Travelers heading to Lithuania this summer will have a chance to experience one of Europe’s most unusual rail journeys as Vilnius launches the Pink Soup Train, a vibrant new attraction inspired by the country’s beloved cold beetroot soup, šaltibarščiai.
Running through August 30, the specially designed train carriage will operate on the Mockava–Vilnius route as part of the broader Warsaw-Vilnius rail connection.
The concept transforms a routine train ride into an immersive travel experience. Nearly every surface inside the carriage has been redesigned in bright shades of pink, paying tribute to the iconic soup that has become a symbol of Lithuanian culinary culture. Walls, ceilings, tables and windows are decorated with playful pink designs, while the floor features illustrations of the ingredients used to make the famous dish.
The result is a visually striking environment designed to surprise travelers before they even arrive in the city.
“The idea was to make the journey itself feel like the beginning of a Vilnius visit,” said Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communications at Go Vilnius, the city’s official tourism and business development agency. “It’s not just about getting to Vilnius—it’s about how you arrive.”
The carriage also includes social media-friendly features such as a selfie mirror and photo opportunities designed to encourage travelers to document the experience and share it online.
The launch reflects the growing popularity of rail travel across Europe. Recent research indicates that many European travelers are increasingly choosing trains over other forms of transportation, drawn by comfort, convenience and environmental considerations. The Warsaw-Vilnius connection has become particularly popular, with more than 23,000 passengers traveling between Poland and Lithuania last year and ticket sales rising significantly.
For visitors arriving in time for Pink Soup Fest, the train serves as an introduction to one of Vilnius’ most recognizable annual events. During the festival, the city embraces all things pink, with themed food, public art installations, costume events and family-friendly activities. Highlights include a giant pink water slide, a waiters’ race and communal soup lunches held throughout the city.
Beyond the festival, Vilnius continues to attract visitors with its UNESCO-listed Old Town, expansive green spaces, thriving culinary scene and walkable city center.
By combining creative tourism with Europe’s growing rail network, the Pink Soup Train offers a memorable new way for visitors to begin their Lithuanian adventure—one bright pink carriage at a time.