Discover Trakai: Castles, Lakes and Culture

Trakai is a historic town in the heart of a wooded lake district in East Dzūkija. Castles, islands and bodies of water give the area several distinct cultural and natural highlights. As you plan your trip, you can consider whether to focus primarily on the castle collections, sacred art and Karaite culture, or the lake landscape. The Karaim Bridge, also known as the Iron Bridge, connects the strait between Lake Galvė and Lake Totoriškės.

Island Castle and Historical Collections

Trakai Island Castle is located on Pilies Island in Lake Galvė, at 43C Karaimų Street in Trakai. Trakai Island Castle is described as the only water castle in Eastern Europe. The castle houses the Trakai History Museum, whose permanent exhibition spans 16 halls. On display are furniture, pipes, stamps, clocks, porcelain and glass, as well as hunting trophies. The collection thus brings together a variety of objects rather than focusing on a single exhibition theme.

The Trakai Peninsula Castle is a separate castle complex. It is one of the largest castellated castles in Lithuania, covers four hectares and has eleven defensive towers of varying sizes. Its exhibition of sacred or liturgical art includes more than 200 liturgical works, valuable fine art and various sacred objects. The two castle complexes therefore represent different historical and cultural focuses: at Island Castle, you can explore the History Museum’s extensive permanent exhibition, while sacred art is a particular focus at Peninsula Castle.

Basilica and Karaite Culture

The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on the peninsula of Trakai, surrounded by lakes. Artworks preserved there include panel paintings, memorial monuments, 18th-century reliquaries and candlesticks, as well as other sacred objects. If you are interested in religious art, you can explore this collection as a distinct feature alongside the exhibition at Peninsula Castle.

The Karaite community is also part of Trakai’s cultural history. Throughout its history, it has preserved its religious beliefs, customs and traditions, and in particular its language. The annual Žolinės, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, and Trakinės, the celebration of the crowning of the image of Mary of Trakai, attract pilgrims from neighbouring countries and other regions. An international Karaim language camp was held annually in Trakai, attracting Karaims and their descendants from around the world. If these events are important to your trip, check the current dates separately.

Lakes, Viewpoints and Leisure

The lakes shape both the landscape and the leisure opportunities. Lake Galvė is used by water tourists and divers; rowers and sailing teams also train and compete there. Swimming is recommended as a seasonal leisure activity at Lakes Akmena, Totoriškės, Galvė and Luka. Before swimming, check the current conditions at your chosen lake.

On the north shore of Lake Galvė, the beach at Slėnis Recreation Park offers boat and pedal boat rentals. This service may be seasonal; check availability in advance. Another landmark is Sacrifice Hill: the 17-metre-high castle hill on the peninsula offers views of Lake Trakai, which surrounds the peninsula, and the red Gothic island castle.

Užutrakis Manor Park is located in Trakai on a peninsula between Lake Galvė and Lake Skaistis. The manor house terrace offers panoramic views of Lake Galvė and Trakai Island Castle. The town thus offers different perspectives on the lake landscape: from a castle hill, from the manor house terrace, and through activities on Lake Galvė.

More Experiences in Trakai

A culinary connection to Karaite tradition is kybyn: traditional Karaite restaurants in Trakai serve this dish. If you would like to plan a visit specifically to try it, check the opening hours and menu at your chosen restaurant in advance. The AJ Chocolate Sculpture Museum offers a different experience. Its chocolate exhibitions are displayed across four rooms; most of the sculptures are life-size. In this way, culinary tradition and chocolate art complement the historical and natural themes without replacing them.

Discover more destinations: Karvys, Juodšiliai, Vievis, Lentvaris, Madžiūnai, Kernavė, Kaniūkai, Glitiškės.

For the broader travel overview: Vilnius County.