Five hill forts and Lithuania's first capital
A UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site 35 km from Vilnius: five grass hill forts above the Neris valley marking what is considered the earliest capital of Lithuania.
Official city tourism siteCultural highlights
The five mounds
Walk the ridge and climb each fort — the view over the valley is the point.
Archaeological museum
Finds from the medieval town that stood below.
Rasos / Midsummer
Kernavė hosts one of the country's best-known solstice gatherings.
Travel tips
- The site is open air and free; only the museum charges admission.
- Wear proper shoes — the mound paths are steep and slippery after rain.
- Live archaeology days in July fill the valley with reenactors.
Getting around
Between cities
Intercity buses are the backbone (autobusubilietai.lt); trains (traukiniai.lt) are cheaper and comfortable on Vilnius–Kaunas–Klaipėda.
Tickets
Buy bus and train tickets online or from the driver. City buses accept a contactless bank card tapped on the validator.
Taxis & apps
Bolt is the default app in every city and costs a fraction of Western European taxi fares.
Driving
Dipped headlights on at all times. Winter tyres are compulsory 10 Nov – 1 Apr. City parking is paid by app (mPay) or meter.
Opening hours
Hill forts
Open air and free, accessible year round in daylight.
Museum
10:00–18:00 in summer, closed Monday; shorter winter hours.
Shops
Weekdays roughly 10:00–19:00, Saturday 10:00–16:00. Many small shops close Sunday.
Shopping centres
Usually 10:00–21:00 or 22:00, seven days a week.
Supermarkets
Maxima, Iki, Rimi and Lidl typically 08:00–22:00 daily; some Vilnius and Kaunas stores run 24h.
Museums
Usually 10:00–18:00, closed Monday and often Sunday afternoon. Last entry is 30–45 minutes before closing.
Restaurants
Lunch menus (pietūs) 11:00–15:00 on weekdays. Kitchens often stop at 22:00, earlier in small towns.
Pharmacies
09:00–19:00 typically; every larger city has at least one 24-hour pharmacy.
Banks & post
Weekdays 09:00–17:00, closed weekends. Cash machines are everywhere.
Public holidays
Most shops and museums close on 1 Jan, 16 Feb, 11 Mar, Easter, 24 Jun, 6 Jul, 1 Nov and 24–25 Dec.
Typical hours — always check the venue's own page before travelling.
Practical info
Getting there
About 45 minutes by car from Vilnius; limited buses via Dūkštos.
Money
Euro (€). Cards are accepted almost everywhere, including buses and markets.
Emergency
112 for police, ambulance and fire — English is understood.
Useful Lithuanian
What's on in Kernavė
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