If you are not from the Baltic region, you have probably never heard of Panevėžys. Yet it is the fourth largest city in Lithuania and the capital of the district of the same name. It is located in the north of the country, roughly halfway between Vilnius and Riga (the capital of Latvia). You can easily reach Panevėžys from Vilnius and Kaunas by bus and train after learning how to pronounce the name in case you want to buy a ticket at the ticket office.
The name Panevėžys means 'next to the Nevėžis', one of the longest rivers in Lithuania, which meanders through the city and cuts it in two. The city centre is located in the southern part and is characterised by large squares, brutalist concrete buildings and some more modern structures. The charm of the mediaeval cobblestone streets of Vilnius and Kaunas, which lead to historic castles and churches, parks with old trees and baroque mansions, is completely absent here. However, if you are travelling within Lithuania, you can certainly spend a nice day or two in Panevėžys. Panevėžys is not a tourist place, but a town where recreation, art and industry have blended in an appealing way.
The competition was part of a Christmas market that took place in the Kalnapilio sports arena just outside the city centre.
Travel tip
A tourist train ride along the Aukštaitija narrow-gauge railroad from Panevėžys to the small village of Rubikiai could be worth a trip for railroad fans.
