Trakai Island Castle

Trakai Island Castle showing a church or cathedral and a bridge
Make your way across a wooden boardwalk to reach this fairytale-like castle on a lake in Trakai, where you can find a fascinating museum and archery range.

Trakai Island Castle appears to float on the mirror-like surface of Lake Galvė. First established in the second half of the 1300s, this picturesque stone castle is sometimes referred to as Little Marienburg. Visit the history museum within the reconstructed castle walls to learn about this strategic stronghold in the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. See fascinating historic exhibits tracing the castle’s heritage through displays of religious and cultural artifacts.

Approach Trakai Island Castle via the long and picturesque boardwalk connecting the island to Trakai mainland. You can distinctly see the original foundations of the steadfast brick castle beneath the reconstructed upper floors and corner towers. Enter through the forecastle gateway and find yourself in the historic inner yard. Here the magnificent Ducal Palace is topped by a five-story donjon or inner tower.

Explore the rooms and halls that have been restored as museum exhibits. See some of the original décor in the Ducal Hall in the palace’s southern wing. Get a detailed understanding of the castle’s history and significance with a guided tour.

Learn about the lifestyle and ethnography of the people who lived in Trakai and its castle. See a timeline of the dukes who ruled from the picturesque castle and find out about the Tartar and Karaim people who inhabited this area. Look for examples of medieval ceramics and folk dress, as well as a collection of taxidermy animals. Try shooting a longbow and crossbow at the castle’s archery range.

The castle museum also has a gift shop with souvenirs and historical books. Stop at the neighbourhood bakeries and sample fresh local pastries.

Trakai Island Castle is located on Lake Galvė, 19 miles (31 kilometres) west of Vilnius. Reach Trakai easily by car, local public transportation and organised tour. Pay a small admission fee to access the castle and its museum. Book a tour in English in advance for an additional fee. Many of the exhibits have accompanying English text. The castle is open daily between May and September and every day but Mondays during other months.

Reviews of Trakai Island Castle

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
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" "5 - Excellent 67.5%
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4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
21 Dec 2019

The castle itself is excellent, the contents were museum stuff that did not really have anything to do with the castle. Only cost 2 euros pp to go from the bus station back to Vilnius

5/5 - Excellent

Andy
19 Oct 2019

This is a worthwhile trip, but beware donot get scammed into paying over the odds to go on a trip there. Cost of entry only 8 euros, but some trips that you buy can cost 150 euro. Get a taxi or train a lot cheaper.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
31 Aug 2019

Long walk from train so bus about same time recommended but walk has a few food shops along the way & still a long walk, courtyard large cobblestones so wear thick shoes, boat rides on lake 5 Euro ok, restaurants reasonable and lots of amber shops. Recommend taxi back to bus or train station about 2 miles.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
25 Jun 2019

Enjoyable boat trip round the lake and good to go in the castle. Beautiful place.

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