Vilnius County: Culture, Castles and Nature

Accommodation in Vilnius County

Five hill forts in Kernavė, Trakai Island Castle and a world art exhibition set within a landscape ensemble give a trip to Vilnius County a range of cultural highlights. The area also offers landscapes of lakes, forests and rivers, as well as trails through protected areas.

Archaeology, urban history and art

The archaeological site of Kernavė is an exceptional record of around 10,000 years of human settlement in this region. The remains of five impressive hill forts have been preserved there. The cultural reserve also includes 15 archaeological and three historical monuments. Archaeological research materials from the reserve are preserved and exhibited at the Kernavė Archaeological Site Museum.

The historic centre of Vilnius also tells the story of different eras: it includes the areas of the three castles and the area enclosed by a city wall in the Middle Ages. Vilnius is considered an outstanding example of a medieval foundation that influenced architectural and cultural development across much of Eastern Europe. The manor houses of the Vilnius region are publicly accessible cultural centres that attract visitors with their history, beauty and events.

The Struve Geodetic Arc is part of Lithuania’s UNESCO World Heritage. At Meškonys and Paliepiukai, symbolic memorial pillars mark two of the three points located in Lithuania. Europos Parkas offers another way to experience art: this landscape ensemble features a 55-hectare world art exhibition with around 150 works. Medininkai Castle houses a museum with four exhibitions and an observation platform in its northeastern tower, which was restored in 2012.

Castles, parks and culture in Trakai

Trakai Island Castle is a masterpiece of Lithuania’s medieval defensive architecture and the only water castle in Eastern Europe. Built as a fortress, it was later used as the residence of the Grand Duke. Today, it houses various exhibitions and serves as an events venue. The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on the Trakai peninsula, surrounded by lakes. Grand Duke Vytautas founded it in the 15th century; its architecture combines Gothic and Baroque elements. The annual Žolinės and Trakinės celebrations at the basilica attract pilgrims from neighbouring countries and other regions.

The restored Užutrakis Manor and its park on Lake Galvė offer a glimpse into the life of the Lithuanian nobility in the 19th century. Édouard François André designed the park. The historic Potato Road offers views of Lake Galvė and Trakai Island Castle. Water tourists, divers and holidaymakers visit the lake; rowers and sailing teams also train and compete there. Trakai also has a culinary tradition: kibinai are savoury filled pastries introduced by the Karaim people.

Lakes, forests and trails

Vilnius County is made up of lakes, forests and rivers, with opportunities for hiking, kayaking and cycling. Exhibitions at the Neris Regional Park Visitor Centre in Dūkštos showcase the park’s flora and fauna, as well as traditional crafts and folklore. The Dūkštos educational trail is five kilometres long and runs through the valley of the Dūkštos stream.

The Varnikai Reserve covers 611 hectares, including forest areas and the Ilgelis bog. The five-kilometre, winding Varnikai educational trail runs through the botanical-zoological reserve. The Varnikai Ecotourism Trail has pavilions, benches, three viewpoints and ten rest areas. The natural attractions therefore differ not only in their landscapes: you can also choose between a route through a stream valley and trails with designated viewpoints and rest areas.

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