Hotels near Kaunas Castle

Built in the mid-14th century to defend against Teutonic Order raids, Kaunas Castle is the oldest stone fortification in Lithuania. What remains today is roughly a third of the original structure - one round tower, a section of wall, and a restored main building that now houses a small museum on the castle's history and medieval life in the region. The castle sits on a grassy mound at the very point where the Neris flows into the Nemunas, a strategic location that made it a constant target during the Northern Crusades.

The museum inside is modest but well-presented, with archaeological finds from the site and scale models showing the castle at its full extent. Admission costs around 3 euros. The real draw, however, is the setting. The surrounding park area offers views across both rivers and toward the Old Town, and in summer the castle grounds host open-air concerts and cultural events. The nearby Santakos Park, at the actual river confluence, is a five-minute walk and provides one of the best photo opportunities in Kaunas.

Pro Tip: Walk down to the confluence point in Santakos Park after visiting the castle. The spot where the two rivers meet is marked and surprisingly peaceful, with a panoramic view back toward the castle and cathedral that few visitors bother to find.