In fact, the autumn season transforms Vilnius into a painter's palette, offering a captivating blend of colors. Historical buildings and green spaces are embellished with the fiery shades of autumn leaves, creating a picturesque scenery for cozy walks around the city.
Here, we present the selection of locations to experience Vilnius in autumn colors.
Bernardine Garden — a historical garden where pagan rituals once took place. Located at the base of Gediminas Tower and by the Vilnelė River, this urban park that took shape in the 15th century used to be a sacred oak tree forest in pagan times. The last country in Europe to adopt Christianity, Lithuania is still close to its pagan roots, and the park features the city’s oldest oak tree, which is 450 years old. The Bernardine monks, who took over in XV century, created a landscaped garden, where they grew flowers, medicinal plants, and vegetables. The monks also built St. Anne’s Church — a Gothic architectural jewel.
Located in the historical city center, today Bernardine Garden is a perfect place to admire the fall foliage from different vantage points.
Paupys — the Venice of Vilnius 200 years ago. A hidden gem, nestled on the right bank of the Vilnelė River, and adjacent to the Old Town, Paupys is renowned for its beautifully restored formally-industrial architecture. Up until the Soviet occupation, Paupys was primarily an industrial center, featuring mills and factories. The industrialization was cut short by the occupation, and recently Paupys has been revived as one of the most attractive new Vilnius districts, a residential and business area featuring innovative modern architecture buildings, Paupys Market, restaurants, and bars, located alongside the Vilnelė banks and surrounded by nature.
Cathedral and the Grand Duke's Palace Square — royal history in a modern context. Vilnius Cathedral, stands as Lithuania's primary Catholic church, built in 1251 during King Mindaugas' baptism. According to historical facts, a pagan temple once stood in its place. The adjacent Palace of the Grand Dukes, after being demolished in the 19th century by the Tsarist regime, was meticulously reconstructed in 2013, and now provides visitors with a unique historical experience. The Palace exhibition welcomes guests to explore the chronological progression of the castle's interior, its architectural narrative, and the daily life of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. The Cathedral and Palace Square are a vibrant testament to Vilnius' history, particularly inviting during the autumn season when some of the big city events take place, such as Kaziukas (St. Casimir) Fair.
Neris Riverbank — peaceful escape from the urban hustle and bustle. In the heart of Vilnius city, Neris Riverbank creates a perfect fusion of nature's beauty and urban charm, offering an opportunity to explore a significant part of the city center, whether one prefers walking, scooting, skating, or biking.
Taking the route along the Neris River, covering a distance of 7,082 steps, offers a fresh viewpoint to appreciate the Vilnius Old Town. Riverbank invites to explore an expansive exhibition of urban art, relax at a riverside coffee shop, or exchange greetings with people on kayaks and boats gliding past. Exploring beneath the Riverbank bridge offers an encounter with modern sculptures beneath each structure.
Three Crosses Hill — the old town's ultimate panoramic view. The crosses stand on the top of a crooked hill, approximately 64-65 meters high from the base and 75-76 meters above sea level — atop the scenic city of Vilnius. This memorial offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the Old Town, which can be reached by just under an hour's hike. Original Three Crosses monument, built in 1916 and demolished by the Soviets in 1950, was rebuilt in 1988, immediately after gaining the independence.
The memorial of Three Crosses is now serving as both a historical monument and a symbol of resilience, and autumn is a great time to embark on the scenic hike to the famous Hill. The trail, bordered by trees, offers a pleasant urban forest experience in Vilnius and invites visitors to enjoy the changing foliage and the crisp, cool atmosphere, complete with the views of the Neris River, Cathedral Square, and the Old Town streets from atop.
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