Kaup

Kaup is an archaeological site on a hillside near the Curonian Lagoon shore, showing remains of an ancient trading settlement with defense structures. Excavations have revealed hundreds of burial mounds scattered across the grounds.

The settlement began in the 9th century as an important trading post linking Swedish merchants with Baltic peoples. It served as part of a larger network connecting Scandinavia with regions around the Baltic Sea.

The name likely comes from an old word meaning trading place or market. Today, visitors can read the past directly in the landscape, where ancient burial mounds shape how the site appears and feels.

The site is best visited during warmer months when the ground is dry and paths are easy to walk. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and crosses open hillsides.

Large boulders sit at the peak of each burial mound, creating an unusual pattern across the hillside. These stones likely helped during construction and made the mounds more visible to passersby long ago.