Vilnius County: Culture, Nature and Historic Sites

• The archaeological site of Kernavė is an exceptional record of around 10,000 years of human settlement in this region and preserves the remains of five hill forts.
• The historic centre of Vilnius includes the areas of the three castles and the area enclosed by a city wall in the Middle Ages.
• Europos Parkas is a landscape complex with a 55-hectare outdoor art exhibition featuring around 150 works.
• The region encompasses lakes, forests and rivers; possible activities include hiking, kayaking and cycling.

Vilnius is a great destination for travellers interested in urban history and architecture. The city is considered an outstanding example of a medieval foundation whose architectural and cultural development influenced large parts of Eastern Europe. The historic centre brings together the areas of the three castles and the medieval walled town. This makes urban development and architectural history the focus, rather than just a single building.

Kernavė also offers a long historical perspective: the cultural reserve encompasses 15 archaeological and three historical monuments. Archaeological research material from the reserve is preserved and displayed at the Archaeological Site Museum. Those interested in the history of surveying will find symbolic memorial columns at Meškonys and Paliepiukai: they mark two of the three points of the Struve Geodetic Arc located in Lithuania, one of Lithuania’s UNESCO World Heritage properties.

Europos Parkas and Medininkai Castle offer further, different perspectives. The large outdoor art exhibition at Europos Parkas combines artworks with a landscape complex. The restored north-eastern tower of Medininkai Castle houses a museum with four exhibitions and an observation platform. Trakai Island Castle, meanwhile, tells the story of its former role: built as a fortress, it was later used as the Grand Duke’s residence. Today it houses various exhibitions and serves as a venue for exhibitions and events. It is considered a masterpiece of medieval defensive architecture and the only water castle in Eastern Europe.

For a walk through a stream valley, the Dūkštos Educational Trail is a specific option: it is five kilometres long and runs through the valley of the Dūkštos stream. Exhibitions at the Neris Regional Park Visitor Centre in Dūkštos showcase the park’s flora and fauna, as well as traditional crafts and folklore. This lets you combine nature with insights into regional culture.

The Varnikai Educational Trail is also five kilometres long, but winds through the Varnikai Botanical-Zoological Reserve. The reserve covers 611 hectares, including forest areas and the Ilgelis bog. The ecotourism trail has pavilions, benches, three viewpoints and ten rest areas.

Around Trakai, a range of interests come together. The restored Užutrakis Manor and its grounds on Lake Galvė offer a glimpse into the life of the Lithuanian nobility in the 19th century; the park was designed by Édouard François André. The historic Potato Road offers views of Lake Galvė and the island castle. Water tourists, divers and holidaymakers visit the lake, while rowing and sailing teams also train and compete there.

The attractions cater to different travel interests: Vilnius for medieval urban development, Kernavė for archaeological history, Trakai for defensive architecture and waterside scenery, and Dūkštos and Varnikai for trails through valleys and wetlands. First decide which of these themes matter to you, then tailor your hotel search to the main focus of your planned trip.

Local culture is also part of choosing what to experience on your trip. Trakai is associated with kibinai, a traditional savoury stuffed pastry introduced by the Karaim people. At the Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located on the Trakai Peninsula and surrounded by lakes, architecture and religious history come together: Grand Duke Vytautas founded it in the 15th century, and its design combines Gothic and Baroque elements. The annual Žolinės and Trakinės celebrations attract pilgrims from neighbouring countries and other regions.

Širvintų rajono savivaldybė, Žuklijai, Trakų rajono savivaldybė, Švenčionių rajono savivaldybė, Elektrėnai Municipality, Švenčionys District Municipality, Ukmergės rajono savivaldybė, Vilniaus rajono savivaldybė.

Lentvaris, Glitiškės, Aluona, Aukštadvaris, Liucionys, Antatilčiai, Bezdonys, Juodšiliai.

Madžiūnai, Strėva, Kiemeliai, Žydkaimis, Ukmergė District Municipality, Kaniūkai, Vilnius District Municipality, Trakai District Municipality.

Švenčionys, Vievis, Avižieniai, Kernavė, Karvys, Eišiškės, Trakai, Vilnius.

What makes Kernavė distinctive?

The archaeological site is a record of around 10,000 years of human settlement in the region and preserves the remains of five hill forts. Research material from the cultural reserve is preserved and displayed in the museum.

How long are the Dūkštos and Varnikai educational trails?

Both trails are five kilometres long. The Dūkštos Educational Trail runs through the valley of the Dūkštos stream; the winding Varnikai Educational Trail passes through the Varnikai Botanical-Zoological Reserve.

What is Trakai also known for culinarily?

Trakai is associated with kibinai, a traditional savoury stuffed pastry introduced by the Karaim people.

For the broader travel overview: Lithuania.