Understanding a bit of Kaunas practical information can help you better enjoy your trip around Kaunus, the second largest city in Lithuania.

Climate and When to Visit

Most of the festivals and tourist draws here are held in the spring and summer months. Plan your wardrobe accordingly for the time of year you visit. The winter months are quite cold and snowy with average temperatures in the 20's (Fahrenheit). The summer is more mild with temperatures ranging between 50 and 70 degrees.

Getting Here and Transportation

Ryanair, the largest and lowest cost airline in Europe, services Kaunas. This is the preferred method of entry into the country, although you can also get there by road, train, bus, or boat. Bus companies with service to Kaunas include Kautra, Ecolines, and Toks. Tickets to Kautra may be purchased in advance on their website. Once in the city, you should familiarize yourself with the extensive public transportation system within Kaunas. You will find 16 trolleybus routes and 47 bus routes. Check the Kaunas Public Transport website before your visit to familiarize yourself with routes and pricing.

Tourism Information

The city strives to be incredibly tourist friendly and offers features such as free Internet hot spots all over the city. You can find information on local festivals, lodging, dining, attractions and more at one of the four tourist information centers across the city. The centers were established in 1999 and currently operate four different locations: the Kaunas Airport, Kaunas Train Station, Kaunas Bus Station, and Reval Hotel Neris.

Currency and Language

The official currency here is the Lithuanian Lita. Much weaker than the American Dollar, one Lita generally exchanges for about 35 cents USD.

The language spoken here is Lithuanian. This is a Baltic language and is a form of Latvian. You can also hear some Russian and a small community of Polish speakers here.

Security and Safety

Though suffering from a downturn in economy and tourism, Lithuania is regarded as a relatively safe place to travel. Despite this, Americans wishing to travel to Lithuania are encouraged to register with the Embassy. You can register online with the US Embassy or at any local Embassy office or consulate near you. Registration is very important, as it allows the government to assist you in case of any emergency during your travels.

You should also plan on carrying proof of your medical insurance with you. It is required for treatment should you need medical attention while in the country.