Legends have long swirled about a mythical beast dwelling right in the heart of Lithuania, having nestled its lair beneath Kaunas Castle. No explorer has ever managed to determine its name or catch a glimpse of it alive, but the townsfolk know exactly where the Beast of Kaunas’s snoring can be heard, where its genuine tooth can be inspected, or where its sculpture gleams in the sun.
From now on, all travellers whose routes pass through the city are invited to search for the Beast of Kaunas’s footprints. ‘Beastly Adventures in Kaunas’ is the name of the new illustrated map designed for the whole family, especially its youngest members, revealing the most interesting, interactive, and tasty spots in Kaunas. It’s a fresh way to discover the city, carrying on the Beast of Kaunas legacy. The map itself is a work of art created by a local talent, Darius Petreikis.
Attractions and recommended spots in the new illustrated Kaunas map for the whole family are grouped into thematic blocks. Most important of all, right at the top of the list – the Beast’s footprints, which every self-respecting little tourist simply must find.
Kaunas Beast's sculpture, photo A. Aleksandravičius
Later, explorers are invited to have fun and relax outdoors and meet the Beast’s chums, plenty of whom can be found at the Lithuanian Zoological Garden, VMU Botanical Garden, the Courtyard Gallery, and even the ‘UNO’ Park by Lampėdis Lake.
Don’t think the Beast of Kaunas is some wild creature. Oh no, he quite enjoys the cinema and theatre, especially if the stories are about him or his friends. For example, ‘Kaunas IN’ recommends that those travelling with the littlest ones pop into the Kaunas State Puppet Theatre, where the play is simply called ‘The Beast of Kaunas’.
Of course, it’s also worth popping into the many child-friendly museums in Kaunas and the beastly popular ‘Science Island’ planetarium – another recommended stop on the new route. The list of recommendations includes outdoor playgrounds and spots offering active indoor fun. From climbing and swimming pools to volleyball and trampolines, Kaunas has something to offer every age group, taste, and mood.
Both people and beasts enjoy a good meal. Kaunas locals, who love dining out with the whole family, suggested a whole host of places worth visiting to the map creators. There’s the nostalgia-filled ‘Spurginė’ (Donut Shop), ‘Angolo Italiano’ ice cream that draws queues, and restaurants with children's areas or even smart tables. In Kaunas, you can even eat in a trolleybus – or rather, three trolleybuses connected into one stylish space.
The new beastly fun map also makes space for a fun game for all family. Explorers are invited to visit the museums recommended by the mythical creature itself, where the whole family can have a brilliant time, visit the exhibitions and collect a special game stamp at each one. The Kaunas IN Tourist Information Centre (Laisvės al. 36) awaits those who complete all the tasks and receive all eight stamps. And the task is very simple – to explore the exhibition.
Until the Kaunas City Birthday celebrations in 2026, delightfully beastly souvenirs will be handed out – Kaunas Beast Heroes Club pins. By joining the club, you'll also have a chance to dive into other exciting adventures.
You can find all the information about the game, stamps, participating museums, and more in the Kaunas Beast Game Rules.
Once you’ve collected all the stamps, the ‘Beastly Adventures in Kaunas’ map can be proudly hung on your wall – not just a memento, but a true work of art. Both the map and each stamp are creations by D. Petreikis, capturing the unique spirit of the journey and proving that you’ve truly experienced a beastly adventure in Kaunas.
The ‘Beastly Adventures in Kaunas’ map is distributed free of charge and can be picked up at the Kaunas IN Tourist Information Centres at Laisvės al. 36 or Rotušės a. 15. A digital version of the route can be found online on kaunastika.lt.
