Lithuania is fast becoming one of Europe’s most unique wellness retreats—offering a powerful blend of natural healing, time-honoured traditions, and modern spa innovation. From mineral springs and therapeutic mud to bee-based therapies and herbal medicine, the country’s diverse offerings are drawing global attention. This rising profile was recently underscored by Lithuania being named the World’s Best Health Tourism Destination at ITB Berlin 2025.
Combining a rich historical legacy with forward-thinking approaches, Lithuania’s health tourism sector has emerged as a beacon of quality and innovation. Druskininkai, a renowned health resort since 1794, and Birštonas, with its 19th-century mineral water treatment complex, have long been favoured wellness destinations.
“For years, Lithuania has been one of Europe’s health tourism leaders. The ITB Health Tourism Award 2025 once again confirms that our country not only competes successfully with Europe’s most famous resorts and rehabilitation centres but is also becoming one of the world’s leading innovators in the health segment,” says Olga Gončarova, General Manager at Lithuania Travel, Lithuania’s national tourism promotion agency.
Palanga’s mineral water springs and Anykščiai’s therapeutic mud further solidify Lithuania’s reputation as a premier wellness destination.
In addition, Lithuania has long-standing traditions in herbal medicine, specialising in bee-based products (bees are considered sacred and special in Lithuanian mythology) and saunas, which have been historically associated with bodily cleansing, immune system strengthening, and spiritual purification.
Most Lithuanian sanatoriums and hotels offering wellness services now hold the prestigious “EuropeSpa med” certificate, established in 2006 by the European Spa Association (ESPA). This certification ensures quality, transparency, and sustainability in the health tourism sector.
Gončarova adds that this award is both an honour and a strategic opportunity. “It can attract even more foreign tourists seeking high-quality wellness services, open new doors for international expansion, and encourage further investments.”
The award comes on the heels of multiple international recognitions. In 2024, Forbes highlighted Lithuania’s exceptional health tourism sector and Lonely Planet named the country the second-best global travel destination for 2025.
Lithuania also hosted the prestigious ESPA Congress, where local wellness institutions won several ESPA Innovation Awards. In addition, the Michelin Guide awarded four Lithuanian restaurants with stars, one with a Green Michelin Star, and four others with a “Bib Gourmand”.
The country’s capital, Vilnius, was also named “European Christmas Capital 2025” and “European Green Capital 2025.”
The ITB Health Tourism Award, presented during the ITB Medical Night on 5th March 2025, recognises Lithuania’s exceptional achievements in sustainable development, international cooperation, and innovative healthcare services. This is the first time the award has been presented by an international jury of experts at ITB Berlin.
The full details of Lithuania’s groundbreaking achievements can be explored at www.lithuaniatravel.lt.
Photography by Simas Bernotas courtesy of Lithuania Travel.
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