Jonava

Jonava is a city in the Aukstaitija region, 30 km northeast of Kaunas, with a population of about 27,000. The settlement grew up at a ford in the River Neris, and its name derives from a landowner who named it after his son Jonas. Like many Lithuanian towns, it was historically dominated by its Jewish community, who made up 80-90% of the population until they were murdered during the Holocaust in 1941.

The modern town is mostly north of the river. The south bank is dominated by the Achema chemical plant, which produces ammonia fertiliser and consumes half of Lithuania's gas supply. In 1989, a ruptured tank released 7,500 tonnes of ammonia, killing seven people. The plant continues to operate and the town retains its industrial character.

Climate is continental with cold winters and warm summers. The town centre is modest but has some 18th-19th century buildings on side streets.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Kaunas (KUN IATA), 20 km southwest, with budget flights from across Europe.

By Train

Jonava railway station is 2.5 km north of town centre. Six trains daily run from Vilnius (70 min) via Kaisiadorys, with some continuing to Siauliai and Klaipeda. One train per day runs direct from Kaunas (40 min). Buy tickets on the train or via LTG Link.

By Car / Road

Jonava is on the A6 highway, 30 km northeast of Kaunas, reachable in about 40 minutes. Buses from Kaunas run every 30 minutes and take 50 minutes.

Bus 7 runs hourly from the railway station to the bus station and around town. Taxis are available through local operators (Nijamita, Vilkai). The town centre is compact and walkable.

• Church of St James — a neoclassical Roman Catholic church built in 1793, on Vilniaus g 13.

• Jonava Region Museum — small museum of local history on J Basanaviciaus g 3.

• Church of St Anne — in the Skaruliu industrial district, 2 km east of town centre.

• Jonava Culture Centre at Zeimiu g 15 hosts live music and events.

• FK Jonava play football in I Lyga, Lithuania's second tier.

• The lake northwest of the centre has a small beach suitable for swimming.

• Hesburger — Lithuanian burger chain at Vasario 16-osios 11.
• Svaja — traditional Lithuanian fare including Chebureki, at Vasario 16-osios 14.
• Thakara — Georgian restaurant for takeaway, at Chemiku g 1A.
• Jonavos Vara — decent Lithuanian food, cash only, at Kauno g 17.

The restaurants serve alcohol. No dedicated bars or cafés of note.

• Budget: Guesthouses by Neris river bridge (Jonus at J Ralio g 2a, Pirtis Prie Neries at Trumpoji g 23), rough rates.
• Mid-range: Hotel Jonapolis at Sodu g 19 offers good comfort and service.

Rimi supermarket at Vasario 16-osios 4 and Maxima at Plento g 3 are the main shopping options. The town market operates irregularly.

• Kaunas — 30 km southwest, 50 min by bus. Lithuania's second city with a major old town.
• Kedainiai — 50 km north, 1 hour by bus. Historic Calvinist town with Renaissance architecture.
• Vilnius — 120 km east, 1.5 hours by train. Lithuania's capital with a UNESCO old town.