Trakai between Castles, Lakes and Karaim Culture

The historic town is shaped by its lake district. The Island Castle stands on an island in Lake Galvė; the Peninsula Castle covers four hectares and has eleven defensive towers. Together, they represent two distinct castle complexes in Trakai.

Trakai Island Castle is located on Pilies Island in Lake Galvė, at 43C Karaimų Street. It is described as the only water castle in Eastern Europe. The permanent exhibition of the Trakai History Museum in the castle occupies 16 halls. The collection on display includes furniture, pipes, stamps, clocks, porcelain and glass, as well as hunting trophies.

The Peninsula Castle is on a different scale: covering four hectares and featuring eleven defensive towers of varying sizes, it is one of Lithuania’s largest enclosure castles. Its exhibition of sacred or liturgical art includes more than 200 liturgical works, valuable fine art and various sacred objects. Those comparing castle complexes will find different scales and collection areas here.

Trakai is the centre of a wooded lake district in East Dzūkija. Užutrakis Manor Park lies in the town on a peninsula between Lake Galvė and Lake Skaistis. The manor house terrace offers panoramic views of Lake Galvė and Trakai Island Castle.

Another viewpoint is Sacrifice Hill on the peninsula. The 17-metre-high castle hill offers views of Lake Trakai, which surrounds the peninsula, and the red Gothic Island Castle. In Trakai, the lake landscape and views of castle architecture are both central attractions.

The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary stands on Trakai’s lake-surrounded peninsula. Among other things, it preserves panel paintings, memorial monuments, relics and 18th-century candelabra, as well as other sacred artworks. The Karaim community in Trakai has also preserved its religious beliefs, customs, traditions and, in particular, its language throughout its history.

The AJ Chocolate Sculpture Museum features chocolate exhibitions across four rooms; most of the sculptures are life-size. The Island Castle also hosts exhibitions, concerts, festivals and celebrations, though this does not imply any specific event dates. An international Karaim language camp takes place in Trakai every year, attracting Karaims and their descendants from around the world. Check the camp’s current dates before your trip.

Lake Galvė is used by water tourists and divers; rowers and sailing teams also train and compete there. Swimming is recommended as a leisure activity in Lakes Akmena, Totoriškės, Galvė and Luka. Check current conditions before swimming.

At the beach of Slėnis Recreation Park on the northern shore of Lake Galvė, boats and pedal boats are available for hire. Availability may vary by season, so check what is on offer for your visit in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kaniūkai, Eišiškės, Antatilčiai, Strėva, Liucionys, Žydkaimis, Vilnius.

Where does the Karaim Bridge run?

The Karaim Bridge, also known as the Iron Bridge, crosses the strait between Lake Galvė and Lake Totoriškės.

What is the significance of Žolinės and Trakinės?

Žolinės is the Feast of the Assumption of Mary, while Trakinės celebrates the coronation of the image of Our Lady of Trakai. Both are celebrated annually and attract pilgrims from neighbouring countries and other regions. Check the current dates before your trip.

What is served in traditional Karaim restaurants?

Traditional Karaim restaurants in Trakai serve kybyn. As the availability of individual restaurants may change, check in advance which ones are open for your visit.

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