2012 05 11 Vasaros gidas_EN

Everything you need to know about summer 2012

Traveler’s diary: maps, routes, ticket prices and fees

resort’s pride:

magnificent landscapes, nature and architectural monuments

Biggest dSummer Events Lithuanian tourism famous people love to spend holidays in homeland

Know the country by cycling unique routes

sector is generously funded

in Klaipėda, Palanga, Neringa, Druskininkai, Birštonas, Trakai

XVIII KLAIPEDA CASTLE JAZZ FESTIVAL

May 30, 18 hours

Opening of photography exhibition “18 Jazz Moments” to commemorate the 18th birthday of jazz festival.

Photographers: Asta Esu and Vytautas Petrikas (AV Photography) Baroti Gallery (Auk toji St. 1)

June 1, 2012 (Friday) 17.00

VENTSF

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OF REE C

“Literary Jazz: Poetry of Blues” Literature and history evening with a host and writer Linas Po ka at Klaipeda I. Simonaitytė Public Library (H. Manto St. 25)

18.30

Festival’s opening ceremony in the territory of Klaipeda castle.

19.00

Klaipeda, Teatro Square: Secret Swing Society (Lithuania, Iceland, the Netherlands) The Frank Ash Band (England) AKAGA (Bulgaria) Thoughts Aloud (Kaliningrad)

ALLE

00.30

Jam session (at Švyturys’s Art Docks, Naujoji Uosto St. 3) KLAIPEDA CASTLE JAZZ FESTIVAL IS SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE AND CONTRIBUTES TO THE FOLLOWING EVENTS: Running of Hope to support the building of St. Francis Oncology Center May 17, 18 hours. “Music Heals” concert.

The psalms and songs will be performed by Arūnas and Lina Raudoniai at the chapel of St. Francis of Assisi in Klaipeda (Savanorių St. 4).

May 20, 14.30 hours.

RUNNING OF HOPE FINAL CONCERT Klaipeda Summer Estrada Klaipeda Dixieland, Old City Band, Steponas Zonys, Karo Stovis, Funk In, Jurij Veklenko and band, and “Jam Studija” lindyhop dancers.

May 31, 19 hours. Charity Concert “Acoustic Colors”.

The songs performed by Linas Švirinas and band at the chapel of St. Francis of Assisi in Klaipeda (Savanorių St. 4).

FESTIVAL’S SPONSOR

“Volunteers for Children” — Spiritual Help Center organizes an event to commemorate International Child Protection Day June 1, 2012 12.00–13.00 Mass at St. Mary Queen of Peace Church.

13.30–15.00 Drawing, dancing, events, musical performances for children and with children in Atgimimas Square.

15.00–16.00 Youth groups’ concert in vyturys’s Art Docks (Naujoji Uosto St. 3).

GENERAL SPONSOR

June 2, 2012 (Saturday) 17.00

“Literary Jazz: Poetry of Blues” G. Grajauskas’s “Communications. Jazz and Poetry” in Klaipeda I. Simonaitytė Public Library (H. Manto St. 25)

18.00

Klaipeda, Teatro Square: Brazz Brothers (Norway) Igor Butman and Kaunas’s Big Band (Russia, Lithuania) Niki Haris & International Band (U.S. Lithuania, Latvia) Candy Dulfer & Band (the Netherlands)

00.30

Jam Session (at Švyturys’s Art Docks, Naujoji Uosto St. 3)

June 3, 2012 (Sunday) 18.00

Klaipeda, Teatro Square: Old City Band (Lithuania) E. Jonavičius’s Project (Lithuania) Jussendo and Latvian NAF Big Band (Latvia) Swing Kids (Germany)

www.jazz.lt

SPONSORS:

MAJOR SPONSORS:

INFORMATIONAL SPONSORS:

FRIENDS:

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HOTELS:

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Klaipėda: a New Orleans’s Phenomenon in Lithuania

festival

Feel: each year Klaipėda Jazz Festival has an authentic atmosphere.

Each year Klaipėda is flooded with jazz music. For three days Teatro Square is full of jazz melodies coming from different cultures, styles and performance subtleties.

Klaipėda Jazz Festival is one of the biggest free-of-charge events in the Eastern Europe, offering a huge variety of performances by European and the world’s jazz stars. When I started organizing the festival eighteen years ago, I never thought that it could become such a success both in Klaipėda and Lithuania.

Currently, the neighboring countries and their festivals express a deep respect and secret envy for our ability to invite and have performances of such famous jazz musicians as Tower of Power, Earth Wind and Fire featuring The Al Mckay Allstars, Calle Sol, Toots Thiele-

mans, Eric Marienthal, Joe Sample, Randy Crawford, Mike Mainieri, Hiram Bulock and many others. For eight years, the festival is managed by my wife Inga Grubliauskienė who puts tremendous efforts and professionalism to make the event a source of pride not only for Klaipėda but also for our entire country.

The jazz festival’s motto “good music for good people” demonstrates our belief that music could make people better. Upon their visit to the festival, people tend to claim that the festival has a cozy atmosphere and mesmerizing aura, inviting people to come back

Let’s jazz on June 1-3 in Teatro Square!

Vytautas Grubliauskas is the festival’s founder and now Mayor of Klaipėda. Inga Grubliauskiene is the present manager of the festival next year. During those eighteen years, two generations have grown up and I am happy to see them coming with their own children.

18th Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival will take place on June 1-3 and will light Klaipėda by the performances of famous jazz and the

world’s music stars. The festival is proud to present such jewels of jazz as Candy Dulfer (the Netherlands), Niki Haris (U.S.), Igor Butman (Russia), The Brazz Brothers (Norway) and many others. All of these artists are exceptional and well-known among jazz lovers around the world.

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And all this is jazz: good music for good peo

Igor Butman (Russia)

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gor Butman is a saxophone virtuoso, conductor, the brightetst jazz star in Russia. Living in the USSSR he was invited to participate in various jazz festivals in America and perform with famous american musicians. Until now, he connects Moscow and New York through a jazz bridge.

Rolandas Viršilas Manager at Švyturys:

Candy Dulfer & Band (the Netherlands)

C

andy Dulfer is a jazz virtuoso and alto saxophonist coming from a famous family of Dutch musicians.

She regularly receives attention and recognition of the prestigious American Grammy Award Commission. Candy Dulfer was invited to participate in the concerts of such famous pop stars as Madonna and Prince. Her performances are charismatic, passionate, exploding with energy and infectious optimism.

Ričardas Kiaurakis

Kaunas Big Band (Lithuania)

K

aunas Big Band is an active participant of the country’s musical life and spreads jazz culture not only in Lithuania but also abroad. The orchestra works together with famous Lithuanian jazz instrumentalists and vocalists. Kaunas Big Band unites a wide variety of styles, starting with jazz classics up to the newest jazz compositions.

Director at JSC SBA Furniture Companies:

Leif A.Ulland

“Castle Jazz Festival comprises more than stellar performers. The spirit of creativity, freedom and unity makes Klaipėda Jazz Festival full of the truest jazz, involving everyone and making the event unique. Let’s create together and be different! Do not afraid to go your own way!”

“This year’s festival sponsors Norwegian Embassy and a NorwegianLithuanian company Fiskerstrand BLRT decided to invite one of the best Norwegian bands the Brazz Brothers to Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival. I am sure that the Brazz Brothers will receive a warm welcome.”

“Švyturys, Klaipėda and jazz are inseparable. They are connected by a single sense of freedom, permitting a human soul to show itself in different lights.

Klaipėda Jazz Festival is of the highest standards, uniting jazz musicians and their audiences and infecting the city with its energy. Švyturys is proud to contribute to the organization of this festival. We hope that this event will provide its listeners to the best jazz in one of the jazziest cities in the Baltic.”

Norwegian Ambassador to Lithuania:

The Brazz Brothers (Norway)

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hroughout the recent years, a Norwegian brass ensemble the Brazz Brothers managed to reach the European music scene. The musicians manage to enlighten the sound of brass instruments with virtuosity and spontaneous humor. The audiences love them and their performances have received praise from the critics.

www.jazz.lt

festival

ople Teisutis Matulevičius Owner at JSC Pamario Dvaras:

“Jazz for me is an “intellectual party”. It is not for those who are angry, but for those people who are always willing to help. That is why I live in Klaipėda.”

The Secret Swing Society (Lithuania, Iceland, the Netherlands)

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nergetic and playful band the Secret Swing Society will infect its audiences with swing. For more than a year, they have spread good quality jazz around Europe.

This international company was created in Amsterdam during the music studies.

Niki Haris & International Band (the. U.S., Lithuania, Latvia)

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iki Haris is a daughter of a Grammy nominee pianist Gene Harris. Since 1987 up to 2003, the musician was best known as one of the backing vocals for Madonna. In 2004, she and her father recorded a jazz music album and chose to follow the solo career. Her heavenly voice touches every heart. This concert is a gift for everyone to enjoy.

E. Jonavičius Project (Lithuania)

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he songs played by this project are going to reflect the seaside culture and its prominent personalities. In the concert, Eugenijus Jonavičius will be assisted by such famous jazz musicians as A. Jankūnas, P. Stonkus, D. Kažukauskas, R. Zazen, and A. Zalcas.

Akaga (Bulgaria)

A Anne E. Derse

kaga is one of the most popular bands in Bulgaria, established in 1992 and famous for its wind organs. The band’s music offers a unique fusion of jazz, funk, folklore, reggae, soul and even hip-hop styles. Good mood guaranteed!

Mindaugas Mizaras General Director at Publishing House Grafija:

“The sea, Lithuanian and foreign performers of the highest class, wonderful company and atmosphere can only be found in Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival. There is no better way to start a new summer.”

U.S. Ambassador to Lithuania: “Jazz is the most original American art form. It reflects great diversity of American people and their culture.

I am proud that the U.S. embassy in Lithuania could contribute to such a wonderful event and performance of great American singer Niki Harris.”

Arnoldas Šileika General Director at SC Western Shipyard Group:

The Franck Ash Band (the U.K.)

H

e is one of the best guitarists in the United Kingdom, who has received recognition from various international blues scenes. In 2000, he was rewarded the prize of the best performer by Euroblues. His live performances are full of energy and virtuosity.

“SC Western Shipyard Group is a part of Klaipėda city and feels responsibility to improve the city’s well-being, its cultural and social life. Thus, we are going to support one of the most important events in Klaipėda: Castle Jazz Festival. We are proud to contribute to it. This year, I and my family will be among other inhabitants of Klaipėda to celebrate our city full of optimism and pulsating with jazz. I hope that good mood and positive emotions created in this event will not leave us throughout the celebrations!”

www.jazz.lt

Vaidotas Šileika

General Director at JSC Klaipėda Container Terminal :

“Klaipėda, the sea and good people – that is the truest JAZZ!”

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not found your name on the list, please have in mind The festival sends jazzy wishes Ifthatyouwehave are thankful for your contribution! God bless all of you!

• Adomaitis Vytautas • Adomaitis Viktoras • Aleksandravičius Ruslanas • Andrijanov Michail • Asta Esu • Aušra Algirdas • Aušra Jonas • Bačiulis Gintaras • Balnionienė Audronė • Baltuonis Ričardas • Baroti Andželika • Baroti Isroildžonas • Bartkėnas Antanas • Bastienė Jolanta • Beinoravičius Bronius • Bernotas Kęstutis • Bieliauskienė Virginija • Bloškys Saulius

• Brolis Benediktas Jurčys • Bujanauskienė Vilija • Buožius Regimantas • Butvydas Darius • Butvydas Eugenijus • Česnavičius Aleksandras • Danys Antanas • Dauginas Raimondas • Daugininkienė Jelizaveta • Derse Anne E. • Dumašius Jonas • Dužinas Vaidotas • Eimulis Arūnas • Fąfara Ireneusz • Gabrienė Marija • Gaidukevičius Arvydas • Gajauskas Regimantas • Garbačiauskaitė-Budrienė Monika

• Gedvilienė Inga • Gelūnas Arūnas • Gelžinis Klaudijus • Gentvilas Eugenijus • Gentvilas Simonas • Grajauskas Gintaras • Gricius Laimonas • Grigaitis Kęstutis • Haselton Thomas M. • Hersh Nicholas • Jankauskas Paulius • Jankauskas Ovidijus • Jokužys Saulius • Jomantienė Audronė • Jonuška Arūnas • Juodviršis Rimvydas • Juška Rimantas • Kalnelis Arvydas • Karachinov Andrey

• Kaubrys Ramūnas • Kažukauskienė Asta • Kiaurakis Ričardas • Kiudulas Eimantas • Kiulkys Vygantas • Klimas Alvydas • Kliukas Aldas • Kolbaneva Svetlana • Kruopys Mindaugas • Krušinskaitė Janina • Kvedaras Raimondas • Kvedaras Vaidas • Kunickaitė Silvija • Kuraitis Arūnas • Kuzmarskis Aloyzas • Laurėnas Vaidutis • Linkus Kęstutis • Liubinas Vytautas • Lund Bjornar

• Pilaitienė Aušra • Pilaitis Gediminas • Pocius Saulius • Poška Linas • Raudonius Jonas • Reikalas Šarūnas • Rovbutienė Vida • Ruokė Eglė • Ruokis Algirdas • Savickienė Romena • Savickis Saulius • Siaurusevičius Audrius • Skuodaitė Eglė • Skutulas Kazys • Stankevič Vaclav • Steponavičius Gintaras • Stračkaitis Marius • Straupaitė Jūratė • Straupienė Asta

Bjornar Lund

“It is important to understand that the things we are proud of do not come out of nothing. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to an event which makes our city more exceptional, freer, beautiful and, in general, makes us better people. It is because of this that the festival continues for years with its motto “good music for good people”!”

“DNB Bank joined the initiative of Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival to demonstrate our interest in the spread of professional music concerts in Lithuania. The concerts should take place not only in the capital city.

Summer, sea and jazz are inter-connected things. We believe that jazz will inspire us to create freedom to take new, brave and successful projects.”

For the ideas that create future DNB

President DNB Bank:

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atvian National Armed Forces (LNAF) Big Band was established in 2009 and throughout a short period of time managed to reach a high professional level due to its conductor Aleksandras Kreismanis. The collective is invited to perform with the most famous Latvian performers and participates in various festivals. Žana Iljina (Jussendo) is a singer, song writer and her music verges on rhythm blues and pop styles.

• Vasiliauskas Povilas • Vasiliauskas Žilvinas • Vaštakas Rimvydas • Viršilas Rolandas • Voitenko Vitalijus • Wall Marlene • Zabulis Antanas • Zenkevičienė-Mejaraitė Edita • Zenkevčius Rytis • Zonys Steponas • Žemaitis Tadas • Žilienė Diana • Žilys Saulius • Žulkus Vladas

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t is a Big Band from Rüsselsheim. Although the members of the collective are frequently changing, its music is of especially high quality. The band’s tones and rhythms are like that of a Swiss watch.

Old City Band (Lithuania)

Regimantas Buožius General Director at ACME:

“Klaipėda Jazz Festival is not only about the music, it is an entire philosophy. We are happy about the fact that organizers manage to invite jazz fans from all over Lithuania into Klaipėda. We are proud to be the partners of this festival and contribute to the creation of wonderful jazz fiesta.”

Jussendo and Latvian National Armed Forces Big Band (Latvia)

• Straupas Vladas • Sudaras Gintaras • Šeduikienė Regina • Šikšta Arūnas • Šileikienė Diana • Šileika Arnoldas • Šileika Vaidotas • Švirinas Linas • Tallat-Kelpša Faustas • Tallat-Kelpšaitė Zita • Tomkus Gintaras • Tomkus Vytas • Ugenskas Evaldas • Ulland Leif A. • Urbikas Laimonas • Vaičekauskas Gintaras • Vaičekauskienė Giedrė • Vaišvila Tomas • Valutis Vytautas

The Swing Kids (Germany)

Darius Butvydas General Director at SC Smiltynės Perkėla :

• Martinauskienė Virgilija • Makūnas Leonas • Masiulis Eligijus • Masiulis Rokas • Matonis Audrius • Matulevičius Teisutis • Mėlynis Žydrūnas • Minderienė Lina • Mizaras Mindaugas • Naujokas Žydrūnas • Nazarovas Jonas • Neniškis Gintaras • Paulauskas Sigitas • Pauža Audrius • Petrauskas Benediktas • Petreikis Raimundas • Petrikas Vytautas • Petrosianas Raimondas • Petuška Virgilijus

Antanas Zabulis

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he Old City Band is looking for fun, nonstandard and original ways to express their music. The band’s repertoire consists of swing, jive, rock and roll, Latin American, rock, and classical jazz songs.

Vladas Straupas

President SC Omnitel:

“Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival is an event, which makes me to look forward to it after the works of hard week. I am attracted to the festival’s aura. The festival provides an energy explosion, inspiring to “jazz” in life; both in work and while planning one’s free time. Every one of us has a right to “envy” this celebration for the inhabitants of Klaipėda, but it is far better to come and see it. Let’s meet in jazz!”

Director of Programming at SC Balticum:

Thoughts Aloud (Kaliningrad)

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he band Thoughts Aloud was created in 2008 in Kaliningrad. This young band soon gained popularity. The band’s leader Ilja Khvostov (vocal, keyboards) is also a song-writer. The band is close to the present-day jazz and classical music.

www.jazz.lt

“Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival is unique. Probably there is not any other festival in which you could see so many of the world’s talented jazz musicians free of charge! Second, Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival is a special event, spreading the name of Klaipėda around the world. Third, the music of jazz is the music for free individuals. It is also a democratic and peaceful event.”

ContenTS rewiev

editor's word Holliday in Lithuania is a nice choice thats why you are browsing the magazine "Summer's guide". It will guide you how to entertain, rest and have unfogerttable memories.

We are glad having such a large number of tourists visiting our country's resorts.

We hope that exeptionally beautiful and welcoming Lithuania will be loved by more hollidaymakers.

You will enjoy Curronian Spit with its excpeptional freedom and relaxing atmosphere

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and Palanga resort which is titled as summer's capital. Birštonas, Druskininkai with its great variety entertainment and Trakai with its old architecture, medieval castles and spectacular scenery. Klaipėda celebrates 760th Anniversary this summer. It will attract tourists with its exceptional festivals and celebrations. It is worth to have a holiday in Lithuania.

Join us!

Have a wonderful and unfurgettable holiday!

Virginija Spurytė

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There are more tourist attraction objects in lithuania 9

event

let's celebrate Klaipėda 760th anniversary 10

lithuanian pearls

Holidaymakers love coronian spit 12 The whole lithuania in palanga 14 there is no bad weather in druskininkai 16 Trakai seeks for the "Capital of capitals" title 20 Birštonas is a cradle of tranquility and nature 22

KaleidosCope

the summer events calendar in resorts 24

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48 Editor Virginija Spurytė Journalists Lina Bieliauskaitė, Asta Dykovienė, Daiva Janauskaitė Photos Gedimino Bartuškos, Nerijaus Jankausko, Vytauto Liaudanskio, Sigitos Nemeikaitės, Erlando Paplauskio, Vytauto Petriko, Tomo Raginos, BFL, „Shutterstock“ Designer To­mas Mo­zū­ra Layout editors Lilija Boldyševa, Arnoldas Juodis, Dalia Šalnienė Technical Dalia Šalnienė editor Translated by JSC "Kalba.lt" Circulation 10 000 Editorial office Lab­da­rių St. 8, 01120 Vil­nius Tel. (8 5) 262 4242, fax. (8 5) 279 1379 Advertising Tel. (8 5) 279 1370, (8 37) 302 230, (8 46) 397 715 sales office Distribution service Tel. (8 37) 302 242, (8 46) 397 713, (8 5) 261 1688 Publisher JSC "Die­na Me­dia News" Published by JSC "Die­na Me­dia Print"

places of interest

Magazine is distributed with "Vil­niaus die­na", "Kau­no die­na", "Klai­pė­da"

save sunbathing with an appropriate protection 62 travelling by car, bus, train 65

creations by man and nature KlaIpėda 36 Palanga 39 Neringa 42 Birštonas 44 Druskininkai 46 Trakai 48

first hand information

lithuanian clebrities chose holidays in the homeland 50

active holiday

biking on the seaside 54 unique route: the trip through the sea cliffs 56

advice

INTERVIEW

Hundreds of Millions for Tourism Development increasing number of tourist attraction objects Lithuanian Minister of Economy Rimantas Žylius is happy about the increasing flow of tourists. However, he believes that we still have lots of work to do in order to make the country’s resort more attractive not only in the summertime but also in the wintertime.

Virginija Spurytė – Prime Minister, how would you assess the Lithuanian tourism? Can we be proud of a large number of tourists?

– The year of 2011 was exceptionally good for Lithuanian tourism. We were visited by a record number of foreign tourists (1.8 million), which is 18 per cent more than in 2009. The number of local tourists reached 2.5 million. The flow of tourists was growing in the majority of Lithuanian resorts: in Neringa, the number grew by 24.7 per cent, Druskininkai – 15.6 per cent, Palanga – 14.6, and Birštonas – 6 per cent.

Similarly to the previous year, the majority of tourists staying in various hotels consist of Lithuanian people (67.1 per cent).

According to the statistics provided by accommodation services, the biggest number of foreign tourists is enjoyed by Druskininkai, Palanga, Neringa and Birštonas.

– In order to attract tourists one needs to create more comfortable routes of interest. Do we have enough investments coming to the Lithuanian tourism sector?

– The Ministry of Economy administers the EU structural assistance funds for tourism; from this data, we can see that the most of the EU funded projects are developed in Palanga Municipality (11 projects) and Druskininkai Municipality (8 projects). Birštonas and Neringa municipalities have a somewhat lesser number of projects (each municipality has 3 projects).

Conditions: according to Mr. Žylius, if Lithuania solves the problem of seasonality, the tourism sector could expect an even greater flow of tourists.

In order to implement these projects, 124.4 million LTL were provided, out of which, 69.5 million LTL were used for the projects of Druskininkai Municipality. Druskininkai Municipality is also very good at attracting private investments, making 82.1 million LTL. Such efforts to create tourism infrastructure are well reflected by the number of completed projects. The biggest number of completed projects belong to Druskininkai Municipality (7 projects), Palanga Municipality (3 projects) and Neringa Municipality (2 projects), while Birštonas is still implementing its projects.

The biggest incentive is showed by Druskininkai Municipality, which has a development strategy and patiently strives to achieve it. Druskininkai Municipality creates competitive projects not only in Lithuania, but also abroad. Their projects are aimed at a complexity of services provided. The successful achievements of the resort are illustrated by the fact that the problem of seasonality is solved: last year the number of visitors coming in summer and winter was almost the same.

– What is the Ministry’s contribution to the development of tourism in Lithuania?

– The Ministry of Economy administers the EU structural assistance for tourism means of 2007-2013, according to which, the development of active recreation, business, cultural and health tourism is facilitated. All in all, throughout the period of 2007-2013, the tourism sector should receive 867.3 million LTL of the EU’s structural assistance funds and general financing. The Ministry of Economy will establish National Conference Bureau which will increase the profits from business trips. Using Lithuanian cultural heritage, the Ministry creates new cultural routes integrating them into the European framework of tourism. The Ministry implements a complex tourism infrastructure project “The Creation of Plateliai Lake Tourism Infrastructure”. The project creates new tourists routes by foot, bicycles, cars, boats and various other entertainments are offered throughout the whole year.

– What do you think Lithuania needs to attract an even greater number of tourists?

– In order to increase the number of tourists one needs to improve the local transportation system and increase the awareness of the country abroad. It is important not only to attract greater numbers of tourists, but also allow them an opportunity to stay in our country for longer. They should also desire to come back and re-visit the country.

In order to maintain this, we need to create more interesting routes for a wide variety of people. Lithuania faces a problem of seasonality because, for instance, the seaside resorts do not have entertainment infrastructure and events in the wintertime. A successful example of avoiding a problem of seasonality is Anykščiai, which offers winter sports in both seasons. Thanks to this kind of entertainment, the guests tend to visit the town on both seasons, while foreign visitors tend to extend time spent in the town.

– Minister, where do you spend your own holidays and free-time?

– I love active recreation in nature. I and my friends canoe in the Virinta River.

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ANNIVERSARY

The city of good winds invites to celebrate

The Anniversary of Klaipėda with Fireworks and Records

“Be healthy, the city of good winds!” Such is the official congratulation for the city of Klaipėda, inviting to join the local inhabitants and the city’s guests into the celebrations. The city celebrates its 760th anniversary and has prepared a marathon of various events, starting at the end of May.

ANNIVERSARY

Lina Bieliauskaitė Endless Variety of Events

“I think that Klaipėda offers a wide variety of activities for its guests, but this celebration will add much more,” – told Klaipėda Mayor Vytautas Grubliauskas. According to him, all of the most important events in Klaipėda will be dedicated for the city’s celebrations of its 760th anniversary.

The events will be marked not only by a special sign created by an artist Anatolijus Klemencovas, but also each event will have its own accent and special dedication for the city.

The celebrations will start on May 19th with a special opening of shipping season and the parade of ships. Various ships and boats will sail in the Danė River and in the territory of Cruise Ships’ Terminal. On May 20th, the celebration will be marked by a charity event, called the Running of Hope. During the first summer month, the city’s inhabitants and guests will be presented with a huge variety of events.

The city’s Castle Jazz Festival will be enriched by two international events, namely the business market and sports’ tournament. The world’s Children Protection Day will be embodied by an awareness action “Circle Klaipėda”.

Celebrations in August

The biggest celebrations will commence on August 1st, which is the truest “birthday” of the city. “Klaipėda is probably the only city in Lithuania, which knows not only its years of establishment, but also the day of its establishment. We have decided to emphasize it.

Although August 1st will be a Wednesday, a usual work day

Vytautas Grubliauskas

Klaipėda offers a wide variety of activities for its guests, but this celebration will add much more. in the city, we will celebrate it with huge fanfares,” – told Mr. Grubliauskas.

For the whole day, Klaipėda will host a series of important events and hopes to receive the visits of the most important country’s officials. The celebrations will commence by a theatrical re-awakening of Klaipėda’s inhabitants in the Old Town. In the Castle Place, the authentic coat of arms and new Magister for Culture will be presented to the city along with other events to commemorate seamen. The official celebrations in the Castle Place will be crowned with an enactment of mystery about the city of Klaipėda.

The Sea Festival to Start Later

The city’s anniversary has somewhat changed the traditional celebrations of the Sea Festival, which was usually held on the last weekend of July. Thus, the city’s guests should not forget the fact that it will take place one week later, after the city’s anniversary. It is estimated that such a switch of events will help to improve the international image of the anniversary. However, the Mayor of Klaipėda is

optimistic about it and promises more interesting events in Klaipėda, “Although the Sea Festival was transferred from its usual date, Klaipėda will celebrate Baltic Sprint Cup Regatta. Therefore, the guests will be able to see a wide array of colorful sails. Along with that, various other events will take place; maybe not as big as the Sea Festival, but still, an important addition to the city’s anniversary,” – told Mr. Grubliauskas.

munity and spread good news for the rest of Lithuania about its inhabitants’ mood to celebrate,” – told Klaipėda Mayor Vytautas Grubliauskas.

The Impressive Show

The epicenter of the anniversary will be Atgimimo Square, where the concert scene will be located. However, one of the most fascinating events will take place in the Klaipėda Cruise Ships’ Terminal. This space will be dedicated for one spectacular show, taking place on the eve of August 4th, by a German theatrical group Pan. Optikum.

“It is going to be the masterful performance uniting music, acrobatics, dance, lights and fire. The space for the show has to be prepared for two days. I think that this event is going to be the most important event during the city’s anniversary celebrations,” – claimed Mr. Grubliauskas.

On the last day of the city’s anniversary, August 5th, Klaipėda will be flooded by a festival under the title of “Youth Jazz Wave”. The Mayor said that the organizers of the celebrations plan to embody the city’s anniversary in a special record.

“We plan to create a symbol of 760 people and film it from the skies. It could be a number helping to unite the city’s com-

Symbol: the port city will hold Baltic Sprint Cup Regatta at the end of July.

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RESORT

Vacationers love the Curonian Spit

The advantage: one of the advantages of Neringa resort is the developed infrastructure of water tourism.

Virginija Spuryte

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ourists always find what they need and what they expect in Neringa. This is the reason they come back to the Curonian Spit again. Holidaymakers are attracted by a unique landscape of the peninsula which not only provides the joy of beauty but it is an open-air sanatorium as well.

Proud of therapeutic resources

The mayor of Neringa Antanas Vinkus expressed his joy over the survey which revealed that more than 80 percent of people who come here are regular visitors and they come to the Curonian Spit every year or even several times a year.

‘Such a high percentage of regular visitors prove that tourists find what they expect from both the environment and the activities’ says A. Vinkus.

Tourists come to Neringa to relax, to sunbathe and to have a swim. The beaches of the Curonian Spit are very attractive and they have also received an international recognition.

Holidaymakers also like riding a bike.In this way they get to know the unique environment better. They also like sailing and traveling by boats.

Neriga has a well developed infrastructure of water tourism. Nida’s International Harbour is crowded with small boats in summer.

Tourists to Neringa are also attracted by its resources: mineral water, therapeutic mud, sea air, greenery and water.

‘Neringa is welcoming to people of all age. We noticed that families with children like to come here, especially in spring and autumn. A variety of activities and peace

invite families to spend their leisure time in Neringa. I am glad that young people also come here.’ said A. Vinkus.

An­ta­nas Vin­kus

The distinctive flavor of holiday

Neringa has a name of summer’s cultural capital because nowhere else you will be able to find so diverse cultural life. Enshrined local traditions ensures an even greater exclusivity of the resort.

‘Quality and intelligence are key priorities given to the events held in Neringa.

Therefore, unique designs and works of art are born here.’ said the mayor of Neringa, introducing the upcoming events.

The spirit of the resort is also reflected by music festivals, traditional folk music and jazz concerts, film festivals, art workshops and literary evenings.

If you plan to have an active holiday, be sure to come to Neringa when the feast of St. John takes place. During the shortest night of this year an international folklore festival ‘Tek sauluže ant maračių‘will take place. If you like chamber music, you will enjoy an international festival of Thomas Mann. The patron of the festival is the President of the Republic of Lithuania Valdas Adamkus.

All summer music will not stop playing in the Bard Square as well. The square was established in memory of maestro Vytautas Kernagis.

Building Sea Therapy Center

‘Neringa is competing with other resorts all around the world for the attention of tourists. We seek more than to be a discovery of the year that is why we must look for opportunities to encourage holidaymakers to return here not only in summer

Quality and intelligence are key priorities given to events held in Neringa. Therefore, unique designs and works of art are born here. but all year round.’ said the head of Neringa municipality.

One of the upcoming projects is reconstruction of Nida’s Culture and Tourism Information Center. The aim of this project is to adapt the center to the needs of the visitors. It is also intended to equip a 500 seat hall that could be used for different occasions: concerts, conferences, performances, film shows, etc.

Another project is Nida’s Sea Therapy Center. It will enliven the life in Neringa in winter. The activity of this center will be based on a specific coastal climate and unique therapeutic resources that can only be found at the coast of the Baltic Sea in Lithuania. ‘There should be small hot brine and fresh water pools, several saunas.’ some of the future plans were revealed by A. Vinkus.

‘On the shore of the Curonian lagoon a four-star hotel is going to be situated. It will have conference rooms, shops, a small SPA center and even a small stage for concerts on the water.’ added the mayor when he talked about a nice-looking and unique Curonian Spit.

Neringa Offers Holidays for Your Body and Soul N

eringa, located in the UNESCO protected Curonian Spit, refreshes those running away from the city and its life. Unique nature, the heritage of ancient inhabitants and active cultural life brings thousands travelers who seek to have a high quality leisure. People choosing to come here are looking for the atmosphere of freedom, tranquility and relaxation. Variety of natural factors functioning in the area of Neringa will allow you to benefit your health.

The emission levels in Neringa are dozens or even hundreds of times smaller than in other resorts. Clean sea-air will complement your body with vital aerosols, electrolytes and other microelements.

Bromine will tranquil your soul and thoughts. Hours spent in the pine forests,

Holidaymakers coming to this resort chose to be surrounded by the atmosphere of freedom, tranquility and relaxation. which surround Neringa, will improve your energy levels, breathing and nervous system. Apart from its nature, Neringa offers modern tourism infrastructure and various forms of entertainment. The territories of Neringa have a 50 kilometers length cycling path, providing an opportunity to visit the most interesting and beautiful tourist attractions. The towns have lots of children’s playgrounds, sport fields and health paths. In order to provide an

Evaluation: Nida sand dunes are included among the top ten of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

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opportunity for people to enjoy exercising in nature, the towns of Nida and Pervalka now has special paths for walking and cycling. Neringa is equipped with hiking trails perfect for relaxing walks and active Northern walking.

Neringa’s beaches have received an international recognition becoming one of the resort’s prides. One of the most prestigious awards was received at the beginning of this year by a famous tourist publisher “Lonely Planet”, including the sand dunes of Nida among the top ten of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Those who come to Neringa every year know that one can enjoy yoga exercises free of charge. This summer, yoga exercising will be held from June 25 to August 25. Considerable amount of attention is dedicated for water tourism in Neringa.

Small and comfortable ships can take you on a short sail in the Curonian Spit to visit Ventės Ragas or Mingė Village. History fans are advised to take a historical boat of the Curonian Spit, “kurėnas”.

Neringa offers a wide variety of activities any time of the year. One can entertain himself/herself by sailing in Blokart karts, canoes or rafts. Tourists are invited to say in old villas, ethnographic homesteads, modern hotels and guest houses.

The evenings could be spent in nice cafes, restaurants or outdoor terraces.

Neringa will not disappoint the fans of its cultural program. The name of Neringa is celebrated during various concerts of chamber music, traditional folklore, and jazz or cinema festivals. If you want to experience high quality leisure come to visit Lithuania’s most Western part.

Everyone will be able to enjoy the energy taken from Neringa, a jewel of the Baltic Sea.

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Rest: perhaps the biggest pleasures of holidays in Palanga are stretching on its sand beach and dipping in the warm Baltic Sea.

the whole lithuania in the capital of summer Virginija Spurytė

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alanga is titled Lithuania’s capital of summer, full of life both day and night. Tourists are attracted to the resort not only because its sand beaches, but also due to the town busy J. Basanavičius Street and lots of events.

Evaluated by the Mayor of Bogota

“Probably I will be right by saying that Palanga is the biggest resort on the Baltic Sea coast and that each Lithuanian has visited the place. Even foreigners know where Palanga is located. Our resort is visited by huge number of people even when the weather is not very good,” – explained Palanga Mayor Šarūnas Vaitkus.

Palanga and Šventoji have 70 hotels and “Hospitable Host” organization offers private accommodation. Also, tourists can be accommodated in guest houses, which do not complain about the number of tourists.

Palanga is loved not only by Lithuanians, but also by Russians, Belarusians and Western Europeans. The guests from abroad enjoy not only busy

Basanavičius Street, but also a tranquil Birutė Park, cycling paths, beaches and one of the biggest bridges in Europe.

Ša­rū­nas Vait­kus

Probably I will be right by saying that Palanga is the biggest resort on the Baltic Sea coast and that each Lithuanian has visited the place.

“Last summer, Palanga was visited by the Mayor of a Colombian city Bogota Antanas Mockus, who said that the resort is perfect for families.

Even adults can play here. I think these thoughts of Mr. Mockus sum up everything,” – remembered Mr. Vaitkus.

Resort’s Celebrations

Holidaymakers are attracted to Palanga by various events

whose abundance and diversity a few cities can match.

“First of all, I would like to invite everyone to the resort’s celebrations, which will take place on May 11-13. The event is rich with celebrations, craftsmen’s market and fireworks. On June 16, the resort will invite children and families to the opening of Children’s Park,” – invited the Mayor of Palanga.

Other events are also noteworthy. In July Palanga is shake by sports car race of 1000 km, which attract various racers from Lithuania and abroad. Exclusive experiences and emotions are created by “Night’s Serenades”, a concert held on the terrace of Amber Museum. Young people are invited to come to the music festival of alternative music “Satta Outside” in Šventoji. Aviation enthusiasts are invited into an aviation feast “Amber Wings’ at the end of August.

Renovate “Kurhauzas”

“We strive to make Palanga an even more attractive destination and have a lot of ambitions; results of which you will be able

to see very soon. In mid-June we are going to open the Children’s Park, away from the city centre. The park is equipped not only with attractions for children, but also infrastructure, lighting, benches and the Internet connection. In the near future, we are going to apply the forest nearby to suit the children’s needs and equip with sculptures or special paths,” – talked Mr. Vaitkus.

This summer, Nemirseta (next to Palanga) will build a camp, corresponding to the European standards. Next year, it will provide various services for foreigners and local Lithuanians, such as leisure and recreation services.

“This summer will also see the renovation of Palanga “Kurhauzas”. After the renovation, the building will be used again for the town’s cultural life,” – noted the Mayor of Palanga. Next year Palanga will also have a sports’ complex, fitting for a variety of sports. Palanga sports’ complex will have 2.5 thousand seats. The tourists will also see the renovated summer’s concert hall.

Hospitable Palanga will make every biker feel like in heaven

H

oliday-makers who like to spend actively their free time could not help but notice many bikers and bike rentals in Palanga which is the biggest resort in Lithuania. It is not a surprise as one of the best ways to discover the coast of the Baltic Sea is by riding a bike.

Bikers’ heaven

While travelling on foot one can explore only a small part of Lithuanian coast and while travelling by car one would miss the exciting feeling of being in the wild nature. Therefore, a bike is an ideal means of transportation in this area as

it would allow the possibility to visit the most beautiful and interesting sights in a short time and enjoy the tranquillity of the Baltic Sea, the rustle of bright pine trees and the authenticity of seaside villages.

Palanga deserves to be called a bikers heaven. There are even four cycle routes in the area the overall length of which is more than 50 kilometres. From Palanga one can easily reach the border of Latvia, Lithuanian port city Klaipėda, Vydmantai village or HBH entertainment complex which is extremely liked by both locals and holiday-makers.

Bike rentals

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Comfort: the best means of transport by bike or velomobile.

For the bikers‘ convenience there is a hotel especially designed to meet the needs of active and sportive holiday-makers. They can store their bikes in the garage, have their bikes repaired or rent a bike. There are also laundry and ironing services.

It has also been taken care of those who do not have their own bikes – there are several bike rentals in the resort. One can rent not only bikes but also three-wheeled or fourwheeled velomobiles. Holiday-makers can also have a ride in a three-wheeled rick-

shaw, the so-called taxi, on the famous J. Basanavicius street.

Wonderful nature

The most popular bicycle routes go along scenic seaside and connect Palanga, Klaipėda and Sventoji. Having chosen these routes lovers of ecological transportation will be able to do some exercise and at the same time enjoy beautiful scenic views.

Biking through the pine tree forests one can enjoy not only wonderful nature but also unforgettable views of the Baltic Sea.

Stančiai Village, Kretingalė, Klaipeda County. www.nationalgolf.lt Tel.: + 370 46 420000; + 370 655 22222. Opening hours: I−VII 9:00−20:00 National Golf Resort is the first golf field in the Western Lithuania. The resort is located in a favorable location, 4 km from Klaipeda, and 20 minutes away from Palanga Airport. The resort, located in a picturesque valley of the River Danė, is equipped with 18-hole, par 72, training grounds and 3-hole short game area, fitting with the international standards. 18th game path was formed from an island shaped like geographical boundaries of Lithuania and became a distinguishing mark of National Golf Resort.

Golf Club National Golf Resort invites people to enjoy golf and relax in our restaurant with a view to our golf’s field. Our clients can taste the newest dishes, organize various events for companies and private individuals and show presentations at our conference hall!

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indoor entertainment in Druskininkai Virginija Spurytė

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ver a decade ago, Druskininkai Municipality has decided to have a lot of services under one roof. They were right: this resort has a couple of complexes that are visited by a huge number of people every year. They have even more plans.

Variety of Entertainment

“My grandmother used to say that even a hundred years ago, the weather could turn out for the worse,” – joked Druskininkai Mayor Ričardas Malinauskas. “Thus, we saw this as an opportunity and in the year 2000 decided to provide lots of services under one roof. We continue to keep this line,” – he claimed.

There is a saying about Druskininkai that there is no bad weather here, one can come and rest here in winter, summer or on rainy days.

According to the representatives of Druskininkai Tourism and Business Information Center, Druskininkai is exceptional among others not only because of its health complexes but also due to a wide variety of entertainments provided in there. “We can offer a lot of various entertainments: snow arena, Aqua Park, saunas, massage and therapeutic complexes. I think that everyone coming to visit Druskininkai can enjoy oneself,” – assured Mr. Malinauskas. Druskininkai tries to be beautiful and is full of flowers, walking trails and

cycling tracks allowing visitors to see all the fascinating places in the town. The resort waits for everyone: youths, families and elderly people.

The Sea under the Roof

Druskininkai will attract visitors by a couple of new attractive projects. According to Mr. Malinauskas, the town finishes to build a new and modern fountain. It will glow and dance and will be operated by mobile devices – a person will have a chance to order a melody, according to which the fountain will dance. “Maybe this year, we will start building a lift which will connect Druskininkai Health Center and Snow Arena. This will be not only a means to reach a place, but also a nice place to observe the surrounding areas. It will lift people into a height of 45 meters,” – claimed the Mayor of Druskininkai.

Another grandiose project is an indoor hall with sea views, equipped with heated sand tunes, pine trees, wooden tracks and waving-sea-simulating swimming pool. When the weather is beautiful, the glass roof could be removed for the people to sunbathe. If the weather is bad, then holidaymakers will be able to enjoy the atmosphere, water-beds and play volleyball. It is believed that this project will be implemented in two years time. “We are not going to stop because we want to look much more attractive for our visitors,” – stated Mr. Malinauskas.

Choice: holidaymakers can chose from a wide range of entertainments in Druskininkai.

Ri­čar­das Ma­li­naus­kas

We can offer a wide range of various entertainments: snow arena, Aqua Park, saunas, massage and therapeutic complexes.

The Resort Is Enjoyed by Russians The tourist flow in Druskininkai is increasing. Most of the holidaymakers coming here are Lithuanian. Howev-

er, the guests are arriving from various other countries. Recently, the resort became popular among Russians.

Will we be able to find a place to stay at one of the Druskininkai hotels for this summer? “Seek and find. It is easier to find a place to stay during weekdays. In addition to the hotels, there is also a private sector, offering smaller apartments and rooms to stay.

During the weekends, the hotels are usually fully booked,” – told Mr. Malinauskas.

The representatives of Druskininkai Tourism and Business Information Center recommend checking out hotels and other places to stay prior the trip to the town.

The Miracles of Water Besides making up 70% of total living organisms' weight, water is also a medium for important biological processes. Furthermore, it stimulates geological changes by eroding into some places and accumulating in another.

It distributes saline and gas solutions and this way acts as a mediator for the distribution of nutritive. Finally, the most important role of water in ecosystems is acting as a medium for energy transfers and usage.

Adult human body contains about 68% of water; 90% of blood, 77% of muscles and 85% of brain is water.

Mineral waters are subterranean waters that have ahigher consistence of mineral (rarely – organic) components and/or are distinguished by specific physical and chemical properties and biological activity (temperature, acidity, radioactivity).

Mineral waters contain solutions of various gases (ni-

trogen, dioxide, sulphuretted hydrogen, methane, fluorine), microelements (copper, manganese, zinc, lithium, iron, strontium, cobalt, arsenic, bromine, iodine). Based on chemical composition, Druskininkai mineral waters are assigned to waters of low and average mineralization that contain sodium chlorides and have no specific constituents.

These unique mineral waters are one of the best waters in Europe that heal and

THE SPAS AND MINERAL WATERS OF EUROPE Mineralization Low Medium (< 5 g/l) (5-15 g/l) SPA (Belgium) Germany Bulgaria Italy Hungary The Czech Republic Druskininkai (Lithuania)

High (15-35 g/l)

Brines (> 35 g/l)

help to improve health. One glass of such water provides enough calcium and magnesium for human body for a whole day. This way magnesium and calcium is better assimilated than by form of supplements or tablets.

Lithuania can be proud of having unique and one of the best mineral waters in Europe, with strong healing powers.

Lithuania can boast of mineral waters, havingsuch a unique composition, being regarded as one of the best mineral waters in Europe and havingthe healing, healthsustaining effect.

Health is not everything, but without health everything is nothing.

A. Schopenhauer Medical and wellness SPA:

www.medicalspa.lt

www.spa-vilnius.lt

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Druskininkai – the Diamond of Lithuan Today we can say that Druskininkai is the most rapidly developing resort of Lithuania which equals to the best European resorts and can satisfy all demanding customers with everything they want.

Attractions: Druskininkai Aqua Park is the biggest water park in the Baltic countries.

To find places available in hotels and sanatoriums is practically impossible without having prior reservations. But what is the secret of this phenomenon? Why does the town of Druskininkai attract visitors like a magnet and make them come back again?

Druskininkai stands out for its remarkable ability to combine essential elements in the whole structure – this town is like a multifaceted diamond that glows in different colours. “All in one” is the motto of Druskininkai. There are no seasons here; there are just the eternal summer and the endless winter. You can come here with all your family because everyone can find an activity that they can enjoy: from the smallest to the oldest. The resort is famous for the intelligent combination of natural nature and modern town infrastructure, authenticity and excellent services, peaceful environment and comfort, active rest and entertainments. All this creates the special spirit of the town. Harmony is what the guests of the town experience when they come to have some rest in this corner of paradise.

The weather that you can “drink”.

Druskininkai – the most southern resort in Lithuania, with a mild climate which is

good for health. The specific climate features – the town surrounded by pine forests – have a great impact on the successful treatment. The walking on a forest path – air baths – allows you to relax, forget the concerns, stress and dive in the complete bliss. Holidaymakers coming from big cities compare the oxygen enriched air of Druskininkai with the spring water which is drinkable.

Town with modern infrustructure.

Druskininkai has newly renovated streets, new comfortable sidewalks, however, here you will not need a car anymore and you will not have to stand in a traffic jam – here everything is within a hands reach.

For this purpose, the convenient bike and pedestrian paths, leading you to breathtaking panoramas, are built in the whole town and its surroundings. When cycling, the banks of the Nemunas River, renovat-

Specific climate features and the town surrounded with pine forests have a positive effect on a successful treatment.

ed fascinating parks, bursting fountains, nice shores of the Druskonis Lake, buildings having that old spirit of the town and the town filled with the fragrances of colourful flower gardens will open up in front of your eyes. Last year the resort was decorated with a new bridge over the Nemunas River, which greatly shortened the distance from the city center to the ski slope. You can enjoy the spectacular night panorama of the resort form this bridge.

Safe rest.

You can freely take a night tour in Druskininkai: admire the original church, have the midnight meal on the shore of the lake in a warm summer evening, listen to the chirping crickets and the whispering forest or meet the rising sun. Each night you can enjoy the impressive laser shows.

You do not have to be afraid of anything at night. There are 34 video surveillance cameras installed in the town in order to ensure your safe rest.

Comfort is worth it.

Druskininkai has SPA centres that meet the European standards, 7 renewed sanatoriums, renovated old sanatoriums, a

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nian Tourism

great selection of hotels to suit the taste and convenience, rated form 2 to 5 stars for those, who like an exclusive luxury and a special service. You can find a modern camping in the very heart of the centre, if you like to travel with a caravan or you want to try spending the night exotically in an original wigwam. There are a lot of rural tourism farmsteads in the surroundings of the resort, offering the services which are most typical of Druskininkai, for example, making souvenirs from salt.

And here in Druskininkai, everyone can get the rest, satisfying all their wishes and requests and enjoy various health and beauty treatments: massages, mud baths and to refresh themselves with mineral water, gushing from local sources.

Incredible attractions.

There are a lot of attractions in Druskininkai: you can choose the Druskininkai Aqua Park which is the biggest park in the Baltic States; one more unique tourism attraction which cannot be found at the dis-

Decoration: the resort’s heart Vijūnėlė Park has been decorated with 130 thousand flowering narcissi. Photo by Laima Rekeviečienė

Unique tourist attraction: indoor skiing complex “Snow Arena”.

Beautiful: the renovated health park.

tance of 1000 km is skiing all year round, also the golf course which meets all international standards, “ONE adventure park”, four wheeled motorcycles, paintball, bowling, tennis. For those who want to spend the noon romantically we offer – a walk in comfortably arranged and flowering parks, to row the boat between swans across the Druskonis Lake which is in the very heart of the town or maybe you want to hit the night in the dance and music clubs until the morning rise? The resort is constantly changing and becoming even more beautiful, for this reason, it surprises the guests of town every time.

For example, the Vijūnėlė Park, after the renovation this year, burst into life with a sea of 130 thousand daffodils.

summer live music concerts are held in Pramogų Square and you also will be able to see the original floating stage on the Druskonis Lake where theatricalized musical performances will be held. There are a lot of events in the town and one of the most memorable is the festival of Druskininkai resort, taking place in the beginning of the summer and attracting thousands of participants and guests.

Diverse cultural life.

Druskininkai is the unique town; it is the birth place of the famous Lithuanian artist M.K. Čiurlionis. Each summer Druskininkai invites all classic lovers to the traditional international festival of arts “The Druskininkai Summer with Čiurlionis“ and the theatre lovers – to the seventh Druskininkai Theatre Festival where you can see the brightest Lithuanian theatre performances and the works of foreign artists as well. Each weekend in the

Photo by Robertas Kisielius

Original excursions.

If you want to see the surroundings, you can take a short excursion for near distance – an excursion by boat will take you to Li kiava to visit a mound, the authentic monastery; you can visit the Museum of Soviet Sculptures “Grūto parkas”, see original wooden sculptures and carvings in A. Česnulis Park of Sculptures.

Rich and gourmet kitchen.

You can conveniently shop in supermarkets or you can also shop at farmers’ markets in Druskininkai. The town has plenty of nice cafes, luxurious restaurants with the pleasant smells of food inviting hungry travelers to come. Everyone can find a culinary creation to satisfy their taste.

You are always welcome in Druskininkai!

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Trakai seeks for the “capital of capitals” title Sigita Nemeikaitė

A

miniature wooden town is encircled by several lakes.

This is Trakai we know, however, more and more services and cultural events are appearing, the structure is being developed actively, the town is becoming noticeably beautiful and attractive for the knowledge and recreation. It’s without coincidence that the town of Trakai is one of the most visited spots on the cultural tourism map.

The town of Trakai

Trakai – the ancient capital of Lithuania, the capital of the world’s Karaites, the capital of rowing and from the last year it is the capital of Santa Clause, in other words, the capital of capitals. Aren’t these ambitions too big already for the small town, situated next to Vilnius, the real capital? The exclusive town with its standing castles of Lithuanian Grand Dukes: Kęstutis and Vytautas tell about the statehood history of Lithuania, and the unique wooden architecture surrounded by lakes and the preserved natural landscape amaze everyone with the har-

mony and the primeval beauty. The unity of nature and the seeds of the cultural heritage make the town special.

"Due to its historical past, the town of Trakai is precious for every heart of the Lithuanian; it is attended by almost all foreign visitors who come to Lithuania. The town and its surroundings attract magically. “I do not know any man who would not be attracted by the nature, pure water lakes and cultural heritage", – said Mayor of Trakai District Municipality Vincas Kapočius

the Mecca of the Karaites

In summer, the biggest flows of tourists go to the lakes, gather in the cafes to taste special “Trakų kibinai”. It is the small Karaite nation, whose representatives were brought form the Crimea by the Great Duke of Lithuania Vytautas more than 600 years ago, made this national dish popular in the whole Lithuania. Besides, the history of the Karaite nation, their traditions and customs is one more reason to visit Trakai. When walking down the streets of Trakai Old Town so-called “karaimų galas“, or the “Small town” you

Event: over the period of 8-15 July, the town of Trakai will be at the epicenter of the sport of rowing attracting about 3000 participants from 60 countries.

Vin­cas Ka­po­čius

and Lithuania for the whole world”, – Mayor V.Kapočius shared his thoughts, revealing a wide programme of events.

Ecotourism is growing

Trakai fascinates with the old architecture, medieval castles and outstanding landscape, and at the same time – a modern face of the town. may not only hear authentic Karaite speech from the lips of townspeople but also visit the Karaite Ethnographic Exhibition.

The Championship

„The programme of events will be opened by “the Night at the Museum” on the 18th of May in the Trakai Island Castle. We invite you to the two-day festival of town taking place on the second weekend of June. During the festival, the innovation of this season’s tourism will be presented – the ancient merchant vessel named “vytinė”.

It is another object of tourism and we use the word “unique” to describe it.But the most important event of the year is the World Rowing Junior Championship which will take place between the 8th and 15th of July in Trakai. There will be about 3000 athletes, judges, members of the team participating in this event. Of course, we expect a lot of spectators.

The town will be at the epicenter of the sport of rowing.

We are intensively preparing for this event and we will not miss a great opportunity to tell the good news about Trakai

During the season of the summer, the Trakai Island Castle alone is visited by approximately 300 000 tourists; many of them are from Lithuania. „There are not only usual cultural and tourism routes, other directions are appearing in Trakai as well. One of the best and newest centres of attraction – the restored Užutrakis Manor House, where the festival “Evenings in Užutrakis” usually takes place in summer, the concerts take place in the halls of manor all year round and the exhibitions are held as well. Ecotourism is becoming more popular in the town and its surroundings and recently we are actively trying to develop it. By cycling you can reach the Varnikai botanical-zoological preserve, the Old Trakai which is the birthplace of the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas and visit Užutrakis. Moreover, visitors also started to enjoy the centre “Trasalis – Trakai Resort & SPA”, where various services are provided – from conferences to water attractions , health and beauty treatments”, – noted Asta Kandratavičienė, director of Trakai District Municipality Administration.

According to the managers of the Trakai district, Trakai will never be “the bath only for the large cities” and the place of noisy entertainments. The cultural heritage and nature almost untouched by civilization are the valuables, open to everyone.

THE DESSERT OF THE SUMMER ENTERTAINMENT In the wonderful pinewood on the shore of lake near Trakai.

Live the rhythm of Anupriškės!

May – in the outdoor terrace Sat. 12th

9.30pm “Sidabrinė Gervė“ (Silver Crane) movie night

Sun. 13th

1.00pm “Rulers of fire” – jugglery lessons for children

Thu. 17th

8.00pm. Short Friday music evening. Veronika Čičinskaitė – Golovanova (vocal), D. Golovanov (piano) jazz, the standards of jazz, self-creative works.

Sat. 19th

6.00pm Anupriškių Park opening season

Sun. 20th

1.00pm Funny Clown School for children

T. 22nd

Anupriškiai Theatrical Project for tourists

Thu. 24th

8.00pm Short Friday music evening. Vytautė Pupšytė (vocal), Andrej Polekov (piano), jazz, the standards of jazz.

S. 27th

1.00pm Balloons folding lesson for children

T. 29th Thu. 31st

“Sidabrinė Gervė“(Silver Crane) movie nights in Anupriškės

Anupriškiai Theatrical Project for tourists 8.00pm Short Friday music evening. Merija Aliukaitė (vocal), Pranas Kentra (guitar), Brazilian and Portuguese music, the standards of jazz.

Live music evenings

June – on the shore of lake Sat. 2nd

9.30pm “Sidabrinė Gervė“ (Silver Crane) movie night

Sun. 3rd

1.00pm Kites creative workshop for families

T. 5th

Anupriškiai Theatrical Project for tourists

Thu. 7th

8.00pm Short Friday music evening. Kristina Žaldokaitė (vocal), Andrej Polekov (piano) jazz, the standards of jazz.

S. 10th

1.00pm Soap bubbles and wind catcher attractions for children

T. 12th

Anupras’ Pagan Nights

Thu. 14th

8.00pm Short Friday music evening. Tomas Dobrovolskis – musical project with unusual instruments.

S. 17th

1.00pm “Rulers of fire” – jugglery lessons for children

T. 19th

Anupriškiai Theatrical Project for tourists

Thu. 21st

8.00pm Short Friday music evening. Laura budreckytė (vocal), Paulius Volkovas (guitar) the standards of jazz.

Sat. 23rd

9.30pm “Sidabrinė Gervė“(Silver Crane) movie night

Sun. 24th

1.00pm Children's fashion theater concert and dance lessons

T. 26th Thu. 28th

Climbing Park

Anupriškiai Theatrical Project for tourists 8.00pm Short Friday music evening. Jakaterina Pranevic (vocal), Andrej Polevikov (piano)

Recreation and Entertainment park “TonyResort”, Anupriškiai, Trakų district For more information http://tonyresort.lt/

Theatrical weekends for children

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RESORT

Birštonas Resort is surrounded by the Nemunas River and its loops and offers a harmonius rest along with various services to improve one‘s helf.

There is only one problem: sanatoriums are nearly always full. However, this problem will soon be fixed when a new complex is renovated.

District: Birštonas is located at one of the most beautiful territories of the Nemunas Loops Regional Park.

have a splendid time in a resort of tranquility Virginija Spurytė Installed Outdoor Exercisers

“We are exceptional when it comes to nature, tranquility, harmony and services. People who really want to relax should come to Birštonas. We grow very tired after our works and want tranquility, thus, Birštonas is an ideal place to come because it is an oasis of tranquility, harmony and nature. Here, one can better his health and spend some time in nature,” – answered Birštonas Mayor Nijolė Dirginčienė, when asked about why should people come to this resort.

Her thoughts were echoed by Rūta Kapačinskaitė, who works a manager at Tourism Information Center.

“Birštonas sticks to traditions and remains a place for quite rest. Its infrastructure is developed and expanded in order to better such rest,” – claimed Rūta Kapačinskaitė.

Birštonas has a renovated central park. It contains new outdoor fitness equipment

Ni­jo­lė Dir­gin­čie­nė

If I had an opportunity to chose a place for my holidays, I would chose Birštonas without any doubts. and reconstructed the trails of active and passive recreation. Soon, the town’s central park will be equipped with the sculptures of famous Lithuanian sculptors.

Sanatorium of 600 Seats

When speaking about the advantages of Birštonas resort, its mayor repeatedly emphasized the word “health”. Birštonas contains not only great sanatoriums, but also dental clinics.

“We are very proud about our dental clinics. We are proud to

offer a wide variety of health and beauty services. If I had to chose a place for my holidays, I would choose Birštonas without any doubts,” – claimed Nijolė Dirginčienė.

About 80 percent of all the tourists coming to Birštonas are Lithuanian. “The number of holidaymakers is increasing, but very slowly. The main problem for that is that the number of seats in sanatoriums is too low. If the number of seats grew, the number of holidaymakers would also increase. However, we also have a private sector and rent apartments and houses. One can find a place to stay according to his needs and financial capacities,” – claimed Rūta Kapačinskaitė.

Nijolė Dirginčienė hopes to receive more holidaymakers because an old sanatorium will be renovated next year. It could accept about 600 people.

Attract with Air Balloons

This summer Birštonas will attract holidaymakers not

only by an opportunity to rest and take care of one’s health, but also by a number of exceptional events. One of the most important feasts of the resort will be the opening celebrations of new season. The celebrations will start on June 8th and continue for three days. “The celebration will combine sky, water and earth. Someone will fly, someone will swim and someone will sing,” – stated Rūta Kapačinskaitė.

On July 6, Birštonas will hold an international tournament of powerlifters, which will be attended by Lithuanian and foreign powerlifters.

Another fascinating event in Birštonas is the Lithuanian Championship of Air Balloons (Birštonas was among the cities that tried to hold an international balloon championship). On August 24, the town will celebrate the summer’s end with a concert “Summer’s Mosaic”, which will host a number of dances, concerts and performances.

Birštonas

RESORT

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is the resort closest to your heart!

The renovated resort of traditional treatment procedures invites its clients to relax.

The renovated resort surrounded by exclusive nature provides an exceptional rest for the people who love tranquility and active rest. San-

atoriums and spa centers of Birštonas provide their clients with a wide range of health and fitness complexes. After the health procedures, people can enjoy a walk on the riverbanks of the Nemunas, cycle or sailing with boats or canoes.

Also, sanatoriums have children’s playgrounds.

Birštonas is well known for its health tourism. This year, the resort’s residents and guests will see the illuminated fountain and renovated central park. Even now, the city’s central park is full of

visitors, who can enjoy outdoor gym.

Health procedures take most of the day, thus, people tend to visit museums in evening. Museums in Birštonas offer a wide selection of education programs such as ginger bread making or dyeing of an Easter egg. Also, people coming to Birštonas go to various concerts and poetry evenings. Last year, Birštonas has renovated its cultural center and equipped it with the modern sound and light technologies. The town will

start to celebrate the beginning of summer with the resort’s celebrations taking place on June 8-10. The town will invite people to listen to music not only in its cultural center but also in the Church of St. Anthony of Padua. There is also a variety of activities for the enthusiasts of extreme sports, such as flying in air balloons or paragliding.

Birštonas Tourism Information Center, B. Sruogos St. 4, LT-59209 Birštonas, Lithuania. Tel. +370 319 65 740, www. visitbirstonas.lt

DISCOUNTS FOR SUMMER SEASON: “Tulpė” Sanatorium is cozy and able to receive up to 120 visitors at a time. It is also the first sanatorium in Birštonas to use mineral waters and mud for treatment purposes. The residential areas of the sanatorium are located in one of the most beautiful places of Birštonas, in its old park, near the River Nemunas.

Sanatorium offers a wide range of services: • Extended care programs • Weekend rest programs • Medical and health procedures with mineral water and mud • Single spa therapy treatments • Swimming pool and sauna complex.

Public Enterprise “Tulpė” Sanatorium B. Sruogos St. 4, LT-59541, Birštonas Residential housing desk, tel. no.: +370 319 65 525 Treatment center, tel. no.: +370 319 61336 Fax no.: +370 319 65 520 Email: santulpe@mail.lt ww.tulpe.lt

Free examination and consultation 10% off dental prostheses 15% off oral hygiene procedures 30% off professional in-patient tooth whitening.

DON’T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY!

Dental clinic located in the first block of VERSMĖ sanatorium •

•

•

Registration/Contacts

Kaunas Vasario 16-osios St. 4-10, LT-44250 Kaunas Tel. +370 37 222571 e-mail: ernestavin@yahoo.com Birštonas B. Sruogos St. 6, LT-59209 Birštonas Tel. +370 319 55 1776 e-mail: ernestavin@yahoo.com

Patients are treated and consulted by specialist doctors of Kaunas Clinic of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (dental surgeon, implant dentist, orthodontist, specialist of aesthetic filling, prosthodontist and oral hygienist.)

The dental clinic is equipped with Japanese computerised equipment and a digital x-ray diagnostic system.

In the lobby of the clinic there is a museum of dentistry where patients and accompanying persons can learn more about the centuries long history of dentistry.

Health insurance that you can use to cover the cost of treatment

www.odontologastau.lt

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Seaside Resorts Eve GET INVOLVED

Resorts will attract holidaymakers with a wide range of festivals, celebrations, activities. Variety and ability of entertainment will suit to any sophisticated taste.

Klaipėda: the Sea Festival started in 1934 is one of the biggest summer fiesta.

The Most Important Events in Klaipėda

klaipĖda

May 19 Shipping Parade – Beginning of the Shipping Season

The event is organized every year on the closest weekend to that of the May 20th and is dedicated to celebrate the European Maritime Day. On that day, the traditional ship’s parade take places, along with various other events.

Place: the Dane River, the port’s territory near the Terminal of Cruise Ships.

May 20 Running of Hope

Each year the unique charity event is held to help collecting money for the construction of Saint Francis Oncology Center and help people ill with cancer. Thousands of people participate in the event and run various distances for 10, 6.6 or 3.3 kilometers.

Place: the city’s streets, “Vasaros Estrada”.

ent Calendar June 1–3

July 12-15

18th Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival

International Folk Festival “Parbėg Laivelis”

Place: Klaipėda Old Town, Teatro Sq.

Place: Klaipėda Old Town.

This jazz festival takes place for the 18th time and celebrates good music, under the event’s title “good music for good people”. The festival is dedicated for people of different age groups, education, musical taste and erudition.

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“Parbėg Laivelis”, an international folk festival, will take place in Klaipėda for the ninth time. For four days, Klaipėda is flooded with folk concerts, market of traditional crafts, culinary heritage and night dances.

June 2

August 1

Golf tournament to win Klaipėda Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts Cup

The 760th Anniversary of Klaipėda City

Each year, the city of Klaipėda celebrates its anniversary with the performances of traditional music and other interesting musical compositions. In 2012, the city of Klaipėda will celebrate its historical, the 760th anniversary. Various anniversary events are planned for the whole year, but the celebration’s culmination is August 1.

A person is eligible to take part in the Lithuanian Golf Federation (LGF) rating tournament if a player has LGF player‘s HCP card and if players from abroad have their country golf federation, union or association valid HCP. Maximum number of players is 120.

Place: golf course National Golf Resort.

June 20 – July 19

Place: Klaipėdos castle site.

International Opera and Symphonic Music Festival “Music August in the Seaside”

The exhibition is organized by Klaipėda Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts (CCIC). The main aim of the event is to present Western Lithuania business achievements and possibilities, to introduce local and foreign visitors with successful, competitive and innovative companies.

This is the only festival of these genres in the Western Lithuania. Each year, the festival has different themes. The biggest part of events is organized by Klaipėda Musical Theatre which shows its premieres and concerts.

Place: Klaipėda Musical Theatre.

Place: Švyturio arena.

June 23

August 3-5

St. John’s Eve

Sea Festival

The celebrations of St. John’s Eve are traditionally organized on the Jonas Mountain in Klaipėda. The celebration unites the most important elements of St. John’s Eve: water, plants and fire.

Place: the Jonas Mountain.

The Sea Festival is celebrated from 1934, for the 53rd time, and is one of the biggest such celebrations in Klaipėda, visited by half a million people from Lithuania and foreign countries. During the celebration, more than 100 various events take place, consisting of ceremonies, marches, exhibitions, concerts, street festivities, and markets.

Place: Klaipėda Old Town.

klaipĖda

May 31 – June 2 International Western Lithuania business achievement exhibition

GET INVOLVED

Palanga

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GET INVOLVED

The Most Important Events in Palanga May 11–13 Seaside Resort’s Celebration “Palanga 2012”

May 18-20 The Opening of Šventoji Summer Season

The event dedicated for the opening of new summer season is celebrated from 1972. During the celebrations, the town becomes a market place for folk artists.

The streets of Palanga are re-awakened by the marching of the town’s orchestra.

Place: the town’s squares and streets.

July 14 Fishermen’s Celebration

18th May is an opening concert "Clean Seaside". Next day will be a street basketball competition, Merchant fair, people will be welcomed to concerts and watch fakir performances.

Various competitions such as boat competition, the races of water bikes, the tying of sea-knot, and the fish-catching with hands. Traditional fish soup is prepared, along with congratulations to fishermen.

Concerts and evening events take place.

The celebration culminates in a firework.

Place: public Šventosios spaces.

Place: the Fishermen’s port in Šventoji.

July 18–21

May 25–27 Sports’ Festival “Sport for Everyone”

International 1000 km race

Various sport competitions are held, such as running, skate racing, bike slalom, various folk games, basketball, football, beach volleyball, handball, dodge ball and aerobics.

The biggest and the most prestigious sport competition counts its second decade in Palanga.

Place: at the entrance to Palanga.

Place: Palanga Sport Bases, beach, squares and streets.

June 2 Line Dancing

Line dancing will be performed on J. Basanavičius Street by more than 1000 people from Lithuania and other countries.

Place: J. Basanavičius Street.

June 8–10 Russian Culture Days “Russian Wave”

August 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 Festival of Classical Music “Night Serenades 2012”

During the celebrations of Russian Days, various songs are performed. Also, markets and other activities are organized.

Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall organizes this series of chamber music concerts in Palanga Amber Museum since 1971.

Place: J. Basanavičius Street.

Place: Palanga Amber Museum.

June 23 St. John’s Eve

Traditional celebration of the shortest night, the midsummer’s folk festival.

Place: Jūratės and Kastyčio Square in Palanga; Šventoji.

August 20–26 International Youth Football Tournament to Win the Football Cup of Lithuanian Football Federation

The competition is participated by various national teams.

Place: the town’s central stadium.

GET INVOLVED

The Most Important Events in Neringa June 1–3

July 14–21

International active women forum cultural exchange conference

16th International Thomas Mann’s Festival “The Captive Mind”

Cultural exchange conference will include the analysis of active women influence and its impact on cultural tourism in the Baltic countries. Women will try to identify the ways to induce culture, heritage and tourism sectors with the help of cultural tourism.

Place: Culture and TIC Agila in Nida.

Place: Nida Evangelical and Lutheran Church, Thomas Mann Memorial Museum, and the surroundings of Nida Lighthouse.

July 25 – August 15

June 22–24

15th International Opera and Symphonic Music Festival “Music August in the Seaside”

14th International Folk Festival “Tek Saulužė Ant Maračių” The festival presents not only old Lithuanian traditions, but also seeks to find new opportunities to express folk traditions, organazing folk dancing clases, various crafts are presented.

The festival’s program is made of the newest works by Klaipėda Musical Theatre, including opera, operetta, musicals, dance performances and the concerts of symphonic and chamber music.

Place: the territory of Nida port and other public places in Neringa.

Place: the scene of Liudvikas Rėza Cul-

tural Center, Nida Community House.

July 14

Fishermen’s Seacoast Festival

The festival organizes a lot of various concerts. This celebration has a long history; its traditions are being formed for 50 years and are important for the overall cultural life of Lithuania.

Place: the territory near L. Rėzos St. 1 in Juodkrantė; the Cultural Center for Liudvikas Rėza.

The festival hosts a number of events and concerts, taking place near the Curonian Spit. The fish market in Preila receives a lot of attention.

Place: the territory of Nida port and other public places.

Tradicinis estetinės, laisvos ir sveikos gyvensenos motyvus propaguojantis renginys suaktyvina elitinio džiazo gyvenimą Neringoje.

Place: the territory of Nida port.

August 17–18

The Series of Events “True Music in Bardų Square”

The Days of Old Crafts

This festival offers a unique chance to go back to the faraway past. The festival refreshes the authentic traditions of seacoast’s fishermen and preparation of fish.

Place: the territory of Nida port and the Fisherman’s Ethnographic Homestead.

Place: the square in Nida, near the monument for Vytautas Kernagis.

Place: Nida Evangelical and Lutheran Church.

12th International Jazz Festival “Nida Marathon of Jazz”

Summer weekends

The series of events tries to raise an interest in the music of Vytautas Kernagis and the genre of sung poetry.

The project is dedicated for the 50th anniversary of Lithuanian organ music and its restoration. The festival introduces its listeners to various types of organ music and chamber repertoire.

July 27–29

July 26 – August 15 14th International Chamber Music Summer Festival “The Curonian Spit” (dedicated for Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart) Place: Nida Evangelic and Lutheran Church, Juodkrantė Evangelic Lutheran Churh and Nida Rome Catholic Church.

August 25 5th Folklore Celebration “Pūsk, Vėjuži!”

The celebration seeks to preserve the ethnic culture of Lithuania Minor and enrich cultural events. This year’s festivities seek to resurrect the tradition of frying bream.

Place: the coast of the Curonian Spit in Juodkrantė and the Cultural Center for Liudvikas Rėza.

neringa

June 1–3 The Season’s Opening Celebrations in Neringa

June 9–30 11th International Festival “Organ Summer”

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GET INVOLVED

The Most Important Events in Druskininkai

druskininkai

birštonas

28

May 25–27

July 1

May 12

Druskininkai Resort Celebrations

The Beginning of International Art Festival “Druskininkai Summer with M. K. Čiurlionis”

Festival of Folk Bands “Griežk Lietuvi”

Place: Pramogų Square, Vilniaus Alley and the shores of Druskonis Lake.

June 16 Folk Dance Festival “Kadagynė”

May 19

Place: Pramogų Square.

The Opening Evening of Musical Weekends; the Cultural Project of “Mineral Town” Place: near the Druskininkai Lake and on its floating scene, Vilniaus Alley and Pramogų Square.

The Most Im Events in B

June 23 St. John’s Eve Place: near the shores of Druskonis Lake and its floating scene.

ilnius p Buss V f o s r Tou y Open-To b

M��� ������ �������� ��������� �� V������ ��� ��������� ����� �� ��� ������� ����.

Let us travel together!

Information and booking: (+370) 655 66830, (+370) 673 07992

Place: Mikalojus Konstantinas Čiurlionis Memorial Museum and the Church of Druskininkai.

July 14 The Day of Healing Mud

Place: the Cultural Center.

May 19 Republic Festival of Avantgarde Fashion “Avant-garde” Place: Birštonas School of Art.

Place: near the Druskonis Lake.

July 21

May 26

Musical Saturday

The Celebrations of Poetry Spring

Place: near the Druskonis Lake and its floating scene.

Place: near the monument for Balys Sruoga in Vytauto Park.

August 11

June 1–10

19th Folklore Festival of Dainava; 2nd Republic Competition of Storytellers “Molinis Puodas”; the Day of Fire and Light

The Painters’ Plenary “Birštonas 2012” Place: various parts of the town.

Place: near the Druskonis Lake and its floating scene.

August 16 The Final Concert of Festival “Music without Walls” Place: Pramogų Square.

The tours are held in nine languages:

August 25

June 8–10

Summer Farewell Celebrations

The Celebrations of Birštonas Resort

Place: Pramogų Square and Vilniaus Alley.

Place: various parts of the town.

mportant The Most Important Birštonas Events in Trakai June 30

May 18–20

June 30

The Celebrations of Folklore Ensembles “Ten, Kur Nemunas Vingiuoja”

Lithuanian Rowing Federation Cup Regatta

Lithuania Totorian culture days

Place: the Cultural Center.

July 23–31

This year’s regatta has a huge number of competitors coming from 26 countries. The participants will compete in 22 events, divided into two groups: adult and youth.

Lithuania Totorian culture festival has been organized to introduce and preserve the heritage of this ethnic minority. Totorians has celebrated it back then. That is sowing festive, which shows the end of spring activities.

Place: Galvė Lake.

Place: Trakai peninsula castle.

Birštonas Pétanque Competition; the Readings of “Vasara Su Knyga”; the Concerts of Pažaislis Music Festival; the Concerts of St. Christopher’s Festival; “Night Sport”; “Jazz Street”; and Wooden Sculptures of Angels

Lithuanian Cinema Festival “The Nights of Silver Heron 2012” Place: “Vasaros Estrada”.

August 17–19 Traditional Rowing Celebration to Remember the Amber Road Place: the Nemunas River and Verkinė.

30 July – 5 August

Medieval Festival

Trakai fanfare week 2012

Place: Trakai Island Castle.

Place: Trakai town concert spaces.

During this festival, the craftsmen make and sell various medieval objects; also, the festival hosts the unique performance of archers. The town celebrates a new tourist season by singing, dancing and participating in various sports’ events.

The festival culminates in a firework.

Place: various parts of the town.

August 3

June 16–17

This artistic – educational project is an annual double event held during the first week of August including an international music festival We congratulate Trakai and international wind, percussion instrument and fanfare orchestra mastery courses.

May 18

June 22–24

August 11–12

“Night in Museum” in Trakai Castle

International 50th anniversary rowing regatta Amber Oars

The Market “Kopūstinės Kermošius”

Trakai History Museum, a member of International Council of Museums (ICOM), will participate in an event under the title of “Night in Museum” and invite its guest to visit Trakai Castle at night. Nightly visits will introduce guests with the museum’s exposition and the life in a medieval castle. The visits will be full of unexpected events, including encounters with spirits, duels, singing and other activities.

Place: Trakai Island Castle.

This is the main rowing regatta in Lithuania including about 600 rowers from 15 foreign countries. Sportspeople who will participate in European and world rowing regattas and championships will be chosen. During the second day of the competition rowers will be able to compete for Trakai district municipality awards.

June 23

The Polish Culture Festival “Skambėk, Lenkų Daina!”

St. John’s Eve on a Bicycle

Place: Lentvaris.

Place: the town’s public places.

Place: Galvės Lake.

June 3

The Trakai land Polish cultural festival “Skambėk, Lenkų Daina!“ is held for 20 years in the Trakai County. The purpose of this festival is to protect and enrich the authentic traditions and cultural-historical heritage of the Polish community in Lithuania.

During this celebration, the church will sanctify plants and flowers. In Dzūkija, this celebration is called “Kopūstinės”, because it is a time when cabbages (Lith. kopūstai) are approaching their fruition.

Trakai offers an opportunity to spend the shortest night actively. The community and the town’s guests are introduced to new bicycle routes in the Trakai region, which, in turn, are going through the most interesting places in the region in Trakai Historical National Park.

The Days of Old Crafts

Place: Trakai Historical National Park.

Place: Trakai Island Castle.

August 18–19

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trakai

GET INVOLVED

30

GET INVOLVED

The historical capital of Lithuania Trakai is the oasis of nature and cultural tourism Trakai is a destination which attracts huge flow of holidaymakers not only because of its castle praised by Maironis. The city tends to get the country's leadership position and is willing to attract with spectacular views and events.

scene, located in the open terrace of the manor, holds performances by Lithuanian and foreign musicians. The festival developed an ever increasing audience, providing it with rich cultural experiences and entertainment.

Competition of Rowers

Galve Jazz Festival

On July 8-15, Trakai becomes the capital of rowing. This title is given due to the fact that Trakai will hold the World’s Rowing Championship (U-23), which will be attended by the teams of 60 countries. The championship will employ 200 volunteers and receive three thousand participants, along with a huge number of visitors. This is one of the most important sports’ events throughout the Lithuanian independence.

Trakai is inseparable from rowing, one of the oldest sports in Lithuania. The city has celebrated the sport’s anniversary of 125 years. Elegantly floating boats is Trakai’s calling card. During the boat race finish, Trakai castle is full of sounds celebrating the sport and making the event an impressive spectacle.

Jazz festivals are becoming another attraction of Trakai just as important as its castles or Karaites’s local foods. Galve Jazz Festival, a concert marathon, is held for the 5th time in Galve ship. Lithuanian and foreign jazz stars will perform each Friday of July and August. Jazz fans will sail on a musical trip through the Galve Lake and will be able to see Trakai castle, Užutrakis manor, and other details of exceptionally beautiful landscape. They will meet the sunset on the Galve Lake.

The last moments of the concert pass on the sunset, when the ship reaches the coast. These “jazz trips” are becoming a new symbol for Trakai. This is not only about the music, but also about the knowledge and rich cultural experiences.

Sigita Nemeikaitė The Celebrations and Surprises

Trakai town festival, which takes the place on the second weekend of June, will invite to celebrate the season’s opening.

The 16th celebration, which will take place on June 9-10, is one of the most popular events, managing to attract people with its genres and varieties of entertainments.

The guests will be presented with a festival of brass band “Atataria Vamzdžiai”, sports’ competitions, ship-dragon regatta, international children’s football tournament, the performances of art collectives, and a special market, which is going to be stretched throughout the whole Karaimų Street. This year’s celebration offers a unique premier of “Resurected Ages”, a performance of light and music, uniting us all for the presentation of the Lithuania’s old fleet of merchant ships.

The Evenings of Užutrakis

Užutrakis Manor invites its visitors to come and hear the 9th Užutrakis Musical Festival. The guests of Trakai cannot imagine their summers without this event, held near the Galvė Lake. The festival is connected with Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra because it was thanks to their initiative that this festival was created. The

The Lithuanian Golf Federation

2012

SCHEDULE OF GOLF TOURNAMENTS IN LITHUANIA

Golf tournaments organized by the Lithuanian Golf Federation (LGF) and Lithuanian Golf Clubs

More info:

www.golfofederacija.lt

www.nationalgolf.lt

www.capitals.lt

www.golfclub.lt

32

No Bad Weather in INVITES

Where one can go if the weather conditions are rainy and cloudy in the seaside? What can one do if the hotness of weather turns you ill and you are only able to hide in the shadows?

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Choice: Klaipėda shopping mall Akropolis receives more visitors in summer than in winter because it is a good place to spend time when the

Ulrikas Poškus

The manager of the biggest Western Lithuanian Klaipėda shopping and entertainment center Akropolis Ovidijus Zibalis knows the answers. “We noticed that Akropolis has more visitors in the summer than, let’s say, in spring or autumn.

We also noticed that people come to skate on ice when the weather is hot and, in case of rain, the shopping center is flooded with visitors,” – told Mr. Zibalis.

The shopping center changes its opening schedule in the summer due to the increase of visitors. “Throughout summer, starting with June to September, Akropolis works one hour more than usual, until 10pm, while its entertainment providers, the cinema and bowling alley, work for even longer hours,” – stated Mr. Zibalis.

Everything You Need under One Roof

Klaipėda’s Akropolis is located near the city’s center, in the intersection of the most important roads, allowing its customers an opportunity to shop prior boarding the ferry to the Curonian Spit. The shopping center is near the road Klaipėda-Palanga and close to the city’s old town. The big parking lot is comfortable for drivers and located near the center’s entrances.

“We became the last stop for holidaymakers before they reach the sea. We offer

More than this number of shops, service and entertainment providers are located in a shopping mall Akropolis. a high variety of consumer goods for leisure, starting with bathing suits of the latest fashions, beach toys, food and coming to such things as medicine or rods,” – told Mr. Zibalis.

The shopping center has more than 200 shops, service and entertainment providers, thus, the people visiting Akropolis can solve any problem which arises prior to their holidays near the sea.

“The holidaymakers visiting our shopping center know that we provide a lot of services under one roof and have long opening hours, enabling people to save time: the most precious value during one’s holidays. You have to agree with the fact that to search for a bank, post-office, mobile phone service provider, barber shop

or any other shop can be a stressful task, taking up hours of your precious time.

Thus, Akropolis has everything under one roof,” – told Mr. Zibalis.

The biggest shopping and entertainment center in the Western Lithuania has the biggest food shop “Maxima XXX” and the biggest pharmacy “Eurovaistinė”. The shopping center also has the shops for the most important brands of clothes, shoes and cosmetics, along with cafes, restaurants, and banks.

Welcome to the Discotheque on Ice!

Akropolis has three major attractions for its customers: a cinema theatre “Forum Cinemas”, bowling alley Apollo and ice arena.

“Our ice arena is especially popular with customers; one has to book a place for special discotheques on ice in advance. People tend to celebrate their birthdays, stag nights and even weddings on ice,” – told Mr. Zibalis. Klaipėda Akropolis’s ice arena is used not only by professional ice hockey players and dancers of figurative dancing, but also by lots of the city’s inhabitants and its guests.

The price for a session of ice skating is the same for weekends and ordinary days: 6 LTL until 12am and 8 LTL after 12am.

“If compared to other prices in the sea-

Akropolis

INVITES

Shopping and Entertainment Center Akropolis in Klaipėda Taikos Pr. 61 Opening hours: 10am-10pm (MAXIMA XXX is open from 8am to 11pm) www.akropolis.lt Telephone number for inquiries: + 370 659 94510

weather conditions are unfavorable.

Interest: holidaymakers are attracted by the discotheque on ice.

Entertainment: bowling is a good way to spend free time.

Need: Akropolis has a wide selection of cafes.

side, especially in the summertime, the ice skating is probably one of the most reasonably priced entertainments,” – noted Mr. Zibalis.

Akropolis offers a variety of places to entertain its customers. Klaipėda Akropolis also has the biggest bowling alley in the Western Lithuania, having 24 tracks and equipped with modern Brunswick technologies. The alley is well-liked by professional and non-professional players. “I think that the inhabitants of Klaipėda have participated in many international tournaments due to very good training conditions, provided in our shopping center,” – claimed Mr. Zibalis.

The bowling alley is used not only for trainings, but also is a place for colorful children’s birthdays in which they can

play and be entertained by clowns and painters providing them with pictures.

Forum Cinemas has 6 movie halls, providing an opportunity for 1100 viewers to see various movies. According to Mr. Zibalis, the halls are full especially when the weather turns bad. “The movie center has been renewed last year and equipped with two halls to watch 3D films. Thus, it is good time for movie fans. We noticed that cinema is one of the most important entertainments in the summertime,” – stated Mr. Zibalis.

Akropolis is a family-friendly shopping center having two rooms-changing facilities, which can be used by mothers to feed their babies or change their diapers.

It is very important for families which drive for more than a hundred kilometers to reach the sea and have such a facility.

Mothers and their babies deserve to have some rest during the trip.

Children can enjoy their time in “Dream City”, which is a special camp for children of 6 to 10 years old. “This is not a typical camp for children, where you can come and go. Here you may come only for a day or two. Every day the camp offers a new program, including art, dance, theatre, sports and technical crafts, so that parents and their children could spend their time more wisely, gaining new knowledge,” – told Mr. Zibalis.

Special Camp for Children

Everyone can enjoy spending time in Akropolis. “We orient ourselves towards the servicing of families. We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our shopping and entertainment center,” – said Mr. Zibalis.

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34

NOVELTY

Exceptional Video Cameras for your Holidays Video camera is an important attribute of holidays, dedicated for capturing every precious moment. Topo Technika Company offers the newest professional cameras for an extreme filming “GoPro Hero 2” and “GoPro Bandit”.

Benefit: new video cameras as an excellent choice for extreme sports fans.

cameras, the company provides the rent services of camera lens. Good lens costs from several hundred to several thousand LTL, however, the company rents lenses for 25 LTL/day. Thus, if a person has a good camera, but does not have good lens, the company is able to assist him.

In such a way, holidaymakers are able to make good pictures without investing a lot of money. The company also provides another new service: an insurance policy against damage, destruction or theft

Saulė Girdvainytė

“These video cameras are great and useful for those people who, during their holidays, try out various extreme sports.

These video cameras can be used to film anything. One can use them while diving, sailing, riding a bicycle, motorcycle or car, even when jumping with a parachute.

The video cameras shoot up 120 frames per second, thus, you are able to make your films more interesting, adding new frames from slow motion,” – commented Mindaugas Skalandžiūnas, Manager at Topo Technika.

These video cameras have more advantages: they are shock resistant, thus, nothing will happen if they fall down. In addition, the weight of these cameras is lesser, making them smaller, lighter and more comfortable to use.

“Video camera and its parameters look inconsistent because a camera is so small and holds so many options. The price of these cameras does not differ from any other conventional cameras, but their advantages are obvious,” – claimed Mindaugas Skalandžiūnas.

These cameras are not only sold, but also rented by Topo Technika. The day’s rent price is 99 LTL. In addition to video

Benefit: small video cameras can be attached to bicycles, motorcycles and cars.

“Go Bandit” HD video camera qualities: • LIVE option is the first camera with an integrated Wi-Fi video streaming device to your smartphone • RACE is different from LIVE that it does not have wi-fi and ANT+ (to capture the heart’s rhythm) Excellent Image Quality: • HD video resolution: WVGA, 480 p, 720 p, 960 p and Full 1080 p • 3 Mpx pictures, 10 pictures per second!

• Angle lens set at 90° to 70° • Dimensions: 62 mm x 105 mm x 34 mm (AxIxP) • Weight: 145 g • Dust and water (up to 1 meter) resistant • Integrated GPS, fixing location and showing speed • Lots of original supports for various situations

Purpose: “GoPro” HD video cameras can capture the most beautiful moments of your holiday.

“GoPro” HD video cameras qualities: Great quality: • HD video resolution: WVGA, 720 p, 960 p and full 1080 p • Video frames per second: PAL and NSTC – 30 fps, 48 fps, 60 fps, 120 fps (SLOW MOTION) • 11 Mpx, 8 Mpx, 5 Mpx pictures, 10 pictures per second!

• Angle lens set to 90°, 127° to 170° • Wide f/2.8 aperture allows shooting in poor light Ultra-compact: • Dimensions: 42 mm x 60 mm x 30 mm (AxIxP) • Weight: 180g with its shell • The standard shell dust and water (up to 60 meters) proofed GoPro Patented Inventions: • LCD bacpac – you see what you are filming + view + easy to change settings • Battery bacpac – doubles the recording time; can be used as a battery charger • 3D photo and video system – flash-forward • Wi-Fi BacPac™ + Wi-Fi remote – remote control and streaming to smart devices and the Internet • Plenty of high-quality Xsories supports for various situations

of a purchased product. The insurance cost is only 6 percent of the overall product’s cost. Thus, you will not have to worry about your purchased product because in case of an incident, your product will be repaired or replaced.

You can buy “GoPro” HD video cameras in the biggest shop for technologies at Klaipėda Shopping Center Akropolis. Find out more about us by calling us 8 800 00 116.

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Worth seeing

The Works of Art and Nature to Klaipėda

Klaipėda

Tourists coming to any Lithuanian city are interested in its known objects; Klaipėda and surrounding resorts offer a high number of such places. They decorate the country, celebrate its name and attract the eyes of holidaymakers.

Commerce in the City’s Old Town

One of the most beautiful places in the city of Klaipėda is its Old Town. It is not surprising because Klaipėda is the oldest Lithuanian city, for the first time mentioned by the name of Memelburg in 1252.

The city continued to develop until the 15th century near its castle, located in the islands of the River Dane. The castle was rebuilt and the city itself changed its place a number of times. Until the 15th century, the city’s southern part reached the present day Teatro Square.

The city’s territory was divided into small square neighborhoods and in the 16th century it had a complete network of streets and neighborhoods, which survived almost unchanged into our times.

In the 17th century, two parts of the city, separated by the River Dane, were developing: the old town and the neighborhood of Odų Street, later called the city of Friedrich. In 1722, these parts were joined, together forming what is now known as the Old Town of Klaipėda.

In the 17th and 18th centuries, the city was surrounded by defensive embankments. The old embankments were destroyed by the fires of 1540, 1678, and 1757.

The fire of 1854 brought a lot of losses, but Klaipėda managed to recover soon after the fire. The rebuilding plans of 1856 did not include a lot of changes and only some minor reconstructions were included.

Until the 19th century, the Old Town functioned as the center of the city’s administration, business, and religious activities. When the city’s Town Hall and court were moved to the right bank of the River Dane, the Old Town became central for the city’s commerce. The Old Town was a place of food shops, warehouses and banks. However, it was affected by the World War II. Only in 1963, the people started restoring the city’s historical heritage and declared Klaipėda Old Town to be a monument of urban planning.

Residence of the Queen Symbol: the sailboat Meridianas is the port city’s pride.

One of the most amazing buildings in Klaipėda is the beautiful 18th century

Friend: incoming tourists are welcomed by this boy with his dog.

The place of gathering: Theatre Square is one of the most attractive meeting places in Klaipėda.

Fachwerk style warehouse. The Fachwerk style flourished in Klaipėda in the 19th century, during the Napoleonic wars, when the city’s economy was stimulated by accumulated capital. The Fachwerk popularity is proved by the Old Town part located between Didžiosios Vandens Street and Turgaus Square. This part of the Old Town contains a group of the Fachwerk buildings, yards and porches, among which is

Attract Tourists

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the city was awarded with a sculpture “Klaipėdietis” on its anniversary.

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shaped square surrounding it. In 1912, the fountain was built, but the idea of a triangular square was rejected.

The fountain, built in 1912, was dedicated to commemorate Klaipėda-born poet and a professor at the University of Königsberg Simonas Dachas. The sculpture of a young barefoot maiden depicts one of the heroines in his poetry. This was the first monument to celebrate humanities in Klaipėda region. The sculpture was remarkable due to its lyricism, romanticism and cultural democracy.

Taravos Anike love song is sung not only in Germany, but also in Switzerland and Austria. One is able to find it among German folk songs, while the bells of Munich’s Town Hall are continuing to toll the melody of this song.

located this magnificent building that has survived the fire of 1854 and later destructions.

The former Town Hall is a historical building used as a residency of the Prussian King Friedrich Wilhelm III and his wife, the Queen Louise, during the Napoleonic wars (1807-1808). It is a Classist building, built in the clash of the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1846, the building was bought by the city’s magistrate and became its Town Hall. Presently, the building resides the Mayor of Klaipėda.

The Legend of Tarava Anike

The heart of Klaipėda is Theatre Square.

This place is loved by the city’s inhabitants and guests. Theatre Square manages to attract crowds of people. It is also a location for a number of music concerts, International Klaipėda Castle Jazz Festival, Sea Festival and other events.

The square was created only in the 19th century; however, there is historical data

Legend: people believe that one’s wishes can come true, if he/she whisperes secretly into the little mouse’s ear.

about the fact that the square was used for various performances of travelling actors prior to its creation.

In the 20th century, the city’s magistrate was considering on how to use the square. There were suggestions to turn half of it into a square and leave another part free to use for the city’s inhabitants. Finally, an agreement was reached to build a fountain and have a triangular-

One of the symbols of Klaipėda undoubtedly is a teaching sailboat Meridianas, built in 1948 by the Finnish shipbuilders of Turku. The ship is a surviving part in the series of 48 ships. Possibly one of the most successful of such ships is now located in Tallinn, Estonia. Lithuanian Meridianas was used by the Klaipėda School of Sailors and by a number of post-war captains.

The ship was used until 1967 and later on moored to one of the bays in the River Dane to decorate the city of Klaipėda.

The port city is exceptional among other cities due to a number of small architecture examples, which are located in its center and Old Town. One of such examples is called “Klaipedietis”. The small sculpture of a boy, decorating Klaipėda coat of arms, was put on one of the buildings in Tiltų Street. The sculpture was created as a gift for the city on its 750th anniversary.

In Vežėjų Backstreet, near Turgaus Street, another small monument under the name of “Slibinas” is located. The sculpture, weighing 145 kg and of 320 cm in length, is made of bronze and granite and represents the mythology surrounding the name of Klaipėda.

Klaipėda

The Symbol of Klaipėda: Meridianas

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â&#x20AC;˘ Lithuanian Sea Museum and Dolphinarium (the latter is closed for reconstruction; the museum is open according to the schedule); (SmiltynÄ&#x2014;s St., SmiltynÄ&#x2014;) â&#x20AC;˘ The Castle Museum (Pilies St. 4) â&#x20AC;˘ KlaipÄ&#x2014;da Museum of Clocks (LiepĹł St. 12) â&#x20AC;˘ The History Museum of Lithuania Minor (DidĹžioji Vandens St. 2) â&#x20AC;˘ The Blacksmith Museum (Ĺ altkalviĹł St. 2, 2A) â&#x20AC;˘ Lithuanian Art Museum Pranas Domsaitis Gallery (LiepĹł St. 33) â&#x20AC;˘ The Museum of Viktoras Varnas (S. Daukanto St. 5)

Another bronze sculpture, this time of a ghost, is located near the Castle Site. This is a silhouette (2.4 meters in height) of a ghost entering the sea. This mystical personage made out of bronze has a secret: everyone who comes near it will be greeted.

KlaipÄ&#x2014;daâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Old Town has a miniature sculpture of bronze and stone, depicting â&#x20AC;&#x153;the magical mouseâ&#x20AC;?, located in the intersection of KurpiĹł and KepÄ&#x2014;jĹł Streets. The magical mouse will make all your wishes come true; one needs only to whisper them secretly into the mouseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ear.

For many years, one of the main attractions in the city was a granite sculpture of the cat with gentlemanly face. The sculpture was rebuilt twice, after it was devastated by hooligans. In 2006, the sculpture was returned to its initial place in KalviĹł Street during the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anniversary celebrations. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Childhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Daydreamâ&#x20AC;? is a sculptural composition, embodying the most fascinating and incredible dreams born in oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s childhood, built in the territory of KlaipÄ&#x2014;da portâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cruise terminal. This is a place where huge cruise ships are arriving and where the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inhabitants and guests love to gather.

palanga The Bridge to Improve the City

Each holidaymaker visiting the biggest Lithuanian seaside resort Palanga cannot imagine his/her visit without seeing the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Botanical Park, Amber Museum, unique bridge and J. BasanaviÄ?iaus Street.

Undoubtedly, the inhabitants of Palanga consider its bridge to be the most famous place of the entire city.

At the end of the 19th century, the holidaymakers coming to Palanga experienced a lot of problems. Upon arriving to Liepaja or KlaipÄ&#x2014;da, they had to reach Palanga by horses. Back then, the idea to build a bridge occurred to the Graf family of TiĹĄkeviÄ?iai.

Thus, in the years of 1884-1888, the quay was constructed and the first merchantpassenger ship Phoenix was bringing tourists to Palanga and also providing the city with general goods and food. Soon, the quay was flooded with sand and after a couple of years it was no longer used by the ships. Since 1892, the bridge became a popular place for walks. Time, waves and winds devastated the bridge, and, in 1997, the new bridge of 470 meters in length was built.

Montain: a Relict Dune

Another sign of the Graf TiĹĄkeviÄ?iai familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;s influence on Palanga is one of the magnificent Botanical Park. The Park is one of the most preserved and protected parks in the Lithuanian sea-

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Palanga Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary is the tallest in Palanga. side. It was created by Graf Feliksas TiĹĄkeviÄ?ius in 1897. In the same year, the Palanga Palace was built. The author of the project was a famous French landscape architect and botanist Ă&#x2030;douard François AndrĂŠ (1840-1911), who along with his son, Rene Ă&#x2030;douard AndrĂŠ (18671942), spent three summers in Palanga and together managed the works. In 1897, the family of Graf TiĹĄkeviÄ?iai built their palace in Palanga Botanical Park. The palace, which was projected by a German architect Franz Schwechten in the tradition of the Neo-Renaissance, now functions as a museum of amber and attracts crowds of visitors.

Another landscape monument in Palanga is the Mountain of BirutÄ&#x2014;. This relic dune has been mentioned in many maps dating from the 17th century as

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• Palanga City Amber Craftsmen Guild (Vytauto St. 21/S. Dariaus and S. Girėno St. 27) • Palanga Amber Park Museum (Vytauto St. 17) • Antanas Mončis House Museum (S. Daukanto St. 16) • Dr. Jonas Šliūpas Memorial House (Vytauto St. 23A) • Museum of Deportations and Resistance (J. Basanavičiaus St. 21) • Museum of Dogs (Taikos St. 8)

the highest sand dune in Palanga. The name of the mountain is connected to a romantic legend about Birutė’s sacred fire; she was also the wife of Lithuanian Grand Duke Kęstutis and the mother of another Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas.

Palanga is also unthinkable without its main J. Basanavičiaus Street, which is a main alley, stretching towards the sea.

The street contains a lot of cafés, restaurants and other places of entertainment.

Built for Golden Rubles

In the 14th century, the Mountain of Birutė had a place for astronomic observations. Thanks to the incentive of Žemaičiai Cultural Community and its Palanga Department, the astronomical observatory was created on one of the dunes in Šventoji, near a health center “Energetikas”. In June 1998, a group of folk artists made wooden posts, each of them representing the Baltic mythology’s gods and goddesses. Upon the sundown, one can find out about various pagan celebrations, such as the Dew Holiday, Stork’s Day, Mardi Grass, and Christmas.

The most fascinating cultural object in Palanga is the Church of the Assumption of the Holy Virgin Mary. During the years of 1897-1906, the Neo-Gothic Catholic Church was built according to the project prepared by a Swedish architect Karl Eduard Strandmann.

470 meters in length Palanga Bridge built in 1997.

Attraction: each holidaymaker coming to Palanga is bound to visit its main symbol, the Palanga Bridge.

Palanga

Museums in Palanga

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Neringa The Spectacular Parnidžio Dune

When one thinks about the Curonian Spit, he/she immediately imagines the fascinating nature. The wonders of nature, sometimes improved by human activity, are the main attractions in Neringa. Each holidaymaker coming to the town could enrich his/her experiences by taking the Trail of Parnidžio Dune. While travelling on this trail of 1 kilometer and 800 meters, one is able to see various types of plants, lichens, mushrooms, insects, birds; also experience nature, visit “the woodpecker’s blacksmith” and to learn about “the biography of trees”.

The main accent and the most visited place of this trail is Parnidžio Dune.

While standing on top of it, the holidaymakers can observe the landscape of Neringa: a wonderful panorama of sand dunes stretches out into the south, along with the highest sand dune in Neringa, called Sklandytojų Dune; in the north, one is able to see the green carpet of pine trees and the hills of Angiai and Urbas and the red roofs of Nida buildings standing nearby.

A sundial-calendar clock was built in 1995 on top of Parnidžio Dune. This is a pillar of stone of 13.8 meters in height. In 1999, the storm tore down this environmental building. However, it was rebuilt.

Parnidžio Dune is the most ideal place for such a construction because here an absolute mathematical horizon opens up. Only from here, one is able to see the sunset out of the water and the sundown into the water, stretching from the lagoon to the sea.

It is also important that here, the history of nature shows up for us as written in the wind-blown grains of sand.

Located between the Canals

The first inhabitants of the Curonian Spit started living in the area, when it was still a chain of islands. The canals connected the lagoon with the sea and the freshwater lagoons encouraged people to stay here. The lagoon was separated from the sea by old sand dunes, covered with thick forests. Back then, it was a flourishing piece of land, but was turned into a desert in the 18th century.

The Curonian Spit had the biggest amount of population in the late Neolithic period, at

Status: both Nida and the Curonian Spit have been introduced into the

the end of the third millennium and at the beginning of the second millennium BC. The most notable traces of this culture were detected in the small town of Nida, located near a small lagoon and the canal connecting both lagoon and the sea. Back then, the climate was warmer, thus, the local inhabitants engaged in food gathering and fishing.

Throughout a few decades of living, several cultural layers were formed.

During the period of six years, the archeologists examined virtually all of the remaining ancient settlements in Nida. They found a lot of pots, cups, and bowls and various other shards. Some of them are being exhibited in Neringa History Museum.

The Most Popular “Dead Dunes”

Another pride of Neringa is its dendrological trail in Juodkrantė. The employees of the Curonian Spit National Park created a dendrological trail of 1 km 600 m in length, near the old forest of Juodkrantė.

Here, one is able to acquaint himself with various plants and observe the tranquility of nature or its sounds.

The Curonian Spit has a trail going through the Nagliai nature reserve, near Pervalka. The reserve’s area consists of 1680 hectares of land. The reserve stretches for nine kilometers from Juodkrantė to Pervalka. Here, the visitors are able to see the so-called “grey” dunes, which are also called “dead dunes”, buried old settlements, natural forest and its habitation, and buried centuries-old forest soils. Due to the strong winds, the dunes have impressive ravines and washouts. In some places, the frag-

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Museums in Neringa

UNESCO list of protected areas.

ments of ancient soils come out. The travelers are able to explore this reserve in the 31st kilometer of the road Smiltynė-Nida, where a parking lot is located.

Devils on the Hill

One of the most beautiful old parabolic dunes of Juodkrantė is the so-called Raganų Mountain. The mountain slopes are overgrown with the centuries-old pine trees and the winding trails lead to the 42 meter high peak. From here, one is able to see the sea and the lagoon shining through the pine trees. Previously, the dune was not overgrown with trees and the view was exceptionally beautiful, overseeing sand dunes and waters. In this place, Lithuanians loved to celebrate the Dew Day in the 19th and the 20th centuries. The participants were coming with sailboats and even steam boats from Tilsit, Rusnė and Klaipėda.

The participants of choirs and other musicians were celebrating the shortest night of the year until the sunrise and went looking for the fern’s flower. This tradition had been disturbed by the First World War. The Witches’ Mountain was loved not only by people, but, also, as legends say, by witches and devils. Even the goddess of witches, Ragė, visited this place during the shortest night of the year. This place is exceptional because it stands on the borderland between conscious and subconscious minds, a place of imagination and creativity.

Juodrakntė park officer Jonas Stanius felt the mysticism of the place and proposed making a series of sculptures depicting the characters of legends and tales. Such sculp-

tures could enlighten the place with more energy and feeling.

In 1979, the first creative camp was started and received a number of folk artists, carvers and blacksmiths, from all over Lithuania. The artists created 25 sculptures. Next year, another camp was held; after that year, yet another camp was held.

The tradition is kept until this day: folk artists are arriving and improving the existing sculptures or creating new ones. The whole set of sculptures, with more than 80 oak sculptures, enriched with the works of blacksmiths, is a gift of Lithuanian folk artists to Juodkrantė and all its visitors.

When leaving Juodkrantė and going for Nida, one is able to see another mountain of Lithuania, Garniai Mountain, which received its name from gray heron and cormorant colonies located nearby. These colonies are among the biggest in Europe, populated by thousands of gray herons and cormorants.

Extracted Amber

Amber Bay is an idyllic bay in the lagoon near the northern part of Juodkrantė, remembering the times when Juodkrantė was referred to as California, due to its huge amounts of amber. In 1855, the workers, who were toiling and deepening the lagoon’s bottom for shipping, discovered amber. This discovery soon became of interest to various businessmen. The first one to extract amber was a former miller, ship owner, and later an innkeeper of Klaipėda, Vilhelmas Stantynas. He was joined by merchants from Danzig and created a compa-

ny to extract amber from the waters. Both sides were joined by the local municipality, seeking to receive as much benefits from the amber extraction as possible. Upon the joining of forces, the company began to flourish. The same company also encouraged the local inhabitants to join the forces and extract amber together. The company desperately needed cheap labor force.

Upon the increase of extractions, the town was equipped with spacious hotels, a ship yard, a bay, and various shops dedicated for the manufacture of diving equipment.

Juodkrantė became an industrial town.

The works of amber extraction took place only in summer, about 30 weeks per year, working in three shifts. The extracted amber had to be lifted and separated from impurities. Since 1860 until 1890, the company managed to extract 75 thousand kilograms of amber per year. When the amber extractions were not as generous as before, it was decided to stop the works in Juodkrantė in 1890.

During the excavation works, the remnants of amber works of the middle Neolithic period and Bronze Age were found.

Later on, it was named as “amber treasure”.

Another treasure of Neringa is a sculpture of Vytautas Kernagis, who was Lithuania’s most famous singing artist, author, producer, television show host, and the beginner of sung poetry. The bronze sculpture of performer was made by Romas Kvinta.

The sculpture “sits” at the center of Nida, so that its inhabitants and guests could remember Vytautas Kernagis as the main organizer of legendary festivities in Neringa.

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• Memorial Museum of Thom Mann (Skruzdėlynės St. 17, Nida) • Neringa History Museum (Pamario St. 53, Nida) • Fisherman’s Ethnographic Homestead (Naglių St. 4, Nida) • Amber Gallery-Museum (Pamario St. 20, Nida) • Museum of Hermanas Blodė (Skruzdėlynės St. 2, Nida) • Exhibition Hall of Liudvikas Rėza, Culture Center and Historical Exposition (L. Rėzos St. 8, Juodkrantė) • Weathercock Gallery (L. Rėzos St. 13, Juodkrantė) • Lithuanian Art Museum – Museum of Miniature Arts (L. Rėzos St. 3, Juodkrantė) • Exposition of Nature and Landscape of National Park of the Curonian Spit (Smiltynės St. 11, Smiltynė)

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Uniqueness: St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church is the only surviving example of original neo-gothic woodwork in Lithuania.

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Birštonas is a resort full of natural, archeological and historical monuments along with a variety of fascinating cultural attractions. One of the most fascinating places of Birštonas resort is Nemunas Loops Regional Park. This is one of the biggest country’s regional parks, taking up a territory of 25 thousand hectares. Nemunas Loops Regional Park, created in 1992, takes up a larger part of Birštonas Municipality and parts of Alytus and Prienai counties. The author of the landscape is the Nemunas River, which flows in four directions at a distance of 65 kilometers and has three outstanding loops: Punia, Balbieriškis, and Prienai-Birštonas.

Another natural monument is Siponiai outcrop. Its height is 35 meters and length – 600 meters. It contains the rocks of the last geological period (Quaternary) of our planet: sand, gravel, clay, and loam moraine. The latter makes up the thickest four layers. The outcrop is best seen while sailing in the Nemunas River. Škėvoniai outcrop is one of the most famous rock outcrops of Quaternary age in the valleys of the Nemunas River. It

Worth seeing

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Museums in Birštonas

Vytautas’s Hunting Estate

People coming to see Birštonas should not miss an opportunity to climb on Birštonas’s hill fort also known as the Mountain of Vytautas. It is one of the biggest and most famous hill forts in Lithuania; its sides are of 40 meters in height. At the end of the 14th century, it accommodated the Birštonas Castle which was a part of Trakai dukedom’s defensive embankments. It was also one of the hunting estates of Vytautas. The castle is first mentioned in the historical sources in 1382; according to Vygandas Marburgietis, when the Teutonic knights attacked Trakai, they went for three castles, “they went for Birštonas cas-

• Birštonas Sacral Museum (Birutės St. 10) • Birštonas Museum (Vytauto St. 9) • Nemunas Loops Regional Park Visitor’s Center (Tylioji St. 1)

Symbol: a pump-room marks the place of historical mineral water well.

tle, but soon retreated”. The castle, surrounded by deep and springy grooves and swamp, was entrenched and walled.

It was attacked a number of times by the Teutonic knights, but unsuccessfully. In 1401, Birštonas is mentioned as an estate of Vytautas and, in 1423, it is described as a hunting estate of Vytautas’s wife Julijona Vytautienė. The Lithuanian King Kazimieras Jogailaitis and his family were hiding in Birštonas castle from the plague epidemic of 1473. Later on, the castle lost its defensive functions and disappeared until the 17th century.

One of the most beautiful architectural monuments in Birštonas is St. Peter and St. Paul’s Church, built in 1878.

The church is the only surviving example of original neogothic woodwork in Lithuania. It has two façade towers and one minor tower on its roof, connecting a number of architectural styles. The main idea of composition is to reflect the nostalgia for medieval ages and an attempt to reflect the façade of another famous gothic church in Lithuania, St. Anne’s Church in Vilnius. The church’s square plan-

ning reflects the traditions of classicism, while its large dome and interior show the features of neo-baroque. The church’s interior is decorated with two paintings by Nikodemas Silvanavičius, who was an academic at St. Petersburg Art Academy. The paintings are titled as “St. Peter and Paul” (1833) and “Christ and St. Mary Magdalene” (1892). The doors of stained glass, located on the left side of the altar, take people to St. Mary’s Chapel, which has a floor made of the 19th century’s works of folk art, the carpet tapes of 64 brides.

Found Historical Well

Birštonas marks its historical places of mineral water wells.

A pump-room is a building on the mineral water well, springing the water. Already in the 19th century, Birštonas’s mineral water pump-rooms had roofs. The discovered well was named by the name of “Viktorija” which was one of the names of I. Kvinta, the owner of the resort, daughters. Later on, as recommended by Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas the well was renamed into “Vytautas”. Since 1928, the well was marked by the monument depicting a

whale with a flowing current.

After building hydroelectricity in Kaunas, the monument was flooded by the increased waters of the Nemunas River. In 1960, hydro geologists found a well of mineral waters similar to the historical one which was loved

by President Antanas Smetona, writer Juozas TumasVaižgantas and sculptor Juozas Zikaras. Today, this water is supplied to a pump-room, the so-called “Yellow PumpRoom” in Vytautas’s Park.

Soon after Birštonas received an official resort status (1854), a water spa building was constructed in the town. In 1924, the Red Cross became an official manager of the resort and committed to the Health Department to modernize and develop it. One of the most important aspects of the resort is the treatment with mud. For this purpose, a sanatoriumhospital Tulpė, which operates until now, was equipped with special mud treatment facility in 1927. Back then, the Lithuanian language did not have the word “vonia” and used the word “tynia” instead, thus, the name was given “Purvotynia” for the newly built mud treatment facility.

birštonas

stretches for more than half a kilometer and is a unique slice of Škėvoniai ridge with the traces of sediments’ layers of the last two ice ages. The last remaining layers of sediment are of 1-2.5 meters of thick (a reddish brown and yellow band can be seen five meters above the water). The height of outcrop reaches 33 meters.

Holidaymakers coming to Birštonas should also see a conglomerate rock “Ožkų Pečius”. The rock faces the intersection of two most beautiful rivers in Birštonas Municipality, i.e. the Nemunas River and the Verknė River. The rock of unusual height of 6 meters consists of sand, gravel, pebbles and boulders. The local inhabitants named the rock “Ožkų Pečius” because of the local population of deer that loves to gather on the rocks. The locals refer to deer as goats.

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Worth seeing

Drus­ki­nin­kai Famous for its Mineral Waters

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Once in Druskininkai, holidaymakers can enjoy the town’s historical buildings, churches and unique cemetery. The town is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. It would be untrue to claim that Druskininkai resort was created only due to its mineral waters. Even now, holidaymakers are able to see the torrents of well coming from a stony pump. They are able to taste the mineral waters of “Dzūkija” and “Druskininkai” wells. Some time ago, the mineral waters of Druskininkai were flowing into the Nemunas River, where now a park of health sanatoriums is located.

As far as the history tells us, Druskininkai mineral waters were researched in the 18th century by a professor I. Fonberg. In 1835, he noted that five mineral water wells are suitable for drinking. In 1840, Druskininkai wells were named by the letters, from A to M. In 1861, nine mineral water wells were researched in Druskininkai. In 1884, there were 16 mineral water wells one of which was a connecting well, reservoir. In 1908, there

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• “Girios Aidas”, a museum of forest and information center (M. K. Čiurlionio St. 102) • Druskininkai Museum (M. K. Čiurlionio St. 59) • Druskininkai Museum of Resistance and Deportations (Vilniaus Al. 24) • Grūtas Park (Grūtas, Druskininkai) • Exposition of Folk Crafts (Ratnyčia Village) • M. K. Čiurlionis Memorial Museum (M. K. Čiurlionio St. 35)

Worth seeing

were 19 wells used, although only two wells were suitable for treatment. Later on, some of the wells disappeared, while others opened themselves.

Their locations and names were also changing. The mineral water of higher quality was found only after the First World War, after the dredging works were completed. Back then, some of the wells received the names of “Mar alas” and “Vytautas”. In 1937, the most famous mineral water wells were called by the names of “Birutė”, “Undinė”, “Aušros Vartai”, “Vytautas”, and “J. Pilsudskis”. During the Soviet times, the town had 5 mineral water wells. Now, two wells of high quality water are being used.

Astonishing Entries

The old cemetery of Druskininkai has a unique aura of the 19th century. It is not hard to find it; the cemetery is located near Druskonio Lake. The old cemetery was divided into two parts: one was dedicated for the town’s Catholic community and another part for the town’s Orthodox communi-

ty. In its central part, one can find the graves of local Protestants. The Catholic side of the cemetery has a small chapel of the rich local family of Kiersnovskiai. The tombstones of the cemetery astonish us with original and lamenting entries, such as: “Our little angel, rest in peace until our next joyous meeting”.

It is important to note that the first person to be buried in the cemetery was in 1858. A homeless person from Poland lived near the church of Druskininkai. Today, the cemetery is closed. There are rumors claiming that the ancestors of New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. The old cemetery of Druskininkai is an object of cultural heritage.

Sponsored by a Publisher’s Wife

Druskininkai St. Virgin Mary’s Church is surrounded by spacious landscape, providing an opportunity to gaze at a neo-gothic building. One of the works of a Polish architect Stefan Shiler, it reminds of St. Anne’s Church in Vilnius. The construction of this

church started in 1912. The major sponsor of the church was the wife of a publisher K. Wolfgang, Henrika Wolfgang.

It is interesting to note that a local rich man Kiersnovskis also promised to contribute to the building of the church provided that the church’s altar is turned to the east. In this case, he might have been able to observe people leaving the church. A priest B. Voleika did not agree with such terms of a local rich man. During the years of the First World War, the church was damaged. Its constructions were renewed in 1924 and finished in 1930.

The Church’s inside Decorated by F. Valaitis Stained Glass.

Druskininkai Orthodox church was built in 1865. The money to build the church was borrowed from Gardin’s vice-governor I. Rožanovas.

The number of Orthodox people was increasing after the Lithuanian Rebellion of 18611863. In 1895, the Orthodox school was established. In the past, it had a bell-house with four bells, one of which

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Treasure: Druskininkai resort is famous for its mineral waters.

weighed half a ton. These bells disappeared during the times of the First World War. After the Second World War, the church lost its icon of Vladimir’s the God’s Mother (1766), which was given to the church by the granddaughter of M. Kutūzovas, Jekaterina Vasiljevna Kutūzova. The icon is still searched. During the Post-Soviet times, the number of Orthodox people has decreased, although their church is still visited by a group of community members.

Beauty: the house of doctor Bujakovskis is now a permanent residence of Druskininkai Municipality.

This time, one of the most beautiful buildings in Druskininkai is its building of Municipality. His historic name is the house of doctor Bujakovskis, also referred as the villa of doctor Bujakovskis. Doctor Bujakovskis belonged to the top ten of the resort’s richest men. It is thought that his villa was built at the end of the 19th – the beginning of the 20th centuries. Back then, it was a one-storey house and later on it was added a second store, adhering to its original architecture.

druskininkai

Belonged to a Rich Man

TRAKAI

Vievis Kaunas

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Tra­kai Lithuanian Pride – the Castle

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• Trakai History Museum (tickets are sold in the Castle Island, the administration is located in Kęstučio St. 4) • Exposition of Sacred Art (Kęstučio St. 4) • Karaites’ Ethnographic Exposition (Karaimų St. 93A) • Museum of Regional Studies in Aukštadvaris (Technikumo St. 1, Auk tadvaris)

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Senieji Trakai

VILNIUS

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Upon hearing the name of Trakai, most of the Lithuanian people are immediately imaging its main symbol, the castles. Trakai resort can be proud to have such historical monuments.

Lithuanian pride is the 14th century castle on an island of Galvė Lake. This is the only castle in the Eastern Europe built on an island. It consists of convent-type chambers, dungeon and forecastle.

It is thought that the castle was built by two Lithuanian dukes: Kęstutis started building the castle at the end of the 14th century and, his son, Vytautas, took over in the 15th century. The castle was visited by a number of famous European diplomats: messenger of the German Emperor Sigismund Benedict Macro, Flemish Knight Jean Emanuel Gilibert de Lanus, Venetian Ambassador Ambrosias Contarini and

Worth seeing

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defensive towers were protecting the castle.

Today, four defensive towers are renovated.

the magistrates of the Livonian and Teutonic knights. At the first half of the 15th century, the castle was visited by the Polish King Vladislovas Jogaila.

Now the castle is visited by high-ranking government delegations from around the world; it is also a place where important international agreements are signed.

The castle continues its history and has received such famous personalities as the Danish Queen Margrethe II, the Swedish King Carl XVI Gustav with the Queen Silvia, the presidents of Estonia, Greece, Iceland, Kazakhstan, Latvia, Poland, Macedonia, Romania, Slovenia, Ukraine, China and other prime ministers, ministers and diplomats.

In 1430, Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas died in the castle. After his death, the castle lost its importance. In the second half of the 16th century, the King of Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth Sigismund Augustus wanted to have a summer residence in the castle, but his plans never came to be a reality. In 1655, during the wars with Russia and Sweden, Ivan Zolo-

torenka and his Cossacks took Trakai and damaged its castle.

In 1953, the complex process of the castle restoration started.

In 1962, the main building of dukes and dungeon were restored according to the plan made by an architect B. Krūminis, while in 1987, the main objects of forecastle were re-built (architect St. Milionis).

In 1962, the castle was transferred to Trakai History Museum. The castle has expositions, displays and is a place for events. The fans of music are attracted by the performances of opera and ballet organized by the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet Theatre. Every summer, the castle is visited by 350 thousand people.

Today, four of these towers are re-built. After 1430, the castle became a residence place for Lithuanian Grand Dukes Švitrigaila and Sigismund Kęstutaitis. On March 20, 1440, the conspirators killed Sigismund Kęstutaitis in the gate tower of the castle. In 1503, the castle was used as a prison for the messengers of Moscow’s Grand Duke. In 1655, the castle was destroyed. Only in the second half of the 19th century, the castle was slowly re-built.

Today, Trakai Castle is most famous for its medieval celebrations held in June and August.

During the celebrations the city’s life is enriched by crafts, trade and fighting knights. Two

Fights of Knights

It is believed that the Peninsula Castle in Trakai was built

by Kęstutis. The construction embankments of soil and wood were changed into a concrete wall at the 15th century.

The castle was finished when Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas was in power. In 14141430, the castle was protected by eleven defensive towers.

Object: Užutrakis Estate is among the most visited places in Trakai.

The Painting of the God’s Mother

Another architectural masterpiece in Trakai is St. Virgin Mary’s Visitation Church. In 1409, Lithuanian Grand Duke Vytautas funded the construction of Trakai parish church.

The church had gothic style. At the beginning of the 17th century, the bishop of Vilnius, Eustachijus Valavičius rebuilt the church. In 1655, during the wars with Russia and Sweden, the church was destroyed and later rebuilt. In 1718, the church was reconstructed. Its facades were equipped with the Baroque features; also the Baroque features became dominant in its interior. The church is famous the painting of the God’s Mother.

It is believed that the painting was painted in Constantinople in 1123. In 1390, Emperor Immanuel II Paleologos gave it to Vytautas. In the 17th century, the Pope Clement XI crowned the painting with a golden crown.

On September 4-12, 1718, the crowning celebrations took

trakai

Greatness: the pride of Trakai and Lithuania is the castle on an island of Galvė Lake.

staircases lead to the highest place of the peninsula, the socalled Aukų Mountain. According to the legend, it was a place for pagan festivities with the sacrifices for the gods. In the second half of the 20th century, the scientists have found the remainings of the 15th century palace.

trakai

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Worth seeing

place. This was the second painting to be crowned in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The first was in Czestochowa, Poland. This church saved the golden crowns of Trakai church, which now can be seen in Vilnius Museum of Applied Arts.

Functioned as a Sanatorium

Holidaymakers staying in Trakai should not forget to visit Užutrakis Estate. Its group was created by the initiative of Graf Juozapas Tiškevičius and his wife, Jadvyga Svetopolk Četvertinska. Tiškevičiai family managed the estate until 1939, when the Second World War started. In 1940, Lithuania was occupied by the Soviet Union and the estate went into the hands of government.

After the war, the estate functioned as a sanatorium for KGB officials. Later on, it was used as a paioneer camp, rest house, and national tourism company. In 1995, Užutrakis Estate was given to Trakai Historical National Park.

LCC INTERNATIONAL

UNIVERSITY

Užutrakis Park author is a well-known French architect and botanist E. F. André (1840-1911). This world class artist has designed Palanga, Lentvaris and Trakai-Vokė parks. Initially, Užutrakis Park was designed as a water park, thus, it has more than twenty ponds, linked with the surrounding lakes of Trakai.

After a hundred years, the water level in surrounding lakes have dropped, thus, some of the ponds have dried out. Part of the ponds was destroyed during the Soviet times. Now, the only old pond has survived, connected by a canal with Galvė Lake. The canal walls are equipped with artificial rocks.

Famous People their Holidays i We do not have huge mountains, palm trees or exotic animals. Even our sea is not always warm during the summertime. However, the famous people of Lithuania can name hundreds of reasons why they spend their holidays here.

Trakai and Karaites

New Trakai became a permanent residence place for Karaites, which were invited by Vytautas in the 14th century. They acquired their residencies in the tow’s part existing between two castles, the Peninsula and the Island. Karaites combined two major classes of people in Trakai: the warriors and the civilians. The warriors were living in “the small town” and protected the castle, while the civilians were translators, craftsmen, tradesmen and some of them cultivated the land. The town has a Karaite prayer house, kenesa (one of the remaining three in the world), school – madrasah, and the community’s cemetery, located on the shores of Totoriškiai Lake. Trakai kenesa had been destroyed for a couple of times, but re-built on the same location.

The information was prepared by Virginija Spurytė, according to the data provided in the information centers of Klaipėda, Palanga, Neringa, Birštonas, Druskininkai and Trakai

Duet: the beach entertainments delight Arnė, the daughter of A. Klivečka.

Lina Bieliauskaitė Old Passions Never Die

Television host Arnas Klivečka can boast an enviable loyalty of spending his holidays in the same Lithuanian seaside resort for a number of years. “Now, it is the twentyfirst year, when nothing has changed: I spend my vacation in the same place, that is Šventoji resort,” – admitted the television host.

He remembered that twenty years ago he has received a discount at one of the seaside houses. In such a way, year by

year, he grew very fond of this resort.

“I enjoyed it because it was not overcrowded. I like ventoji due to its big seaside with lots of place, where you can lay freely. Throughout so

The advantages of Lithuania are the corners of nature that are untouched by the civilization.

EXCLUSIVE PROMISE

of Lithuania Chose to Spend in the Homeland many years, you find friends here. Here, I met my wife. So, how can you be not loyal to such a place?” – talked Arnas Klivečka.

Thus, this year Arnas, his wife and daughter Arnė will go to Šventoji. We asked whether Arnas is not interested in visiting foreign and exotic places.

“We have spent 10 days in Spain. It was wonderful: fascinating views, lagoon, and the blue sea. The weather was fantastic, but I could not exchange Spain or any other resort to Šventoji,” – assured Mr. Klivečka.

Loves to Stay at Home

Lithuanian star of cinema and theatre Vaiva Mainelytė acknowledged that she spends her summers in Lithuania. “I love village the most, although I spent some summers near the seaside, when my grandchildren were small,” – told famous Lithuanian actress.

During the Soviet times, when Lithuanians could only dream about visiting foreign places, Vaiva Mainelytė had a chance to go abroad as an actor. “I have seen many countries. However, I can only enjoy my rest at home. I feel much more comfortable in my environment, where I know everybody. When I go someplace else I feel tired because of all the things unknown. I think I am one of those people whose home is her castle.

Probably I would never leave

my home, if I could,” – told Vaiva Mainelytė.

The woman lamented the fact that she has not rebuilt her farm after it had burned down. Nevertheless, she feels fortunate because some of her friends invite her into their farms.

“If I visited all my friends and stayed in their places for at least a couple of days, I could spend all my holidays in such a way,” – told the actress.

Vaiva Mainelytė often visits her friend’s farm near Nemenčinė. “I feel very comfortably there because I can take my dog along,” – acknowledged she. She also admitted that she does not care about comfort or living conditions.

“I have no pretensions. I understand that the most valuable thing is life. The day offers an opportunity to live it and that is the most important gift,” – talked Vaiva. She also admitted that she loves simple things about one’s holidays: “I love to walk in the currents of a torrent or swim. I love to pick up berries and mushrooms”.

Tradition: V. Mainelytė chooses to spend her holidays in a village.

REST IN NIDA

Perfect Recipe for Recreation

If he had more time, Rokas Masiulis, General Director of Klaipėda Oil, would love to spend in Russia, where he could fish and expect to catch an exotic and huge fish. However, he also admitted that he takes an inspiration from local Lithuanian resorts.

www.smeliojuosta.lt

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EXCLUSIVE PROMISE

Passion: R. Masiulis hopes to be able to go fishing at least in the fall.

“Lithuanian holidays suit me fine. I spent my holidays here every year, dedicating some week for fishing. I think that Lithuania’s advan-

tage is the corners of nature untouched by the civilization.

Such corners are almost nonexistent in Norway. Also, our landscape is good for fishing,”

– claimed the experienced fisherman.

Rokas Masiulis admitted that he does not care much about comforts, but carefully selects his fishing locale. “I have searched Lithuania. All I need is a river, fireplace and good company, making one’s recreation perfect,” – claimed Rokas Masiulis who loves to exchange his formal suit into a fishermen’s apparel.

He remembered that when he was a child he used to spend his holidays with his parents in Šventoji. Although these experiences remember him of fun and bright times, he confessed that he does not feel nostalgia for it. “Now, I would not be able to sit on the beach for so long. After all, I now live in Klaipėda, thus,

everything is so close. I am now like a real inhabitant of Klaipėda and visit the sea only occasionally,” – joked Rokas Masiulis.

use your Imagination

“When you have a child, your habits are changing, but basically I enjoy spending my vacation in Lithuania. We have fascinating nature and beautiful seaside. Why not use that?”

– claimed a Lithuanian pop singer Natalija Bunkė, who now has a son Kristupas.

For this reason, Natalija is going to live Vilnius and come to live in Klaipėda in her own private house. “My concerts will take place in the seaside.

When you have free time you can visit Kintai, Ventės Ragas or go to another shore of the

W

e invite you to wine tasting and cooking sessions, and wine and food evenings with famous Lithuanian restaurant chefs who have also become TV stars. Klaipėda culinary studio is a place where culinary evenings get a new form of communication and expression.

You will discover culinary masterpieces from all over the world with the help of our professionals, and titled sommeliers will help you to realize the rich, mysterious world of wine.

Klaipėda culinary salon Turgaus st. 33, 91246 Klaipėda Tel.: + 370 691 48842 E-mail: kulinarinesvetaine@gmail.com

EXCLUSIVE PROMISE

Curonian Spit and see Preila, Nida or Šventoji, where a number of untouched beaches is huge,” – named Natalija.

According to Natalija, one can invent various entertainments. It only takes some imagination and willingness. She revealed that she has made a promise for her friend and herself to learn how to kite.

She also said that the type of recreation, passive or active, depends not only on her friends and moods, but also on her baby. In autumn, Natalija and her son spent some nice moments in Neringa. “My friend has a chance to spend some time in Preila, thus, she also invites me. It is not boring; I could sit for hours and watch sunset and the sea. It is so beautiful to see a dawn or

Famous Lithuanian performer has made a promise to her friends to learn how to kite.

sunset or make a fireplace and watch fire burning,” – claimed the performer.

Some suggestions

“One has to see the Dutchman’s Cap and go stand on the pier, especially when it is windy and see how the waves break. If you have an opportunity go to Nida and rent a bicy-

Hotel you can rely on

Pleasure: N. Bunkė never misses an opportunity to enjoy quiet moments on the beaches of Neringa.

cle or rent a small ship and sail in the Curonian Spit,” – enumerated Natalija Bunkė.

“When my guests are visiting Klaipėda, I want to show

Adding colour to lifeSM

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them the most beautiful places. I feel responsibility to take them to the sea, even though it is a wintertime,” – told Natalija.

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ACTIVE RECREATION

Cycling through the Lithuanian Coast

Well equipped cycle routes are near the coast from

Convenience: the quality of the costal cycle routes does not discomfort holidaymakers.

Increasingly, vacationers staying in the seaside not only want to lounge on the beach, but also give the exercise of their entire bodies. Biking is the perfect way to meet both these needs.

Daiva Janauskaite

Year after year, people are bringing their own bikes into the seaside resorts; and those who do not have such opportunities, rent them in resorts or Klaipėda.

Well equipped and marked cycle routes are along the coast from Palanga to Nida. Travelling by bicycle is possible at least for three days and always getting a new route and those who have more strength and endurance may travel more days.

Klaipėda – Nida

One of the most popular routes is from Klaipėda to Nida. Determined to enjoy the unique nature of the Curonian Spit have to pedal about 55 kilometers.

This route has cruder ground than the cycling route to Palanga, so it is more difficult to pedal. It should be known when choosing bicycles as well as the calculation of one’s abilities.

The cycling route from Smiltynė to Juokrantė winds along the coastal protective dune and through the forest center. Juodkrantė cycle way stretches along the sea as the road turns to the driveway to a wooden path that leads to the

Sometimes holidaymakers cycle to Nida and then take a boat to visit Ventės Ragas or Mingė Village.

dead dunes, continues through the forest to Pervalka, and from this village to Nida, extended along the bay. Riding the bicycle along these ways, the travelers have the opportunity to admire the Baltic and the Curonian Lagoon view from the heights.

Board member of the Lithuanian Cyclists’ Community (LCC) Saulius Ružinskas stated that only during the holidays people are determined to cycle to Juodkrantė. Those who reach Nida might not have enough power for trip back.

Sometimes travelers pedal to Nida, after they take the boat and sail to the other shore of the bay to Ventė or Mingė. In order to overcome such a route, one has to in-

quire in advance about boats sailing schedule as well as the trip price.

By the way, a bicycle rental company „Du Ratai“ director Saulius Ružinskas said that rented bikes for an additional fee may be left in Palanga, Nida, or even in Riga and Tallinn.

This service is mainly used by foreigners to travel along the routes of our country.

KlaipĖda – Šventoji

From the port city until Šventoji through the Seaside Regional Park and Palanga the distance is 49 kilometers. The cycle route begins in Klaipėda from the Summer Stage, and continues through Giruliai and Kukuliškių forests. It is worth to turn by the

ACTIVE RECREATION

Palanga to Nida

sea, the most impressive on the Lithuanian seaside location - Dutchman’s Cap and Karklė village, having a unique cemetery. It is advisable to visit these places because every year the sea claims more and more land.

Riding the travelers reach Plazė Lake where you can take a rest and enjoy the seaside’s nature. The cycle way continues through the Seaside Regional Park’s meadows and rural Šaipiai up Nemirseta landscape where you can see the impressive ancient Littorina Sea slope.

From this place, Palanga is not too far. Resort Palanga is equipped with cycle routes and it is easy to reach Šventoji. Immediately behind it, you have to overcome hanging monkey bridge over the stream of Šventoji and will soon reach the pagan Samogitian sacred place.

KlaipĖda – Rusnė

The travelers going from Klaipėda to Rusnė Island will have to overcome about 65 kilometers along the scenic roads of the Curonian Lagoon and the Nemunas River delta.

Here can be found old stands of information, containing information about West Lithuanian history, traditions and nature.

The travelers going from the seaside road to Rusne should be aware that they will have to travel by road, but laid in such a way that cyclists have to twist through the forest outlying road far from the busy roads. This route is particularly interesting because of its cultural heritage and unique nature.

The Southern parts of Klaipėda are loved by Germans, due to the sentiments for the Lithuania Minor, and

65

the trip of these kilometers in length, along the Curonian Spit and the mouth of the River Nemunas, will start in Klaipėda and finish in Rusnė.

The choice: one of the most favorite holidaymakers’ entertainments is travelling by bicycle.

the Dutch who enjoy seeing the natural nature full of life.

The cycle route from Klaipėda to Šernai is marked.

Continue along the Minija River the cycle way is in poor condition, only a few signs left so it is often advised to go to Klaipėda 3rd watering, which is near Wilhelm Canal, turn towards Dituvos gardens where the paved roads start and continue to Priekulė.

From this town turn through Dreverna, Svencelė because trough its forests it is possible to reach Kintai. When travelling along this route, one is able to see the dead dunes of the Curonian Spit.

Also, the travelers are able to see the unique foundation of the Nemunas’s delta and visit Ventės Ragas’s ornithological station.

Those who are not afraid of poorer roads will not be disappointed when turning to Mingė which is called the Lithuanian Venice. From here you can get into a boat and cross the lagoon to reach Nida.

Those who dare to reach Rusnė can go to Šilutė and turn on the island known as the town. They can visit the ethnographic homestead, Uostadvaris lighthouse, and see a vast lagoon feathered colony from the tower.

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56

UNIQUE ROUTE

The map is made by UAB „Ekspobalta“ for Seaside Regional Park Directorate

UNIQUE ROUTE

The Trip through the Sea Cliffs The walks on the Seaside Regional Park will be surprising. The traces of the ancient Littorina Sea are found in the forest near the Dutchman’s Cap.

Asta Dykovienė The Famous Cliff

The Seaside Regional Park includes the Dutchman’s Cap Preservation Reserve, taking the area of 123 hectares.

12-15 thousand years ago, the moraine ridges were formed by the retreating glaciers.

Its highest peak is called the Dutchman’s Cap. It is a sand dune of 24 meters in height, created by washed sand. The Dutchman’s Cap is being constantly washed by the sea waves and retreats into the sea by 16-18 meters cliff. This is the biggest cliff in the Lithuanian seaside. The Dutchman’s Cap is included into the protected list of the country’s Natural Heritage.

The Landmark for Sailors

The Dutchman’s Cap Mountain was covered with trees and contrasted with the surrounding seaside areas of sand, thus, the mountain became a landmark for sailors and fishermen. Its official name, the Dutchman’s Cap, was included in the maps of 1818. During the same year, the special signs were constructed on the mountain. The name was received due to the mountain’s similarity to a Dutch cap, but for a long time, the name

was used only unofficially by sailors and fishermen, which used the sea maps. In the 19th and the 20th centuries, the local inhabitants called it by the name of Melnmuižė.

The Observation Sites

The cliff of the ancient Littorina Sea stretches from the South and the North from the Dutchman’s Cap, formed 5-7 thousands year ago. This area also has deep ravines with short torrential streams. At the end of the 19th century, the park was created for the inhabitants of Klaipėda and planted with a variety of trees such as oaks, beeches, maples and other ornamental trees.

On the top of the mountain, the observation sites were created. 7.5 thousands year ago, during the times when the Littorina Sea was still present, the water level in this area was much higher. Thus, the shore line was different. The Littorina Sea is one of the stages in the development of the Baltic Sea. The Littorina seashore and the Dutchman’s Cap are monuments of geology.

No Need for a Guide

“The Littorina path goes from the Dutchman’s Cap up to the military embankments. The travelers who come to camp in

Erlandas Paplauskis

The trip from Giruliai to the Dutchman’s Cap will take about an hour walking on foot.

Giruliai, it is advisable to take the Littorina path, which is one of the most beautiful places, stretching on the shores of the sea. Back then, the water level was different and the shores existed differently,” – told an ecologist of Seaside Regional Park Erlandas Paplauskis.

The travelers can take a path through an old forest. The forest was planted a hundred years ago by the guild of merchants. They took care of the city’s ecology and planted the trees due to its economical bene-

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58

UNIQUE ROUTE

18

The Dutchman’s Cap Hill descends into the sea with a steep of 18 meters.

fits: the forest was a barrier from storms and sand. It was formed with promenades and walking alleys.

“It seems that long time ago, when the territory belonged to Germany, it was a good place for walks. They took good care of the forest and planned everything carefully. They managed to form views, which were loved by well-to-do people,” – considered Mr. Paplauskis.

The forest of the 20th century is a good place for a nice walk for tourists and families.

“The trip from Giruliai up to the Dutchman’s Cap will take about an hour. There is no need for a guide. The information boards will help to orientate people where to go,” – ensured Mr. Paplauskis.

History: the location of the Littorina Sea is near the present day Dutchman’s Cap Cliff.

Hundreds Years Old Karklė

Another famous place of the Lithuanian seaside is an ethnographic preserve, Karklė Village. Until the 20th century, the village was called Karkelbeck and its local inhabitants called it Karkelbekė. The name consists of two words, Karkel (eng. osier-bed) and beck, the word meaning “a small torrent”. Thus, the literal translation of the word means the place, covered with osier-bed, near a small torrent. In the years of 1923-1938, the town was called Karklininkai. Its present name was used only after the Second World War.

According to the data from 1540, the biggest village to the North of Klaipėda was Karkelbeck. Back then, it had 330 inhabitants, majority of which consisted of the Curonians. The homesteads were small farms. The local inhabitants, living near the sea, were mostly connected with fishing. In 1778, the village had its first elementary school.

Karklė also had two inns. The town’s church was built in 1910, which was tore down after the Second World War and used by the military. Most of the old settlements were also destroyed. Only the South-

ern part of the town remained, preserving the village’s ethnographic identity. The village still has heritage, which connects well with the surroundings of nature. Also, there is an old cemetery with lots of unique tomb stones on the shores of the sea.

The Military Object

The sea shore contains a secret military object. There is not much data about the ob-

Travelers can walk through a 100-year-old forest.

ject. It is known that they were built at the beginning of the Second World War. In March, 1939, when the Klaipėda region was occupied by the German Nazis, the whole seashore was prepared for the invasion of Russia.

Probably it was the defensive fortress built in 1940 when the country was occupied.

Presently, the military complex consists of three buildings; the biggest building is of 500 square meters with an exposition, visited by excursions and travelers. This is another object of interest in the Lithuanian seaside.

THREE LIFE GIFTS It is said that there are three gifts of the Nature: health, energy and beauty.

When you receive them, you can move the mountains. Without them, you feel exhausted and gloomy. The job is repugnant. You do not want to look in the mirror at all. You drink litres of strong black coffee and energy drinks but... What is it – a “lazy disease”?

Medicine has recognized the existence of a new disease – chronic fatigue syndrome (LNS). About 50 percent of working people suffer from it! But not those who work until the “ninth sweat”. LNS flourishes among those who work physically or mentally no more than 7-8 hours per day and follow the normal daily regime.

Do these troubles sound familiar to you?

If the answer is yes, it is time for you to overcome LNS! Because your well-being is the guarantee of your success, career and normal life. ”Three in one“ The natural remedy form LNS already exists! This is not the same as stimulating “dopings” that later become ineffective. This is the air we breathe, the natural element – the triatomic oxygen (ozone, O3), also known as the elixir of youth. Ozone gives 3 results: health (treats chronic diseases,

LNS symptoms:

■ memory (especially short-term, “daily”) weakness; lack of concentration; lack of creativity; ■ headaches (so-called “the crown of thornes”); ■ sore throat, mucus, fur of the tongue; ■ swollen lymph nodes in the neck and in the armpits; ■ feeling of heaviness in all extremities, “rotation”, leg cramps; ■ shallow sleep that does not give rest; ■ feeling of tiredness; ■ irritability, apathy; forcing yourself to do something

59

LNS causes:

■ chronic viral disease. Most often LNS is caused by herpes simplex.

The second cause is hepatitis, cytomegalovirus infections; ■ unhealthy lifestyle – lack of normal sleep and improper eating, harmful habits, dependency, waste of body’s resources (stressful job, examinations, competitions, tension, negative environment); ■ chronic disease (cardiovascular, neurological, the endocrine system, bloodstream, the reproductive system and so on). protects prophylactically and preventially, kills viruses), energy and work efficiency, better appearance (has a “youthening” effect on the human organism).

In 2008, the Lyon Experimental Medicine Centre formed a group of volunteers suffering from LNS for medical trials.

The group consisted of 5 intensively studying students and 5 people of working age. They used “legal dopings” such as large doses of coffee and strong tea, energy drinks and tonics for a long time in order to improve their status.

Unfortunately, they helped just for a short period of time. The participants of this study felt bad, suffered from low work efficiency, apathy. A 10-day treatment of ozone therapy was applied.

The ozone therapy gave a triple benefit for the examined participants: killed existing viruses (4 participants suffered from herpes, 2 – from vascular disease), improved their health and appearance, supplied their bodies with energy so much that LNS became just “an old nightmare”.

Ozone gives the opportunity to enjoy the gifts of the Nature again – health, energy, beauty. The ozone therapy procedures will help you keep pace with life, overcome challenges and will ensure a good wellbeing for a long time.

Agnė TARVYDAITĖ

The results of the ozone therapy procedures showed that: ■ indicators of health, sleep and energy were improved for 100 percent of participants; ■ results of mental and physical activity improved by 60 percent; ■ indicators of the human organism fatigue (after workday) fell by 54 percent; ■ examined patients dealt with tension easier and more calmly; ■ apathy disappeared, the immune system was strengthened; ■ the appearance of skin and face clearly improved.

250 Lt discount is applied for the Ozone Therapy Course until May 19 Register now!

Savanoriu av. 11A, Vilnius, ph. (5) 212 5566 or (8 676) 07 774; Vytauto av. 23, Kaunas, ph. (37) 333 557 or (8 606) 91 120; Minijos st. 2, Klaipėda, ph. (46) 315 111 or (8 606) 91 183.

60

LEISURE

Popular: „Nesė Pramogų Bankas“ – especially popular place of entertainment.

„Nesė Pramogų bankas“ never sleeps Justė Labutytė

T

he most famous musicians, fun, passion, communication and great food all day and comfortable accommodation. All of what you can expect - high quality and exciting entertainment you can find under one roof.

Exceptional in Port City

In Klaipėda city heart Theatre square is located “Nesė Pramogų bankas” which has been offering variety of services for 9 years.

“The life is going on night and day and everything there is achievable by hand starting with the entertainment and ending with cuisine. It can be clearly stated that in Klaipėda city we are the only and exceptional even though there are a lot of various clubs”, -noted “Nesė Group” executive director Inga Česnakienė.

Passionate night walkers “Nesė Pramokų bankas” waits for a special weekend program: on Friday nights are Club DJ performances, Saturdays are dedicated for famous music performers.

According to Inga Česnakienė mostly every Klaipėda citizen knows that these days club is always busy and you have to book the table in advance.

Does not force to choose the fast food

“Our guests love Chinese restaurant which become as a part of a particular

ritual- like the introduction to entertainment. People enter the restaurant to have a small meal and drink a cocktail before they go to a club and after the programme in “Nesė Relax” they return for an early breakfast”, - told Inga Česnakienė.

According to executive director, visitors evaluated convenience because they do not have to go to a petrol station and eat fast food.

“Nesė Pramogų bankas” is the only entertainment place in the city which offers catering service 24 hours. At the weekends there works “non-stop” Chinese restaurant and all the week – Casino Bar “Perlas”.

Feels like Home

As Inga Česnienė said “Nesė Pramogų bankas” attracts not only night entertainment lovers.

“Night club “Nesė Relax” in a day time transforms into cosy café with the outdoor terrace in summer time which become beloved place not only by Klaipėda citizens but also by tourists. There and in Chinese restaurant visitors’ love have dinner and spending calm afternoon minutes, – said Inga Česnienė.

“All in all the compact area in our entertainment centre biases our visitors cosy and warm and this resounds our wish that everyone feels at home there.”

Though in a port city working entertainment complex do not have guests house therefore the service of accommodation with exceptional prices can be booked in our partners hotels. For accommodation in advance please call +370 700 55 555

Not only Klaipėda was conquered

“In addition, according to individual preferences of our visitors we can organize their free time not only in the “ Nesė Pramogų Parkas “, but also in the city - to organize a health and beauty procedures in SPA centers, excursions, shopping and offer other entertainment and cultural program”, – named Inga Česnakienė.

On the attic floor in the old hall are held all kinds of chamber concerts and entertainment events. This space is popular to rent for private events such as seminars and conferences.

The success of “Nesė Pramogų bankas” has inspired the owners of Klaipėda to expand its activities. So, since 2006 another entertainment center has been opened in Vilnius.

The impressive complex visitors can also entertain in the casino, here is a guest house, night club, a huge concert hall, bar and restaurant.

In the capital entertainment center are held not only famous Lithuanian but also famous foreign performers’ concerts and are filmed television shows.

S u m me r s ta r ts he re !

Outdoor furniture, umbrellas, gazebos, swings, grills, mosquito machines | Taikos Pr. 32A, Klaipeda | www.vadasiga.lt

62

ADVICES

Safe Sunbathing with Appropriate Protection

People have to be responsible when on holidays. They have to take care and have sunscreen, sunglasses and proper headwear. Then it will be possible to enjoy sunbathing without any serious consequences.

Virginija Spurytė Follow the Clock

“One has to rest responsibly, evaluating everything and preparing for the sun,” – explained a dermatovenerologist Aldona Kajutytė. In order to have a healthy holiday, she recommends evaluating the danger posed by ultraviolet radiation. According to her, people should not forget to check the clock to see how much time they spend on the sun.

“The safest time for sunbathing is until 11 am and after 3 pm. At midday, the sun’s rays are very active and affect human skin,

especially near water. People are making mistake when they are trying to hide from the sun by swimming. In such a way, we can experience double sun-burnt. If we are in the water, then we risk experiencing double amount of the sun’s rays: those which are coming from the sky and those which are reflected on us from the water,” – explained Aldona Kajutytė.

Parts of the body which are above the water experience double amount of the sun's rays.

No Perfume

She also acknowledged the fact that people have different opinions about sunscreens. Nevertheless, it is highly advisable to have it when on holiday. She advises to apply it every time after a swim. “Although informational leaflets claim that sunscreen is water-resistant, it is usually washed away by water. Thus, a person has to apply it every time after having a swim,” – acknowledged Aldona Kajutytė. However, she strongly advised not to use any perfume or cosmetics while sunbathing.

“Women want to look attractive while on a beach, thus, they start using

64

ADVICES

make-up and perfume, which, in turn, react with the sun’s rays and can cause pigment spots on one’s skin. These spots are very hard to remove,” – warned the doctor.

She also warned that people using antibiotics, pain killers or sleeping tablets should not be on the sun. “The medicine sensitizes skin and people are exposed to the sun. It can result into a dermatitis, which causes one’s skin to itch and burn. Such a person starts feeling discomfort. Therefore, the people on this kind of

Al­do­na Ka­ju­ty­tė

Women want to look beautiful on the beach, but they should not forget that cosmetics and perfumes can react to the sun and cause pigment spots.

Recommendations • The most dangerous time to enjoy the sun is from early spring until mid-August. At this time, the sun’s rays are most intense.

• It is recommended to enjoy the sun on a hot summer’s day when it is least active. The best time for this is from 10am to 11am and after 2pm.

• On a hot summer’s day, the specialists do not advise to be on the sun from 10am to 2pm. It is best to spend this time somewhere out of the sun.

• The recommended time spent on the sun during the first days should not exceed 15-30 minutes.

• It is important to know what kind of skin type a person has and also how much time he/she spends on the sun.

• People are different all around the world, but we should remember that the ones who are not used to the sun should not spent much time sunbathing.

medicine should stay away from the direct sun,” – claimed the dermatologist.

Test Caps

Another important attribute of holidays are sunglasses. However, they have to be of high quality and add value rather than create new problems. “Sunglasses are a must, but we should know what kind of sunglasses we are buying. Sunglasses can be of the highest fashion, but we should know what kind of glass is put.

If they are made of simple glass or plastic, we risk exposing our eyes to even greater amount of ultraviolet rays,” – noted Aldona Kujelytė.

She recommended checking out sunglasses before purchasing and seeing if they have a proper protection from ultraviolet rays. “I would not recommend buying sunglasses in a market, because it is better not to wear sunglasses at all rather than to wear bad ones,” – noted the doctor.

The summertime is unimaginable without caps which are protecting people from the sun’s impact and ultraviolet rays.

“Dermatologists and organizations fighting against cancer warn people

Garden Center “Frezija” Flower Study “Frezija” Jaunystės St. 1, Klaipeda Shopping Mall “Akropolis” E-mail: info@frezija.lt Taikos Pr. 61, Klaipeda Tel.: + 370 687 12719

against long stays in the sun. I am also recommending protecting one’s body with clothes with protection from ultraviolet rays. It is especially important for children because they have thin skin. Only teenagers of 15 years old have developed some natural protection from ultraviolet rays,” – said Lina Grendienė, Director at Lippa Co, which sells various caps protecting from ultraviolet rays. Sterntaler caps are exceptional because their thick material does not permit any ultraviolet rays. The materials are tested according the Australian/New Zealand standards of AS/NZS 4399: 1996; evaluation and classification.

Their hats can be used for babies and teenagers. However, they can also be used by adults because their head-sizes are similar to those of teenagers. “Doctors advise not to go outside without wearing a cap. They recommend protecting oneself not only from the sun’s impact but also from ultraviolet rays. Strentaler caps can protect from such an impact,” – claimed Lina Grendienė.

Two Liters of Water per Day

Another safety tip for holidaymakers is to always have water. “The best water is mineral with salt. On a hot summer’s day, a person spending his/her time outside breathes much more intensely and loses more liquids. If liquids are not restored, a person faces dehydration and can pass out or have some other health problems.

Thus, we need to drink more water, about two litters per day,” – advised Aldona Kajutytė.

She wished to have a wonderful time sunbathing, but always be on the watch.

“Everyone should know his/her skin type.

Brown-eyed brunette will tan faster than, let’s say, blue-eyed blond. For the people of lighter skin, I advise to sunbathe cautiously and not to damage their skin on the sun, which can become older,” – emphasized the doctor.

www.frezija.lt

WORTH TO KNOW

They reach the resorts by cars, buses and trains

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Trip: lots of people are coming to resorts with their own cars.

Tourists coming to see various places in Lithuanian can comfortably travel by cars, buses and trains.

However, it is important to remember that in nearly all of the Lithuanian results, one has to pay for the parking.

Parking Fees Klaipėda

• The city collects parking fees on the work days from 8am to 8pm. In the seaside, the parking fees are collected from May 1 until September 30; from 10am to 8pm.

• The Old Town – 20min/1 LTL • The city’s center – 30 min/1 LTL • The seaside – 1 hour 30 min/1 LTL

Palanga

• Parking fees are collected from June 1 to August 31 all day.

• The seaside areas (the territory start-

ing with Vytautas Street up to the sea) – 1h/3 LTL • The city (the territory starting with Vytautas Street to the east) – 1h/2 LTL

Neringa

• Parking fees are collected from May 1 to September 30 from 7 am to 9 pm.

• Nida and Juodkrantė – 1 h/3 LTL • The parking lot near Neringa Municipality – 1 h/5 LTL • The parking lot in Nida near the northern beach – 1 h/1 LTL • Single fee for the entrance to Neringa until May 31 - 10 LTL

PALANGOS ORO UOSTAS PALANGA AIRPORT www.palanga-airport.lt

Tel.: + 370 460 52020

ops@palanga-airport.lt

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WORTH TO KNOW towns and eight lines going to ventoji through Palanga. A single ticket price is 5 LTL. • There are thirty two lines of minibuses. They are going from 7am until 10pm. A price for a single ticket is 5.2 LTL. • During the summertime, Palanga is serviced by 24 lines of inter-city buses. The number is lower during other seasons, 12 lines. A price for a single ticket is approximately 5 LTL.

Vytauto St. 94 LT-00132, Palanga Tel.: +370 460 48811 info@palangatic.lt www.palangatic.lt Opening hours: I-V – 9-19 hours VI-VII – 10-16 hours

• Single fee for the entrance to Neringa from June 1 to August 31 – 20 LTL

Trakai

• Trakų and Vytauto streets – 30 min/1 LTL • Karaimų Street – 30 min/1.5 LTL

Ticket fares Buses (expresses)

• VilniusKlaipėda – from 60 to 68 LTL • Vilnius-Palanga – from 55 to 72 LTL • Kaunas-Klaipėda – about 52 LTL • Kaunas-Palanga – from 38 to 58 LTL • Šiauliai-Klaipėda – from 37 to 43.5 LTL

Trains

• VilniusKlaipėda – 51.2 LTL

• Šiauliai-Klaipėda – 28.4 or 22.9 LTL • Klaipėda-Kretinga – 5 or 6 LTL • Vilnius-Trakai – 6.2 LTL

KlaipĖda Public Transport The city’s buses

• If buying in a kiosk, the cost is 2 LTL for a paper ticket and 1.8 LTL for an electronic ticket.

• On a bus – 2.4 LTL • A single day ticket – 10 LTL

Mini-buses

• From 6 am to 11 pm – 2.4 LTL • From 11 pm – 3.6 LTL

The Connection between KlaipĖda and Palanga

• From June, the town of Palanga is connected by eight lines from neighboring

Smiltynė-Neringa

• Buses are leaving every hour. The last bus leaves on 9pm. During the times of celebrations, such as the season’s opening, the town organizes additional time schedules.

• A price for a single ticket on a bus going from Smiltynė to Nida and Nida to Smiltynė is 11 LTL.

Ticket Prices for Ferries

• Bicycle – 2.9 LTL • Motorcycle, scooter, motorized wheelchair – 18 LTL • Car – 40 LTL • Bus – from 65 to 160 LTL • Camper – 110 LTL • Dog – 5 LTL • Person – 2.9 LTL

Ferry Schedule

• The Old Ferry transfers passengers, while the New Ferry transports cars.

• In May, the Old Ferry works until 9pm and throughout the summer months until 11pm.

Tourism Information Centers • Palanga Tourism Information Center Kretingos St. 1, Palanga Tel.: 8 460 48 811 www.palangatic.lt • Nida Culture and Tourism Information Center Agila Taikos St. 4, Nida Tel.: 8 469 52 345 www.visitneringa.lt • Klaipėda Culture and Tourism Information Center Turgaus St. 7, Klaipėda Tel.: 8 46 41 2186 www.klaipedainfo.lt • Birštonas Tourism Information Center B. Sruogos St. 4, Birštonas Tel.: 8 319 65 740 www.visitbirstonas.lt • Druskininkai Tourism and Business Information Center Gardino St. 3, Druskininkai Tel.: 8 313 60800 M. K. Čiurlionio St. 65, Druskininkai Tel.: 8 313 51 777 www.info.druskininkai.lt • Trakai Tourism Information Center Vytauto St. 69, Trakai Tel.: 8 528 51934 Mob.: 8 672 09476 www.trakai-visit.lt

• During the last month of spring, the ferries are sailing every hour and during the daytime, when the number of passengers is high, every 30 minutes. During the summer months, the ferries take passengers every 15-20 minutes.

• In the New Ferry, the ferries are sailing every 20 minutes in May. If the number of vehicles to be transported is high, the ferries are working without a schedule.

INFORMATION ON KLAIPEDA PUBLIC TRANSPORT Traffic schedules and road map: www.klaipedatransport.lt

Timetables: http://m.stops.lt/klaipeda/#map

Free of charge phone line for inquiries: 8 800 12344

   

Special shops for bicycles and skis Large selection of bicycle parts and accessories Professional tips for customers Professional repairs of bicycles and skis

VILNIUS

VILNIUS

Konstitucijos Pr. 12 Tel.: 8 616 04336

Žirmūnų St. 70 Tel.: 8 612 26411

KLAIPĖDA

ŠIAULIAI

Taikos Pr. 56 Tel.: 8 620 66001

Tilžės St. 74 Tel.: 8 618 85228

PANEVĖŽYS

ALYTUS

Klaipėdos St. 99 Tel.: 8 616 24773

Naujoji St. 54 Tel.: 8 618 14476

www.dviratisplius.lt The world-known bicycle manufacturers:

Winter sports’ equipment and clothing:

Bicycle parts and accesssories: