Vilnius: European Green Capital 2025 – A Sustainable Travel Destination

Vilnius, named European Green Capital 2025, invites travellers to explore its authentic culture, green initiatives, sustainable dining, and memorable nature adventures.

January 22, 2025. According to a study by The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) 75% of travelers want to prioritize environmentally responsible trips in 2025. Vilnius, known for its preserved natural beauty, has been named the European Green Capital for 2025, making it the top spot for eco-conscious travellers. Vilnius offers an opportunity to explore the city with minimal impact while enjoying a slower pace of life with organic, locally sourced meals, eco-friendly transport, and a high quality of life that serves both Vilnius’ residents and visitors.

“Achieving the title of European Green Capital is not just an honor for Vilnius but a commitment to the future,” said Vilnius Mayor Valdas Benkunskas. “The city has evolved into an oasis of green spaces, clean air, and thriving biodiversity. With innovative solutions like electric vehicle charging via streetlight poles and empowering residents with open data access, Vilnius is setting an example for a greener, smarter, and more inclusive future.”

Sustainable travel made simple
Transportation makes up for about 70% of carbon emissions during holidays, but Vilnius offers eco-friendly options for visitors looking to reduce their impact. Travelers from nearby cities like Krakow, Warsaw, Riga, and Tallinn can easily reach Vilnius by train. International train travel has been growing in popularity, with new connections reopening every year, like the links from Vilnius to Warsaw and Riga, and more recently, a connection from Vilnius to Tallinn.

Once in Vilnius, navigating the city is easy with the public transport. The city has renewed its public transport fleet with almost 300 new, more efficient, friendlier-to-the-nature, sustainable buses and trolleybuses. A free travel app, Trafi, informs travellers about real-time public transport arrival times and traffic conditions. 

Cycling is a convenient option, with more than 140 kilometers of bike paths and bike-sharing services like Cyclocity for easier city exploration. 

Over 100 kilometres of Vilnius walking trails
Vilnius is known for its walkability. The city has developed a unified network of 100 km of walking trails, with 24 leisure walks and 16 everyday routes. An integral part of the 100 km route was inspired by the Lithuanian Runners’ Community and is perfect for trail runners. Its largely off-road paths provide softer ground, making it easier on the joints.

Outdoor adventures in the city center
Over 61% of Vilnius’ territory is made up of green spaces, many of which are located near the city center. These parks often resemble forests and are the perfect place for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can try out a range of activities, from kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding on the Neris River to exploring or relaxing and bathing at nearby lakes like Žalieji ežerai and Balžio Lake. During the summer months, the city's parks also serve as vibrant venues for concerts and festivals, such as As Young as Vilnius Festival, which attracts up to 70,000 festival-goers, or the National Song Festival, which brings together 37,000 musicians and around 70,000 spectators.

Menus include forest-foraged ingredients 
Vilnius has plenty of cafes and restaurants that serve fresh, seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. The city’s four Michelin star awarded restaurants highlight the region’s dedication to sustainable farming, like the restaurant Pas mus, where chef-owner Vita regularly raids her mum’s garden for produce, as well as going foraging mushrooms and berries from the Lithuanian forests. Senatorių pasažas is an old palace, that was converted and opened public. The building houses two restaurants – Nineteen18 and 14 Horses – that operate by the farm-to-table approach.

For those who prefer a more casual experience, local farmers’ markets at Halės turgus or Kalvarijų turgus offer fresh produce to suit every dietary need. 

Camping in the heart of the city
Many Vilnius’ hotels and hostels are choosing eco-conscious approach, like energy efficiency and waste reduction, to locally sourced materials and ingredients, and green cleaning options. For example, Radisson Collection Astorija Hotel recently got its Green Key for environmental responsibility and sustainable operation. For those traveling with a camper, Downtown Forest Hostel and Camping offers a central location in the heart of the city.

Authentic ways to experience local life
In the very beginning of March, Vilnius hosts centuries-old Kaziuko Mugė. This artisanal fair is a  celebration of traditional Lithuanian arts and crafts–from woven tapestries and handmade tablecloths to wood-carved spoons or small furniture. 

The beginning of the summer season in Vilnius is marked by a splashy Pink Soup Festival, celebrating the country’s famous cold beetroot soup that is made from local ingredients. 

These eco-conscious travel options offer a great way to explore Vilnius, but to truly immerse oneself in the city’s life, visitors can participate in the Meet a Local program. This initiative pairs travelers with residents, providing a deeper, more authentic experience of the city while exploring its streets, scenic trails, and local flavors in an eco-friendly way.