THE TOURIST GUIDE FOR LITHUANIA

Geographical positioning Šilutė region

Geographical positioning Vainutas Gymnasium Total population in: Šilutė region  19 751 Vainutas  2 879

Climate Climate in Lithuania is temperate. In Šilutė region the average highest daily temperature in July is 22,1 C, average lowest daily temperature in July is 12,3 C. Average highest daily temperature in January is -3,5 C whereas lowest average daily temperature in January is -8,7 C. Typically there are several very hot weeks in summers (with temperatures surpassing 30 C) and one or two very cold weeks in winter (with temperatures going below -20 and more C). Close to the sea in Klaipėda the winters are milder and the summers are cooler, but the difference does not exceed a couple of degrees.

Touristic objectives Šilutė region – one of the rising stars in the map of Europe tourism. It is carefully protected and wisely used, Pamarys unique nature and its seams are the distinctive composition of Small and Great Lithuanians’ composition with ethnic culture joint which occurred to be historical - cultural heritage of the land. Region is famous for its ability to manage natural disasters, adapting them to human benefits, environmentally friendly business development. Šilutė district with its exclusive geographical position, unique landscape and unique ethnic culture is an attractive place for tourists. Here, the tourism season is much longer than anywhere else in Lithuania: starting with the extreme amateur ride through the flooded roads and meadows, continuing with the traditional pleasures of the excellent nature in the summer, and getting acquainted with rich regions historical - cultural heritage, and ending it with the ice-fishing in the Kuršių sea.

Touristic objectives Ventė Cape (Horn)

Touristic objectives Rusnė

Touristic objectives Klaipėda

Touristic objectives Neringa

Touristic objectives Palanga

National food

How to arrive to Šilutė region? Tourists from other countries firstly have to reach Lithuania. Country may be reached by: Plane. Lithuanian airports are in Vilnius, Kaunas and Palanga. More information about flights may be found in corresponding web sites: Vilnius international airport : http://www.vilnius-airport.lt; Kaunas airport: http://www.kaunas-airport.lt; Palanga international airport: http://www.palanga-airport.lt . International ferry. DFDS Seaways ferry lines. More information: www.dfdsseaways.lt

Ways of access If you come to Vilnius, Kaunas or Palanga, you first need to get to Šilutė From Vilnius (by bus) – 300 km; From Kaunas (by bus) – 212 km; From Palanga (Klaipėda) (by bus or train) - 81 km. Bus and train schedules: www.118.lt

Costs Accomodation – from 40 – 100 eur. Meal – dinner from 10 eur. Entrance to the main tourist attractions – from 3 eur. Internet is usually free at hotel.

Short history of Šilutė region The reputed beginning of Šilutė town history is 1511 when an inn was opened in the halfway between Tilžė  and Klaipėda. 50 kilometers far from Klaipėda the inn was a place where travellers stopped to have a rest and to rest their horses. The settlement where the inn was opened used to be called Šilokarčema (Pinewood Alehouse). Since crusade times Šilutė town was under strong influence of German culture. Political aspects conditioned the town to belong to Prussian government which took care here about social, educational and economical fields.  The land was being Germanized  for centuries until the end of the First World War. The situation changed because of the Treaty of Versailles: Šilutė district was disposed to France in 1919. The temporal occupant France administration intended to dispose Šilutė district to Poland, but not to the formatting Republic of Lithuania. Lithuanian government reacted fast and well organized. In the end of 1922 a Rescue Committee of  Lithuania the Minor was established which declared a manifest in Šilutė town in 1923 January the 9th announcing the beginning of rebellion. Lithuanian rebels smashed into the lands of Klaipėda region and unarmed the France military forces. The Rescue Committee announced the declaration about subordination of Lithuania the Minor. 1924 Klaipėda region became part of Republic of Lithuania de jure and de facto. During the Soviet occupation many historical and cultural heritage objects were destroyed in Šilutė district. Long years of occupation degraded the face of historically outstanding lands. However, as soon as Lithuania got back it`s in dependence, Šilutė district soaked into creative works, restorations and regeneration of former district face.

Short history of Vainutas For the first time in written sources Vainutas was mentioned in 1506. In 1606 was built a wooden church and the parish school was established. In 1640 Vainutas has 29 families. Town burned in the eighteenth century (during the Northern War). In 1711 Vainutas has not a single resident and in 1738 in Vainutas was 6 houses. In 1744 Vainutas got market and trade privileges. In 1754 the Magdeburg Rights was granted. Vainutas celebrated the 500th anniversary of the town, the church and the school 400-year olds in 2006. Vainutas approved new coat of arms in 2006

Presentation of the school

Presentation of the school