Heads up, eyes to the sky, and get ready to welcome the birds back to Lithuania with our chirping, tweeting, clucking, warbling, cooing, and hooting “Kaunas on Wings”!
We’re saying it’s just in time for spring, but honestly, we reckon this new route – a proper labour of love from our team – will have you rediscovering Kaunas all year round. The clue’s in the name, really: we want you to feel like you’re flying! So, heads up, eyes to the sky, and get ready to welcome the birds back to Lithuania with our chirping, tweeting, clucking, warbling, cooing, and hooting “Kaunas on Wings”!
For Nature Lovers
ibis Styles Kaunas Centre & ibis Kaunas Centre Hotels
Vytauto pr. 25 & 28
A good night’s sleep is crucial, so we’re kicking off our route at these two hotels, named after the ibis bird, handily located right by Kaunas’ bus and train stations. If you fancy a bird’s-eye view of the city, pop up to the 9th floor of ibis Styles Kaunas Centre for a coffee or a drink – it’s got one of the best rooftop terraces in Kaunas.
Lithuanian Zoo
Radvilėnų pl. 21
From sparrows to parrots, from familiar local birds to exotic feathered friends – this place has the highest concentration of birds in Kaunas! As you rock up to the zoo, you’ll be greeted by Juozas Šlivinskas’ sculpture “Griffin”, unveiled in 1998 to celebrate the institution’s 60th anniversary.
Kaunas Tadas Ivanauskas Museum of Zoology
Laisvės al. 106
The exhibitions in one of Lithuania’s oldest museums are like a proper interesting nature lesson that you’ll want to keep coming back to. Just the bird hall alone has over 900 stuffed birds and 600 eggs! You’ll see taxidermy of endangered species like the Bengal griffon, the spectacled penguin, and the little kiwi.
Nightingale Valley (Lakštingalų slėnis)
Palemonas
You can reach this stunningly beautiful natural spot by bike, train, or even on foot. When the Kaunas Reservoir coast wasn’t there yet, Bernardas Bučas built a house for his wife, poet Salomėja Nėris. Today, it houses a branch of the Maironis Lithuanian Literature Museum. In 1965, the tradition of the Poetry Spring festival began in the valley, when an altar was built, and an oak tree was planted.
Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park Visitor Centre
Miškininkų g. 2, Vaišvydava
The reservoir, created more than 50 years ago during the construction of the Kaunas Hydroelectric Power Plant, is a huge body of water, a unique creation of nature and man. Kaunas Reservoir is home to 25 species of rare and endangered birds listed in the Lithuanian Red Book! And that’s not to mention the fish, other animals, and plants. To preserve the thriving nature here, the Kaunas Reservoir Regional Park was established in 1992.
For Observers and Art Lovers
Owls Hill (Pelėdų kalnas)
A. Mackevičiaus g.
Kaunas Art School opened in Žaliakalnis in 1922, and a bit later, sculptor Vincas Grybas created the owls and perched them on the fence, becoming the hill’s godfather, so to speak. Loads of the owls vanished over the last century, but the ones that are left keep an eye on the city from up high.
These legendary sculptures also inspired our newest souvenir – an owl-shaped pin created especially for this route. You can find it at the Tourism Information Centre or in our online store.
Courtyard Gallery (Kiemo galerija)
Ožeškienės g. 21A
More than a decade ago, artist Vytenis Jakas moved into a house in this courtyard and noticed that the neighbours had become distant and forgotten their shared past. He started transferring photos of the Jewish families who used to live there onto the walls and got a lot of support. New objects keep popping up in the courtyard, artists are leaving their mark, neighbourly get-togethers happen here, and tourists are always dropping by. The four-metre-tall drawing of the stork is the work of Tadas Vincaitis-Plūgas. Symbolising longevity and immortality in Eastern cultures, this winged creature reminds visitors to the Courtyard Gallery and those travelling down Savanorių Avenue about the challenges of migration and birth rates.
Street Art: “I’m Home” („Sugrįžau namo“)
Pilies g. 4
At the end of 2018, the ‘city gates’ to the Old Town were adorned with a piece by the legendary graffiti artist Tadas Vincaitis-Plūgas, depicting a girl returning to her nest box like a little bird.
Sculpture Commemorating Chiune Sugihara
S. Daukanto g. 21
This sculpture by Martynas Gaubas is near the Metropolis Hotel, where Chiune Sugihara, after the closure of the Japanese consulate in 1940, stayed and issued transit visas to Jewish refugees. The almost 4-metre-tall sculpture depicts origami cranes spiralling upwards, made of platinum-plated bronze.
Sculpture “With Love pt. 2” („Su meile II“)
Kauko al.
When you’ve climbed up to the picturesque Žaliakalnis, whose soundtrack is largely created by birds, take a breather by the „Kaukita“ café. There you’ll find a couple in love, holding geese. Evaldas Pauza’s bronze sculpture is a dedication to the events of 1934, known as the “Goose Crisis,” when, due to failing goose exports, every Lithuanian was required to buy a certain number of them.
Modernist Birdhouses
Various locations
Kaunas artist Timotiejus Norvila, aka Morfai, forges an emotional connection with the architectural heritage, looking at it differently. Modernist birdhouses are cosy homes for nesting, designed by interpreting the forms of Kaunas’ modernist architecture.
Street Art: “He and She” („Jis ir Ji“)
A. Juozapavičiaus pr. 62
This mural was transferred from a 10 × 10 cm graphic work by artist Gražvyda Andrijauskaitė, who works right here in Šančiai. Two love birds, perched in the heart of the colourful part of Kaunas back in 2016, symbolise friendship and togetherness.
Street Art: “P.S.”
Drobės g. 62, Kaunas
The historic “Drobė” factory in Žemieji Šančiai has undergone a transformation and become a home for young, creative businesses. The transformation also touched the facade of the historic building. “P.S.” (by Žygimantas Amelynas and Tadas Šimkus) is one of the largest street art pieces in Kaunas, covering a whopping 1100 square metres. Take a closer look, and you’ll see why we’ve included it in this route.
“Consilium” Sculpture („Konsiliumas“)
Eivenių g. 6
The raven is a frequent “guest” at sculptor Stasys Žirgulis’ studio. In 2007, three ravens perched near the LSMU library and information centre – they are an allusion to consulting doctors. You’ll find a smaller version of “Consilium” in Kalniečių Park, which houses an open-air gallery of Žirgulis’ works.
“Owls” Sculpture („Pelėdos“)
P. Lukšio g. 40
The sculpture of three owls, symbolising wisdom and learning, has long been the calling card of Vytautas Magnus University “Rasa” Gymnasium. Danutė Danytė’s work was erected here back in 1987. By the way, the school also publishes a student newspaper called “Little Owlet” („Pelėdžiukas“).
Nightingale and Rose Boutique („Lakštingala ir rožė“)
Laisvės al. 27
The name of this boutique, loved by Kaunas’ ladies, and madams, is inspired by Oscar Wilde, and love and beauty reign supreme here. And we can add that the nightingale, the owner of the “voice of nature,” is also a symbol of friendship and creativity.
Kolibris Bookshop
K. Donelaičio g. 41
Must-reads from small publishing houses, the most important translated new releases, valuable Lithuanian authors, and stuff you wouldn’t find in supermarkets – all in a bookshop named Kolibris (Hummingbird) because it’s “small and almost extinct”. That’s what the founder, philosopher Viktoras Bachmetjevas, joked. You’ll find Kolibris in a blue wooden building, which also houses the Vingiu Dubingiu pub and the Emma Social Centre.
Feeding Spots
Pelėdinė Burger Joint
Šv. Gertrūdos g. 22
This burger joint, which took over a former shop, quickly won the hearts of burger fans and specialists. One of the secrets to their success is… charcoal, and there are special offers every day. The name of the place points you to the nearby Owl Hill.
Žaliukė (Greenfinch) Restaurant
Kaunakiemio g. 30
One of the two oldest restaurants in Kaunas, operating since 1966, and definitely the oldest *šašlykinė* (shashlik house). They say there used to be dances here too. And now you know that *žaliukė* (greenfinch) is not only a common finch family bird in Lithuania.
Višta puode (Chicken in a Pot) Tavern
S. Daukanto g. 23
It’s like being at your nan’s in the countryside, only in the very centre of the city, and this nan has seen a fair bit of the world. Authentic, heartfelt dishes that take you back to your childhood with their taste are served in this tavern (there’s also a pub next door, just so you know) with a twist.
Broliai juodvarniai (Black Raven Brothers) Diners
Various locations
We don’t usually include places with colourful reputations in our routes, but Juodvarniai are part of authentic Kaunas folklore, and even if you don’t risk popping in, driving or walking past their network of locations is an interesting anthropological experience.
Uoksas (Hollow) Restaurant
Maironio g. 28
This family-run restaurant, included in the prestigious Michelin guide, is all about local ingredients and seasonality. It is a favourite with Scandinavian tourists (and, no doubt, woodpeckers, owls, rollers, and pigeons – all birds that like to nest in tree hollows), so booking a table in advance is a must.
Kiras (Seagull) Cafe
M. Daukšos g. 27
Heart-warming cocoa, mood-lifting tea, delightful cakes, and other goodies – it’s hard not to come back to Kiras. The little ones will find something new to try here, and the old-fashioned interior keeps inviting you in for a cosy sit-down.
Genys (Woodpecker) Taproom
Laisvės al. 21
The beer brewed at the Genys brewery in Žemieji Šančiai goes straight to the bar with the same sign in the city centre. A strategically brilliant location is the pub’s second good trait. The third is the hip interior. The fourth, fifth? You really should discover those yourself.
Antis rūsy (Duck in the Cellar) Restaurant
Rotušės a. 1
The historic walls of this restaurant have witnessed many a feast, fiesta, and other bacchanalia. And now you’re invited to celebrate your own event here. If you gather a larger group, we strongly recommend ordering the medieval Grand Duchy of Lithuania tasting menu…
Papūgų baras (Parrot Bar)
Ateities pl. 61
For cyclists or long-distance walkers heading to or from Nightingale Valley, this hearty lunch stop will come in handy. Mind you, it’s only open on weekdays and only from 9 am to 3 pm!
For Orienteering Enthusiasts
Kaunas’ map is dotted with streets and alleys named after birds – have you visited them all? Here’s the list in alphabetical order:
Gervių g. (Crane St.)
Varnių g. (Crow St.)
Paukščių g. (Bird St.)
Balandžių g. (Pigeon St.)
Lakštingalų al. (Nightingale Alley)
Čiurlių g. (Swift St.)
Kurtinių g. (Capercaillie St.)
Kuosų g. (Jackdaw St.)
Genių g. (Woodpecker St.)
Volungių g. (Oriole St.)
Sakalų g. (Falcon St.)
Gegučių g. (Cuckoo St.)
Žuvėdrų g. (Tern St.)
Tetervinų g. (Grouse St.)
Žvirblių g. g. (Sparrow St.)
For Souvenirs
Unique, super durable, and stylish Gėda pelėda (Shame on you, Owl!) handbags are born in the studio of Kaunas resident Kristina Arlinskė. Honestly, this brand’s products are so long-lasting that you won’t wear them out – but you’ll still need a new one! Order online or arrange a visit to the studio in Kaunas Old Town.
Ornitostogos
“Ornitostogos” are nature observation tours with professional guides. These tours combine nature education, stories about the animal world, and the joy of being in the wild into one unforgettable experience. We recommend trying the Nature near Kaunas tour.
Winter
Although we’re publishing this route while basking in the spring sunshine, it’s important to remember that in winter, Kaunas has one of the largest gatherings of waterfowl. Because of the hydroelectric power plant’s operation, the Nemunas River below it doesn’t freeze. So, when you go for a walk along the river, you’ll see or hear swans, ducks, cormorants, mergansers, gulls, and even white-tailed eagles. You can also join the Ornitostogos crew!
Ready to take flight? The full “Kaunas on Wings” route is waiting for you here.
