Photo by VietovesLt / CC BY 3.0
🌅 Seasonal WondersVilniusEasy access
Midsummer (Joninės) at Kernavė
Širvintos, VilniusEvening to dawnBest: June 23-24 only
Lithuania's most atmospheric midsummer celebration held at the ancient capital of Kernavė — bonfires on five hill forts, folk songs, and pagan-rooted rituals on the shortest night of the year.
Joninės (St. John's Night, June 23-24) is Lithuania's most beloved traditional celebration, and there's no more atmospheric place to experience it than at Kernavė, Lithuania's ancient capital. On the shortest night of the year, bonfires are lit on the five UNESCO-listed hill forts, and thousands gather for an evening of folk music, dancing, wreath-floating, and ritualized searches for the legendary fern flower.
The celebration at Kernavė blends authentic pagan traditions — maintained through centuries of Christianization — with a festival atmosphere. As darkness falls (briefly, at this latitude), the hilltop bonfires create a magical scene that connects modern Lithuanians to their pre-Christian ancestors.
Why Visit
Lithuania's most magical night in its most ancient setting. The combination of pagan traditions, hill forts, and bonfires is an unforgettable cultural experience.
54.8836, 24.8342
Visitor Tips
- 1Arrive by early evening to get a good spot
- 2Bring a blanket and warm layers — nights can be cool
- 3Public transport options available from Vilnius
- 4The celebrations run all night until dawn