Hill of CrossesStory N° 251
Hill of Crosses & Siauliai
Stand among 100,000 crosses at Lithuania's most haunting pilgrimage site near Siauliai.
The itinerary.
3 days · 12 stops
Friday
Day One
Arrive in the northern city of Siauliai and discover its quirky, unexpected small-museum culture.
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Siauliai Pedestrian Boulevard
One of Europe's oldest pedestrian streets, dotted with sundials, sculptures and the city's famous golden boy weathervane.
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Cat Museum
A delightfully odd private museum crammed with thousands of cat figurines, art and curiosities.
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Chaim Frenkel Villa
An opulent art-nouveau mansion of a 19th-century leather magnate, now a richly restored history museum.
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Arkos
A long-standing Siauliai restaurant serving hearty Lithuanian and European plates in a relaxed setting.
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Hotel
Siauliai City Hotel, a modern central base near the boulevard booking.com
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Getting around
- Arriving via train or bus from Vilnius or Kaunas, roughly 2 to 3 hours
- City sights reachable on foot
Saturday
Day Two
The centrepiece: the surreal, ever-growing Hill of Crosses just north of the city.
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Hill of Crosses
A small hill blanketed by well over 100,000 crosses left by pilgrims; a defiant symbol of faith that survived Soviet bulldozing.
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Domus Maria Pilgrim House
The Franciscan monastery near the hill, built after Pope John Paul II's 1993 visit, offering quiet reflection.
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Cross-buying stalls
Roadside vendors sell crosses of every size so visitors can add their own to the hill, continuing the living tradition.
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Juone Pastuoge
A rustic countryside tavern between Siauliai and the hill serving home-style Lithuanian comfort food.
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Hotel
Siauliai City Hotel, a modern central base near the boulevard booking.com
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Getting around
- Local bus or taxi 12 km north to the Hill of Crosses
- Return to Siauliai by bus or pre-arranged taxi
Sunday
Day Three
A final morning exploring Siauliai's lakeside calm and offbeat photography heritage.
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Talksa Lake
A walkable urban lake with shaded paths, a sculpture trail and views back toward the cathedral.
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Photography Museum
Siauliai's pioneering museum dedicated to the history and art of photography in Lithuania.
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Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul
A gleaming white Renaissance church whose tall tower long served as a city landmark and lookout.
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Bjjurpub
A laid-back craft beer and cocktail spot to toast an unexpectedly rich northern detour.
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Hotel
Siauliai City Hotel, a modern central base near the boulevard booking.com
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Getting around
- Walking around Talksa Lake and the centre
- Train or bus back to Vilnius for onward travel
Location.
Frequently asked
How many days do you need for Hill of Crosses & Siauliai?
3 days. The itinerary runs from Friday to Sunday and covers 12 curated stops across 3 days.
How much does Hill of Crosses & Siauliai cost?
Mid-range — €150–300 per day per person.
Where do you stay during Hill of Crosses & Siauliai?
Siauliai City Hotel, a modern central base near the boulevard is the recommended base for the trip; the full hotel list per day is in the itinerary section.
What's included in the Hill of Crosses & Siauliai itinerary?
Day-by-day stops at 12 restaurants, museums, viewpoints and landmarks; transportation hints between each leg; and a hotel base in Hill of Crosses.
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