Trakai Historical National Park
The only castle in Europe built on its own lakeMedieval stone towers and red brick walls rise above Lake Galvė in this 14th-century island castle complex, surrounded by ancient oak forests and Lithuanian folk villages.
Just 25 kilometers west of Vilnius, Trakai National Park centers around a medieval red-brick castle built on an island. You can paddle through the park's 32 lakes, spot rare black-headed gulls in the Plomėnų wetlands, or try Karaite kibinas pastries in the town's family-run bakeries. Created in 1992, it remains Europe's only national park focused on preserving medieval architecture and natural landscapes together.
Lakes and Natural Landscape
Glaciers shaped this 8,149-hectare park into parallel chains of hills and ridges, creating 32 interconnected lakes. Lake Galvė, with its 21 islands, flows into Lakes Skaistis, Totoriškių, and Luka. From May to September, you can rent paddle boats (€15/hour) or join 45-minute guided tours around the castle. When temperatures drop below freezing in January and February, locals drill holes in the thick ice for fishing.
Trakai Island Castle
A wooden footbridge leads to the 15th-century castle on Lake Galvė. The museum inside displays medieval armor, coins, and hunting equipment. Thick defensive walls guard the entrance, while the back opens to lake views. Visit after 3 PM when sunlight illuminates the red bricks best and crowds thin out. The castle closes at 6 PM in winter and 7 PM in summer.
Wildlife and Protected Areas
Walk the marked trail through Varnikai Reserve to spot hoopoe birds with distinctive orange crests nesting in hollow trees. The boardwalk across Plomėnų wetlands takes you past colonies of black-headed gulls and patches of rare marsh orchids. Early morning visits increase your chances of seeing elk and deer coming to drink at the lake edges.
Local Food and Culture
Karaite families have lived in Trakai since the 14th century, maintaining their culinary traditions. Their signature dish, kibinas, consists of flaky pastry filled with spiced lamb. Small bakeries along Karaimų Street make these pastries fresh throughout the day. Bona Restaurant, housed in a lakeside medieval building, serves both Karaite and Lithuanian dishes.
Getting Around
Buses and trains from Vilnius arrive at Trakai station, 2.8 kilometers from the castle. The walk to the castle follows Vytauto Street, passing wooden Karaite houses with distinctive three-window facades. Hot air balloon flights take off daily at sunset between April and October, weather permitting. While you can explore most sites on foot, boat rentals help you reach remote lake shores and islands.
