Kaunas offers it all in one package – here you can lose yourself in the bustle of a big city or enjoy nature in solitude, let loose with abandon, and passionately pursue wellness.
The word “holiday” is as spacious as a suitcase – it can fit everything from parties until dawn and long morning rituals, to discoveries in art, culture, and gastronomy, as well as pampering for the body and soul. Kaunas offers it all in one package – here you can lose yourself in the bustle of a big city or enjoy nature in solitude, let loose with abandon, and passionately pursue wellness. This story, which could very well become a guided tour, is dedicated to these latter pleasures. We hope it will inspire you to appreciate the gifts Kaunas has to offer with new eyes and an open heart!
Where Doctors are Made
The Lithuanian University of Health Sciences (LSMU) in Kaunas is the largest institution for training health specialists in the country. This city educates doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, and specialists in rehabilitation, public health, veterinary medicine, animal sciences, food sciences, and other healthcare fields. With a fifth of its students being international, the university certainly adds to the city’s metropolitan buzz. We hope you’re feeling great at the moment and that you’d only want to visit the magnificent, modern Kaunas Clinics ensemble, reminiscent of the interwar period and with a network of tunnels beneath it, out of sheer tourist curiosity.
A Century of Pharmaceutical Traditions
On July 8th, “Viltis” (Hope), the oldest currently operating pharmacy in Kaunas celebrates its 100th anniversary! While it now operates in a post-war apartment building on Laisvės Alėja, near the Central Post Office, its history dates back to 1925. It was founded by pharmacist Petras Staugaitis, the brother of the then-Speaker of the Parliament, Jonas Staugaitis. It is said that the pharmacy moved three times to various premises on Laisvės Alėja before settling into its current location in 1958. In its former pharmaceutical laboratory, a tea house now operates, offering vegetarian dishes.
Inside the pharmacy itself, one can admire the postmodern interior created by Jonas Maciulevičius in 1984, featuring icicle-like ceilings and cabinets with ornate bas-reliefs. The interior’s centrepiece is a fresco by artist Antanas Kmieliauskas, depicting the goddess of Hope, who offers people strength, confidence, and comfort, alongside plants, a snake, and a chalice. Incidentally, A. Kmieliauskas is known as the Lithuanian Michelangelo – he is the author of the famous frescoes created for the 400th anniversary of Vilnius University in its bookshop and later in the Rector’s Hall.
But the pharmaceutical history of Kaunas certainly doesn’t end with “Viltis”. In a couple of years, the “Panerių” pharmacy, located at the intersection of Jurbarko and Panerių streets in Vilijampolė, will celebrate its 90th anniversary. Its interior, admittedly from a later period, is adorned with countless flowers. It’s well worth a visit, as is the “Ąžuolyno” pharmacy in Žaliakalnis, on the interwar-era Tulpių Street, which dates back to 1931. In this pharmacy, they will even compound medicine for you, and while you wait, you can admire the historical photographs and interior.
Unique Museums
The Museum of the History of Lithuanian Medicine and Pharmacy, part of the university, is located in a historic building in the heart of the city, on Town Hall Square. It exhibits the personal belongings of Lithuanian medics and pharmacists, medical devices, documents, and even authentic hospital and pharmacy equipment.
The LSMU central building on A. Mickevičiaus Street houses an anatomy museum, a visit to which must be planned in advance – but the effort is certainly worth the impression. And let’s not forget the LSMU Veterinary Academy Museum in Vilijampolė.
A Splash in the Water
“Beaches aren’t just by the sea!” shout Kaunas residents in chorus, who have grown fond of the picturesque Kaunas Lagoon, the Lampėdis lake, which rivals Palanga’s fashions; and the pine-caressed bank of the Nemunas river in Panemunė. Golden sand, lush nature, good company – what more could one need?
Perhaps only the knowledge that even if a rainy period hits, your swimsuit won’t be left idle. “Aušra SPA”, the “Žalgirio” arena pool, and “Girstutis swimming pool” offer a chance to indulge in a sauna, a hot tub, or a swimming pool whatever the weather. All year round, of course.
Less Plastic, More Health
Drinking enough water throughout the day is a simple, economical, and effective way to protect yourself from a multitude of health problems, even from simple fatigue! “Kauno vandenys”, a company with a history dating back to the interwar period, ensures the smooth operation of not only the city’s eye-catching summer fountains but also its drinking water fountains.
Feel free to fill up your reusable bottles in Studentų Square, Draugystės, Kalniečių and Santakos parks, Lampėdžiai beach, near Kaunas Castle, the Trijų Mergelių Bridge, Dainų Valley, Griunvaldo Street and A. Smetonos Avenue. And when the thermometer rises, the mist stands in the city center come in handy.
Honey for the Soul
Health is not just about the body, but also about the soul. Kaunas residents believe you don’t have to travel to India to find inner peace, but they do enjoy the Indian tradition of yoga. Kaunas is certainly home to many yoga and meditation studios that offer a chance to unwind after a day’s work. Or perhaps it’s enough to just sit on a bench in the Old Town on an early morning, or take a walk through the Pažaislis Monastery ensemble? Its walls hold centuries of tranquillity. By the way, did you know that the sound of “Om” blends perfectly with the chiming of the carillon bells of the Vytautas the Great War Museum?
Open-Air Sports
Kaunas has gyms that are open 24/7, but the biggest one of all is the city itself! Ąžuolynas (Oak Grove Park), Santakos Park, and the banks of the Neris and Nemunas rivers are excellent tracks for a slow walk, a run, or a bike ride. Here you can not only strengthen your muscles but also enjoy the views and fresh air. It’s a therapy that no doctor will prescribe. The most important things are comfortable shoes and the determination to beat yesterday’s records.
For those looking for company, a coach, or just a stricter schedule, there’s the Judėk sveikai (Move Healthy) free workout program, run by the Kaunas City Municipality for several years now. Thousands of Kaunas residents are delighted with these sessions, which bring together enthusiasts, amateurs, and professionals from various sports. During the summer, free workouts take place outdoors.
Health Tourism
Medical tourism is a growing trend not only in Kaunas but throughout Lithuania. It’s no secret that people come to Kaunas for high-quality services provided by specialists who graduated from LSMU. The city centre is full of modern dental, beauty, and aesthetic clinics, many of which are located in historic buildings. So, you can certainly combine business with pleasure – improve your health, enhance your beauty, and admire the city at the same time. Long live the holistic approach!
