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Lying next to Neman River in Lithuania's southern region is Druskininkai, regarded as the oldest and the most popular wellness resort in the country. Trailing the borders of neighbors Belarus and Poland, its spa history dates back to the early 19th century. Under the rule of the Soviet Union, the resort town was swarmed by the old and the ailing who are seeking relaxation and cure. In fact, its name is the Lithuanian word for "salt," which is a nod to its saline earth generally claimed to possess curative properties. The town has reinvented itself in recent years as a chic destination for the young and hip, making it a vital element in Lithuania's tourist industry.

The usual order of the day for a tourist in Druskininkai is to indulge one's self in the pleasures being offered by the town's numerous health and wellness centers. With more than 200 years of experience, the city's spas can be considered as some of the finest in the continent. The spas' amenities are characterized by excellent climatic conditions, laid-back and cozy environment, mineral-rich waters, curative mud, and good entertainment facilities. The tourist, though, might have to share spaces with a plethora of other pleasure-seekers. In 2007 alone, more than a million tourists visited the town. The visitors came from countries such as Russia, Poland, and Germany.

Aside from spas, visitors have other options to choose from, such as the Grutas Park, which is more commonly known as "Stalin's World." Created in 2001 by an entrepreneur named Viliumas Malinauskas, the bizarre amusement park capitalizes on its Soviet Union theme. It features a collection of around 86 statues depicting prominent Soviet leaders and socialist activists, most notably Joseph Stalin, Vladimir Lenin, and Karl Marx. Visitors may also peek at the notorious Gulag prison camps, complete with barbed-wire fences and guard towers. The site has been a subject of great controversy. In fact, it was awarded the "Ig Nobel Peace Prize" in 2001, as a form of sarcasm.

Another attraction is the Girios Aidas, which is also called the Forest Museum. Commissioned in 1971, it features displays of nature icons, including depictions of legendary forest dwellers such as witches and mythical creatures. The museum also exhibits wood art, amber jewelry, and folk art. There is also the Druskininkai Town Museum, which is situated right at the heart of the town. It showcases artifacts from Druskininkai's history, and is the site of many events, lectures, and concerts.

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