Trakai

Trakai is a city built on several islands between Lake Galvė, Lake Akmena, and Lake Luka, connected by bridges and walking paths. Water surrounds the old town on all sides and shapes how the place looks.

The city became important when Grand Duke Vytautas built his castle on an island and made Trakai his power center in the late 1300s. Later, a group of people from the south settled here and added to its story.

The Karaim people have called this place home for over 600 years, and you can see their influence in the narrow streets, craft shops, and local food throughout the old town. Their traditions remain woven into daily life here.

The city is easy to reach by train or bus from Vilnius, with the journey taking around 40 minutes. Most visitors can explore the main sights on foot.

Two castles—one on an island and one on a peninsula—form a medieval system surrounded by water. This is the only castle system of its kind in Eastern Europe.

Location: Trakai District Municipality

Elevation above the sea: 155 m

Website: http://trakai.lt

GPS coordinates: 54.63333,24.93333

Latest update: December 6, 2025 22:03