Iauliai And The Hill Of Crosses Lithuania Travel Guide

Šiauliai (pronounced roughly SHYOW-lyay) is a mid-sized city in northern Lithuania with a long civic history and a relaxed, unpretentious character. It is the country's fourth-largest city by population and serves as the commercial and cultural centre of the Aukštaitija highlands region.

For most international visitors, Šiauliai is the gateway to the Hill of Crosses (Lithuanian: Kryžių kalnas), located about 12 km north of the city. This extraordinary site — a low glacial mound covered in hundreds of thousands of crosses, crucifixes, rosaries, and religious carvings — has become one of Lithuania's most visited landmarks and a site of deep Catholic and national symbolism.

The city itself rewards a few hours of exploration: the pedestrianised Vilniaus gatvė, the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, and the Bicycle Museum (one of several quirky specialist museums in town) offer genuine local colour. Šiauliai is neither a polished tourist destination nor a hidden gem in the conventional sense — it is a functional Lithuanian city that happens to sit beside one of the most visually arresting pilgrimage sites in Europe.

Note on the guide title: Šiauliai is located in Lithuania, not Estonia. Estonia is a separate Baltic country. This guide covers Šiauliai and the Hill of Crosses as they actually are — in northern Lithuania.

Lithuania is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area. Citizens of EU and Schengen countries, as well as many others (including the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom), can enter Lithuania without a visa for short stays. Requirements vary by nationality and can change.

Always verify your visa and entry requirements through TravelerPulse's Visas section and the official Lithuanian Migration Department website before you travel.

Health and practical prep

• Lithuania has a good standard of healthcare in cities; travel insurance with medical coverage is strongly advised.
• Tick-borne encephalitis is present in forested and rural areas of Lithuania; consult your doctor about vaccination or preventive measures if you plan woodland walks, particularly in summer.
• Tap water is generally safe to drink in Šiauliai.
• Most businesses accept card payments, but carrying some cash is useful for smaller cafés, markets, and roadside stalls near the Hill of Crosses.

By air

The nearest international airports are Vilnius (VNO) and Riga (RIX) in Latvia. Both are roughly 2–2.5 hours from Šiauliai by road or rail. Vilnius Airport has the most direct flights from Western Europe. Riga Airport is actually slightly closer to Šiauliai and is served by a wide range of European carriers. Verify current routes and schedules with airlines directly.

By train

Lithuanian Railways (LTG Link) operates services connecting Šiauliai to Vilnius and other Lithuanian cities. Journey times and frequencies vary; check the official LTG website for current timetables before travel.

By bus

LuxExpress, Ecolines, and regional Eurolines-affiliated operators run coach services connecting Šiauliai with Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, and other Baltic cities. Advance booking is recommended in summer.

By car

Šiauliai is easily reached via the A9/E272 highway from Vilnius (approximately 220 km south) or via the Via Baltica from Riga (approximately 130 km north). Road conditions are generally good on major routes.

Within Šiauliai

The city centre is compact and walkable. Local buses and minibuses (marshrutkas) serve wider neighbourhoods. Taxis and ride-hailing apps (verify which apps are active locally, as availability changes) are available.

Reaching the Hill of Crosses

The Hill of Crosses is approximately 12 km north of central Šiauliai, near the village of Jurgaičiai. Options include:

• Local bus: A bus route runs from Šiauliai bus station toward Joniškis; ask the driver or check locally for the correct stop near Kryžių kalnas. Verify the current timetable on arrival.
• Taxi or ride-hire: A straightforward option; agree a fare in advance or ensure the meter is running. Many drivers will wait while you visit.
• Rental car or bicycle: Cycling the route is feasible in good weather on reasonably flat terrain.
• Organised day tours: Tour operators from Vilnius, Riga, and Tallinn offer day trips that include the Hill of Crosses; check current availability through booking platforms.

Hill of Crosses (Kryžių kalnas)

The defining experience of any visit to this region. The site is a glacial mound, modest in height, that has been covered in crosses by Lithuanian Catholics since at least the 19th century. Soviet authorities bulldozed the crosses multiple times during the occupation; each time, Lithuanians returned and rebuilt them. Today the mound and its surroundings hold an estimated 100,000 to 200,000 crosses of every size — from tiny rosaries to elaborate carved wooden sculptures. Pope John Paul II visited in 1993. The site is open at all hours and there is no admission charge (verify locally in case any management arrangements change). A Franciscan friary stands nearby. The atmosphere is genuinely affecting, regardless of personal religious belief.

Šiauliai Old Town and Vilniaus Street

The pedestrianised main street, Vilniaus gatvė, is the social spine of the city. It's pleasant for a stroll and lined with cafés, shops, and a sundial sculpture that has become a local emblem.

Šiauliai Cathedral (Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul)

A tall, handsome tower dominates the skyline; the cathedral dates in its present form largely to the 18th century with later modifications. Open to visitors; verify hours locally.

Specialist Museums

Šiauliai has an unusual collection of themed museums:

• Bicycle Museum (Dviračių muziejus): A quirky and well-regarded collection of historic bicycles.
• Cat Museum (Kačių muziejus): One of few cat-themed museums in the world.
• Photography Museum: Documents Lithuanian photographic history.
• Radio and Television Museum: Covers the history of broadcasting. Verify opening hours and admission fees on-site or through the Šiauliai Aušros Museum network, which administers several of these.

Šiauliai has a range of cafés, restaurants, and bakeries along and near Vilniaus gatvė. Lithuanian cuisine forms the backbone of local menus, with dishes such as cepelinai (potato dumplings stuffed with meat or curd), šaltibarščiai (cold beetroot soup, a Lithuanian summer staple), dark rye bread, and smoked meats featuring prominently.

The city also has pizza restaurants, international fast food chains, and a growing number of café-bars catering to the university population. Local beer brands and Lithuanian craft breweries are well represented; Lithuania has a strong brewing tradition.

Near the Hill of Crosses, small roadside stalls typically sell wooden crosses, souvenirs, and light snacks. Dining options in the immediate vicinity of the hill are limited, so eating in Šiauliai before or after your visit is advisable.

Prices in Šiauliai are generally lower than in Vilnius. Verify current prices locally, as they fluctuate with economic conditions.

Emergency numbers

In Lithuania, the pan-European emergency number 112 connects to police, fire, and ambulance services.

Money

Lithuania uses the euro. ATMs are available in the city centre. Card payments are widely accepted in restaurants and shops.

Mobile connectivity

Lithuania has good 4G coverage in urban areas and major roads. EU roaming rules apply for European SIM holders. Visitors from outside the EU should check roaming charges with their provider or consider buying a local SIM.

Language

Lithuanian is the official language. Younger Lithuanians, particularly those in service industries, often speak some English. Russian is understood by many older residents. German and Polish are sometimes spoken. Learning a few words of Lithuanian (such as ačiū — thank you) is appreciated.

Accessibility

The Hill of Crosses itself involves an unpaved path and uneven ground; visitors with mobility difficulties may find access challenging. The city centre is largely flat. Verify accessibility arrangements locally.

Lithuania has a strong sense of national identity shaped by centuries of foreign rule — Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, Russian Empire, Soviet occupation — and a hard-won independence restored in 1990. The Hill of Crosses is not merely a religious monument; it is a symbol of peaceful resistance and cultural endurance, and it carries real emotional weight for many Lithuanians.

Catholicism is the dominant religion and visibly present in public life, though Lithuania is also a secular state. When visiting the Hill of Crosses, dress and behaviour should be respectful: loud noise and irreverent conduct are considered inappropriate by pilgrims who travel long distances to visit. Photography is generally acceptable but should be done thoughtfully.

Lithuanians tend toward reserved initial interactions with strangers but are warm once acquainted. Tipping in restaurants is customary but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or leaving 10% is a reasonable norm. Punctuality is generally valued in professional and formal contexts.