Photo by Vilensija / CC BY-SA 3.0
🏔️ Hidden ViewpointsUtenaModerate
Žemaitkiemis Mound
Ukmergė, Utena1-1.5 hoursBest: May to October
A beautifully preserved hillfort mound in central Lithuania offering panoramic views over the Šventoji River valley — once a major defensive stronghold of the Lithuanian tribes.
Žemaitkiemis Mound is one of Lithuania's most impressively preserved hillforts. Rising steeply above the Šventoji River valley, this earthwork fortification was a significant defensive site during the medieval conflicts between Lithuanian tribes and crusading orders. The mound's strategic value is immediately apparent from the summit — views extend in every direction over the river valley and forested hills.
The mound retains clearly defined defensive terraces and ditches, and the flat summit area where the wooden fortress once stood is now a grassy clearing offering 360-degree panoramic views. Unlike more famous hillforts, Žemaitkiemis sees very few visitors, making it a peaceful place to contemplate Lithuania's warrior past.
Why Visit
A powerful hillfort in solitude. The panoramic river valley views and well-preserved earthworks make this one of Lithuania's most rewarding and least-visited ancient sites.
55.3333, 24.9333
Visitor Tips
- 1The climb is steep but short
- 2Views are 360 degrees from the summit
- 3The defensive ditches are clearly visible
- 4Rarely visited — expect complete solitude