Plizio Visual Lab
Battle of Saulė Site
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
battlefield
Weather…
Water temperature…
The Battle of Saulė site marks one of the most critical turning points in the medieval history of the Baltic region. On September 22, 1236, a united coalition of Samogitians and Lithuanians clashed here with the heavily armed forces of the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. The local pagan tribes cleverly utilized the treacherous, swampy terrain to trap and decisively crush the heavily armored crusaders. Among the fallen was the Order's Grand Master, Volkwin, leading to the total collapse of the Sword Brothers and their subsequent absorption into the Teutonic Order. This triumphant victory effectively halted the rapid expansion of crusaders in the Baltics and contributed significantly to the consolidation of the early Lithuanian state. Today, an imposing memorial complex featuring expressive wooden sculptures on Jauniūnai hill commemorates this pivotal historical event.
- Location: Lithuania
- Top sights: Saulės mūšio vieta · Ivoškių Šv. Jono Nepomuko koplyčia
- Nearby: Joniškis (13 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -5 | 0 | 6 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 17 | 12 | 6 | 2 | -3 |
| Rain mm | 50 | 40 | 41 | 43 | 57 | 76 | 86 | 78 | 54 | 65 | 62 | 52 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The historic site of the Battle of Saulė is a sprawling outdoor area that visitors can enter freely year-round, allowing them to trace this significant 1236 event in a profoundly tranquil environment.
Typical hours
The open terrain has absolutely no formal closing times, meaning that visits are easily possible from the early morning hours until late dusk, as long as sufficient natural daylight is available.
Photography
The often expansive, untouched fields form an atmospheric background for nature and landscape photos; existing memorial monuments are excellently suited for capturing the historical aura within your pictures.
Time needed
A walk across the area and lingering at the memorial points usually takes anywhere from half an hour to a full hour, depending purely on how deeply you wish to dive into this medieval history.
Combine with
After exploring the battlefield, a drive to Šiauliai is highly recommended, as it is a significant regional city where you can easily visit fascinating museums or the deeply famous Hill of Crosses.
Getting there
The site is located in a deeply rural area and is best approached by car; signs point the way to the historical center of the events, where ample parking space is generally available for visitors.
Insider tip
A visit in late summer, around the battle's anniversary in September, often lends a particularly authentic atmosphere to the tour through various local commemorative events or historical reenactments.
Geography
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Battle of Saulė Site (2)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What happened at the Battle of Saulė?
In 1236, the Samogitians decisively defeated the Livonian Brothers of the Sword, stopping the order's expansion.
Where exactly is the battlefield located?
The memorial is located in Jauniūnai village, about 25 km north of Šiauliai.
What can you see there today?
There is a memorial complex with a sundial and information boards about the historical significance.
Is the entrance free?
Yes, the memorial is outdoors and accessible for free at any time.
How long does a visit take?
You should plan about 30 to 45 minutes to tour the area and read the boards.
Battle of Saulė Site: where is it located?
Battle of Saulė Site is located in Lithuania.
Battle of Saulė Site: what is there to see?
Highlights include Saulės mūšio vieta, Ivoškių Šv. Jono Nepomuko koplyčia.
Battle of Saulė Site: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Battle of Saulė Site: why is it worth visiting?
The Battle of Saulė site marks one of the most critical turning points in the medieval history of the Baltic region.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Europe
More places in Lithuania →
Nearby cities
Šiauliai
Šiauliai is the fourth largest city in Lithuania and is known as the Sun City.
Gytariai
Gytariai is a large residential district in the west of Šiauliai, Lithuania, known for its quiet suburban atmosphere and proximity to urb…
Panevėžys
Panevėžys is located on the banks of the Nevėžis river and is the fifth largest city in Lithuania.
Mažeikiai
Mažeikiai is an industrial city in northwestern Lithuania, near the Latvian border.
Jonava
Jonava is a city in central Lithuania known for its chemical industry.
Utena
Utena is an industrial city in eastern Lithuania and one of the oldest settlements in the country.
Kėdainiai Old Town
Kėdainiai was a major Reformation center in the 17th century.
Kėdainiai
Kėdainiai is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and possesses a well-preserved old town.
Telšiai
Telšiai is the capital of the Samogitia region and is situated on seven hills by Lake Mastis.
Telšiai area
The area around Telšiai lies in the Samogitian hilly landscape.
Tauragė
Tauragė is an important industrial center in western Lithuania on the Jūra River.
Ukmergė area
The rural area around Ukmergė offers a varied landscape with many historical manors.
Ukmergė
Ukmergė is one of the oldest cities in Lithuania and is located on the Šventoji River.
Plungė
Plungė is known for the magnificent Oginski Palace and its expansive park.
Plungė area
Plungė is a town in the Samogitian region.
