Historical records once described Piltiņkalns as an ancient hillfort, but archaeological research has found no evidence to support this. The name may originate from a diminutive form of pilskalns (hillfort): pilīte – piliņš – piltiņš. The alternative name Tiltiņkalns possibly stems from a small bridge that once crossed a nearby stream. Today, the hilltop features a rest area with a gazebo, swings and benches. Piltiņkalns is a popular venue for celebrating Midsummer and other traditional Latvian festivities.

The Nine Loops Trail

• Around Piltiņkalns Hill, there is a well-trodden and maintained spiral path that circles the hill in 9 loops. Looking from the road, it starts on the left and concludes with the ninth loop at the top of the hill.
• Walking is only permitted clockwise and uphill.
• Each loop begins with a marked gate; the first is located northeast of the Jumis symbol.
• The trail is approximately 5 km long and takes just over an hour to complete.

The Small Labyrinth

• At the midpoint of the hill lies a small labyrinth. In order to walk the labyrinth:
  • Stand at the entrance beside the stone and greet the spirit of the Tree of Life (name of the labyrinth).
  • Ask for inner balance and pause briefly to calm your thoughts and focus your attention.
  • Walk slowly and evenly along the carved path, completing full circles – sometimes with the sun, sometimes against it (the direction changes three times), until you reach the centre of the labyrinth.
  • When you have reached the centre, pause again, focus inward, repeat your intention for what you came for, and give thanks.
  • Continue straight towards the hilltop.
  • On your way down, do not pass through the labyrinth again – walk around it on the right-hand side.
  • If you do not want to walk along the branches of the Tree of Life, go around it on the right side.

Please do not cross the labyrinth over the grass to prevent the erosion of its edges.

Pūķegle (Dragon Spruce)

Pūķegle is located on the left slope of a hill.
It owes its name to its many “heads” – the trunk divides into three main branches, and small spruce trees grow from each larger branch. The tree is believed to possess healing powers.

Grīni Sacred Spring

It is believed that the water of the spring helps cleanse both the spirit and the body. Visitors are encouraged to drink the water, rinse their eyes, and sprinkle their face and head.

It is forbidden to sit on the grassy mounds along the edge of the spring!