Sustainability in Vilnius

Lose yourself in the enchanted greenery of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, whose landscape was sculpted by shifting, melting glaciers, flowing rivers, and streams. Vilnius was awarded the title of the European Green Capital 2025 and was founded on seven luscious hills more than 700 years ago. Today, you can still walk in parks established by medieval monks, embrace a 400-year-old oak tree right in the Old Town, hike in the ancient groves, and enjoy an unexpected meeting with a roe deer.

What makes Vilnius a sustainable place?

When in Vilnius, sustainability isn’t merely an aspiration.

Many sustainable choices can be made intuitively because sustainability is becoming a larger part of life in the city. From large-scale things like carbon footprint to a simple cup of coffee, Vilnius is striving to make it easy for you to be more environmentally friendly.

Get around Vilnius without leaving a carbon footprint.

You can cover the city’s main attractions with just 1,969 steps! Vilnius’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most walkable cities, rich with history, astonishing Baroque architecture, green parks, and artistic spaces. If you enjoy hiking you can even walk a 100km trail around Vilnius. If walking isn’t your thing, hop on one of the city’s bike-sharing bikes and feel the wind in your hair on the 150km of routes.

Discover the local menu.

Farmers markets are filled with fresh produce that becomes miracles in the hands of professional chefs. Vilnius’ restaurants are famous for their seasonal cuisine and slow food concept. Whatever your food choices – omnivores, vegans and vegetarians can discover the scrumptious flavours of Vilnius. If you want to drink coffee while wandering the streets of Vilnius, bring your thermo cup and local cafes will be happy to make you coffee to go. Or simply refill your water bottle at one of the free water fountains scattered around Vilnius.

Renewable energy is becoming a hit.

Vilnius doesn’t believe in the future of fossil fuels, so the city has committed to incorporating renewable energy into many public services. The public transport system, already a more sustainable choice, has announced plans to buy 16 hydrogen-powered buses and to produce the hydrogen needed locally. This new fleet will replace older, diesel-powered counterparts. Even flying from Vilnius will become more sustainable soon, with the new departures terminal set to be equipped with a 5,000 sq.m solar power plant module.