Television Tower (Televizijos Bokstas), Vilnius

...Soviet Times, still operating, mainly television and radio waves transmitting tower nowdays operates a posibility to visit and experience the panorama of the Lithuanian Capital.

Spinning circle base of the 326,4m heigh (escalators only lift to around 190m from the ground, because the left-off is the massive antenna) historian symbol of Independence of the Republic of Lithuania takes you off to see all the visual objects around, including, ...
...centre of the capital from the 917 stairs holding tower, reaching the cafe in 40-seconds of lenght journey in the modern escalator.

Considering the history of the 30000 tons building, it was finished on the 31st of January 1981, and the symbol it became after the horrific night when fighting with Soviet troops, as they were ordered to leave the country, but came in tanks armoured with guns to crush the circle of hundreds of empty ... more

Being build in a Soviet Times, still operating, mainly television and radio waves transmitting tower nowdays operates a posibility to visit and experience the panorama of the Lithuanian Capital.

Spinning circle base of the 326,4m heigh (escalators only lift to around 190m from the ground, because the left-off is the massive antenna) historian symbol of Independence of the Republic of Lithuania takes you off to see all the visual objects around, including, if you have some coins, the binocular to explore the centre of the capital from the 917 stairs holding tower, reaching the cafe in 40-seconds of lenght journey in the modern escalator.

Considering the history of the 30000 tons building, it was finished on the 31st of January 1981, and the symbol it became after the horrific night when fighting with Soviet troops, as they were ordered to leave the country, but came in tanks armoured with guns to crush the circle of hundreds of empty handed people from the whole country believing this could stop the Russians from destroying the tower, which operated a lot of freedom talks agains the Moscow's will. But it didn't, 13 Lithuanians were killed, and became the heroes bringing the tower as the symbol of independence on the night of 13th of January 1991.

Back to the bright side, the most you could do inside is enjoy the views of 50km around the tower while eating a meal from the restaurant and spinning around the base in 45 minutes, as one of the few features.

The place is romantic, very safe, but probably not recommended to the height fearing individuals, as they might feel uncomfortable.

Nowdays the tower dress-ups in some different characters at the time of celebrations, e.g. a massive christmas tree at the winter, and the view is spectacular, and by the chance, there might be an opportunity to order seats to see the Vilnius explode in fireworks in the new years celebration.

Basically, it's worth a visit, if you have the chance, and some facts are given below:

Standard price is 15 Litas per escalator journey per person(around 3GBP, 4EUR)
Meals prices vary around 10-20Litas (3GBP, 4EUR)
Drinks (beer available): 2-4Litas (0.60GBP, 1EUR)

The factual brochures are available inside for whose interested in history, and it is worth visiting if you want a romantic meal through any time of the day, and you might interest your children, as far as I concern, there are no age restrictions and a child ticket is much cheaper than the adul listed above.

How to get there:

First of all, it is not reasonable to pay a visit only to the tower and then fly back to the country you came from, so if you want a visit, you might as well plan other attractions, the easiest way is by air, many european capitals are served by Lithuanian Airlines (LAL, flyLAL), there are plenty of european nationals serving, including seasonal British Airways journeys, SAS, Lufthansa, Finnair, or you might consider a cheaper ticket with Ryanair from London, Dublin, Stockholm Liverpool and so on to KAUNAS, which is second largest city in Lithuania, also full of attractions to choose from, and only 60miles away from VILNIUS.
Other types of journey available are buses, Eurolines serves around europe, or by the ferry from, e.g. Stockholm to KLAIPEDA, third largest city, around 300km away from the capital.
Also, there are possibility by rail, or by car, whichever you prefer, you can find a guide on the net.

So the next time your in Vilnius, explore the Lithuanian symbol of freedom and independence by the visual on 50km around the capital from the 53000m3 of volume building. 

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