A Guide to Visiting Trakai Castle - The Best Day Trip from Vilnius

Just a short drive from Vilnius is one of Lithuania’s most unique destinations; Trakai Castle. Set on a small island in Lake Galvė, this mediaeval castle feels like something out of a fairytale, with its red-brick towers and beautiful lake views.

In this guide, we’re sharing everything you need to do for a perfect day trip to Trakai Castle, including how to get there, the best things to do, must-try local foods, and tips for capturing the best photos.

A Brief History of Trakai Castle

Trakai Castle, a stunning mediaeval fortress located on an island in Lake Galvė, was originally built in the 14th century and was the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

Over the years, the castle became a centre for royal gatherings and political events, but during the wars in the 17th century, it suffered damage and was eventually left to fall into ruins.

The Castle was rebuilt in 1951, and in 1962 became a part of the Trakai History Museum. Today, it houses a museum that preserves its history, showcasing artefacts such as weapons, pottery, and historical documents.

The castle’s picturesque setting, with its red-brick walls rising above the lake, creates a magical and photogenic atmosphere.

How to Get to Trakai Castle

Trakai Castle is just 28 km west of Vilnius, and is very easy to get to via car, bus, train or a guided tour. We had a guided tour that picked us up from our hotel in Vilnius and took us to Trakai, which was a great option as we didn’t have to plan anything.

By Bus: Buses depart frequently from Vilnius Bus Station, and the journey takes 30 – 40 minutes. You can expect to pay a few euros for a one-way ticket, and once you arrive at Trakai bus station it’s a 20-minute walk to the castle.
By Train: Trains leave from Vilnius Railway Station, and take around 30 minutes to reach Trakai. The ticket price is similar to the bus fare, and from Trakai train station, you can walk (about 25 minutes) or take a taxi to the castle.
By Car: Driving to Trakai takes around 30 – 40 minutes, and there is plenty of parking in Trakai. You can either rent a car yourself or opt for a private driver / taxi.
By Guided Tour: Many tours offer round-trip transportation from Vilnius, ideal if you prefer an organised, stress-free visit.

Find a Trakai Tour

Once you’re in Trakai it’s relatively easy to get around by walking or bus, as most of the attractions are close together.

Things to Do at Trakai Castle

Trakai Castle has plenty of activities and things to see on a day trip, whether you’re interested in history, photography or just enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Explore the Castle Museum

Once you enter the castle, you’ll find a museum that features exhibits showcasing artefacts from the castle’s history, including mediaeval weapons, pottery, and documents that narrate the story of Trakai and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.

Take a Boat Tour on Lake Galvė

One of the best ways to appreciate the beauty of Trakai Castle is from the water. Boat tours operate on Lake Galvė, so you can float around the castle and take in the beautiful views from different angles.

You can choose from traditional wooden boats, pedal boats or even a canoe. If you’re visiting in the winter, you can actually ice skate on the lake when it’s frozen.

Guided Canoe Tour

Visit the Trakai Peninsula Castle

Just a short walk from the main island castle, the Trakai Peninsula Castle is another historical site worth exploring.

This castle was used as a prison before being destroyed in the 16th century, and was never rebuilt.

Although in ruins, it offers insights into the area’s history and features picturesque views of the lake and surrounding landscape.

Join a Guided Tour

If you’d like a deeper understanding of Trakai’s history and architecture, consider joining a guided tour.

Knowledgeable guides can provide fascinating insights into the castle’s past, its strategic importance, and the stories behind its construction.

Many tours also include visits to nearby attractions, traditional lunches and hotel pickups.

Find a Trakai Tour

Hiking and Nature Walks

The area surrounding Trakai Castle is perfect for walks and exploring nature; you can walk along the lakeshore, through forests and around the castle. The trails offer beautiful views of the castle and it’s the perfect place for a picnic!

Best Photo Spots at Trakai Castle

Trakai Castle’s stunning architecture and island setting makes it a dream location to photograph.

We spent the afternoon finding the best photo locations to capture the beauty of the fortress, and we have five recommendations:

1. View from the Wooden Bridge

The wooden bridge that connects the mainland to the island provides a perfect vantage point. From here, you can capture leading lines from the bridge, perfectly framing the castle.

2. Lake Galvė Shoreline

For a wider view, head to the shores of Lake Galvė. This angle allows you to photograph the entire island and castle in a serene setting.

You can walk along the lake’s edge to find different viewpoints and even incorporate some trees or boardwalk in the foreground for added depth.

3. Boat View

If you’re looking for a unique perspective, consider taking a boat tour on Lake Galvė. From the water, you’ll get a side view of the castle that’s difficult to capture from land.

A boat tour at sunset provides dramatic lighting and colours, creating a magical backdrop for your photos.

4. Inside the Castle Courtyard

Don’t forget to take some photos inside the castle walls! The courtyard, with its historic architecture and winding staircases, offers plenty of details for close-up shots.

This area is perfect for capturing the Gothic and Renaissance elements that make Trakai Castle so distinctive.

5. From Above (Drone Photography)

If you have a drone, Trakai Castle is breathtaking from above. Capturing the castle surrounded by Lake Galvė with a birds-eye view emphasises its island setting and symmetrical layout.

Drone shots are especially beautiful during early morning or late evening when the light is softer.

Where to Eat in Trakai

Trakai is a great place to try traditional Lithuanian and Karaim cuisine, with plenty of cafes and restaurants serving authentic food.

We tried kibinai, a traditional pastry brought to Lithuania by the Karaim community. These pastries are typically filled with minced meat, onions, and herbs, although we did find vegetarian options!

Some of the best spots to try Kibinai are:

Senoji Kibininė – Located near the castle, this popular restaurant specialises in kibinai with a variety of fillings. Their cosy ambiance and lakeside views make it a lovely stop after visiting the castle.
Kybynlar – Another great option for kibinai, Kybynlar offers a warm, rustic setting and an extensive menu featuring different kinds of kibinai.

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If you’re looking to try more Lithuanian cuisine, Trakai has a variety of restaurants and cafes offering local dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings filled with meat or curd) and šaltibarščiai (cold beet soup). Here are a few spots to check out:

Markizas Situated in a historic wooden building, Markizas offers plenty of Karaim specialties, and is known for its authentic taste and charming atmosphere.
Apvalaus Stalo Klubas – Located right by the castle, this upscale spot offers a range of Lithuanian dishes in an elegant setting. It’s a bit pricier, but the experience and beautiful views of the castle are worth it.
Bona Pizzeria & Lounge – While primarily known for pizzas, Bona also offers a few Lithuanian dishes and snacks, with a casual atmosphere and lakefront views.

What are the opening hours of Trakai Castle?

Trakai Castle is open year-round, with slightly adjusted hours based on the season. Generally, the castle operates as follows:

May to September: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
October to April: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Are there any entrance fees to Trakai Castle?

Walking around the grounds is free, but there is an entrance fee to access inside the castle and museum,

May to September – Adults: €12, Children, Students, and Seniors: €6
October to April Adults: €10, Children, Students, and Seniors: €5

What’s the best time to visit Trakai Castle?

For the best experience at Trakai Castle, consider visiting:

Early mornings or late afternoons: These times are generally quieter and ideal for photography, as the light is softer.
Weekdays: Avoid weekend crowds by visiting during the week, especially in the peak summer months.
Autumn: This season offers beautiful autumnal colours, making the scenery even more picturesque. Spring and autumn tend to be less crowded, too.
Winter: If you’re up for a unique experience, the castle surrounded by snow and a frozen lake is magical, though it can be quite chilly!