Hill of Crosses
Monument Sacred pilgrimage hill covered with thousands of crosses
A field north of Šiauliai covered with thousands of crosses, the Hill of Crosses draws pilgrims, historians and photographers interested in layers of devotion and symbols of Lithuania’s resistance history.
The Hill of Crosses is a pilgrimage and memorial site north of Šiauliai in northern Lithuania notable for its vast concentration of crosses and religious symbols. The collection comprises tens of thousands of crosses placed by individuals over many decades.
The site is characterised by densely packed wooden, metal and stone crosses in a compact area, informal paths through the crosses and occasional religious icons and rosaries. It is seen both as a place of private devotion and a national symbol.
The Hill emerged in the 19th and 20th centuries as a place of remembrance and private devotion and continued to grow through the 20th century despite periods when authorities removed crosses. Pope John Paul II visited the site in 1993.
Geographically it stands on a small hill about 12 km north of Šiauliai, set in flat agricultural plains of northern Lithuania and reachable by local roads and short walks from parking areas.
- Scale: Contains tens of thousands of crosses and crucifixes of all sizes, deposited over many decades by pilgrims and visitors.
- Access: Located about 12 kilometres north of the city of Šiauliai and accessible by road; the site is open to the public year-round.
How to Get to Hill of Crosses #
The Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas) is north of Šiauliai - roughly a 10-15 minute drive (about 10-15 km) from Šiauliai city centre on regional roads. Regular regional and excursion buses depart Šiauliai bus station for the site; on arrival there is a short walk from the roadside parking/bus stop to the crosses (usually under 10 minutes).
Tips for Visiting Hill of Crosses #
- Visit the Hill of Crosses early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid tour‑bus crowds and to experience the site in quieter light for photos.
- Access to the site is free and open year‑round; walk the outer paths to see the older, densely clustered crosses and the more recent votive offerings that many visitors miss.
- The site is close to Šiauliai-combine the stop with a short drive to/from the city rather than relying on big guided tours that usually arrive mid‑day.
Best Time to Visit Hill of Crosses #
Visit the Hill of Crosses in late spring or early autumn for fewer crowds and pleasant walking weather, or in winter for a quiet, atmospheric experience.
Weather & Climate near Hill of Crosses #
Hill of Crosses's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -6°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (597 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. The driest month with just 26 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Moderate rainfall (31 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 77 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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