Burbaičiai hillfort, Archaeological hillfort near Kelmė, Lithuania
Burbaičiai is a fortified settlement built on a natural mound near Kelmė in northern Lithuania. The site features elevated earthen walls and remains of wooden defensive structures that once protected the community against intruders.
This fortification was built by early Baltic tribes and remained occupied from around the 1st century until the 14th century. It served as a key defensive point in regional networks and was likely abandoned during medieval conflicts.
The site reveals how people lived and worked here over many centuries, with artifacts showing the crafts and skills that were important to residents. Objects found during excavations tell stories about everyday life and the trades that sustained the community.
The site is reachable by marked trails branching from the main road. Parking is available nearby, and the best time to visit is during daylight hours when paths are clearly visible and walkable.
The remains reveal how residents built defenses using wood and earth without metal tools common in later European cultures. This construction approach was typical of Baltic communities and shows their own system of fortification design.
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