Trakai Island Castle
★ 4.8🇱🇹 TrakaiSuggested visit Half a dayBest season May to September, when the lake is ice-free for boating
CastleLakeHistoric site
A red-brick Gothic castle on a lake island, reached by a long wooden bridge — Lithuania's most photographed building.
Overview
Built in the 14th and 15th centuries on an island in Lake Galve, Trakai is one of the few medieval castles in Europe set on a lake island. Constructed in red brick, it consists of towers, walls and an inner courtyard, linked to the shore by a wooden bridge. It now houses a history museum covering the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the culture of the Karaim community.
History
Begun in the 14th century by Grand Duke Kestutis, it became a ducal residence in the 15th, fell into decay after the 17th and was restored in the mid-20th.
Highlights
- •The red-brick castle on its island
- •The wooden bridge and its reflection
- •The castle history museum
- •The Karaim village and its traditional food
Practical tips
- •Boats and kayaks are available in summer
- •The lake is calmest in the morning, giving the clearest reflections
Practical information
- Best time
- May-September
- Tickets
- About EUR 10 for adults
- Opening hours
- 10:00-18:00 (earlier closing in winter)
- Local food
- Karaim kibinai pastries, cold beetroot soup
- Getting around
- About 28 km from Vilnius, roughly 40 minutes by train or bus.
- Visa
- A Schengen visa is required; apply about one month in advance.
Traveller reviews
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