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Gediminas' Tower

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Gediminas' Tower is the most prominent landmark of Vilnius and the remaining part of the Upper Castle situated on the Castle Hill. Named after the Lithuanian Grand Duke Gediminas, the legendary founder of the city, the tower symbolizes the historical resilience and independence of Lithuania. The current octagonal red brick structure dates back to the era of Vytautas the Great, who rebuilt the castle in Gothic style after a fire in 1419. Over the centuries, the tower survived numerous wars and sieges, also serving as a telegraph station and storage facility. From its observation deck, visitors can enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the Old Town and the modern skyline of Vilnius. Inside the tower, a branch of the National Museum of Lithuania displays archaeological finds from the castle and historical models of the fortifications. Every year on January 1st, the Lithuanian flag is ceremoniously hoisted here to commemorate the first day of independence in 1919.

Location: Lithuania
Top sights: Gediminas Tower · Vilnius Upper Castle · Southern Tower
Nearby: Grigiškės (14 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	-7	-6	-1	6	13	16	19	18	13	6	1	-4
Rain mm	52	43	44	47	74	77	102	83	54	68	56	54

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Gediminas' Tower in Vilnius is open to visitors. You can climb the tower and use the viewing platform on the hill.

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Typical hours

The tower is typically open daily from 10:00 to 18:00, with longer hours in summer. Check the official museum website for exact times.

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Photography

Photography is allowed inside the tower and on the platform. For panoramic shots of the Old Town, a telephoto lens helps capture roof and church details.

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Time needed

Allow about 30-45 minutes for climbing and time on the platform. Those visiting the museum exhibition inside the tower should budget an hour.

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Combine with

The tower is in Vilnius Old Town. Combine with Cathedral Square, the Presidential Palace, and the Bernardine Church.

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Getting there

Gediminas Hill is about a 10-minute walk from Cathedral Square. No lift is available for mobility-impaired visitors; the path is steep.

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Insider tip

Climb the tower shortly before sunset to enjoy the golden hour over Vilnius. The view is most spectacular then.

Geography

Coordinates

54.68660, 25.29080

Facts

The tower stands approximately 20 meters tall and consists of three floors.
Gediminas founded Vilnius according to legend after dreaming of an iron wolf.
The first Lithuanian flag was hoisted on the tower on January 1, 1919.
In 1995, the tower underwent extensive renovation to ensure its stability.
The Castle Hill is accessible via a funicular from the National Museum courtyard.
The tower is featured on many historical Lithuanian coins and banknotes.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania<1 km · SWExplore →

Akropolis Vilnius3 km · NWExplore →

Pavilniai Regional Park4 km · EExplore →

Vilnius TV Tower5 km · WExplore →

Rokantiškės Hill6 km · EExplore →

Verkių Regional Park7 km · NExplore →

Thermo Fisher Scientific Vilnius8 km · NExplore →

Vilnius University Botanical Garden9 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Gediminas' Tower (10)

Gediminas Tower🏛 museum

Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania, a landmark of the city.

🌐 lnm.lt🕒 May 1-Sep 30 10:00-19:00; Oct 1-Apr 30 10:00-17:00♿💶

Vilnius Upper Castle

Castle in Vilnius, Lithuania, on Gediminas Hill.

Southern Tower

Ruins of a tower of the Upper Castle in Vilnius.

Gediminas Hill

Hill in Vilnius, Lithuania, site of Gediminas Castle.

Castellan's House🏛 museum

Museum in the castellan's house in Vilnius.

Upper Castle🏰 castle

Upper castle in Vilnius, Lithuania.

foundation of the former church of St. Anne and St. Barbara

Foundation of a former Catholic church in Belarus.

Palace of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania🏛 museum

Palace in Vilnius, residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

Chapel of Saint Casimir

Chapel in Vilnius Cathedral dedicated to Saint Casimir.

Cathedral Basilica of St Stanislaus and St Vladislav

Cathedral in Lithuania, the main church of Vilnius.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Gediminas Tower?

It is the last remaining part of the Upper Castle of Vilnius from the 15th century.

How do you get up the hill?

You can walk up on foot or take the funicular.

Does the tower offer a good view?

Yes, from the top you have a panoramic view over the entire Vilnius Old Town.

Is there a museum in the tower?

Yes, there are exhibitions on the castle's history and archaeological finds.

Is the tower a national symbol?

Yes, it is considered one of the most important historical symbols of Lithuania.

Gediminas' Tower: where is it located?

Gediminas' Tower is located in Lithuania.

Gediminas' Tower: what is there to see?

Highlights include Gediminas Tower, Vilnius Upper Castle, Southern Tower.

Gediminas' Tower: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Gediminas' Tower: why is it worth visiting?

Gediminas' Tower is the most prominent landmark of Vilnius and the remaining part of the Upper Castle situated on the Castle Hill.

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