Hill of Crosses From Riga: Tour, Self-Drive or Bus
A stark pilgrimage hill just over the Lithuanian border, about two hours from Riga. Here is how to get there, and how to pair it with Rundāle Palace.
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What the Hill of Crosses is
The Hill of Crosses is a pilgrimage site in northern Lithuania where visitors have planted crosses, crucifixes and rosaries over many years. It is a short way over the border from Latvia, which makes it the most popular cross-border day trip from Riga.
It is a stark, quiet and slightly eerie place rather than a conventional sight, and most people spend an hour or so on site.
How far it is
Plan on roughly two hours each way from Riga, so this is a full day out. It sits in Lithuania, so bring your passport or ID card; Latvia and Lithuania are both in the Schengen area, so there is normally no border stop, but carry ID anyway.
Tour, self-drive or bus?
- Guided day tour: the easiest option. Transport and timing are handled, and many tours combine the Hill of Crosses with another stop, such as Rundāle Palace. Browse the options in the GetYourGuide day-trips category.
- Self-drive: the most flexible, and lets you add stops on the way. Tell the rental company at booking that you are crossing into Lithuania — cross-border use is normally permitted but must be declared and may carry a fee. See our car rental guide.
- Public bus: public transport options are limited and slow for a single day, so check current timetables; most visitors choose a tour or a car.
Combining it with Rundāle Palace
Rundāle Palace lies on the Riga–Lithuania road, so the two pair naturally into one long day, by tour or by car. Read our Rundāle Palace guide for what to expect at the palace, and see all the other day trips from Riga if you would rather stay in Latvia.
Heading on to Vilnius
If you are going on to Lithuania anyway, the Hill of Crosses makes a good stop between the two capitals. See Riga to Vilnius for the options.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get to the Hill of Crosses from Riga?
Roughly two hours each way by road, so allow a full day.
Do I need a passport to visit the Hill of Crosses from Riga?
The Hill of Crosses is in Lithuania. Both countries are in the Schengen area, so there is normally no border check, but carry your passport or ID card.
Can I combine the Hill of Crosses with Rundāle Palace?
Yes. Rundāle lies on the way, and some guided tours combine the two in one day.
Do I need a car?
No. A guided day tour is the simplest way. A car gives flexibility, but declare the Lithuania crossing to the rental company.
Last updated: October 2026.