While in Vilnius, a visit to Trakai is a must. A 300-metre wooden bridge leads to the castle, where galleries, stained glass, frescoes, and secret passageways await.

Trakai—The Old Capital of Lithuania

Trakai, is the old capital of Lithuania and the site of the only Eastern European castle built on an island. Visitors come to this beautiful setting and learn about Lithuanian lore and experience its dense culture.

Trakai is one of the most visited spots in Lithuania and its tourism symbol—like Venice for Italy, or St Petersburg in Russia. – © Vytautas Samarinas

Surrounded by lakes, the Trakai Castle was a perfect residence for the Grand Dukes of Lithuania. – © Vaidas Gegužis

Tourists can experience winter sports on the lake while enjoying the breathtaking scenery. – © Darius Gudukas / www.trakai-visit.lt

Trakai is one of the most visited spots in Lithuania and its tourism symbol—like Venice for Italy, or St Petersburg in Russia. – © Vytautas Samarinas

The Salos Castle, in Trakai, is the only Eastern European castle built on an island. It is believed that its construction started at the end of the 14th century by the Grand Duke Kęstutis, and was finished by his son Vytautas in the beginning of the 15th century. By the early 16th century, the castle's use and significance were greatly reduced.

Traditional wooden Karaim houses are seen on the main street in Trakai. - © www.trakai-visit.lt

The area is also famous for the still-present Karaim community (with a language that derives from the family of Turkic languages). Grand Duke Vytautas brought Karaims to Lithuania as warriors and honest servants. He placed them between the peninsula and the island castle and trusted them with the castle's protection. Today, the main street that leads to the Galvė Lake—Karaimų Street—is full of colourful wooden houses, typical of this group.

Many World Heritage sites are temporarily closed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Please check official websites for more information.

Visit

Trakai—The Old Capital of Lithuania

Hours

Trakai Island Castle Museum:
(Karaimų Str. 43 C, Trakai)
March, April, October:
Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
March, April, October, November
Tuesday 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 pm – 6:00 pm
May – September
Monday – Sunday 10:00 am – 7:00 pm
December-February
Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Last visitors admitted one half an hour before museum closing.
Before national holidays expositions closing one hour earlier.
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S. Shapshal Karaim Ethnographic Museum:
(Karaimų Str. 22, Trakai)
FROM 7TH JULY ON 2021. THE S. SHAPSHAL KARAITE NATION MUSEUM IT IS BEING CLOSED (REPAIRS WILL TAKE PLACE).
April - September
Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
October - March
Thursday – Sunday 1:00 pm – 6:00 pm

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Exhibition of Liturgical Art:
(Kęstučio Str. 4, Trakai)
April - September
Wednesday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm
October - March
Thursday – Sunday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Pricing

**Trakai Castle: **
Seasonal period (April-September)
For adults 12,00 Eur
For students and senior citizens 6,00 Eur
Non-seasonal period (January-March and October-December)
For adults 8,00 Eur
For students and senior citizens 4,00 Eur
-
S. Shapshal Karaim Ethnographic Museum:
Seasonal period (April-September)
For adults 3,00 Eur
For students and senior citizens 1,50 Eur
Non-seasonal period (January-March and October-December)
For adults 2,00 Eur
For students and senior citizens 1,00 Eur
-
Exhibition of Liturgical Art:
Seasonal period (April-September)
For adults 4,00 Eur
For students and senior citizens 2,00 Eur
Non-seasonal period (January-March and October-December)
For adults 3,00 Eur
For students and senior citizens 1,50 Eur