireworks and family gatherings.

February 16 — Day of Restoration of the State of Lithuania: On this day in 1918, Lithuania's independence was restored. Official events, concerts, and wreath-laying ceremonies are held.

March 11 — Day of Restoration of Independence of Lithuania: Celebrates the proclamation of independence from the USSR in 1990. Patriotic events and concerts are held.

Easter: As a Catholic country, Lithuania widely celebrates Easter. Traditions include church visits, festive meals, and egg decoration.

May 1 — International Workers' Day: Celebrated as a day of workers' solidarity.

First Sunday of May — Mother's Day: On this day, mothers are honored, given flowers and gifts.

First Sunday of June — Father's Day: A holiday dedicated to fathers, accompanied by family events.

June 24 — Joninės: Summer solstice festival with pagan roots, including jumping over bonfires, wreath weaving, and searching for the fern flower.

July 6 — State Day: Celebrates the coronation of King Mindaugas in 1253. On this day, the national anthem is sung, and ceremonial events are held.

August 15 — Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary: A religious holiday accompanied by the blessing of herbs and flowers.

November 1 — All Saints' Day: People visit cemeteries, decorate graves with candles and flowers, and remember the deceased.

December 24–25 — Christmas: A family holiday rich in traditions, including Christmas Eve with 12 meatless dishes and gift exchanges.

Traditional Events and Festivals

Kaziukas Fair: An annual folk crafts fair held in early March in Vilnius, where handmade items and traditional treats can be purchased.

Days of Vilnius: The capital’s festival held at the end of August or early September, featuring concerts, exhibitions, and fairs.

Zolinė Festival: Celebrated on August 15 and associated with the blessing of herbs and flowers, symbolizing gratitude for the harvest.

Lithuania, rich in history and natural beauty, offers many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of them:

Vilnius Old Town

The historic center of the capital, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, is known for its narrow streets, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings. Here you can find Cathedral Square, Gediminas' Tower, and numerous churches.

Trakai Castle

Located on an island in Lake Galvė, this medieval castle was the residence of the Lithuanian grand dukes. Today it houses a museum detailing the history of Lithuania.

Curonian Spit

A unique sand dune stretching along the Baltic Sea, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here you can enjoy picturesque landscapes, visit fishing villages, and see the "dancing" forest.

Hill of Crosses

Located near the city of Šiauliai, this shrine contains thousands of crosses placed by pilgrims. The site symbolizes the faith and resistance of the Lithuanian people.

Palanga

A popular seaside resort with sandy beaches, a Botanical Garden, and the Amber Museum located in the former Tyszkiewicz Palace.

Lithuania is a country with a rich culture and traditions, the respect for which plays an important role in daily life.

Greetings and Addresses

Handshake: It is customary to shake hands firmly while maintaining direct eye contact upon meeting. This applies to both business and personal meetings.

Addressing by name: In formal situations, use the person's title and last name. You can switch to first names after establishing closer relations.

Formalities: Lithuanians value politeness and formal address, especially when meeting for the first time.

Punctuality

Accuracy: Punctuality is considered a sign of respect. Being late for meetings, whether business or personal, is not welcomed.

Notice: If you are running late, be sure to inform in advance.

Personal Space and Gestures

Distance: During conversations, it is customary to maintain a moderate distance. Excessive closeness can cause discomfort.

Gestures: Restrained gestures are the norm. Avoid excessive gestures that might be misunderstood.

Eye Contact: Direct eye contact is considered a sign of sincerity and respect.

Communication and Topics for Conversation

Restraint: Lithuanians may seem reserved at first meeting, but become more open as relationships develop.

Topics: Safe conversation topics include culture, history, sports, and travel.

Avoid: Political and religious topics are better discussed with caution.

Language

Lithuanian Language: The official language of the country is Lithuanian. Knowing at least a few phrases will be appreciated.

English: Widely spoken among the youth and in business settings.

Russian: Some Lithuanians, especially the older generation, speak Russian, but do not assume this by default.

Gifts and Hospitality

Invitation to visit: If you are invited to a home, it is a sign of friendliness. It is customary to bring a small gift for the hosts — flowers, chocolate, or wine.

Flowers: When giving flowers, ensure there is an odd number, as an even number is associated with mourning.

Clothing and Appearance

Business Style: In the business environment, conservative and elegant clothing is preferred.

Casual Style: In everyday life, clothing is more relaxed, but neatness is always valued.

Social Norms

Queues: Queue etiquette is strict, and attempts to skip the line are not welcomed.

Public Transport: It is customary to give up seats to the elderly, pregnant women, and people with disabilities.

Noise: It is recommended to speak quietly and discreetly in public places.

Table Manners

Meals: Start eating only after everyone is seated and has their meals.

Tipping: Tipping 5-10% of the bill total is customary if service is not included.

Alcohol: Moderate alcohol consumption during the meal is normal, but excess is not encouraged.

Religious and National Holidays

Respect for Traditions: Religious holidays, such as Christmas and Easter, are widely celebrated with deep respect.

National Holidays: On national holidays, mass events and concerts are held. Participation is encouraged.

Work and Business Culture

Hierarchy: Respect for positions and seniority is valued in the business environment.

Communication: Directness and honesty in communication are considered important. However, criticism should be expressed tactfully.

Environmental Awareness

Nature Conservation: Lithuanians appreciate nature and ecology. Separate waste collection and a careful attitude toward the environment are encouraged.

Public Places: Littering in public places is strictly prohibited and may result in fines.

 Understanding and adhering to local etiquette norms will help you not only avoid awkward situations but also build strong relationships with locals. By showing respect for Lithuanian culture and traditions, you will make your stay in the country more pleasant and fruitful.

Administrative Division of Lithuania

Lithuania is divided into three levels of administrative units:

Counties (Apskritys): The first level, consisting of 10 counties. However, since 2010, their administrative functions have been abolished, and they serve only statistical and territorial roles.

Municipalities (Savivaldybės): The second level, consisting of 60 municipalities, which are the main units of local government. They are divided into three types:

- City municipalities (7)

- District municipalities (44)

- Mixed municipalities (9)

Wards (Seniūnijos): The third level, subdivisions within municipalities that ensure direct interaction with local residents.

Authorities in Municipalities

Each municipality has the following authorities:

Municipal Council (Savivaldybės taryba): A representative body elected by residents for a four-year term. The council is responsible for making decisions on local issues, approving the budget, and overseeing the activities of executive bodies.

Mayor: Since 2015, the mayor is directly elected by the residents of the municipality for a four-year term. The mayor leads the executive body of the municipality, represents its interests, and ensures the implementation of the council’s decisions.

Municipal Administration (Savivaldybės administracija): The executive body responsible for implementing the decisions of the council and the mayor, as well as providing public services to the population.

Powers and Functions of Municipalities

Municipalities in Lithuania perform the following functions:

Local governance: Addressing issues related to territorial development, planning, and improvement.

Public services: Providing residents with services in the fields of education, healthcare, social protection, culture, and sports.

Public administration: Issuing permits, licenses, and other documents as provided by law.

Thus, the local government system in Lithuania ensures effective management at the local level, taking into account the interests of local communities and ensuring their participation in decision-making.