Vilnius, Lithuania – The latest Gallup global well-being report reveals that 39% of adults are feeling significantly worried and 37% are experiencing stress, marking the highest levels in a decade. Additionally, a recent survey indicates that 70% of online time leaves young people feeling more disconnected and lonely than truly connected. Consequently, quietcations—trips centered on digital detoxing, relaxation, and reconnecting with the physical world—are among the most popular travel experiences expected in 2026.
Vilnius in Winter photo by Gabriel Khiterer
Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital, with its forests, saunas, and relaxed vibe, provides an authentic and accessible European destination for slow travel this winter.
Quietcations meet the need for tranquility and calm
Travel experts forecast that quiet travel will be the main trend in 2026. As burnout and digital overload become everyday issues, more travelers are seeking trips that truly offer a break from their hectic lives. Despite growing up with smartphones, Gen Z is at the forefront of this change: 63% now make a conscious effort to disconnect, the highest among all generations.
This has led to a rise in “Relaxing winter experiences in Vilnius range from hiking and forest bathing to skiing and saunas. And all delivered with Vilnius’ characteristic authenticity – we were recently named one of Europe’s most authentic cities. Lithuania is officially home to the happiest young people in the world, so Vilnius has a positive and laid back atmosphere that visitors can quickly tap into,” says Egl? Girdzijauskait?, Head of Communication at Go Vilnius.
Multiple options for an ultra-personalized itinerary
A key aspect of the quietcation trend is ultra-personalization, where travelers design custom itineraries tailored to their preferences. Vilnius offers a variety of easily accessible winter activities to help craft the ideal personalized experience.
1. Inner-city skiing, snowboarding, and skating.
Winter sports provide an excellent way to step away from screens and relax outdoors. Vilnius stands out as one of the rare capital cities with ski slopes just a 10-minute drive from the Old Town. Although they can’t compete with the Alps, the 2.6 km slopes at Liepkalnis present a convenient and enjoyable spot for skiing and snowboarding, with night skiing available.
The area features 1 black, 3 red, 4 blue, and 1 green run—now equipped with a belt lift—and a ski park with obstacles for tricks, catering to all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Old Town and the snow-covered forests around the city, while the Apres Ski bar offers pizzas and drinks.
Vingis Park, nearer to the city center, features a cross-country skiing trail. Tobogganing is also popular, with several excellent hills around the city’s outskirts. If ice skating is your preferred winter activity, you can visit a lakeside rink in Trakai, just a 34-minute train ride from Vilnius city center. The rink offers stunning views of Trakai’s 14th-century island castle.
2. A wonderland for outdoor winter wellness.
Surrounded by pristine forests and lakes, Vilnius is one of Europe’s greenest capitals. So, finding peaceful spots in nature is easy. One popular option is forest therapy, where guides lead slow, mindful walks and sensory exercises to connect with the forest and reduce stress. Alternatively, self-organized hikes are a great way to take advantage of the over 100km of hiking trails around the city.
Popular routes feature the Puckori? trail through Pavilniai Regional Park, forested paths in Verkiai Regional Park, and the glacier-shaped Ribišk?s hills, all offering hilly terrain, river vistas, and convenient access to the city center.
For those seeking a more thrilling experience that remains closely tied to nature, Nuotyki? Akademija offers husky rides through the forest, situated in the countryside 45 minutes from Vilnius. Adventure enthusiasts can also take an ice dip in the Vilnel? river, with the local cold plunge group Vilnel?s Pankai gathering daily at spots like P??kori? Atodanga.
3. Letting off steam in the sauna.
Saunas (pirtys) are a traditional Lithuanian way to relax and rejuvenate. A typical Lithuanian sauna session involves a full ritual: herbal infusions scent the steam, honey and salt are used for skin care, and sauna masters perform full-body massages using vantos—bundles of leafy birch, oak, or juniper branches known for their healing properties. These sessions can be customized for groups, including women’s or men’s retreats.
Vilnius offers a variety of saunas, from rustic to upscale. Ivanas Muša Gong? is a boutique urban sauna located in the city center and inside the former Lukišk?s Prison. For a more traditional experience, the bathhouses near the historic Pilait? Mill, on the outskirts, offer authentic rituals within a short drive of the city center. Private sauna sessions begin at about €25 per person, making it an affordable way to enjoy Lithuania’s ancient wellness traditions.
4. Losing yourself in handicrafts, films, and books
Throughout the winter season, Vilnius puts on events that go hand in hand with slow travel. Kaziuko Mug? – 6-8 March, 2026 – is an annual fair of Lithuanian craftsmanship and traditions that takes over the streets of the Old Town for a weekend.
Visitors can sample honey cakes and freshly baked rye bread while browsing woven linen textiles, amber jewelry, and the fair’s signature item: verbos – colorful dried flower arrangements.
For cinephiles, the International Film Festival Kino Pavasaris, held from 9 to 22 March, is among the region’s largest festivals, featuring over 150 films. Literature and music fans can visit the Vilniaus Knyg? Mug? (Vilnius Book Fair) from 26 February to 1 March, which includes author talks, a youth zone, and a music hall with concerts and meet-and-greets.
5. Savouring soul food.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of any quietcation is savoring local culinary treats. Lithuania’s traditional winter dishes, like cepelinai, kugelis, dumplings, and žemai?i? blynai (Samogitian pancakes), are comforting foods that are sure to satisfy and warm your soul.
Vilnius offers slow-paced fine dining, featuring 28 Michelin-starred restaurants, including 4 with a star. For instance, Nineteen18 is a contemporary farm-to-table eatery known for seasonal tasting menus, while Džiaugsmas provides elegant dishes in a relaxed setting, emphasizing pure flavors and simplicity.
Vilnius has recently experienced a surge in upscale bakeries specializing in indulgent treats. Augustas ir Barbora features champagne and desserts in an Instagram-worthy setting, while Druska Miltai Vanduo is a favorite among locals for brunches and sweet options.
6. A pause for inspiration.
Vilnius’ quiet galleries and museums, all compact, offer a perfect opportunity to spend a few hours reflecting. The MO Museum stands as Vilnius’ premier venue for modern and contemporary art, showcasing seasonal exhibitions, a sculpture garden, a bistro, and a reading area.
It also hosts special mindfulness sessions when the museum is closed to the public, offering a serene setting to experience the artworks. Sapieha Palace, once home to the Lithuanian noble family, is another tranquil and inspiring place to visit.
Getting to Vilnius in winter 2026
Vilnius is easily reachable via direct flights from Frankfurt, Copenhagen, Helsinki, and other major European cities. It also makes an ideal base for exploring the region, with convenient transport connections to Riga, Tallinn, and Poland.
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