Girnikų piliakalnis, Ancient hillfort in Šiauliai District Municipality, Lithuania
Girnikų piliakalnis is an ancient hilltop fortification with a flat summit platform in the Šiauliai region. The plateau measures roughly 60 by 20 meters and offers views across the surrounding countryside.
The fortification served as a defensive structure in ancient times during regional conflicts. During World War I, the northern slopes became a burial ground for 240 German soldiers killed in 1915 battles.
The site connects to other Lithuanian hills where fires are lit on September 21st to mark past battles, creating a shared ritual across the region. Visitors can observe how this tradition draws people together to remember ancient conflicts.
The site sits about 22 kilometers southwest of Šiauliai and is accessible via several regional hiking trails. Access is open year-round, making it a straightforward destination for walks and outdoor exploration.
Local folklore speaks of a giant named Anculis who created the hill by emptying sand from his shoes over fallen warriors. This tale reveals how ancient cultures explained the landscape through myth and imagination.
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