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Things to Do in Trakai, Lithuania
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Plan language: EnglishMost popular attractions in Trakai, Lithuania
If you are looking for things to do in Trakai, Lithuania, start with the iconic Trakai Island Castle, built in 1409 on an island. Visit the Trakai Peninsula Castle and the Užutrakis Manor, surrounded by 18 hectares of gardens. The Trakai Historical National Park offers trails among 200 lakes.
1. Trakai Island Castle
A medieval castle that seems to emerge from the waters of a lake. You will walk through stone halls, listen to the legends of the great dukes, and taste traditional Karaim delicacies on the shore.
Quick facts: In the center of a lake with seven islands, a red brick castle rises, crossing a wooden path that seems to lead to another world. More than 200,000 visitors per year try the famous kibinai, a Lithuanian delicacy served in a small restaurant by the water.
Highlights: The castle was built on a natural island between three lakes, creating a defensive system that no enemy ever managed to breach. Its restoration in the 1950s brought to light colors and architectural details that had been covered for centuries.
2. Trakai Peninsula Castle
One of the few preserved medieval castles in Eastern Europe, with a rich history and stunning views of Lake Galvė. You will walk along the walls, explore the rooms, and feel the medieval atmosphere.
Quick facts: The castle was built in the 1350s and served as a stronghold of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania against the Teutonic Knights. Today it houses a museum with over 2,000 exhibits, ranging from medieval weapons to period furniture.
Highlights: The interior of the castle has recently been restored with fresh, vibrant murals depicting scenes from the medieval court of the Lithuanian dukes. The throne room is a small gem with golden decorations and wood carvings that transport you straight to the 14th century.
3. Church of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Here Gothic woodcarving meets Catholic faith in a breathtaking lake setting. You will walk on floors four centuries old and listen to the silence of the lake through the wooden windows.
Quick facts: It is one of the few wooden churches in Lithuania that survive in their Gothic form, with a unique bell tower 27 meters high that dominates Lake Galvė. Inside the church, a rare copy of the Virgin Mary of Trakai is kept, considered miraculous by the local faithful.
Highlights: The church has a hidden staircase of 52 steps leading to the top of the bell tower, where the view of the lake and Trakai Castle is truly breathtaking. Few know that beneath the floor there is an underground corridor that is said to have once connected the church to the neighboring castle.
4. Trakai Historical National Park
A unique castle-island in Europe surrounded by 7 lakes. Go kayaking in the waters of Galvė before trying traditional piroshki from the Karaites.
Quick facts: Founded to protect a unique complex of lakes, forests and a medieval castle on an island. It covers 8,200 hectares and hosts over 200 species of birds, while its lakes cover almost 22% of the total area.
Highlights: Trakai Castle, built on a small island in the middle of Lake Galve, is the only island castle in all of Eastern Europe. Imagine a stone fortress with bright red Gothic details emerging from the blue-green waters, especially magical when the sunset light paints it golden.
5. Trakai Tourism Information Centre
The ultimate starting point before diving into the alleys of the old town. Here you will understand why Trakai is much more than a castle.
Quick facts: It is housed in a restored 19th century building that was once a town hall and later a high school. It shares the same space with a small exhibition dedicated to the traditional wooden houses of the area.
Highlights: Inside the information center there is an interactive map that lights up with LED bulbs every time a visitor selects a point of interest. You can listen to recorded testimonies from locals in Lithuanian, English, and Russian, bringing the city's stories to life.
6. Lake Galvė
An escape into a setting straight out of a fairy tale, with crystal clear waters and a castle reflected on the surface. Go kayaking among tiny wooded islands, swim in the clear waters, or try the traditional kibinai of the Karaites.
Quick facts: With an area of 5.6 square kilometers, the lake was formed by melted glacial waters about 15,000 years ago. Beneath its surface lie 21 tiny islands, with the largest hosting one of the most impressive stone castles in Eastern Europe.
Highlights: A replica of a 15-meter-long medieval ship sails its waters every summer, offering rides to the sound of wooden oars and folk songs. It is said that the lake is home to a rare species of fish, the Trakai perch, which is found only here in all of Lithuania.
7. Trakai Wooden Sculpture Park
An open-air labyrinth of wooden masterpieces that comes to life in the forest. You will wander among giant figures, discover hidden details, and feel art breathing around you.
Quick facts: Over 60 wooden sculptures adorn this park, each one hand-carved by artists from around the world. The park was born out of an international woodcarving symposium that takes place every year, leaving behind new works of art.
Highlights: Imagine giant fairy-tale figures, mythical creatures, and abstract compositions emerging from among the trees, with the smell of freshly cut wood still lingering in the air. Each sculpture tells a story, ranging from Lithuanian mythology to contemporary social messages.
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Traditional Sweet Dishes
Šakotis
Šakotis is a spit cake resembling a pine tree or branch, and its name literally means 'branchy' in Lithuanian. It is traditionally baked at weddings and Easter by slowly rotating layered batter over an open fire.
Kūčiukai
These small poppy seed pastries are traditionally served on Christmas Eve (Kūčios) with poppy seed milk. The tiny biscuits are meant to be shared among family members as a symbol of unity and good fortune.
Spurgos
Lithuanian spurgos are yeast doughnuts without holes, often filled with fruit jam or curd cheese and dusted with powdered sugar. They are a beloved treat at fairs and family gatherings across Trakai and all of Lithuania.
Traditional Savory Dishes
Kibinai
Kibinai are savory pastries filled with minced lamb or beef, brought to Trakai by the Karaite community who have lived in the region for over 600 years. These half-moon shaped pies are the most iconic food of Trakai and a must try for visitors.
Cepelinai
Cepelinai are large potato dumplings stuffed with minced meat or curd cheese, named for their resemblance to zeppelins or airships. They are considered Lithuania's national dish and are often topped with sour cream and crisp fried pork fat.
Šaltibarščiai
This cold pink beetroot soup is made with buttermilk, beets, and fresh dill, typically served over hot boiled potatoes on summer days. Its striking magenta color and refreshing taste make it a beloved seasonal staple in Trakai and across Lithuania.
Traditional Beverages
Gira
Gira is a traditional Lithuanian fermented bread drink, similar to a very low alcohol kvass, made from rye bread, yeast, and sugar. It has a sweet and tangy flavor and is especially popular as a refreshing summer beverage.
Midus
Midus is Lithuanian mead, one of the oldest alcoholic beverages in the country, made from fermented honey and water. In Trakai, it is often associated with the Grand Dukes of Lithuania who historically enjoyed this golden drink at castle feasts.
Karaimska Kava
Karaimska kava is a strong black coffee tradition brought by the Karaite community of Trakai, often served with a cube of sugar held between the teeth. This unique way of drinking coffee highlights the rich cultural heritage of the Karaite people in the region.
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Most popular day trips
Vilnius
Lithuania's capital with a UNESCO-listed Old Town
Kaunas
Second largest city known for interwar architecture
Aukstaitija National Park
Lithuania's oldest national park with lakes and forests
Trakai Historical National Park
Scenic park surrounding Trakai's lake region
Rumsiskes Open Air Museum
Ethnographic museum showcasing traditional Lithuanian life
Getting there
Airports
Train stations
Vilnius to Trakai line, with connections to Kaunas and Warsaw
Main hub with connections to all Lithuanian cities and international routes
From Vilnius Airport, take a taxi or bus to Vilnius train station, then a 30 minute train ride to Trakai.
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Comments (8)
The lake around the castle is gorgeous. We rented a little boat and it was the best part of the whole day. Bring snacks though, cafe prices hurt.
Skip the restaurants right by the castle. Walk toward the wooden houses area and there's a small place run by an older lady, best potato pancakes and half the price.
Absolutely loved it. The wooden houses and the water views were magical. Had the best kibinai of my life from a tiny bakery near the bridge. Go on a sunny day!
Weather was cold and drizzly when we went but the amber colored autumn leaves on the lake made it worth it. Would come back in summer though.
Go early like 9am before the tour buses arrive. By noon the crowd is unbearable and you can't even get a good photo. Also check if the castle interior is open, renovation times vary.