Where did Baltic people worship the personified forces of nature?

In Baltic religion, the worship of personified forces of nature and other deities primarily occurred in open-air holy places known as alka. These natural sanctuaries included sacred forests, hills, and rivers, which were considered inviolate; for instance, trees in sacred forests could not be cut, and fishing was prohibited in holy waters.12

Historical documents and folklore confirm that these sites, particularly small hills, served as gathering places for the populace to perform rituals and sacrifices during holy festivals. While there is some archaeological conjecture regarding the existence of circular wooden temples, the alka remains the most well-documented site of worship.1

Additionally, religious and magical rites were frequently performed in bathhouses, which some researchers compare to the role of churches in Christianity. Within the home, specific areas such as the hearth, the doorstep, and the "holy corner" were also considered abodes for spirits, where sacrifices were offered to ensure the success of daily work.1