Why this place is interesting
Trakai Island Castle is one of the most famous historical landmarks in Lithuania. The red-brick medieval castle stands on an island in Lake Galvė and looks like something from a fairy tale and and inside the castle you can see many interesting historical exhibits and artifacts
The area is also known for the Karaim culture and traditional kibinai pastries, this is a must-try if you’re visiting Trakai.
One of the best-known places to try traditional kibinai in Trakai is Senoji Kibininė, a long-standing local restaurant popular with both visitors and locals. You can also check out all the different halls they have in Trakai by visiting their website.
How to get there
Trakai is located about 30 km from Vilnius. You can reach it by car in around 30–40 minutes. Regular buses and trains also run from Vilnius to Trakai, making it one of the easiest day trips from the capital.
Visitor notes
Visitors recommend walking around the lake for the best views of the castle. I highly recommend taking a boat trip, these are really cheap something like 5-15€ for person, then you get to see the back of the castle as well. Summer weekends can be crowded, so early morning or weekday visits are more peaceful.