If you are a fan of fresh air, nature, green spaces and super-healthy and sustainable food but still want access to all the benefits a city offers, there are few better places to head to than Vilnius, which has been voted the European Green Capital for 2025.
According to a study by The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), 75% of travellers prioritise environmentally responsible trips in 2025. With that in mind, it’s apt that we spotlight Vilnius, the European Green Capital for 2025.
Vilnius, known for its preserved natural beauty, has rapidly made its way up the list of must-visit places with eco-conscious travellers. The Lithuanian capital is a great place to explore a slower pace of life, enjoy organic, locally sourced meals and eco-friendly transport, and experience a high quality of life that serves both Vilnius’ residents and visitors.
“Achieving the title of European Green Capital is not just an honour for Vilnius but a commitment to the future,” said Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas. “The city has evolved into an oasis of green spaces, clean air, and thriving biodiversity. With innovative solutions like electric vehicle charging via streetlight poles and empowering residents with open data access, Vilnius is setting an example for a greener, smarter, and more inclusive future.”
Sustainable Travel Made Simple
Transportation makes up for about 70% of carbon emissions during holidays, but Vilnius offers eco-friendly options for visitors looking to reduce their impact. Travelers from nearby cities like Krakow, Warsaw, Riga, and Tallinn can easily reach Vilnius by train. International train travel has been growing in popularity, with new connections reopening every year, like the links from Vilnius to Warsaw and Riga and, more recently, a connection from Vilnius to Tallinn.
Photograph by Monika-Krilaviciene.
Once in Vilnius, navigating the city is easy with the public transport. The city has renewed its public transport fleet with almost 300 new, more efficient, friendlier-to-the-nature, sustainable buses and trolleybuses. A free travel app, Trafi, informs travellers about real-time public transport arrival times and traffic conditions.
Cycling is a convenient option, with more than 140 kilometres of bike paths and bike-sharing services like Cyclocity for more leisurely city exploration.
A couple walking in the city. Photograph by Monika Krilaviciene.
Over 100 kilometres of Walking Trails
Vilnius is known for its walkability. The city has developed a unified network of 100 km of walking trails, with 24 leisure walks and 16 everyday routes. The Lithuanian Runners’ Community inspired an integral part of the 100 km route and is perfect for trail runners. Its largely off-road paths provide softer ground, making it easier on the joints.
As Young As Vilnius photograph by Domantas Kancleris.
Outdoor Adventures in the City Centre
Over 61% of Vilnius’s territory is green space, much of which is within easy reach of the city centre. These parks often resemble forests and are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Visitors can try various activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Neris River to exploring or relaxing and bathing at nearby lakes like Žalieji ežerai and Balžio Lake.
As Young As Vilnius Drone photograph by Domantas Kancleris.
During the summer, the city’s parks also serve as vibrant venues for concerts and festivals, such as As Young as Vilnius Festival, which attracts up to 70,000 festival-goers, or the National Song Festival, which brings together 37,000 musicians and around 70,000 spectators.
Menus with Forest-foraged Ingredients
Vilnius has plenty of cafes and restaurants that serve fresh, seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients.
The city’s four Michelin-awarded restaurants highlight the region’s dedication to sustainable farming, like the restaurant Pas mus, where chef-owner Vita regularly raids her mum’s garden for produce and forages mushrooms and berries from the Lithuanian forests.
Senatorių pasažas is an old palace that was converted and opened to the public. The building houses two restaurants—Nineteen18 and 14 Horses—operated by the farm-to-table approach.
For those who prefer a more casual experience, local farmers’ markets at Halės turgus or Kalvarijų turgus offer fresh produce to suit every dietary need.
Camping in the Heart of the City
Many Vilnius hotels and hostels are choosing eco-conscious approaches, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction, locally sourced materials and ingredients, and green cleaning options. For example, Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel recently got its Green Key for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation.
Downtown Forest Hostel and Camping offers a central location in the city’s heart for those travelling with a camper.
Authentic Ways to Experience Life Like a Local
At the beginning of March, Vilnius hosts the centuries-old Kaziuko Mugė. This artisanal fair celebrates traditional Lithuanian arts and crafts, from woven tapestries and handmade tablecloths to wood-carved spoons and small furniture.
The beginning of the summer season in Vilnius is marked by a splashy Pink Soup Festival, which celebrates the country’s famous cold beetroot soup, which is made from local ingredients.
These eco-conscious travel options offer a great way to explore Vilnius and immerse oneself in the city’s life. Visitors can participate in the Meet a Local program, which pairs travellers with residents, providing a more profound, more authentic experience of the city while exploring its streets, scenic trails, and local flavours in an eco-friendly way.
Spring in Sakura Park. Photograph by Gabriel Khiterer.
You must be logged in to post a comment.