Kernavė
Kernavė is a small town situated on the right bank of Neris River in north west corner of Vilnius (35km drive). It has interesting history behind as Kernavė is the first capital of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania mentioned in historical chronicles. In the town you can find five hill forts and that is unique in whole Baltic Sea region to have that many in one location. Wonderful view of the Neris River and an island inside the river opens from top of the fort hills. Whole site was included in UNESCO World Heritage list since 2004.
There is an Archaeological and History Museum of Kernavė which is a must visit place if you come here. It stores most of the artifacts of the ancient times found during excavations. It was renovated and now has those interactive features which are quite nice, the information which will provide opportunity to be acquainted with the pre-history and Middle Ages of Kernavė you can read or hear in several languages including English.
Every year, on midsummer during the Days of Living Archaeology in July here you will find masters of ancient arts from all over Lithuania and neighboring countries celebrating ancient crafts. People with different skills like blacksmiths, glaziers, jewelers or more sells their products in the fair taking place in Kernavė at that time. During the festival a demonstration medieval fights and concerts of ethnic music are held.
More information about Kernavė you can find here.
Helpful tips
Restaurants. In Kernavė there are not many restaurants which we could recommend visiting, however, there is one on the way from Kernavė to Vievis. It is called “Pušynėlis”, there you can find local food and enjoy spectacular view of Neris Regional Park. In case you are not hungry, we still recommend stopping for couple minutes to enjoy the view there.
Transportation. The most convenient way of reaching Kernavė is by car. If you go from the center of Vilnius there is around 35km drive to the place.
There is also possibility to reach Kernavė by bus. From the Bus Station (Sodų St. 22), platforms No. 10 or 11. Buses to Kernavė run around 6 times per day, at intervals of approximately 30 minutes – 1.5 hours. Timetables are available here.
Places around Kernavė. There are quite few wonderful places around Kernavė. Most of them are located inside beautiful Neris Regional Park.
First in our list is Verksioniu Observation Desk of the river Neris where you can also have some food in a restaurant nearby enjoying the view.
On the way to Kernavė there is also Stone Sculpture Park Vilnoja where you will find a four-hectare park in which more than 40 modern stone sculptures are displayed. Some of the sculptures rise above the surface of an amazing lake where you can swim while exploring the sculptures.
Moreover, there is a Dūkštai ąžuolynas educational trail where you will see the largest oak-wood in Lithuania. On the edge of it there is a rock with runes carved in it.
More information you can find here.
Best of luck planning your holidays in Kernavė!
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