I used to live in Vilnius, so I visited Trakai quite few times. It was always a weekend getaway from a busy capital of Lithuania. This article is not about a specific trip, but rather combining all of my experiences in there into one.
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Trakai Town
Trakai town has a history stretching back to the first written records in 1337. It really started to boom in the 13th and 14th centuries, becoming a significant center during the time of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. Legend says that Grand Duke Gediminas, while hunting, discovered this beautiful lake area and decided to build a castle here, eventually leading to the growth of the town. For a while, in the early 15th century, under Grand Duke Vytautas the Great, Trakai even served as the capital of Lithuania, and the state treasury was located here!
Being right on the edge of Lake GalvÄ—, which has 21 islands!, means that pretty much everywhere you look in Trakai town, you’re treated to lovely water views. Little boats bob gently on the lake, and you can feel this peaceful, relaxed atmosphere. It’s a great place to take a stroll, browse the little shops for souvenirs, and just soak in the scenery before you head over to the main attraction. Think of Trakai town as the charming prelude, a place with its own rich past and unique cultural blend, setting the stage perfectly for the historical adventure that awaits you at the magnificent Trakai Castle, once a vital political and administrative hub of Lithuania.
You can choose also to do some activities on the lake from sailing to rowing a simple boat.
Trakai Castle
Trakai Castle is super cool because it sits right on an island in the middle of a beautiful lake! Imagine a proper medieval castle, with red brick walls and towers, surrounded by sparkling water. It looks like something straight out of a storybook. You even have to walk across a long wooden bridge to get there, which feels like a little adventure in itself.
You will also have to cross another drawbridge made of wood and attached to thick chains so that it can be lifted up.
This castle wasn’t just for show, though. It was built way back in the 14th century to help protect the area. Big powerful leaders of Lithuania used to live there, and it was a really important place for the country. However, the castle fell into disarray in the 17th century and was only rebuilt in 1951. In 1962, the castle became a part of the Trakai History Museum.
Inside, it’s like a museum now, so you can wander through the old rooms and see how people lived back then. There are old things like coins, weapons, and furniture, and you can learn all about the history of the castle and the people who called it home. It’s a really fun place to explore and get a feel for what life was like hundreds of years ago.
You can freely walk in the inner yard of the palace and feel like a hero from a movie, climbing medieval steps and screaming your lungs out from the balconies (don’t scream though, they will definitely lock you in the cage then!).
You absolutely have to see Trakai when the sun’s out! Seriously, the lake turns this crazy beautiful blue, all shimmery and bright, and it makes that red castle just pop – like it’s sitting right there on a sparkling mirror. But wait ’til sunset, okay? That’s when it gets really unreal. The sky goes all firey with oranges and pinks and purples, and the castle and the lake just drink up all those warm colors. It’s so chill and pretty, you’ll be like, “Is this even real life?” Trust me, a Trakai sunset is proper breathtaking – you won’t regret seeing it!
Feel the Medieval Spirit of Trakai
Beyond simply admiring the stunning Trakai Island Castle, you can channel your inner Robin Hood (or Maid Marian) by trying your hand at archery. Imagine the scene: you, bow in hand, a determined glint in your eye, aiming for a target while a “genuine” medieval castle looms behind you. It’s the kind of photo op that screams, “Yes, I’m cultured, but I also look really cool doing it.” Just try not to actually shoot any pigeons. Believe me, it is not that easy to shoot as it looks! But it seems I was natural and hit the target almost from the first shot! All those bow making times in the childhood (there would be a boom in my village whenever they showed Robin hood on TV) must have paid off.
You might also get the chance to step into a medieval-style cage. Don’t worry, it’s not for actual incarceration (unless you really upset the locals and they lock you up, just joking). It’s purely for the comedic effect, allowing you to pose as a unfortunate, though fashionably dressed, prisoner. You can imagine that cage being dragged through the streets and people cheering “Shame, Shame, Shame” like in Game of Thrones.
And then there’s the pillory. It was like a funny-looking wooden frame that people in olden times used to make others feel embarrassed in public. Imagine putting your head and hands through the holes – maybe even your feet! Then your friends can take funny pictures of you looking stuck. The pillory was like a photo frame for being shamed, where people who did small bad things were locked for a while. Sometimes, people even threw old, gross food at them! When you take your pictures, you probably won’t have to worry about rotten food (but your friends will probably laugh!). Just try to look really sorry or super silly for the best funny photos!
Event the chandelier is inspired by medieval candlelit counterpart.
Even when exploring the museum you can see the old style garments, which will help you to feel the medieval spirit of Trakai.
Traditional Karaite food
As you wander around, you’ll see these sweet, colourful wooden houses lining the streets, often with brightly painted shutters that add a splash of cheerfulness. You definitely stop by Senoji KibininÄ— restaurant in Trakai, which serves traditional Karaite food – Kibinas. Kibinas is traditional crescent-shaped pastries with a filling, and they are particularly associated with the Karaite ethnic minority in Lithuania, especially the town of Trakai. You can choose from pork, chicken and lamb. But the lamb is the default and the best one!
In 1397-1398, Vytautas the Great, the Grand Duke of Lithuania, brought approximately 380 Karaite families to Trakai from Crimea after a successful military campaign in the region.
Vytautas the Great held the Karaites in high regard and, over time, granted them various privileges, including the Magdeburg Rights (self-governance) in 1441. This allowed the Karaite community in Trakai to have a degree of autonomy and govern their own affairs within their designated area of the town, known as the “Small Town” (Mažasis miestas).
Because of this historical resettlement and the privileges they received, Trakai became the primary center of Karaite life in Lithuania and remains so to this day. The community has managed to preserve its distinct religious beliefs, customs, traditions, and language for over six centuries in Trakai, making the town a unique cultural enclave.
Next time you are visiting Vilnius in Lithuania, do pay a visit to Trakai. Also in late may you might stumble into Trakai festival, which sounds like a nice experience.