From Vilnius: Anykiai & The Hill of Crosses Day Trip

If you’re considering a day trip from Vilnius that mixes spiritual symbolism, Lithuanian culture, and stunning natural scenery, this tour to Anykiai and the Hill of Crosses offers a compelling package. We haven’t personally taken this trip, but based on reviews and detailed descriptions, it’s clear this experience offers a well-rounded glimpse of Lithuania’s unique charms.

What we love about this tour: First, it hits the highlights of the Hill of Crosses, a site unlike any other—more than 200,000 crosses piled high in a place that has long symbolized resilience. Second, it combines this with engaging cultural stops like the Ethnographic Museum and the treetop walking path, which provide both fun and insight.

A possible consideration is the tour’s duration—with a few reviews mentioning it can stretch beyond the stated 9 hours—so be prepared for a full, active day. This trip suits those eager for authentic experiences, history buffs, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Lithuanian culture beyond the capital city.

Key Points

• Unique Landmark: The Hill of Crosses is a profound symbol of Lithuanian faith and perseverance.
• Cultural Insight: The Ethnographic Museum offers a compelling look into Lithuanian traditions.
• Spectacular Views: The treetop walkway provides panoramic vistas over the woods and the Ventoj River.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with local stories and context.
• Flexible Booking: You can reserve now and pay later, with a full refund available if you cancel 24 hours in advance.
• Private Group: The experience feels personalized, with pick-up and drop-off at your Vilnius hotel included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour Experience

Starting from Vilnius

The journey begins with a convenient pick-up from your centrally located Vilnius hotel. This focus on ease means you don’t have to worry about transportation logistics, allowing you to relax and enjoy the scenery from the start. The tour is conducted in English, with a professional driver and guide leading the way, which helps to make the experience informative and engaging.

The Visit to Lithuania’s Highest Church

Your first stop is the highest Lithuanian church, a striking structure that immediately sets the tone of grandeur and spiritual significance. While the specific church name isn’t provided, this stop allows visitors to appreciate Lithuania’s religious architecture and its importance in Lithuanian life.

Exploring Domantai Hill Fortress

Next, we visit the Domantai Hill Fortress, an evocative site where the crosses are displayed. Walking among over 200,000 crosses, crucifixes, statues of saints, and patriotic effigies, you’ll get a sense of the deep-rooted faith and resilience of the Lithuanian people. The reviews highlight this as a “weird & unique & wonderful” site that’s hard to find anywhere else.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Railway and Local Heritage

A highlight for many is the narrow-gauge railway, which offers insight into Lithuania’s engineering history. While the details are sparse, this transport mode is often appreciated for its nostalgic charm and the way it connects visitors to the past.

Ethnographic Museum and Traditional Crafts

The Ethnographic Museum offers a look into Lithuanian traditions and crafts, helping you understand local customs, clothing, and perhaps even some folklore. This stop is perfect for those interested in cultural authenticity, and it’s often praised for its informative displays.

Puntukas and the Devil Stone

A visit to Puntukas, known as Lithuania’s “devil” stone, provides a natural and mythic dimension to the tour. This boulder is famed for its size and the legends surrounding it, making it an interesting stop that combines geology with Lithuanian mythology.

The Treeline Walking Path and Observation Tower

The treetop walking path is a standout feature—claimed to be the only one in the Baltic countries and even all of Eastern Europe. Stretching 300 meters through the treetops, it culminates in a 35-meter-high viewing tower. From here, you can look over the Anykiai woods, the bend of the Ventoj River, and take in the natural beauty from a bird’s-eye perspective.

This experience has garnered rave reviews, with visitors describing it as “beautiful and inspiring,” and a “wonderful walk through the canopy.” It’s a distinctive feature that offers both adventure and photo opportunities.

Drop-Off and Flexibility

The day concludes with your guide returning you to your Vilnius hotel. The flexibility of booking, with reserve and pay later options and a full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours prior, makes planning easier, especially if your itinerary might shift.

Practical Details and Value

At a relatively affordable price point—considering the inclusion of transportation, guide, and a comprehensive itinerary—this tour offers good value for money. The private group arrangement ensures a more personalized experience, and the knowledgeable guides can answer questions and share stories that bring each site to life.

While the entry fee for the treetop walking path isn’t included, the cost isn’t prohibitive, and many reviews mention this as a worthwhile addition. The lunch isn’t covered either, but options for local Lithuanian cuisine—like Cepelinai—are highly recommended and easy to find in towns along the way.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This trip is best suited for those with a curiosity about Lithuanian culture and history, especially if you enjoy exploring sights that are both visually stunning and culturally meaningful. It’s ideal for small groups seeking a personalized experience with knowledgeable guides. It’s also a good choice if you prefer organized transportation rather than self-driving, especially when visiting remote or off-the-beaten-path sites.

Travelers who love natural scenery, historic landmarks, and authentic cultural experiences will find plenty to appreciate here. If you’re on a tight schedule, just keep in mind that reviews suggest the tour can stretch beyond 9 hours, so a full day’s commitment is necessary.

The Sum Up

This Vilnius day trip to Anykiai and the Hill of Crosses offers a compelling mix of spiritual symbolism, cultural depth, and natural beauty. It’s a guided experience that combines well-known landmarks with lesser-known stories, making it ideal for travelers seeking authenticity and insight.

The knowledgeable guides, the spectacular views from the treetop walkway, and the unique hill of crosses make this tour stand out. It provides excellent value—especially considering all the sites covered—and caters well to those with a genuine interest in Lithuania’s heritage.

If you’re looking for a day that broadens your understanding of Lithuania’s resilience, faith, and traditions while enjoying scenic vistas and engaging stories, this trip is hard to beat. It’s perfect for curious, culture-loving travelers who want a hassle-free, well-organized way to see some of the country’s most memorable sights.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off services from your centrally located Vilnius hotel, along with all transfer arrangements.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, reservations are recommended. You can reserve now and pay later, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

How long does the tour usually last?
The official duration is about 9 hours, but reviews suggest it may extend to around 11 hours, so plan for a full day.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are advised, especially since you will walk at several sites and on the treetop walkways.

Are there any additional costs?
Entry tickets to the Treetop Walking Path are not included in the tour price and will need to be paid separately if you choose to visit.

Is this tour private or group-based?
The tour is offered as a private group experience, ensuring a more personalized and flexible visit.

This tour offers a well-balanced, authentic glimpse of Lithuania beyond Vilnius’s city limits—perfect for curious travelers eager to discover the country’s soul in a single day.

You can check availability for your dates here: