From Vilnius: Anykiai & The Hill of Crosses Day Trip

What makes this Lithuania day trip from Vilnius so special

This full-day tour from Vilnius offers an engaging visit to Anykiai, a charming Lithuanian town, along with a profound stop at the Hill of Crosses, a pilgrimage site with over 200,000 crosses. The tour is operated by Discover Lithuania and includes a collection of unique stops that highlight Lithuanian culture, history, and natural beauty. Starting from centrally located Vilnius hotels, the trip lasts about 9 hours, making it a comprehensive yet manageable excursion.

A key feature of this tour is the visit to the Hill of Crosses, which is not only a symbol of faith but also an impressive sight with countless crosses, crucifixes, and statues. Alongside this, you’ll explore Anykiai’s attractions, such as the Ethnographic Museum, the treetop walking path, and the highest Lithuanian church. While the tour includes many highlights, keep in mind that entry tickets for the treetop path are not included, so plan accordingly if you wish to experience that stunning feature.

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Key Points

• Full-day private trip departing from Vilnius hotels with pick-up and drop-off included
• Visit the Hill of Crosses with over 200,000 crosses, offering both spiritual and visual impact
• Explore Anykiai town, including the Ethnographic Museum and highest Lithuanian church
• Experience Lithuania’s engineering history with a ride on a narrow-gauge railway
• Discover the unique treetop walking path, curving 300 meters through the treetops and leading to a 35-meter-high viewing tower
• Includes driver and guide, with optional purchase of entrance tickets for the treetop path

Detailed journey through the Lithuanian countryside

The tour begins with a pick-up from your Vilnius hotel, where a driver and guide greet you for a day filled with cultural and natural highlights. The first stop is the highest Lithuanian church, offering a glimpse of the country’s religious architecture and spiritual heritage. Visitors can appreciate the impressive height and design, setting the tone for the day ahead.

Next, the guide leads you through the Domantai Hill Fortress, a site covered with more than 200,000 crosses, crucifixes, statues of saints and patriots. This site is both a pilgrimage destination and a symbol of resilience, making it a deeply moving experience. The tour then takes a turn towards Lithuania’s engineering history, with a ride on a narrow-gauge railway that offers a scenic view of the countryside.

Discovering Lithuanian culture at the Ethnographic Museum and beyond

After exploring the fortress, the journey continues to the Ethnographic Museum in Anykiai. This museum showcases traditional Lithuanian crafts, customs, and rural life, providing insight into the country’s cultural roots. Visitors often find it fascinating to see authentic artifacts and learn about Lithuanian traditions.

An intriguing stop is the Ethnographic Horse Museum, where traditional crafts related to horse breeding and riding are highlighted. The tour also visits the famous “devil” stone of Lithuania — Puntukas — a natural stone feature that adds geological interest to the day.

The highlight: The Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is undoubtedly the most memorable stop. This site features more than 200,000 crosses and is a powerful symbol of faith, hope, and resistance. Visitors have the opportunity to pay respects, reflect peacefully, and admire the sheer number of crosses that create a striking landscape. The guide offers insights into the history and significance of this unique pilgrimage destination.

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Exploring the treetop walking path and scenic views

One of the standout features of this tour is the treetop walking path, a 300-meter curved walkway suspended among the trees. This is the only treetop path in the Baltic countries and Eastern Europe, making it an exclusive addition. The path leads to a 35-meter-high viewing tower, where panoramic views extend over the Anykiai woods and the Ventsoj River bend.

While entry tickets for the treetop path are not included, the experience of walking among the treetops and viewing the landscape from above is highly recommended. The path is suitable for most, but comfortable shoes are advised, especially because the tour involves a fair bit of walking.

The logistics and group experience

This private group tour ensures a personalized experience, with the driver and guide providing commentary in English throughout the day. The pick-up and drop-off services at centrally located Vilnius hotels make the start and end of the day seamless. The tour duration of about 9 hours includes transportation and sightseeing, but as some reviews note, visiting all stops can extend the day to around 11 hours.

Participants should come prepared with comfortable shoes for walking and be aware that entry tickets to the treetop path are not included, so budget extra if you wish to visit that feature.

Who will appreciate this tour most?

This trip appeals to travelers interested in Lithuanian culture, architecture, and natural scenery. It suits those who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing, with a mix of historical sites, religious landmarks, and scenic views. It’s ideal for visitors seeking a personalized experience and who appreciate guided commentary that explains the significance of each stop. Active visitors comfortable with walking and outdoor exploration will enjoy the treetop path and the countryside scenery.

Summary of strengths and considerations

The most praised aspects include the knowledgeable guides, the stunning views from the treetop tower, and the significance of the Hill of Crosses. The tour’s value for money is notable, especially considering the private group setting and the variety of sites visited.

A potential limitation is the additional cost for treetop path tickets, and the longer-than-expected duration if all stops are experienced fully. The pace can be busy, so travelers should be prepared for a full day of sightseeing.

Final thoughts: an authentic Lithuanian experience from Vilnius

This tour offers a well-rounded exploration of Lithuanian heritage, combining spiritual sites, cultural museums, and natural beauty. The visit to Anykiai and the Hill of Crosses is a meaningful contrast to urban sightseeing, providing insights into local traditions and resilience.

The private guide and transportation make this experience smooth and personalized, perfect for those who want detailed explanations and flexibility. While the treetop walk is an optional extra, it adds a memorable touch of adventure and panoramic perspective.

Travelers who value authentic cultural insights, scenic landscapes, and meaningful landmarks will find this day trip from Vilnius rewarding and inspiring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most people who are comfortable walking and standing for periods. Comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are entry tickets to the treetop walking path included?
No, the tickets for the treetop path are not included in the price. You can purchase them separately if you wish to experience this feature.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts about 9 hours, but it can extend to around 11 hours if all stops are thoroughly explored.

How do I book and pay?
You can reserve your spot with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Payment is due later, allowing flexibility in planning.

What language is the guide in?
The tour is conducted in English by a knowledgeable driver/guide.

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