Kedainiai Old Town

The basics

Fringing the Nevėžis River, Kedainiai made its name as an important medieval market town. Through the centuries, people of assorted religious faiths settled here, giving it a distinct cultural, religious, and architectural heritage. Today, the Old Town reflects this rich and cosmopolitan mix, with cobbled lanes revealing four squares of pastel-hued townhouses, civic buildings, churches, and synagogues.

Kedainiai’s Old Town’s charm and location within easy day-trip distance of Vilnius and Kaunas make it a popular (but still slightly off-the-radar) tourist destination. Stroll the alleyways to absorb their history, admire the 17th-century merchants’ houses on the Great Market Square, and see the two synagogues—built by the town’s Jewish community in the 18th and 19th centuries—on Old Market Square. Other must-dos include exploring the Kedainiai Regional Museum and hitting the town’s cozy cafés, bakeries, and eateries.

Things to know before you go

• Kedainiai’s Old Town will delight history buffs, photographers, and foodies.

• The compact Old Town is walkable, but comfy shoes will ease navigating the cobblestones.

• While the Old Town’s sights are mostly wheelchair-friendly, some, such as the churches, offer limited access.

How to get there

Kedainiai is approximately 31 miles (50 kilometers) north of Kaunas and 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Vilnius; it is easy to visit on a road trip from either city. From Vilnius, the best route is north via the A2 before taking the 145 westward. Alternatively, fairly regular trains and public buses will transport you from Vilnius to Kedainiai, although both involve a transfer in Kaunas. From Kedainiai’s railway station, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the Great Market Square.

When to get there

Visit the Old Town in summer when the long days and balmy temperatures make exploring easy. Spring and fall are also pleasant, and although winters are freezing, the regular snowfalls can make the historic district look magical. For extra fun, visit during Kedainiai’s annual Cucumber Festival. This July jamboree celebrates the region’s cucumber industry with markets offering local cucumber dishes like cucumber desserts and cocktails.

Treat your tastebuds in Kedainiai Old Town

Once home to large Jewish and Scottish communities, Kedainiai’s multicultural heritage has shaped its culinary repertoire. Savor some hearty Scottish haggis at Grejaus Namas restaurant on Didzioji Street—its walls are adorned with bagpipes—and try classic Jewish dishes at nearby Hotel Smilga’s on-site restaurant. Whatever you do, don’t miss Kedainiai’s beloved cucumber creations: Grejaus Namas serves up some swanky cucumber desserts.