Lithuania’s second city and interwar capital preserves one of the largest collections of Art Deco and Bauhaus architecture in Central Europe, alongside a moving history museum.
Why Visit Kaunas
Kaunas served as Lithuania’s temporary capital during the interwar period when Vilnius was under Polish control, prompting a building boom that left the city with an exceptional concentration of Art Deco, Bauhaus, and Constructivist architecture. The Ninth Fort, a former prison and site of mass executions during the Nazi occupation, now serves as a somber museum documenting one of the darkest chapters of Lithuanian history. Kaunas’s compact old town, centered on its town hall square known as the White Swan, retains a more relaxed pace than Vilnius.
Top Experiences
- Kaunas Modernist Architecture: One of Central Europe’s largest collections of interwar Art Deco and Bauhaus buildings.
- Ninth Fort Museum: A former prison and execution site, now a museum documenting Nazi and Soviet era history.
- Kaunas Old Town: A compact historic center anchored by the town hall square, known as the White Swan.
- Kaunas Castle: The oldest brick fortification in Lithuania, sitting at the confluence of two rivers.
Book these experiences and more through guided tours from Kaunas.
Tour from Kaunas to Riga via The Hill of Crosses, Rundale, Bauska
Private Kaunas Tour Rumsiskes Museum and Pazaislis Monastery
Best of Kaunas: A Modernism and Medieval History Self Guided tour
Practical Tips
- Kaunas’s modernist architecture is spread throughout the newer town, a self guided walking tour helps cover the highlights.
- The Ninth Fort’s history is heavy, allow time to process the exhibits and consider a guided tour for context.
- Kaunas is about an hour from Vilnius by train, making it feasible as a day trip or worthwhile overnight stay.
FAQ
Why does Kaunas have so much interwar architecture?
As Lithuania’s temporary capital between the World Wars, Kaunas experienced rapid growth and modernization, resulting in an unusually large collection of Art Deco and Bauhaus buildings for a city its size.
What is the Ninth Fort?
It is a former military fort turned prison and execution site during the Nazi occupation, now a museum documenting this difficult period of Lithuanian history.
Is Kaunas worth visiting alongside Vilnius?
Yes, its distinct architectural character and significant historical sites make it a worthwhile addition to a Lithuania itinerary, easily reached by train from the capital.
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