Camino Lituano is the Lithuanian section of the international Camino de Santiago network. It is a marked pilgrimage and long-distance walking route that crosses Lithuania from Žagarė at the Latvian border to Seinai in Poland.
Its length exceeds 500 km. The trail is marked with yellow shells and arrows, winding through quiet villages, forests, historical sites, and notable places such as the Hill of Crosses.
We completed it in 5 days by bicycle.
1500 km covered in 15 days (only one day of rest). Over two weeks, I cycled across Austria – a country full of mountains, waterfalls, beautiful towns, and incredible people. I visited the main attractions: the Golden Roof and Stadtturm in Innsbruck, the Swarovski Museum, the famous Hallstatt with its salt mines and ice caves, the Ars Electronica Museum in Linz, the stunning Wachau Valley, the impressive Melk Abbey, and the Göttweig Benedictine Abbey.
In the west, I explored Zell am See, the Krimml Waterfalls, and climbed the legendary Grossglockner High Alpine Road – one of the most challenging but beautiful moments of my trip.
In Vienna, I visited the city’s classic landmarks: the Opera, Hofburg Palace, the Museum Quarter, Schönbrunn and Belvedere Palaces, the Parliament, the City Hall, and even the Sigmund Freud Museum. In the south, I explored Graz with Murinsel and the Arnold Schwarzenegger Museum. I ended my journey at Wörthersee Lake, enjoying the lively resort atmosphere.
I traveled alone, searched for accommodations in nature, and faced uphill climbs, rain, cold, and darkness, but every morning I was greeted by the calm of the mountains, coffee, and a croissant. Sometimes I had to push my 30 kg bike 10–20 km uphill, other times ride downhill at night with only my lights. I met many people, had wonderful conversations, and realized that fear disappears once you start moving.
Austria is an amazing country with unparalleled nature, castles, abbeys, lakes, and an excellent network of bike paths. This trip became an invaluable experience for me, a great challenge, and a lesson that with strong determination, anything is possible.
Erika Jaand 