Vilnius has been ranked as the second greenest city in the world, scoring 72.3 points in the Green Cities Index and coming second only to Oslo. The ranking assessed cities based on three main criteria: the proportion of green areas within the city, the share of green spaces accessible to the public, and air quality.

The result highlights the strong presence of nature within the Lithuanian capital. Green spaces account for 61% of Vilnius’ territory, while dense tree coverage extends across almost half of the city. This combination allows green areas to remain an important part of the urban environment rather than being limited to individual parks or areas outside the city centre.

Vilnius also offers extensive opportunities for walking and outdoor activities. The city has more than 1,500 km of walking routes, including a 100 km trail around Vilnius, allowing residents and visitors to explore different parts of the capital and its surrounding natural areas.

At the same time, Vilnius continues to develop infrastructure for active and sustainable mobility. Around 140 km of cycling infrastructure is currently available across the city, with the network continuing to expand. Together with its walking routes and extensive green areas, this contributes to a city environment where nature and everyday urban life are closely connected.

The ranking also highlights one of Vilnius’ most distinctive features: it is one of the few European capitals where hot-air balloons are permitted to fly over the UNESCO-listed historic centre. The experience offers a unique view of the city’s historic architecture alongside the greenery that characterises much of the Lithuanian capital.

Vilnius’ strong result also reflects Europe’s wider presence in the ranking, with six European cities among the world’s ten highest-rated. Taking second place globally highlights Vilnius’ combination of extensive green spaces, accessible outdoor infrastructure and environmental quality, strengthening its position among the world’s leading green cities.

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