Vilnius: Old Town, Parks and Skiing in Winter

Vilnius combines historic districts and green spaces with a specific winter skiing connection: Liepkalnis Hill in Pavilniai Regional Park is popular with skiers in winter.

Skiing and nature in Pavilniai Regional Park

Pavilniai Regional Park is one of two regional parks in Vilnius and protects the valley of the Vilnia. Alongside Liepkalnis, the landscape along the river is also part of the park’s character: from the Pūčkoriai dam, an educational heritage trail runs along the Vilnia. The Pūčkoriai outcrops are known there as a geological monument. If you want to consider nature and history as well as skiing when planning your trip, you’ll find a range of points of interest within the regional park.

A specific bus connection is also provided for finding your way to the park: bus 74 runs from the Žaliasis tiltas stop to Pavilniai Regional Park. This is a useful point of reference if you’re planning a visit to the park. This information relates to the regional park; you can plan your own routes and visits for your other destinations in Vilnius.

Old Town, architecture and city districts

Vilnius’s historic centre includes a UNESCO-listed Old Town. On a walk there, you’ll encounter Gothic, Renaissance and Classical buildings, but above all Baroque architecture. If you’d like to compare architectural styles closely, you can use them as a connecting theme for a walk through the historic centre. Guided walks are another way to explore Vilnius.

The self-proclaimed bohemian enclave of Užupis, on the banks of the Vilnia and with its own constitution, offers a distinctive perspective on the city. The Glass Quarter, meanwhile, is home to jewellers, local artists, craft shops and workshops. The historic centre is also home to St Anne’s Church, a masterpiece of Late Gothic architecture that has remained almost unchanged over the past five centuries. If you’d like to cover several cultural interests during your stay, you can plan visits to these districts and buildings separately.

Museums for a range of interests

The MO Museum presents exhibitions of modern Lithuanian art that explore developments in Lithuanian art over the past 60 years. Its collection comprises more than 5,000 works; the museum also runs educational programmes. This offers a distinct focus for visitors interested in art and its development.

The Toy Museum in the Old Town is a family-oriented educational centre dedicated to the heritage of toys and games. Its sections cover the oldest toys, toys from the 19th and 20th centuries, and contemporary toys. There are also three themed exhibitions: “The Oldest Lithuanian Toys,” “Journey to the Stone Age” and “Memories of the 20th Century.” The different periods provide a clear guide if you’re choosing a museum visit based on an interest in archaeology, history or modern toys.

Green spaces and routes in Vilnius

Vingis Park covers 160 hectares along a bend in the Neris River. It is used for walking, cycling and rollerblading; concerts, events and festivals take place on the central stage. So, alongside historic buildings, Vilnius also offers larger green spaces for a range of leisure interests. Bernardine Garden lies in the heart of the city, between Gediminas Hill, the Vilnia and the Bernardine Monastery. It was formerly known by residents as Sereikiškės Park. Vilnius’s oldest oak tree, around 400 years old, also stands there.

For longer explorations, there is a 100-km trail around Vilnius, suitable for running, walking and discovering lesser-known places. Its length is an important point to consider when planning. When choosing accommodation in Vilnius, you can weigh up your travel group’s interests: winter skiing at Liepkalnis, architecture and museums, or getting active in the parks and on the trails. Each of the attractions mentioned offers a different focus for your stay.

For the broader travel overview: Vilnius District.