Trakai Castle, Vilnius
Lithuania’s Fairytale Fortress Just Outside Vilnius
If you’re craving a day trip that combines history, scenery, and a dash of medieval intrigue, look no further than Trakai Castle—a storybook fortress rising from the shimmering waters of Lake Galvė, just 30 minutes from Vilnius. Whether you’re a history buff, a family with kids, or simply in search of the perfect Instagram shot, Trakai Castle delivers an experience you won’t forget.
Getting There: The Adventure Begins
We travelled from Vilnius Old Town to Trakai Castle, hop on a modern double-decker electric train from Vilnius train station for just €2.10 each way (buy your ticket at the station or online—don’t wait until you’re on the train, or you’ll pay double). The ride takes about 30–45 minutes, whisking you through Lithuania’s lush countryside and lakeside villages
Buses to Trakai also depart from Vilnius bus station, with tickets similarly priced around €2–€3 one way. Travel time is about 45 minutes.
Getting to the castle is straightforward and can be part of the adventure. From Trakai station, enjoy a scenic 30-minute stroll to the castle. Take the path straight through the heart of the island for the quickest route, or meander along the lakeshore on your way back for unbeatable views and photo ops.
A Walk Through History and Legend
Trakai Castle is no ordinary fortress. Built in the late 14th century, this pink-bricked marvel was once the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania and a vital military stronghold. Its strategic island location made it nearly impenetrable—a fact you’ll appreciate as you cross the long wooden bridge, surrounded by the blue expanse of Lake Galvė
Inside, the castle has been lovingly restored to its Renaissance glory after centuries of war and ruin. Today, it houses the Trakai History Museum, where you can explore:
Ancient weaponry, armour, and battle implements
Ornate porcelain and pipes
Interactive displays and archaeological treasures
Exhibitions on the Grand Dukes and the region’s multicultural heritage (including the Karaim people, who have lived here since the 14th century).
Inside the court yard
The inner yard of the palace and its wooden stair galleries
Fun for All Ages (and a Little Bit of Chilling History)
Kids will love the castle’s nooks and crannies, the chance to play knights in the spacious courtyards, and the boats bobbing on the lake. For the brave, check out the medieval torture devices—guaranteed to spark imaginations and perfect for a photo opportunity, we couldn’t resist!
The castle grounds are free to enter, but if you’d like a tour, you can download the official Trakai Castle app (available on iOS and Android), bring your headphones, and enjoy a self-guided tour packed with stories and secrets from centuries past.
Eat, Shop, and Soak Up the Scenery
The bridge to the castle is lined with stalls, shops, and cosy restaurants. Souvenirs here are often cheaper along the walk to the castle than at the bridge to the castle; they’re even cheaper than Vilunus Old Town prices, but might not have as much choice, so soak in the beautiful houses and views without being caught short outside the castle.
Don’t leave without sampling the region’s iconic kibinai—savoury pastries filled with meat or vegetables, a speciality of the local Karaim community. Senoji Kibininė is the go-to spot; take one to go and enjoy it lakeside for the full Trakai experience. We stopped for lunch and took a kibinai to go, eating it later on the train back. When eaten cold, it tastes very much like a pork pie.
In summer, the castle hosts medieval festivals, concerts, and even boat rides for a unique view of the fortress from the water, so don’t miss out!
Tips for a Memorable Visit
Entry to the castle grounds is free, but there’s a small fee to enter the museum (discounts for children and seniors).
Bring your camera—Trakai Castle’s red-brick towers reflected in the lake are pure magic, especially at sunset.
For a longer adventure, visit nearby Užutrakis Manor or the Hill of Angels, both offering more history and stunning views.
There’s even something to interest the kids, boats on the lake, large areas to run around playing knights, and if that fails, you can even lock them up in the various torture devices!
There’s plenty to see in the castle – don’t forget to take some memorable photos! When it’s time to leave, take the route along the riverside, it will take slightly longer, but you can’t beat the views.
