Photo by www.pamatyklietuvoje.lt / See source website
✨ Sacred & Spiritual SitesTelšiaiModerate
Žemaitija Sacred Oak Groves
Telšiai, Telšiai1-2 hoursBest: Year-round; autumn for dramatic atmosphere
Ancient oak groves in the Samogitian highlands that were sacred to pagan Lithuanians — some of the oldest trees in the country stand in forests once used for worship and ritual.
The Samogitian highlands were the last stronghold of Lithuanian paganism, and scattered throughout the region are ancient oak groves that served as sacred sites for pre-Christian worship. These groves, some containing oaks over 500 years old, were places where communities gathered for rituals, offerings, and celebrations.
Oaks held supreme religious significance in Baltic paganism — they were associated with Perkūnas, the thunder god, the mightiest deity in the Lithuanian pantheon. Some of these groves survived because local communities protected them even after Christianization, maintaining a quiet reverence for the ancient trees.
Why Visit
Walk among some of Lithuania's oldest trees in forests once used for pagan worship. The spiritual atmosphere of these groves transcends centuries.
55.9833, 22.2500
Visitor Tips
- 1Respect the sacred nature of these sites
- 2Some groves are on private land — ask permission
- 3Local guides can share folklore and legends
- 4The most impressive oaks are centuries old