Veliuona Hill Fort

Veliuona Hill Fort is one of Lithuania's most dramatic and historically significant hill forts, rising steeply above the Nemunas River in the Jurbarkas district. The hilltop provides sweeping views over the river valley, the surrounding forests, and on clear days, the distant hills of the Nemunas lowlands. The hill fort is associated with one of Lithuania's most beloved legends. Grand Duchess Birutė, the wife of Grand Duke Kęstutis, is said to be buried here. According to tradition, Birutė was a pagan priestess kidnapped by Kęstutis from her sacred shrine in Palanga. After Kęstutis was murdered by his nephew Jogaila, Birutė returned to Veliuona, where she died and was buried on the hilltop. The site has been fortified since at least the 13th century, when it served as an important defensive position against Teutonic Knights. Today, the hill fort is a peaceful and atmospheric place, with well-maintained paths leading to the summit and interpretive panels explaining the legends and history that make this one of Lithuania's most storied hilltops.