Hill-forts

The hill-fort (mound) of Opstainiai (Vilkyškiai, Raudondvaris)

For a long time Opstainiai (Vilkyškiai, Raudondvaris) mound located in Rambynas Regional Park was unknown. It was overgrown with bushes, trees and therefore fits perfectly into the landscape, reminiscent of the dreary forest. But now the mound invites attention from the tourists. In 2011 the mound was ordered and suitabled for visitors: trees were cut down, mound slopes were exposed and fixed, and stairs leading to the top of the mound-field and motor also a bicycle parking place were equipped. The slope of the mound aims to 17-20 meters in height. The mound-field is like a mini parkplace, with 90 meters of the length and 27-55 meters of a width. From this place open’s a wonderful views. Nearby the mound are car and bicycle parking space. This mound is situated on the right side of the road Vilkyškiai – Bitėnai, about 300 meters far from this road. The Opstainiai (Vilkyškiai, Raudondvaris) mound is one of the most famous mounds in Klaipėda region. The famous Tilsit teacher, ethnographer Edward Gizevijus published the myths and legends about this mound in the first half of the 19th century. This mound has invaluable historical value and is one of the pagan Baltic cultural heritages. The mound was once surrounded the ancient settlements, in which, through archaeological research, were found I - XII century finds.

The second hill-fort (mound) of Opstainiai

The mound of Opstainiai is situated at the beginning of the village Opstainiai and on the right side of the road Vilkyškiai – Bitėnai also 4 kilometers far from Vilkyškiai. This is a small mound on the shore of the river dammed Apstelė. Its slopes are low, but steep. At the top of the mound is a nearly regular circle formed field, which diameter reach of 20 meters. A long time the mound was forgotten. In 2010 the mound of Opstainiai was maintained and the tourists can it easy to access. From the top of the mound open’s a panoramic view. At the beginning of the summer tourists are attracted by red-painted foot mound with Smaliukės blossoms. The foot of the mound is equipped with a resting place. There are parking place and information stand for tourists. This mound has and other name – the second mound of Opstainiai. In 2005 and 2008 archaeological investigation were carried out. In this research was not found valuable artifacts and cultural backgrounds. However, this mound shall be considered to be protected.

The hill-fort (mound) of Šereiklaukis

The mound of Šereiklaukis is situated to the south of Šereiklaukis village and to the road Vilkyškiai – Bitėnai also 0,5 kilometers far from the main road. This is the only mound in Lithuania, which saw Skalvians tribal battles with the crusaders. By the rivers Nemunas and Jūra confluence stood a castle, led by Skalvian Šereika. Petras Dusburgietis in ,,Chronicle of Prussian land” writes about the year 1276 events, the history of the mound and chronicler Mikalojus Jerošinietis death of Šereika delineate at the rows. A long time the mound was not founded. Only in 1988 archaeologist Valdemaras Šimėnas found the mound of Šereiklaukis. It is very similar to other XIII century mound – castles. In 2005 archaeologists have discovered to the north-west of the mound an ancient settlement and cemetery. So far the mound of Šereiklaukis was not suitable for visitors. In 2011 the mound was maintained and the tourists can it easy to access. All three mounds in Rambynas Regional Park are fixing and adjust for visiting from the National Service for Protected Areas of concern for European Union funds.

The tumulus (graveyard) of Šereiklaukis

On the right bank of the Nemunas is the village of Šereiklaukis. The village has been declared an architectural preserve. The Šereiklaukis manor with its spirits factory, mixed-type park, and system of ponds was established at the beginnig of the 20th century. Next to the village is Sidabrakalnis (the ancient settlement) and a Milžinkapis (tumulus) of Šereiklaukis.