It only takes 1,969 steps to take in the main sightseeing attractions of Vilnius. The number may seem small, but Vilnius’ UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the most walkable in Europe, and is rich with history, astonishing Baroque architecture, green parks and artistic spaces. It’s the perfect getaway for every kind of explorer.
Since Vilnius’ most beautiful places can be discovered on foot, Go Vilnius, the city’s official development agency, has compiled a list of 23 new walking routes for travellers to explore on their own. Filled with commentaries, approximate walking times and even step counts, the Walkable Vilnius website is available for everyone planning their trip.
“Independent travel is becoming more popular; visitors want to enjoy the adventure of discovery on their own. They travel alone or with families, and plan their journeys and routes by looking for information online. Vilnius is ideal for such travellers since it’s a compact and green city full of history and a bustling cultural life. We want to give them better access to information and understanding about the city, and encourage people to get to know Vilnius personally,” says Inga Romanovskiene, Director of Go Vilnius.
The routes on the website are grouped by themes to encourage visitors to explore the city’s history, its artistic side, its surroundings and nature, as well as its family-friendly walks. There are both short and long options to choose from. For example, walking by the Neris River in the heart of the city or exploring the churches and monasteries takes more than 7,000 steps, while going on an archaeological adventure with kids is around 4,000 steps.
The website www.walkablevilnius.lt is in English, German, Norwegian, Swedish, and Italian. The project was initiated by the Vilnius City Municipality, implemented by Go Vilnius, and financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Photos c. Go Vilnius
