Vilnius: The KGB Museum and Užupis

Af Jens Skovgaard Andersen

Central Europe

Vilnius is geographically right in the middle of Europe, if you ask the French Institut Géographique National, which has measured Europe across the board. The local tourist office in Vilnius is in no doubt that they are right.

Lithuania has at least been at the center of much of Europe's history, and today's Vilnius is also marked by the historical upheavals that the city and the country have gone through.

At the same time, Vilnius is a modern and vibrant city with great cultural and culinary experiences. It is a perfect combination for the travel-loving.

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The KGB Museum

One of the clearest examples of the dark chapters of history can be found in the 'Museum of the Victims of Genocide', which is also known as the 'KGB Museum'.

This museum is located in the center of the city in a large heavy building, which has also lived a changeable life with both Soviet, German and Lithuanian ownership.

Until 1991, the building was the headquarters of the KGB in Lithuania, and the basement housed the organization's infamous prison. After the building was abandoned, it was converted into a museum for the atrocities first perpetrated by the Gestapo and later by the KGB.

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Many of the rooms stand as they were left with the effects that were used when the KGB lived there. It is a historical pocket of time, which now gives a real and frightening impression of what many Lithuanians were through in the twentieth century.

It makes a big impression and it is recommended that you spend a lot of time reading signs, watching movies and getting to know the modern history of Lithuania. The wall facing the street is engraved with the names of many of those who ended their days as prisoners in the KGB prison.

Republic of Užupis

In the middle of the city lies Vilnius' answer to Copenhagen's Christiania: the Republic of Užupis. The area was declared independent in 1997 and serves as an artist colony and 'sanctuary' for crooked types.

Užupis is famous for its constitution, which contains a number of whimsical paragraphs that can probably set your mind in motion:

1. Everyone has the right to live by the river Vilnia, and the river Vilnia has the right to flow past anyone.
2. Everyone has the right to hot water, heating in winter and a covered roof.
3. Everyone has the right to die, but it is not a duty.
4. Everyone has the right to make mistakes.
5. Everyone has the right to individuality.
6. Everyone has the right to love.
7. Everyone has the right not to be loved, but it is not a requirement.
8. Everyone has the right to be prominent and famous.
9. Everyone has the right to relax.
10. Everyone has the right to love and to care for a cat.
11. Everyone has the right to care for a dog until one of them dies.
12. A dog has the right to be a dog.
13. A cat does not have to love its owner, but it does have to help in difficult times.
14. Everyone has the right to freedom of movement and residence within the borders of each State.
15. Everyone has the right to doubt, but it is not a duty.
16. Everyone has the right to happiness.
17. Everyone has the right to be unhappy.
18. Everyone has the right to remain silent
19. Everyone has the right to be a believer.
20. No one has the right to use violence.
21. Everyone has the right to recognition of their innocence and their greatness.
22. Everyone has the right to intervene in the affairs of eternity.
23. Everyone has the right to understand.
24. Everyone has the right not to understand anything.
25. Everyone has the right to a different nationality.
26. Everyone has the right to celebrate or not to celebrate their birthday.
27. Everyone needs to know their name.
28. Everyone can share what they have.
29. No one can share what they do not own.
30. Everyone has the right to have brothers, sisters and parents.
31. Everyone is capable of independence.
32. Everyone is responsible for their freedom.
33. Everyone has the right to cry.
34. Everyone has the right to be misunderstood.
35. No one has the right to hold another person liable.
36. Everyone has the right to be individual.
37. Everyone has the right not to have rights.
38. Everyone has the right not to be afraid.
39. Keep your spirits up!
40. Do not strike again!
41. Do not give up!

The sanctuary is worth a visit for the cozy cafes, the relaxed atmosphere and art of all kinds. And if you have to go all-in, bring a padlock with your and your loved one's name engraved and lock it to the bridge. Then you are guaranteed eternal love.

The modern kitchen

Vilnius is also a gourmet destination. This applies not least to Danes, as many of the chefs and chefs in Lithuania have been to Scandinavia to study, and this can be seen in their culinary skills.

At Restaurant Amandus, it is clear that some of the inspiration comes from Denmark, and the chef likes to make his own imaginative versions of Danish celebrities - with an unmistakable local touch.

The restaurant is located in a hotel decorated with modern art, and it is, on the whole, an experience for all the senses.

At the restaurant Dublis there are also taste experiences beyond the usual, and we recommend their lunch menu, which changes constantly and which is definitely one of the best offerings you can come across in Vilnius.

In addition to the above, there are plenty of excursions, sights and offers, and we recommend that you set aside a little extra time for your visit. Vilnius has more to offer than you might think.