The former Grand Duchy of Lithuania is now a parliamentary republic in the Baltic States and borders the Baltic Sea, where you can also find some beautiful sandy beaches. Culturally, the country presents itself as diverse: while there are many German, Swedish and Danish influences in the west, the eastern part is dominated by Polish elements. The archaeological site of Kernave is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as are the dunes on the Curonian Spit (a peninsula) and the baroque Old Town in the capital Vilnius. Also to be found in Vilnius is the 326-meter-high TV Tower, whose observation deck is a popular destination for excursions.