Discover Trakai District Municipality

Trakai District Municipality offers a range of travel highlights, from cultural history and landscapes to activities on the water. Trakai was granted resort or resort-area status in 2008. Highlights include the island castle, which houses an exhibition of the Trakai History Museum; the historic site of Senieji Trakai; the Užutrakis Manor and Park complex; and the Varnikai Ecotourism Trail.

Island Castle, Memorial Sites and History

Since 1962, the central building of Trakai Island Castle has housed an exhibition of the Trakai History Museum. Visitors can explore the old castle and view the exhibits. The castle and exhibition give the visit a clear cultural focus: you can take in both the historic building and the museum pieces.

The Vytautas the Great Route runs between Trakai and Senieji Trakai. It was opened to the public in 2000 and comprises nine stations and nine wayside shrines. These commemorate important events and achievements in the life of Vytautas the Great. The route thus connects two places through a shared historical theme; its stations and shrines bring this theme to life along the way.

In Senieji Trakai, the monastery was built in the early 15th century during the time of Vytautas the Great and is open to visitors. Senieji Trakai was also granted the status of an archaeological protected area. Daniliškės offers a different cultural connection: the Old Believer community there was established in the 18th century and is the oldest community of its kind in the Vilnius region. Together, these examples show different facets of the municipality’s cultural heritage, although they do not deal with the same historical theme.

Lake Galvė, Užutrakis and Varnikai

Picturesque Lake Galvė is popular with water tourists and divers. Rowing and sailing teams also train and compete there. Trakai’s water sports offerings also include stand-up paddleboarding: visitors can use stand-up paddleboards to circle the castle completely. As availability may change, check before your trip whether this activity is currently offered.

The restored Užutrakis Manor and Park complex lies on the shore of Lake Galvė. Its park covers 80 hectares, is landscaped in a mixed style and includes more than 20 artificial ponds. A visit therefore takes in both the restored lakeside complex and the extensive park with its ponds. Visitors wishing to see the manor must travel via the old “Potato Road.” Check access conditions before setting out, as they may change.

The Varnikai Ecotourism Trail has three viewpoints and ten rest areas. These specific stopping points give the nature trail its own character when planning a trip. Along with activities on Lake Galvė, it offers a different focus from the castle and monastery sites: here, the trail and landscape take center stage, while those sites focus on buildings and historic memorials.

Plan Your Stay

When choosing a theme for your trip, you can weigh cultural history against outdoor experiences. For a culture-focused stay, the island castle and its exhibition, the Vytautas the Great Route, or the monastery in Senieji Trakai offer different points of interest. If you would rather focus on water and landscapes, you can include Lake Galvė, Užutrakis Park and the Varnikai Trail in your plans. Search for hotels for your stay in Trakai District Municipality and shape the rest of your plans around the themes that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Gratiškės, Ukmergės rajono savivaldybė, Ukmergė District Municipality, Švenčionys District Municipality, Širvintų rajono savivaldybė, Vilnius District Municipality, Vilniaus rajono savivaldybė, Švenčionių rajono savivaldybė.

For the broader travel overview: Vilnius County.