5,5 Hour Shared Tour to Hill of Crosses from Riga

Exploring the Hill of Crosses from Riga: An Honest Review

If you’re considering a day trip from Riga to see the famous Hill of Crosses in Lithuania, this shared tour might just be worth your time. It promises a manageable half-day adventure that combines comfort, storytelling, and the chance to witness a truly unique sight. We love that this tour offers expert guides who share fascinating insights, and that it provides the opportunity for you to leave your own cross on the site—giving a personal touch to your visit.

One of the biggest draws is the comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the roughly two-hour drive more enjoyable and less tiring. Plus, with the inclusion of a virtual tour at the hill, you get extra context and not just a hurried glance. However, a small thing to keep in mind is that the tour’s timing at the Hill of Crosses is typically around one hour, which some travelers find a bit short, especially if you’re eager to soak in the atmosphere or make a cross of your own.

This tour seems best suited for travelers who appreciate a well-organized, informative trip that’s not overly long, and who want a taste of Lithuanian culture without sacrificing comfort. Whether you’re a history buff, a religious site enthusiast, or just curious about this unique landmark, it offers enough to make your day memorable without feeling overwhelming.

Key Points

• Comfortable Transport: Travel in a modern, air-conditioned vehicle, with parking fees included, making the journey relaxing.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Tour guides like Jnis and Krista receive high praise for their friendliness and deep knowledge, enhancing the experience.
• Flexibility at the Hill: You get about an hour to explore, take photos, and leave your own cross if you wish.
• Additional Stops: On the way back, enjoy a drive through Jelgava, Latvia’s 4th largest city, with insights into its Soviet and Russian Empire architecture.
• Value for Money: At around $87, this is a solid price considering the transportation, guided experience, and site entry.
• Suitable for Most: The tour is accessible to most travelers, with plenty of practical information provided, and service animals allowed.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at St. Peter’s Church in Riga, where you’ll meet your guide and hop into a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. The group is limited to a maximum of 19 travelers, which helps keep things intimate and manageable. The ride itself is a significant part of the trip, typically lasting about two hours each way, giving you plenty of time to relax, chat, or enjoy the scenic views.

Border Crossing and Latvia-Lithuania Border Stop

One of the neat parts of this trip is the optional photo stop at the Latvia-Lithuania border in Eleja. While only about 10 minutes and free of charge, it’s a nice chance to snap some pictures and get a sense of crossing into another country. The border crossing is straightforward, but remember to bring your passport or EU ID as it’s a requirement for crossing.

The Hill of Crosses: Main Attraction

After the drive, you’ll arrive at Kryziu Kalnas, the Lithuanian name for the Hill of Crosses. This site is truly extraordinary—literally hundreds of thousands of crosses of all sizes and materials cover the hill, each representing prayers, memories, or personal requests left by visitors over generations. The site is peaceful yet deeply symbolic, making it a powerful stop.

You’ll have around one hour to explore. During this time, many travelers appreciate the opportunity to walk freely, take photos, and leave a cross of their own if they wish. On-site, you can purchase crosses or bring one with you. A virtual guide is available (if WiFi is accessible), alongside printed information, to give context to what you’re seeing and help you understand the significance of this unique pilgrimage site.

Jelgava: A Glimpse of Latvian Architecture

On the return journey, your driver will take you through Jelgava, Latvia’s fourth-largest city. Although much of Jelgava’s architecture dates from Soviet times due to war damage, it also offers glimpses of Russian Empire-era buildings. A brief 30-minute drive-by allows you to get a taste of local life and see some impressive historical architecture, as noted by travelers who appreciated the commentary and the visual contrast.

What Travelers Say

The reviews for this tour are remarkably consistent, with an overall rating of 4.9 out of 5, based on over 120 reviews. Many mention the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Jnis and Krista, who go out of their way to make the experience engaging. One reviewer called Janis an “excellent guide,” highlighting his storytelling skills and local insights, which seem to elevate the trip beyond just a sightseeing outing.

Another traveler noted, “The Hill of Crosses isn’t huge but you can easily pass an hour and a half there,” which indicates that while the hour allocated is sufficient, some might prefer more time to absorb the atmosphere. Interestingly, a few reviews mention that the virtual tour and printouts are helpful in understanding the significance of the site, whether or not you speak Lithuanian or Latvian.

There’s a minor critique from one traveler who found the trip “a little boring” and thought that the price was somewhat high for the time spent at the hill. However, most agree that the value for money is fair, considering the transportation, guided commentary, and the chance to visit a landmark that’s hard to see on your own.

Practical Details and Considerations

The tour is priced at $87.22 per person, which is reasonable when you consider the transport, site entry, and guided commentary. It’s booked, on average, about 29 days in advance, so planning ahead makes sense if you’re particular about your dates.

You need to bring your passport or EU ID, as border crossing is involved. The tour operates with a minimum of three travelers, so if you’re booking on your own or as a small group, your departure might be rescheduled if the minimum isn’t met.

Since this is a shared ride, you’ll be traveling with other travelers, which can be a fun way to meet people but also means some flexibility in timing and pacing. The total duration is approximately 5 hours 40 minutes, including drive time, so it’s a half-day commitment that fits well into a broader Riga itinerary.

Note that lunch isn’t included, so plan to eat before or after the tour. The stops are primarily sightseeing and photo opportunities, not dining spots.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip suits travelers who want a hassle-free way to see the Hill of Crosses without the hassle of organizing transport or dealing with border procedures on their own. It’s ideal if you’re interested in cultural sites or are looking for a meaningful, peaceful experience outside the city. It also works well for those who enjoy guided storytelling and appreciate a relaxed journey.

If you’re short on time but want to visit one of Lithuania’s most iconic places, this tour offers a good balance of comfort, info, and scenic views. It’s less suited for those looking for an extended exploration or wanting to couple multiple sites, as this is a shorter, focused trip.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly marketed as family-friendly, most travelers with older children or teenagers have enjoyed the trip. The site is peaceful, and the drive is comfortable, but keep in mind the hour at the hill is relatively short.

Do I need to prepare anything before the trip?
Yes, bring your passport or EU ID for border crossing. Also, consider bringing a cross of your own if you’d like to leave one on the site, or you can purchase one there.

How long do we spend at the Hill of Crosses?
Typically about one hour, which many find just enough time to explore, take photos, and leave a cross if they want.

What’s included in the price?
Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle, parking fees, and site entry tickets. The virtual guide and printed materials are also provided.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour. You’ll get a full refund if canceled in time.

Is this tour operated daily?
It depends on the number of bookings—at least three travelers are needed for the tour to run. The company might reschedule you if minimum numbers aren’t met.

What’s the best time of year to go?
While the tour runs year-round, considering weather and daylight makes sense. Spring and early fall typically offer comfortable weather and fewer crowds.

Are there any additional costs?
You might want to bring money for souvenirs, crosses, or snacks, as these aren’t included.

How big is the group?
A maximum of 19 travelers, which keeps things intimate but lively enough for group sharing.

Is the virtual tour available everywhere?
It works if WiFi is accessible at the site, but having printed info ensures you won’t miss out even if WiFi is spotty.

To sum it up, this shared tour from Riga to the Hill of Crosses offers a well-organized, insightful experience that balances comfort, storytelling, and sightseeing. It’s especially suited for those interested in cultural highlights without spending a full day or dealing with complicated logistics. Expect friendly guides, a scenic drive, and a meaningful visit to one of Lithuania’s most famous landmarks. If you’re after a straightforward, enjoyable trip that leaves you with both photos and stories, this one’s worth considering.