May 14, 2025

The Pink Soup Train Launches on Riga–Vilnius Route, Bringing a Taste of Summer to the Rails 

Travelers in the Baltic region are invited to embark on a whimsical, flavor-packed journey with the launch of the Pink Soup Train, a specially themed carriage celebrating one of Lithuania’s most iconic summer dishes: cold beetroot soup (šaltibarščiai), widely known as the pink soup.

The Pink Soup Train began service just two weeks ahead of the highly anticipated Vilnius Pink Soup Fest, which returns for its third edition on May 31. The project is a collaboration between LTG Link, Lithuania’s national railway company, and Go Vilnius, the capital’s official tourism agency. The train will run on the Riga–Vilnius–Riga route through August 10, combining Baltic travel with a splash of color and culture. 


“Cold beetroot soup is more than just food – it’s an important summer tradition in this region,” said Eglė Girdzijauskaitė, Head of Communications at Go Vilnius. “This year, we’re inviting travelers from Latvia and beyond to come to Vilnius in style. Last year, the festival attracted 7,000 international visitors, and we believe the Pink Soup Train will bring even more guests to experience this unique event.” 


A Carriage You Won’t Want to Miss 


One of the train’s three carriages is fully themed in honor of šaltibarščiai, featuring vibrant pink interiors and playful summer design elements. The space is designed to immerse passengers in a festive mood from the moment they board. The other two carriages retain their standard layout, giving passengers the option to choose between the themed or traditional experience. 

Tickets for the Riga–Vilnius route, priced at 20 euros, are available via the LTG Link website and mobile app. The themed service will be clearly labeled as the “Pink Soup Train” during booking. 
“With this initiative, we are kicking off the summer travel season while also highlighting Lithuania’s rich culinary heritage with the vibrant and bright colors of cold beetroot soup,” said Kristina Meidė, CEO of LTG Link. “We encourage travelers from Latvia to visit Vilnius by train – an environmentally friendly, convenient, and increasingly popular mode of transportation.” 
Vilnius Pink Soup Fest – May 31 
The Vilnius Pink Soup Fest offers a full day of family-friendly programming in the heart of the Lithuanian capital. This year’s highlights include: 
- The Pink Soup Parade, transforming the streets of Vilnius into a colorful celebration of summer 
- A themed costume contest showcasing creative pink attire 
- The traditional Pink Waiters’ Marathon, always a crowd favorite 
The event is widely regarded as one of the most imaginative and visually stunning festivals in the Baltic region.