The hills, forests and the spectacular valley of the Nemunas, surrounding the mountain-ridge, seem to be a small Switzerland! Vilkija is located in the surroundings of this fabulous nature. Although it is a small town, it is full of legends, possesses a rich history, reveals an impressive landscape and introduces us to a unique architecture.

When traveling on a hilly road to Vilkija, it is difficult to decide which road to turn first. The turn on the right offers a spectacular deciduous forest, the turn on the left reveals the dreamy Nemunas curves. The peculiarity of this town was determined by the changing bed of the Nemunas, due to which the town emerged on a slope. Having reached the top of the hill, the amazing whole of the architecture is a delight to the eye. Since 1973 Vilkija has been included in the list of urban monuments of local significance. The beauty and heritage of this town may be viewed by walking on the extraordinary streets of Vilkija: Vydūnas Alley, which is one of the oldest in the town, Kalnų Street, formed in the beginning of creating of this settlement.

Vilkija is an old town whose rich history dates back to the 14th century. This town was crossed by both land and water trade roads that promoted its growth. In 1450 the documents of Gdansk merchants mentioned Vilkija as the first Lithuanian customs authority next to the Nemunas. Silk, salt and cloth were shipped to Lithuania, and wood, wax, fur, leather and flax fibres were shipped from our country. After the Battle of Žalgiris, the Castle of the Grand Duke of Lithuania was built here, and in 1486 Vilkija became the centre of the rural district.

The visitors are first met by the Neo-Gothic red brick towers of St. George Church. "The house of God has to show the way to the sky" - these words of Butkus, the first priest of Vilkija, spoken when beginning to construct a new brick church and fulfilled by his heirs. The hosts of Antanas and Jonas Juška Ethnic Culture Museum invite their guests to visit the ethnographic treasure preserved here: a book of 7,000 songs, a set of 2,000 melodies, a dictionary containing 70,000 old Lithuanian words and numerous other exhibits. Finally, the ferry "Vilkynė" sees off the visitors from the town and transfers them across the Nemunas.

It is said that the location received the name Vilkija after the residents of the neighbourhood heard a pack of howling wolfs. It is interesting whether the residents of Vilkija still hear holwing of these animals? Maybe not, but they definitely enjoy walking on the historical streets and looking at the wonderful architectural monuments.