Explore Hill of Crosses, Rundale Palace, and Bauska Castle on a private full-day trip from Riga. Discover history, enjoy local cuisine, and more.
- Hill Of Crosses (kryziU Kalnas) - Lithuania’s Hill of Crosses is a symbol of defiance as much as a pilgrimage site. More than 100,000 crosses have been planted, many of them strung with rosary beads that rattle softly in the breeze. The tradition began during the 1831 Uprising and reached its height in the 1960s, in defiance of anti-religious Soviet rule. At night locals crept here to lay crosses, infuriating their oppressors. Legends swirl around the Hill of Crosses. Some locals claim that the mound conceals the bodies of 14th-century warriors, others swear that it’s haunted by monks. It’s more than likely that the hill was a pre-Christian worship site. Efforts to bulldoze the hill during the 1960s and ‘70s didn’t deter locals from placing crosses here, despite the harsh punishments for being caught. Today it is forbidden to remove a cross from the site, and any visitor may plant a cross. Vendors sell simple wooden crucifixes near the visitor centre, write a prayer or wish onto the cross before placing it in the soil.
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- English speaking driver
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Museum entrance tickets
- Gratuities
History comes alive with this full-day trip to Hill of Crosses in Lithuania and famous Latvian castle and palace. Just two hour drive from Riga. You’ll be able to visit such landmarks as Hill of Crosses, Rundale palace and Bauska castle. Our driver will advice best local restaurants for lunch if you will require.
Please note that licensed guide service is not included in this tour. Our English speaking driver will give basic info, answer your questions, lead to the ticket offices and will advise best local restaurants for lunch. If licensed guide is requested it can be arranged at the sights that we will be visiting for a additional cost, please inform us in advance if such service is needed so we can book it for you.
- Free bottled water
- Total Duration for the tour includes travel time in between each leg of the tour.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
