Kernavė Hill Forts

Kernavė is one of Lithuania's most significant archaeological and historical sites. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about 35 km northwest of Vilnius, features five imposing grass-covered hill forts that rise above the Neris River valley, marking the location of Lithuania's first known capital. The hill forts — Aukuro Kalnas, Mindaugo Sostas, Lizdeikos Kalnas, Kriveikiškio Piliakalnis, and Pilies Kalnas — provide spectacular viewpoints over the river valley. From the top of Mindaugo Sostas (Mindaugas's Throne), the panorama stretches across the winding Neris River, ancient meadows, and the distant forests of the Vilnius region. Archaeological excavations have revealed continuous human settlement here for over 10,000 years, from the Paleolithic through the medieval period. Kernavė was the seat of Lithuanian kings in the 13th century before the capital moved to Trakai and then Vilnius. Today, the site hosts the famous International Festival of Experimental Archaeology each July, where visitors can experience medieval crafts and traditions.