Trakai Between Castles and Lakes
Accommodation in Trakai
Key facts
- Trakai lies in the heart of a wooded lake district in Eastern Dzūkija.
- The Island Castle stands on Pilies Island in Lake GalvÄ—.
- The history museum in the Island Castle features a permanent exhibition across 16 halls.
- The Peninsula Castle covers four hectares and has eleven defensive towers.
- The basilica stands on a peninsula surrounded by lakes.
- The Karaite community and cuisine are part of Trakai’s cultural character.
- Lake GalvÄ— is used for recreation, rowing and sailing.
The Island Castle and Peninsula Castle
Trakai Island Castle stands on Pilies Island in Lake GalvÄ—, at 43C KaraimĹł Street. It is described as the only water castle in Eastern Europe. The castle also serves as a venue for exhibitions, concerts, festivals and celebrations. The permanent exhibition of the Trakai History Museum there spans 16 halls. Exhibits include furniture, pipes, stamps, clocks, porcelain and glass, as well as hunting trophies.
The Peninsula Castle is a separate site with a different focus. It is one of Lithuania’s largest castellated castles, covers four hectares and has eleven defensive towers of various sizes. The castle houses an exhibition of sacred or liturgical art, featuring more than 200 liturgical works, valuable fine art and various sacred objects. This means you can distinguish the two castles not only by their locations, but also by their collections and architecture.
The Basilica and Karaite Culture
The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on the Trakai peninsula, surrounded by lakes. The works of art preserved there include panel paintings, memorial monuments, relics and 18th-century candlesticks, as well as other sacred works of art. The annual Žolinės celebrations, the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, and Trakinės, the celebration of the coronation of the image of the Virgin Mary of Trakai, attract pilgrims from neighboring countries and other regions. If you would like to attend one of these celebrations, check the dates when planning your trip.
The Karaite community is also closely connected to Trakai: throughout its history, it has preserved its religious beliefs, customs, traditions and, in particular, its language. This cultural heritage is also reflected in the cuisine. Traditional Karaite restaurants in Trakai serve kibinai. If you would like to visit a particular restaurant, plan around its current opening hours.
Lake Scenery and Views
Trakai lies in the heart of a wooded lake district in Eastern Dzūkija. One notable viewpoint is Sacrifice Hill: the 17-meter-high castle hill is on the peninsula and offers views of Lake Trakai, which surrounds the peninsula, and the red Gothic Island Castle. The view brings together two defining features of the area: its lake scenery and the castle on its island.
Another perspective can be enjoyed from the terrace of UĹľutrakis Manor House, which offers panoramic views of Lake GalvÄ— and Trakai Island Castle. UĹľutrakis Manor Park is in the city of Trakai, on a peninsula between Lake GalvÄ— and Lake Skaistis. The Island Castle and the view from the terrace offer different ways to explore the landscape around the lakes.
Activities and Special Exhibitions
Lake Galvė is used by water tourists and divers; rowers and sailing teams also train and compete there. Boats and pedal boats are available for hire at the beach in Slėnis Recreation Park on the lake’s northern shore. This service may be seasonal, so check whether it is available on your travel dates before visiting.
The AJ Chocolate Sculptures Museum offers another perspective on culture in Trakai. Its exhibitions are spread across four rooms, and most of the sculptures are life-size. Along with the castle collections, the basilica and Karaite traditions, it offers another specific focus to help you choose what to discover in Trakai.
The annual international Karaim language camp is also part of the city’s cultural life. It attracts Karaims and their descendants from around the world. Since current dates should be checked separately, include them in your travel plans if you would like to attend the camp or one of the annual celebrations.
Discover more destinations: Druskininkai, Klaipeda, Nida, Kaunas, Vilnius, Palanga.
