How to Day Trip to Trakai Castle from Vilnius, Lithuania
Discover how to visit the medieval fortress, Trakai Castle, from Vilnius in Lithuania and all the need to know facts!
If you’re planning a trip to Lithuania, add a day into your itinerary for a day trip to Trakai Castle from Vilnius. Trakai Castle is an impressive medieval fortress located just outside of Vilnius. It’s the most popular day trip in this region, and for good reason.
This unique castle is just 28km south-west of Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania. It is set out in the lake region of Lithuania on Lake Galve and exists on its very own island. That’s right, you can visit an island castle! So how do you make a day out of it? Let’s take a look.
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Getting to Trakai Castle from Vilnius
There are multiple options to get from Vilnius to Trakai Castle. If you do not have a car, the best options are to do a guided tour or take the bus or the train to Trakai.
I personally would recommend a tour or catching the bus. The bus tends to run more frequently than the train and delivers you closer to the Castle. And, it costs right around €3. Can you really beat that?
1. Book a Tour to Trakai Castle
The easiest way to visit Trakai Castle is to take a guided tour. Fortunately, there are a few options to choose from. Here are the most popular ones:
2. Take the Bus to Trakai Castle
To take the bus, check the time table and target the bus you want to take. They typically run about every half hour with the occasional time gap of an hour or more. Then simply purchase the ticket online or at the main bus station and settle in for the 40 minute bus ride from Vilnius to Trakai Castle.
3. Catch the Train to Trakai Castle
If you would rather take the train from Vilnius to Trakai Castle, you can find the details on Lithuanian Railways. It takes about 33 minutes and also is very affordable. The main things to take note of is that it only runs about 5 times per day as compared to the bus.
Arriving in Trakai, Lithuania
Once you arrive in Trakai, it is about a 45 minute walk to the Trakai Castle from the bus station. There are two routes you can take.
- You can either walk through town.
- You can walk around the outside of town by the lakefront.
I, of course, recommend walking one way there and the other way back. If that is too far for you, there are also buses at the bus station you arrive in Trakai that will take you directly to the castle.
Because of the water surrounding the area, the walk is pretty much a straight shot. It would be pretty impossible to get lost. However, if you are directionally challenged, don’t worry, there are giant maps posted occasionally along the road on your way.
You can also pick up a map in the Tourist Information Center by Trakai Castle when you arrive. Really enjoy walking in this area as it is incredibly quiet and peaceful.
Visiting Trakai Castle
Arriving at Trakai Island Castle Museum you’re greeted by a short bridge to a small wooded island and from there you can see Trakai Castle set back on its own little island. From there, you take another bridge to reach the Island Castle.
Trakai Castle is very picturesque. It was originally built back in the 14th century by the Grand Duke Gediminas of Lithuania and served as their residence and a strategic military fortress. Today, you can admire its Gothic style and red brick walls that come from numerous renovations and restorations over the years.
Tickets to Trakai Castle
At the front of Traikai Castle is the ticket office. Ticket prices vary throughout the year. From May to September they are €12 for adults and €6 for students and senior citizens. From October to April, tickets run €10 for adults and €5 for students and senior citizens. It will also cost €1.50 to be able to take photos inside the Trakai Island Castle Museum.
Inside Trakai Castle
Inside the castle, almost all of the castle is open to explore. You’ll find a variety of museum exhibits set up in most of the rooms featuring a variety of aspects of Lithuanian life from furniture to armor and weapons to porcelain. For the cost, it is absolutely worthwhile.
Exploring Beyond Trakai Castle
After visiting Trakai Island Castle, make sure to walk down the mainland a bit further. From there you’ll be able to see the full island appearance of the Castle. This area is quite touristy with little cafes and souvenir shops, but since it is not overly busy, it’s quite a pleasant experience.
From there, you can slowly make your way back towards the bus station taking the alternate path. By taking both routes – through town and along the lakefront – from the bus station, you will also pass the entire town. This includes the ruins of Trakai Peninsula Castle, St. Mary’s Church, and all kinds of wild trees, bushes, and flowers.
Returning from Trakai to Vilnius by Bus
The trip back to Vilnius from Trakai will be another €3 and 40 minutes by bus with buses departing regularly. Overall, visiting Trakai Castle from Vilnius is really only a half day trip. This leaves you with more time to explore the stunning city of Vilnius.
FAQs about Visiting Trakai Castle
For more information, check out these frequently asked questions. They’re a great starting point for understanding Trakai Castle in Lithuania.
Trakai Castle, also known as Trakai Island Castle, is a historic fortress located on an island in Lake Galvė in Trakai, Lithuania. It is one of the most iconic and well-preserved castles in the country.
The construction of Trakai Castle began in the 14th century, around 1377, and it was completed in the 15th century. It was the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.
Trakai Castle is historically significant as it played a crucial role in the history of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania. It served as a strategic defense fortress and a royal residence.
Yes, visitors can explore the interior of Trakai Castle. It has been partially restored and now serves as a museum. You can tour its various chambers, including the Grand Hall and the Ducal Palace, to learn about its history and the culture of the time.
Hours of operation and admission fees vary by season. For the latest information, check the official website.
Yes, guided tours are available at Trakai Castle. These tours provide you with in-depth information about the history, architecture, and cultural significance of the castle.
Tours are available in multiple languages, including Lithuanian, English, Polish, Russian, and German.
Trakai Castle does host various events and festivals throughout the year. The most popular one is the Trakai Medieval Festival, which typically takes place in June. During this event, the castle comes to life with medieval reenactments, crafts, and entertainment.
Yes, Trakai is known for its beautiful natural surroundings and offers various outdoor activities. You can also explore other historic sites in the area, such as Užutrakis Manor and the Trakai Peninsula Castle.
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This article is very useful for my trip to Trakai Castle. Thank you for making a good article to assist travelers like me in getting from Vilnius to Trakai Castle!
Happy to help! It’s a great day trip from Vilnius and should definitely be planned into your Lithuania itinerary if you have the time!