Vytautas erected a hunting castle near Birštonas, where he spent his winter holidays with his wife Ona, daughter Sofija (who later married Russian Grand Duke Vosylus), and her daughter. The castle was enormous and strong, but difficult to get because it was placed between a river and a steep slope. Vytautas, Jogaila, and other noblemen would come here to hunt wild boar, elk, wolves, and other animals, frequently staying for many weeks. The entourage enjoyed visiting the castle, especially in winter. Since these hunts, the Nemunas Loop Forest has been referred to as the Menagerie Forest, despite the fact that there have been no animals in the area for quite some time.
The old Dzūks referred to this summit as Vytautas' Castle Hill. Old myths circulated about the fortress walls on Vytautas Hill. Some claimed to have heard that the walls were white with square towers, while others said they were red with circular towers. Vytautas built the fortification, and the people the hill by hand. Then a foreign army attacked the castle. Vytautas' army battled as hard as they could, but they were unable to defeat the invaders; yet, they refused to give up and hid in the hill's depths. Later, tales spread about the treasures hidden in the mountain.
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