An exceptional country with a magnificent and painful history, beautiful landscapes and rich heritage.
Lithuania was the last country on the European map to adopt Christianity. The last Lithuanian lands turned to the new religion only in the 15th century. Thus, the old traditions of pagan religion can still be found in fairy tales, songs, folklore, customs, burial mounds. Forests, sacred oaks and stones still remind us of old times.
We want to introduce our participants to the surviving old customs and crafts, to show the ethnographic Baltic Lithuanian ancient spirit.
We want to introduce our participants to the surviving old customs and crafts, to show the ethnographic Baltic Lithuanian ancient spirit.
We invite you to a unique educational journey, where we will reveal the secrets of ancient black ceramics! You will not only get acquainted with this exclusive craft, but also try out clay shaping, decorating and watch how the works acquire a dark, mysterious color during a special firing technique. An interesting acquaintance with the history and traditions of black ceramics, practical clay sculpting experience, demonstration of the firing process and the secret of why ceramics turn black, cozy natural surroundings and creative atmosphere. This is the opportunity to experience the magic of clay and take home a souvenir created by your own hands!
Linum usitatissimum, meaning “most useful,” is a cultivated plant that has been cherished by humanity for thousands of years—even earning mention in the Bible. For Lithuania, linen is more than just a fabric—it is a cherished part of the nation’s heritage. Woven into the history of the Baltic region and Christian traditions, it carries echoes of our ancestors’ everyday lives. Linen lives on in folk songs, folklore, and the customs that mark both joy and sorrow. At The Linen Road, we invite you to explore the journey of flax—from seed to fabric. Experience the traditional crafts of flax processing, spinning, and weaving with your own hands. Our exhibition features visually engaging displays, a rich collection of flax-processing tools, and beautiful linen products. To complete the experience, we’ll treat you to Lithuania’s beloved dark bread, sprinkled with flax seeds—a taste of tradition you won’t forget.
What drink was once known as the Northern European wine? What alcoholic beverage is the oldest in the world, predating both wine and beer by thousands of years? Yes, it’s mead! The first recorded mentions of mead consumption in the Baltics date back to 64-64 BC, where ancient tribes along the Baltic Sea were described brewing this golden elixir from honey and grains.
At the museum, you’ll uncover the fascinating history of mead’s origins and production, admire historical drinking vessels, and explore an authentic setting that echoes the past. Stroll through the tower’s historic floors, discover well-preserved artifacts, and witness firsthand how Lithuanian mead is crafted today.
Nestled on the right bank of the river Neris, Kernavė is a place where history whispers through the hills. One of Lithuania’s oldest cities and its first capital, Kernavė was a thriving political, economic, and military center, home to the sovereigns of Lithuanian lands until 1321. Though archaeological findings reveal human settlements in the area as early as the 9th–7th centuries BCE, it was in the 13th–14th centuries that Kernavė flourished into a true medieval city. With its well-planned streets, residential houses, craftsmen’s workshops, noble residences, and a grand defensive complex of five mounds, it stood as a testament to the early strength of the Lithuanian state. We will step into an open-air museum of Lithuanian heritage and experience the echoes of a medieval city that once stood at the heart of a rising nation.
Ethnocosmology is the profound connection between humanity and the Cosmic World—a blend of visual, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and cultural ties that shape our understanding of the universe. The Lithuanian Ethnocosmology Museum is the first and only museum of its kind in the world. It offers a unique perspective on how humans—across different eras and civilizations—have perceived, explored, and interacted with the cosmos. More than just a museum, it is a bridge between ancient wisdom and modern scientific thought, revealing the timeless relationship between mankind and the universe. With its one-of-a-kind concept and purpose, the Lithuanian Ethnocosmology Museum proudly stands as a distinctive symbol of Lithuania in the global cultural landscape—inviting all who seek to explore the mysteries of the universe and our place within it.
A step into the Lake Fishing Museum in Mindūnai, where the rich history of Moletai region and all Lithuanian freshwater fishing comes to life! Located in a stunning lakeside setting, this unique museum invites to explore centuries-old fishing traditions, tools, and stories passed down through generations. A fascinating collection of traditional fishing gear, from handcrafted nets to ancient traps, authentic wooden boats and ice fishing tools used by Lithuanian fishermen, exhibits revealing the secrets of lake fishing through the ages, a chance to discover how fishing shaped local culture and everyday life.
For centuries, wickerwork has been an integral part of Lithuanian daily life, combining practicality with artistry. Using willow, birch bark, straw, and other natural materials, skilled craftsmen wove baskets, furniture, household items, and even fences—creating durable and beautiful pieces essential to everyday living. Beyond its functional role, wickerwork held cultural and symbolic significance. Many woven patterns carried protective and spiritual meanings, passed down through generations. The craft was a reflection of patience, skill, and the deep connection Lithuanians had with nature and sustainability. We will have the opportunity to make our own wicker souvenir at Molėtai Region Traditional Crafts Center.
Gingerbread, known in Lithuania as “meduoliai”, is more than just a treat—it is a cherished symbol of tradition, craftsmanship, and celebration. Made from honey, fragrant spices, and rye or wheat flour, Lithuanian gingerbread has been baked for centuries, carrying with it the warmth of home and the echoes of history. While modern sweets have taken over, traditional Lithuanian gingerbread remains a treasured delight. Moreover, we will taste a unique next-generation handmade gingerbread collection, baked at “Džiaugsmo Dirbtuvės”, featuring herring, bacon, hemp seeds, poppy seeds, flaxseeds, lavender blossoms, and mint leaves. It combines the old gingerbread tradition, heritage food ingredients and brings to life exceptional mouth-watering pieces. “Love, Flour, and Honey!” – An exclusive gingerbread tasting experience in the countryside.