Gediminas Tower and Castle Hill

Gedimino pilies bokštas

The red-brick tower crowning Castle Hill is the surviving remnant of Vilnius's Upper Castle and a national symbol of Lithuania. It offers sweeping panoramas over the old town, cathedral and river, plus a small museum on the city's origins.

Things to do

• Climb the Gediminas Tower — Ascend the octagonal red-brick tower's steep stone stairs to reach the observation deck at the summit.
• Enjoy the panorama — Take in sweeping 360-degree views over Vilnius Old Town, the Cathedral, the Neris River and the surrounding hills from the top platform.
• Visit the Vilnius Castle Museum — Explore exhibits inside the tower featuring armor, iconographic models of the castle complex and archaeological finds tracing the city's origins.
• Ride the funicular — Skip the climb by taking the short funicular railway up Castle Hill from behind the Applied Arts and Design Museum.
• Walk up the hill path — Follow the winding pedestrian path through the wooded slope of Castle Hill to appreciate the fortifications and greenery.
• See the Lithuanian flag — Watch the enormous tricolor flag flying atop the tower, first raised here in 1919 as a symbol of independence.
• Explore the ruins of the Upper Castle — Examine the surviving stone foundations and defensive walls of the medieval fortress spread across the hilltop.

Food to try

• Cepelinai — Try Lithuania's national dish of zeppelin-shaped potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat, served with sour cream and bacon at nearby Old Town restaurants.
• Šaltibarščiai — Cool down with the vivid pink cold beetroot soup made with kefir, dill and served with boiled potatoes, popular in summer.
• Kibinai — Grab these savory Karaim pastry pockets filled with meat, a regional specialty easily found in Vilnius eateries.
• Šakotis — Sample the tree-shaped spit cake with distinctive spiky branches, a festive Lithuanian dessert sold in bakeries and markets.
• Gira — Refresh with kvass, a traditional fermented rye-bread drink served in cafes around the Old Town at the foot of the hill.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear sturdy shoes — The cobblestone path and tower's stone steps are steep and can be slippery when wet, so proper footwear is essential.
• A revered national symbol — The tower and its flag represent Lithuanian statehood, so treat the site with respect as locals hold it in deep esteem.
• Combine with the Cathedral Square — The hill rises directly behind Cathedral Square, making it easy to pair a visit with the Cathedral and its bell tower below.
• Check funicular and museum hours — Opening times vary by season and the funicular may close in bad weather, so verify before planning your ascent.

Nearby

• Vilnius Cathedral and Square — 0 km
• Hill of Three Crosses — 1 km
• Užupis — 1 km
• Vilnius Old Town — 1 km