Things to Do in Trakai Island Castle
Trakai Island Castle, Lietuva - Complete Travel Guide
Trakai Island Castle, located just 28 kilometers west of Vilnius, is Lithuania's most iconic medieval fortress and one of the country's most visited attractions. Built in the 14th century on an island in Lake Galvė, this red-brick Gothic castle served as the residence of Lithuanian Grand Dukes and played a crucial role in the medieval Lithuanian state. The castle's unique location on an island creates a fairy-tale atmosphere that has made it a symbol of Lithuanian heritage and national pride.
Today, Trakai Island Castle houses the Trakai History Museum, offering visitors insights into Lithuania's medieval past, the Grand Duchy's golden age, and the unique Karaite culture that still thrives in the town. The surrounding Trakai Historical National Park encompasses not only the famous island castle but also the ruins of the Peninsula Castle, pristine lakes perfect for recreation, and the charming town of Trakai with its distinctive wooden Karaite houses and traditional cuisine.
Top Things to Do in Trakai Island Castle
Explore Trakai Island Castle and Museum
Walk across the wooden bridge to the fairy-tale castle and explore its medieval halls, defensive towers, and museum exhibitions. The museum showcases medieval weapons, archaeological finds, and displays about Lithuanian Grand Dukes and the multicultural history of the region.
Booking Tip: Entry costs around €8 for adults, with discounts for students and seniors. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for photos. Audio guides are available for €3 and highly recommended for historical context.
Take a Lake Galvė Boat Trip
Cruise around the castle on traditional boats or modern vessels to see the fortress from unique water-level perspectives. These boat trips often include views of other small islands and provide excellent photo opportunities of the castle's reflection in the water.
Booking Tip: Boat trips cost €5-15 depending on duration and season. Available May through September, with peak times being weekends. Book directly at the pier for best prices, or combine with castle entry for package deals.
Experience Karaite Culture and Cuisine
Discover the unique heritage of the Karaite people, a Turkic ethnic group brought to Trakai in the 14th century. Visit traditional wooden Karaite houses, learn about their customs, and taste kibinai, the famous local pastries filled with meat and vegetables.
Booking Tip: Kibinai cost €3-5 per serving at local restaurants like Kybynlar or Senoji Kibininė. Visit the Karaite Ethnographic Exhibition (€2 entry) to understand the culture better. Weekend visits offer the most authentic atmosphere.
Explore Trakai Peninsula Castle Ruins
Visit the atmospheric ruins of the older Peninsula Castle, built in the late 14th century before the island castle. Though less preserved, these ruins offer a more intimate historical experience and great views across the lakes.
Booking Tip: Free to explore year-round. Best visited in combination with the island castle. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the terrain can be uneven. Early morning visits provide the most peaceful experience.
Enjoy Water Activities on the Lakes
During summer months, engage in kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming in the clean waters of Lake Galvė and surrounding lakes. The area offers several beaches and water sports rental facilities with stunning castle views.
Booking Tip: Kayak rentals cost €10-15 per hour, paddleboards €8-12 per hour. Best from June to August when water temperatures are warmest. Rent equipment near the castle area for the most scenic routes around the islands.
Getting There
Trakai is easily accessible from Vilnius by various transportation options. Regular buses run from Vilnius bus station to Trakai approximately every 30 minutes, taking about 40 minutes and costing around €2. Trains operate less frequently but offer a scenic route through Lithuanian countryside, taking about 35 minutes. Many visitors choose to rent a car for the 30-minute drive, which provides flexibility to explore the surrounding national park. Organized day tours from Vilnius are also popular and often combine Trakai with other nearby attractions.
Getting Around
Trakai is a small town that's easily explored on foot, with most attractions within walking distance of each other. The walk from the town center to the island castle takes about 10-15 minutes along well-marked paths. Bicycles can be rented for exploring the wider national park area and surrounding lakes. During summer, small tourist trains operate between the town center and main attractions. Parking is available near the castle for those arriving by car, though spaces can fill up quickly during peak season weekends.
Where to Stay
Trakai town center
Lakeside guesthouses
Vilnius (day trip base)
Trakai National Park area
Countryside farmstays
Boutique hotels near castle
Food & Dining
Trakai's dining scene centers around traditional Karaite cuisine, particularly the famous kibinai pastries that are a must-try local specialty. Restaurants like Kybynlar, Senoji Kibininė, and Apvalaus Stalo Klubas serve authentic Karaite dishes alongside Lithuanian classics. Many establishments offer lakeside dining with castle views, creating a romantic medieval atmosphere. The town also features several cafes and modern restaurants catering to international tastes, while local markets sell fresh fish from the lakes and regional produce. Most restaurants are concentrated in the old town area within walking distance of the castle.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Trakai Island Castle is from May through September when weather is warmest and all activities are available, including boat trips and water sports. July and August offer the warmest temperatures but also the largest crowds, especially on weekends. Late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September) provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists and beautiful natural colors. Winter visits have their own charm with potential snow-covered castle views, though some activities are limited and boat trips don't operate. The castle is open year-round, but summer visits allow for the full Trakai experience including outdoor dining and lake activities.
Insider Tips
Visit on weekday mornings to avoid tour groups and have the castle almost to yourself
Try the sweet kibinai varieties with cottage cheese or apple filling, not just the traditional meat versions
Walk around the entire lake perimeter for different castle viewpoints and photo opportunities that most tourists miss