Kernave - Hill mounds and Archeology in the Lithuanian countryside (Kernave (Lithuania))

Member Name: dangaroo

Product:	Kernave (Lithuania)
Date:	19/05/08 (30 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful scenery, interesting archeology and naturee

Disadvantages: Difficult to get there without a car

I've just returned from Kernave this weekend, 35km through the wooden house dotted countryside from the Lithuanian capital Vilnius, lies the former capital and one of the first settlements in Lithuania - Kernave. Pretty small for a former capital, just a few houses, one shop, one cafe, a population of around 300 and a rather standout church! If there is proof that size doesn't matter this is it! A small walk to the back of the church will lead you to a sensational breathtaking view over the piliakalnis (fortified hill mounds) to the enormous bend in the River Neris and to the valley below.

Traditionally the locals lived by the river but after being attacked in 1390 by the Teutonic Knights (regular enemies for hundreds of years) who burnt down all the houses and the castle, they moved to the top of the hill and many left. A superb place for archeologists due to the amount of historical treasure that has been found completely intact, there are often digs here. The mounds themselves are incredibly impressive and the surrounding nature (which is part of a national park) is very untouched and intriguing for the visitor. You won't find many foreigners here but it is a regular picnic haunt of locals in the summer.

During our stay there was a music festival (organised for geologist students) a few kilometres away in the woods, the quality of music was quite good even though the bands were just starting out and despite about 1000 people being there, police and security presence was non-existant and despite their being some rather drunk Lithuanians, everyone behaved responsibly. All in all a good night in a superb location, until it started to belt it down with rain!

This is not the only festival held there, they also have lots of folk festivals, medieval crafts festivals and perhaps the most famous is on the 6th July (Coronation Day of King Mindaugas) aswell archeological expeditions. This in no way litters the surroundings though which remain in an unbelievably peaceful way.

It would be tricky to get there without a car, there are a couple of buses during the day but no other form of transport.

Summary: If you can get there, it's well worth it!