Discover Trakai 2026

The Gothic brick castle sits picturesquely on its own island in Lake Galvė and was faithfully rebuilt in the 20th century; today it houses a museum on the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and is considered the country's most photographed sight.

In the 14th century, Grand Duke Vytautas settled Turkic-speaking Karaites from Crimea in Trakai as his bodyguard, and their descendants still live today in characteristic three-windowed wooden houses along the main street, maintaining their own language, religion and cuisine.

Lake Galvė, surrounded by forests and dotted with 21 small islands, is best explored by pedal boat or guided boat tour, offering picturesque views of the castle from the water, especially charming at sunset.

The small Karaite community has also left its culinary mark on the town: the traditional kibinai, filled pastries with meat or vegetables, are freshly prepared in several restaurants along the main street and are considered Trakai's culinary landmark.

The small town lies only about 28 kilometers west of Vilnius and is conveniently reached by train or bus in about 30 to 40 minutes as a day trip from the capital.

The Gothic brick castle sits picturesquely on its own island in Lake Galvė and was faithfully rebuilt in the 20th century; today it houses a museum on the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and is considered the country's most photographed sight.

In the 14th century, Grand Duke Vytautas settled Turkic-speaking Karaites from Crimea in Trakai as his bodyguard, and their descendants still live today in characteristic three-windowed wooden houses along the main street, maintaining their own language, religion and cuisine.

Lake Galvė, surrounded by forests and dotted with 21 small islands, is best explored by pedal boat or guided boat tour, offering picturesque views of the castle from the water, especially charming at sunset.