Right next to the impressive Ginučiai hillfort rises Ladakalnis, a hill steeped in legends and formerly called Ledakalnis (Ice Hill). It is one of the most impressive sights both in the Ignalina district and in the whole of Aukštaitija National Park. This 176-metre hill, a geomorphological natural monument, offers a truly unique view. From the top of Ladakalnis you can see as many as six lakes shimmering among the forests: Ūkojas, Linkmenas, Pakasas, Asėkas, Alksnaitis and Alksnas. An oak grows on the summit, where there is a spacious viewing platform. A little further away is the Presidents' Oak Alley, with oaks planted in honour of every President of Lithuania. In modern times an interesting custom has arisen of carrying small stones up to the summit and leaving them by the oak growing there. This was probably inspired by some scholars' suggestion that in pagan times offerings were made on this hill to the goddess Lada, and that the name Ladakalnis comes from her rather than from ice. Park staff now ask visitors to place their stones by the stone altar built on the summit, because the oak can no longer bear all the wishes. Who could deny that people today, offering such symbolic gifts to the goddess Lada, secretly hope for her favour? Many other tales and legends are linked to Ladakalnis and its surroundings. One of them tells of village girls who fled from Napoleon's soldiers and drowned while swimming across a bay of Lake Alksnas, which has been called Mergakumpis (Maidens' Bend) ever since. Another says that a grass snake named Linkmenas lived in Lake Linkmenas and that a large temple was built for it on the hill. If you haven't been to Ladakalnis yet, you really must come and feel for yourself the special sensation given by the views, the authentic surroundings, nature almost untouched by people and, it seems, the power of ancient legends hovering around. Although there is no shortage of tourists in summer, there is room for everyone: those who want to quietly enjoy the views and those eager to share their impressions with friends or family. The whole area and the views from the hill are so photogenic that photography lovers will barely have time to keep pressing the shutter of their camera or phone.