Enjoy a Romantic Holiday Daytrip to Trakai near Vilnius
Take a short trip from Vilnius to find a hidden spot filled with romance from the past; a little historic town and lake resort called Trakai. It was treasured by the Dukes of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania as their capital and is still loved by locals and visitors for its astonishing nature, traditional Karaim cuisine and amazing views of the Trakai Island Castle.
Take a look at our top six reasons to go out of your way and spend some time just outside Vilnius.
Trakai Island Castle
The view of the island castle on Lake Galvė will take your breath away, especially in winter when the lake is covered by ice. You've probably heard of King Arthur and the famous lake. Well, Trakai has a legend of its own; Grand Duke Vytautas loved to stay there and even kept a lion in the castle. So, the castle brings back the romance of the past to life. The unique 14th-century castle was reconstructed in the 20th century.
Admire it from the shore or cross the 300-metre wooden bridge and visit its history museum, which also hosts medieval tournaments, concerts and craft days. Check out the permanent collections of furniture, china and hunting trophies.
Karaim cuisine and the famous kibinai
Karaims are a small nation of Turkish descent that have lived in Lithuania since the 14th century, primarily in Trakai. Their national pastry, kibinai, are stuffed with minced meat, mushrooms or vegetables, and are well-established as Trakai’s main delicacy. One bite is all you’ll need to understand why locals love them so much.
The best way to enjoy the experience is to get kibinai to-go and eat them sitting down with a view of the castle. Get some broth with them to keep you warm, and if it’s too cold, Senoji Kibininė offers an authentic atmosphere that harks back to the olden days, and their recipe stays true to the traditional Karaim method.
For a fun afternoon, you can take a cooking lesson to learn how to make kibinai and find out more about the Karaim traditions in Lithuania.
Adventures on the lake
If the lake is frozen solid, it’s time for some ice skating! What about ice blok-art ice sailing? Get an adrenaline rush and cross it off your bucket list right here in Trakai! Just remember to make sure the ice is thick enough before venturing out on the frozen lake. For safe adventures, walk along the wooden bridge and enjoy the panoramic view it offers of the town.
Adventures in the air
Get the best view of the castle and lake from the air. A winter hot-air balloon ride over Trakai Island Castle and the frozen lake is an experience of a lifetime.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can try paragliding over Trakai – it’s great for beginners and skilled paragliders alike.
Don’t want to try it yourself? Watch the professionals do it at the Lithuanian Open Paragliding Accuracy Championship – check out the dates.
Dinner in the dark
Eating is a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the tastebuds. But what if you can’t see what you’re eating? When one sense is taken away, other senses become sharper. Try dining in the dark to see if you can recognise the flavours without seeing your food.
The restaurant Apvalaus Stalo Klubas offers a surprising experience for groups – immerse yourself into the darkness and discover new flavours.
A spa that promises warmth
If you look like an icicle after hours of walking outside, it's time for a spa. Defrost in a sauna and enjoy a soothing massage. You'll be ready for new adventures in a couple of hours.
So, what are you waiting for? Don’t pack your bags – just go.
Check out the calendar for concerts and other events in Trakai here.
Trakai is easy to reach by car or public transport. Buses from Vilnius Bus Station go to Trakai at least twice an hour. The trip usually takes about 30-40 minutes.
You can also travel by train: choose the time that suits you best here.
