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KAUNAS – MTLG Destination Update 2026

UNESCO-recognised modernist architecture and a penchant for basketball

Nov 5, 2026

NEED TO KNOW IN 2026

This year, Kaunas will open a new Observation Wheel on Nemunas Island, adding a panoramic attraction to one of the city’s most dynamic leisure areas. The island already hosts Žalgirio Arena, the modern Žalgiris swimming complex, and Science Island – a major innovation and educational venue. The new Observation Wheel will further enrich the visitor experience, offering unique views of the city’s river landscape and expanding the island’s role as a multifunctional hub for events, recreation, and tourism. This development marks an important step in strengthening Kaunas’ appeal and shaping its future identity as a modern, accessible, and experience-driven destination.

DID YOU KNOW?

Kaunas holds several remarkable secrets that many visitors never discover. Its interwar modernist architecture, recognised by UNESCO, includes not only functionalist buildings but also rare Art Deco examples and the unique Amsterdam School Museum, showcasing an architectural style found almost nowhere else in the region. Just a short walk from the centre lies Ąžuolynas, the largest urban oak grove in Europe, offering exceptional natural tranquillity. Another surprising fact: the historic Kaunas Sports Hall is the first arena in Europe built specifically for basketball, reflecting Lithuania’s deep sporting heritage. Together, these elements reveal a destination rich in culture, nature, and unexpected stories.

BEST INCENTIVE IDEA IN 2026

The Fluxus ritual on the Parodos Hill has become one of Kaunas’ most distinctive open public experiences. Held annually since 2018, it invites participants to climb the long hill in playful costumes or colourful accessories, celebrating the city’s creative and experimental spirit. The event is fully open to individuals, families and corporate groups, making it an accessible incentive activity that requires no registration or special arrangements. The climb blends humour, creativity and a mild physical challenge, while the panoramic view at the top offers a rewarding finish.

After nearly a decade, the Fluxus ritual has grown into a major Kaunas tradition and remains a memorable, easy‑to‑join experience for any group visiting the city.

PERFECT GIFT

Visitors to Kaunas can take home a piece of the city’s character through three signature gifts. The Kaunas pins capture local identity in a small, stylish collectable that travellers love to add to their bags or jackets. For a taste of the city, Kaunas City Honey offers a natural souvenir from urban beehives on rooftops across town, a sweet reminder of Kaunas’ green spirit. For those visiting in the colder season, the Kaunas Christmas ball is a beautifully crafted ornament that brings a touch of the city’s festive atmosphere into any home. Together, these items offer meaningful, authentic gifts that reflect Kaunas’ creativity and charm.

TOP EVENTS

1. Kaunas Aviation Festival 2026: Kaunas’ largest open-air celebration returns to S. Darius and S. Girėnas airfield. Tens of thousands attend aerobatic shows, military aircraft demonstrations, aviation exhibitions and evening concerts. The festival remains fully free and open to all.

2. Fluxus Festival on Parodos Hill: A signature Kaunas tradition since 2018. Thousands climb Parodos Hill in colourful, playful costumes, turning the staircase into a joyful creative procession that embodies the city’s artistic spirit.

3. Audra Contemporary City Festival: Kaunas’ award-winning festival of electronic music, contemporary culture and urban art. International DJs, performances, installations and city-wide events transform the city into a colourful and creative playground.

4. A$AP Rocky – Žalgirio Arena: A$AP Rocky delivered one of the year’s most high-profile hip hop shows. His performance combined intense visual production, heavy bass energy and signature Harlem style, drawing thousands and reinforcing Kaunas as a major Baltic stop for global artists.

5. Major international concerts: e.g. Pitbull, Andrea Bocelli. Kaunas hosts two high-energy Pitbull shows and a standout performance by Andrea Bocelli, further cementing the city’s reputation as a leading destination for world-class concerts.

KAUNAS' FEATURES

Natural and cultural factors

Kaunas offers a balanced combination of natural and cultural assets that enhance the overall visitor experience. The city’s compact layout provides easy access to riverfront areas, parks, and green spaces, supporting outdoor activities and nature-based extensions to business events. Kaunas’ cultural environment remains one of its strongest attributes: modernist architecture recognised by UNESCO, a vibrant creative sector, and a rich programme of cultural institutions and festivals. Museums, galleries, and performance venues continue to attract international visitors and contribute to the city’s distinct identity. High scores in cultural vibrancy, social environment, and accessibility to nature reflect Kaunas’ consistent focus on quality of life and cultural development.

General and transport infrastructure

Kaunas continues to improve its general and transport infrastructure through targeted investments. The city offers reliable, punctual public transport, making it easy for delegates to move between venues, hotels, and cultural sites. Road connections to Vilnius and other major Lithuanian cities are efficient, and Kaunas is conveniently accessible from Vilnius Airport, with frequent and direct transfers available. Kaunas Airport has expanded its route network and increased frequencies, improving international access. Rail connections remain stable, and ongoing urban development projects, including riverfront regeneration and public-space improvements, contribute to a seamless, comfortable experience for visitors.

Tourist infrastructure

Kaunas’ tourist infrastructure continues to develop steadily, offering a balanced mix of accommodation, dining, and leisure options. The city’s 4* hotel inventory has grown to about 1300 rooms, supported by renovations and service upgrades across major properties (Kaunas currently has no 5‑star hotel). The food and beverage scene remains one of the city’s strengths, with a wide variety of restaurants, cafés, and bars contributing to high visitor satisfaction. Cultural institutions, museums, and entertainment venues provide diverse options for pre‑ and post‑event activities. Nemuno Island has become a key leisure hub, combining Žalgirio Arena, the modern swimming complex, Science Island representing a modern science and innovation centre, and a new observation wheel currently under construction, further expanding the city’s recreational offer. Improved digital services, tourist information, and wayfinding support a smooth visitor journey.

Meetings infrastructure

Kaunas has significantly expanded its meetings infrastructure through new openings and upgrades. Science Island has become a key venue for conferences and hybrid events, offering modern facilities and flexible layouts. Žalgirio Arena provides the largest configurable event space in the city; the renovated Kaunas Sports Hall adds further capacity for large gatherings. Meeting hotels continue to invest in AV technology, internet speed and hybrid event capabilities. In addition, the upcoming Čiurlionis Concert and Conference Centre will further strengthen Kaunas’ position by introducing a new, purpose-built venue for international cultural and business events.

Marketing buzz

Kaunas maintains steady visibility within the regional and international meetings community. The destination is regularly featured in industry publications and association networks, supported by active collaboration with local universities and sector partners. Recent conferences hosted in Kaunas – including events in technology, life sciences, culture, and academia have contributed to positive media coverage and strengthened the city’s reputation. Upcoming conferences continue to generate interest and reinforce the city’s positioning as a dynamic meetings destination. Digital communication has improved through updated web content and stronger social media presence, supporting consistent messaging around innovation, accessibility and visitor experience.

KAUNAS FACT SHEET

Destination population:	304,114
*The number of 4 and 5* category hotel rooms:**	1300
*The number of 4 and 5* category hotels:**	10
The size of the largest hall in the city (in m2):	2,000
Maximum hall capacity in theatre style (the largest hall in the city)	20,000
Banquet hall maximum capacity (the largest hall in the city):	1200
Average internet speed when organising events (Mbps):	120