The Kernavė Archaeological Site includes the town of Kernavė and forms a complex of archaeological sites and historical and cultural monuments. When planning your trip, the museum’s cultural and historical exhibits and routes through the landscape are two options to consider. The walking routes and cycling route differ in both their course and approximate length—useful when deciding whether to focus on exhibitions, a walk, or a longer bicycle ride.

Museum and Archaeology

The Museum of the Kernavė Archaeological Site has three exhibition halls covering three themes: the archaeological site, prehistory, and the 13th- and 14th-century Middle Ages. This brings different historical perspectives together, with the medieval section defined within a specific period. The museum therefore offers its own cultural and historical focus alongside the routes.

During an educational tour, students can handle replicas of finds as well as view the finds kept in the museum. The replicas span a period from the early Stone Age to the late Middle Ages. For this audience, hands-on engagement with replicas complements the exploration of the exhibition themes.

Walking Through the Archaeological Site

The approximately 4 km walking route through the Kernavė Archaeological Site connects the lower and upper Neris terraces and passes through archaeological areas. Its course includes the fields of Pajauta Valley, a ravine, and a centuries-old forest; it also offers a sweeping view of Pajauta Valley. The route brings together several types of terrain and landscape.

Another option with a different character is the Kunigaikščių takas (Prince’s Trail). This approximately 3 km circular route passes between the hillforts through the archaeological site and reaches the Neris. When choosing, you can compare the approximate lengths and route types: around 4 km for the route across the terraces and through different landscape areas, and around 3 km for the loop between the hillforts to the river.

Cycling Route and Nearby Trail

The cycling route starts in the town of Kernavė and is approximately 9 km long. It passes through local pine forests and valleys, follows river bends, and runs partly on forest trails and partly on asphalt. If you’re considering a cycling route instead of a walk, you can take both the approximate distance and the changing surface into account.

The White Mountain Trail is also located near the destination. This easy 2.6 km walking trail has rest areas and a viewing platform overlooking a bend in the Neris. It starts at the White Mountain Resort and can be reached from Kernavė by car via Pajautos Street. This option differs from the walking routes through the archaeological site: it is nearby and has its own starting point.

Discover more destinations: Karvys, Trakai, Madžiūnai, Žuklijai, Antatilčiai, Strėva, Švenčionys, Vievis

For the regional travel overview: Vilnius District.