Discover Kernavė: Museum, Site and Trails

Key facts

• The museum has three exhibition halls covering the archaeological site, prehistory, and the 13th- and 14th-century Middle Ages.
• The archaeological site comprises the town of Kernavė, archaeological sites, and historical and cultural monuments.
• A walking route of about 4 km passes through parts of the site and the Pajauta Valley.
• The Kunigaikščių takas is a circular trail of about 3 km between the hill forts and down to the Neris.
• A cycling route starts in the town and is about 9 km long.
• Nearby, there is an easy trail of about 2.6 km with an observation platform and places to rest.

Museum and archaeological site

The museum’s three exhibition halls focus on the Kernavė archaeological site, prehistory, and the 13th- and 14th-century Middle Ages. Together with the site itself, they offer different ways to explore Kernavė: the museum focuses on these periods, while the archaeological site comprises the town of Kernavė and a complex of archaeological sites and historical and cultural monuments.

During an educational tour, school students can handle replicas as well as view the finds housed in the museum. These date from the Early Stone Age to the Late Middle Ages. If you want to focus your trip on history, this distinction is useful: the exhibition halls cover specific topics and periods, while the educational program for school students also offers a hands-on encounter with replicas.

Exploring on foot and by bike

The walking route of about 4 km through the archaeological site connects the lower and upper terraces of the Neris. It passes through archaeological areas, the fields of Pajauta Valley, a ravine, and a centuries-old forest. The landscape also includes a wide view across Pajauta Valley. The route therefore offers several different impressions within the site, rather than focusing on just one viewpoint.

Another trail option is the Kunigaikščių takas, also called the Prince’s Trail. This circular trail of about 3 km passes through the archaeological site between the hill forts and down to the Neris. Compared with the walking route of about 4 km, its circular layout is a clear distinction; both details help you compare the length of the routes.

If you prefer to get around by bike, a scenic route of about 9 km starts in the town of Kernavė. It passes through local pine forests and valleys and along river bends. The surface alternates between forest trails and asphalt. This tour differs from the walking routes not only in length but also in how you get around and in the described changes in surface.

The White Mountain Trail is located near the destination. This easy walking trail is 2.6 km long and has places to rest as well as an observation platform overlooking a bend in the Neris. It starts at the White Mountain Resort and can be reached by car from Kernavė via Pajautos Street. Unlike the trails through the archaeological site, it is described as a nearby route, so consider it as a separate option when planning your trip.

Plan a stay that suits you

When looking for accommodation in Kernavė, you can first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: the museum and archaeological topics, walking trails through the site, or a cycling route. The routes listed differ in length and type; only the White Mountain Trail is described as an easy walking trail.

More destinations: Vievis, Juodšiliai, Kaniūkai, Švenčionys, Eišiškės, Lentvaris, Žydkaimis, Karvys.

For the broader travel overview: Vilnius District.