9 Things Lithuanians Are Most Proud Of

Lithuania is a small but extremely proud nation, with a rich history and unique traditions. When visiting, it’s important travellers understand what the the country’s residents consider to bring authenticity to this part of the Baltics. Here are nine things that Lithuanian are most proud of.

Basketball

Basketball is like a second (if not the first) religion in Lithuania, and is much more than just a game to the nation. Ever since the country won gold in the 1937 EuroBasket, basketball became its number one sport and stayed on top ever since. If you visit you will see kids playing basketball everywhere and even though the country has a population of less than three million people, it is constantly winning medals in major events such as the FIBA World Championship and the Olympic games.

Lithuanian language

Freedom

Throughout history, Lithuania has been occupied many times by its neighbouring countries; the latest occupation by the Soviet Union lasted almost 50 years. Today, people understand just how much their nation has had to go through to regain and maintain freedom, and that brings with it a sense of national pride.

Easy (and free!) internet access

You know that feeling when you can’t find a reliable internet connection or the Wi-Fi in your bar of choice isn’t working? Well, Lithuanians don’t know what that’s like. The internet in Lithuania is cheap, reliable, fast, and accessible all over the country, and locals are proud of the fact that such a small country manages to be an incredibly efficient provider when it comes to the web.

Food

Many people have never heard of Šaltibarščiai or cepelinai, but for Lithuanians, these are the most delicious dishes in the world. Tell any Lithuanian just how much you enjoy their traditional cuisine and you’ll be sure to earn their respect instantly.

History

During the 15th century, Lithuania was one of the biggest countries in Europe, with borders up to the Black Sea. Locals are also proud that the country has overcome numerous periods of hard times over the centuries, including the Crusades and the Soviet occupation.

Beer

It is not a secret that Lithuanians love to have a drink from time to time, therefore, it’s only fitting that they have a rich selection of local beers, so if you enjoy exploring traditional drinks and bars, make sure that Lithuania is at the top of your bucket list.

Amber

The best quality amber in the world comes from the Baltic Sea, so finding amber-based jewelry in Lithuania is an easy task. It is typical for locals to give gifts made of the fossilised tree resin as a present to their friends from abroad. They’re so proud of amber that some even name their children after it (Gintaras for boys and Gintarė for girls).

Nature

There are no huge mountains or jungles in Lithuania, but its nature is no less impressive than that found in many other beautiful countries. Kids, from a young age, freely play in beautiful fields at their grandparents’ villages. Lithuania is known for its lush, green landscapes, so if you want a break from the hustle and bustle of city life, you should go to the Curonian Spit, Anykščiai, Trakai, or one of the many national parks.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

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