From Vilnius: Anykiai & The Hill of Crosses Day Trip

A full-day journey from Vilnius to some of Lithuania’s most iconic and authentic sights—this tour offers more than just sightseeing. For around a half-day’s price, you’ll visit the extraordinary Hill of Crosses, explore the charming town of Anykiai, and enjoy a rare treetop walking path. Guided by knowledgeable locals, the trip balances history, culture, and nature in a way that’s both engaging and meaningful.

What we love most are the stunning views from the treetop walkway—curving 300 meters through the canopy to a 35-meter-high viewing tower—and the powerful experience of standing among over 200,000 crosses at the hill. The tour’s pace keeps you moving but allows plenty of time to soak in each site, making it a perfect option for travelers wanting a well-rounded glimpse of Lithuanian life.

One thing to keep in mind is that, per reviews, the day can stretch beyond the indicated nine hours, especially if you choose to explore additional sites or take your time. The tour is best suited for travelers who appreciate a mix of history, scenic views, and cultural stories, especially those who enjoy guided insights and authentic experiences.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Cultural Highlights: The Hill of Crosses and the Ethnographic Museum offer deep insights into Lithuanian faith and traditions.
Natural Beauty: The treetop walking path provides a rare perspective on the forest canopy and scenic landscapes.
Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides enrich the experience with stories and context that bring each site alive.
Value for Money: The tour includes transportation, guides, and pick-up services, making it a convenient, all-in-one package.
Authentic Experience: Small private groups ensure personalized attention and a more genuine connection to Lithuania’s heritage.
Time Management: Expect a full and busy day, with some reviews suggesting 11 hours might be more accurate than 9.

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Exploring Lithuania in Depth: The Experience Breakdown

Starting in Vilnius: Convenient Pick-Up

The tour begins with a pick-up from your centrally-located hotel in Vilnius. This saves you the hassle of navigating public transport early in the morning, and you’ll be greeted by your driver/guide, ready to introduce you to the day’s itinerary.

The Highest Lithuanian Church

Your first stop is the tallest church in Lithuania, a striking sight that sets the tone for the day. We loved the way this site captures Lithuania’s religious architecture and its prominence in the country’s cultural landscape. While not detailed here, it’s a good introduction to Lithuanian faith and history.

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Domantai Hill Fortress and the Hill of Crosses

Next, you’ll visit the Hill of Crosses, an extraordinary pilgrimage site covered in more than 200,000 crosses, crucifixes, statues, and effigies. It’s a powerful visual reminder of Lithuanian resilience and faith—especially meaningful considering Lithuania’s history of oppression and religious devotion. We found it both moving and slightly surreal—a place that transforms anyone’s understanding of personal and collective expressions of faith.

Reviewers have praised guides like Andrius for their storytelling, making the tour more than just a walk among crosses. One said, “My guide was excellent! I learned so much about Lithuania’s history and culture along the journey.” What makes this visit stand out is not just the quantity of crosses but the stories and symbolism each one carries, making it a deeply personal experience.

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Ethnographic Museum and Traditional Crafts

After the hill, the tour continues to the Ethnographic Museum, where you’ll get a closer look at Lithuania’s traditional crafts and cultural practices. If you’re interested in folk art, costume, or rural life, this stop offers authentic insights. This museum grounds the day in real Lithuanian life beyond the tourist spots.

Narrow-Gauge Railway and Treetop Walkway

A highlight for many travelers is the treetop walking path, unique in the Baltic countries and even in Eastern Europe. The curved 300-meter path weaving through the treetops leads to a 35-meter-high viewing tower, from which you’ll see the bends of the Ventoj River and the vast forests of Anykiai. We loved the way this elevated perspective reveals Lithuania’s lush landscape and peaceful forests.

Also, the tour features Lithuania’s narrow-gauge railway, offering a glimpse into its engineering past. Though not detailed here, this provides extra flavor to the journey, especially if you enjoy scenic train rides.

Puntukas “Devil” Stone and Other Natural Wonders

Before wrapping up, you’ll visit the Puntukas Stone, known as Lithuania’s “devil” stone. It’s a massive boulder with cultural legends attached, worth a quick stop for its impressive size and mythic aura. As one reviewer expressed, “Discover Lithuania is the best—you learn so much and see authentic sites that aren’t overrun with travelers.”

Final Thoughts and Flexibility

The tour offers pick-up and drop-off at your Vilnius hotel, with transportation and a driver/guide included. Entry to the treetop walkway isn’t included, so you might want to budget for that separately. The private group format ensures personalized attention, which many travelers appreciate.

Practical Details and Value

While the price isn’t specified here, the inclusion of transportation, guide, and pick-up makes it a good value for a full-day excursion. It’s especially beneficial for those who prefer a guided, hassle-free experience, and it’s ideal for anyone interested in Lithuanian culture, history, or scenic landscapes.

Be prepared for a busy day—some reviewers note it can extend beyond the nine hours listed, so wear comfortable shoes and bring snacks if needed. The tour is conducted in English, and the small private group format guarantees a more intimate experience.

Who Should Take This Tour?

If you’re eager to see a mix of Lithuania’s spiritual sites, cultural traditions, and natural beauty in one day, this trip hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate guided insights, want to avoid driving, and are curious about authentic Lithuanian life beyond the capital. History buffs, nature lovers, and those interested in local crafts will find plenty to love here.

This tour also suits travelers with limited time but a keen interest in experiencing Lithuania’s most meaningful landmarks—without the hassle of organizing transportation or tickets themselves.

The Sum Up

This trip from Vilnius to Anykiai and the Hill of Crosses offers a well-rounded taste of Lithuania’s heritage, spirituality, and landscape. The combination of striking sights—the hill covered in crosses, the treetop walkway, and the ethnographic museum—means you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for Lithuanian resilience, tradition, and natural beauty.

The guides receive high praise for their knowledge and storytelling, turning each site into an engaging story rather than just a stop on a checklist. The value here is clear: you get transportation, insightful commentary, and a chance to experience several key sites comfortably in one day.

If you enjoy authentic travel experiences, meaningful cultural insights, and scenic views, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for those who want a guided, hassle-free exploration of some of Lithuania’s most memorable sights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for all ages? Yes, the tour is suitable for most ages, but remember to wear comfortable shoes as there will be walking involved.

How long is the overall tour? The tour is designed as a full day, roughly 9 hours, though some reviews suggest it may extend to 11 hours depending on your pace and additional site visits.

Do I need to book tickets separately for the treetop walkway? Yes, entry tickets to the treetop walking path are not included in the tour price, so plan to purchase them separately if you want to go.

Is transportation provided? Yes, pick-up and drop-off services from your Vilnius hotel are included, along with private transfer.

What language is the tour conducted in? The tour is guided in English.

Can I customize or add extra stops? The standard tour is fixed, but you can ask the operator in advance if you want to include extra sites such as the Shrine of Our Lady of Siluva or Tytuvenai Monastery.

Is the tour private or in a group? It’s a private group tour, providing a more personalized experience.

Is food included? No, meals are not included. You might want to bring snacks or plan to buy lunch at a local spot.

What should I bring on the tour? Comfortable shoes are essential; bring water, a hat, sunscreen, and any personal essentials.

Would this tour be good for solo travelers? Absolutely, the private group setting means solo travelers can enjoy a personalized experience with ease.

This detailed review should help you decide if this full-day trip from Vilnius captures what you’re looking for—authentic Lithuanian sights, scenic landscapes, and expert guidance, all in one convenient package.

You can check availability for your dates here: