Plisa to Trakai

Trakai Castle: A Guide to Lithuania's Island Fortress

Trakai Castle is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Lithuania. It is located on an island in Lake Galvė, about 28 kilometers (17 miles) west of Vilnius. The castle was built in the 14th century by Grand Duke Gediminas, and it served as the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania for over 200 years. Trakai Castle is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it is considered to be one of the most beautiful castles in Europe.

Language

The official language of Lithuania is Lithuanian. However, English is widely spoken in tourist areas, including Trakai.

Currency

The currency of Lithuania is the euro (€).

Distance

Trakai Castle is located about 28 kilometers (17 miles) west of Vilnius. The drive from Vilnius to Trakai takes about 30 minutes.

How to Reach

There are several ways to reach Trakai Castle from Vilnius:

• By bus: There are regular buses from Vilnius to Trakai. The journey takes about 30 minutes and costs around €5.
• By train: There are also regular trains from Vilnius to Trakai. The journey takes about 45 minutes and costs around €6.
• By car: The drive from Vilnius to Trakai takes about 30 minutes. There is a parking lot near the castle, and the parking fee is €2.

Expenses

The cost of visiting Trakai Castle varies depending on the time of year and the type of ticket you purchase. However, you can expect to pay around €10 for a basic ticket, which includes admission to the castle and the museum. There are also guided tours available, which cost around €15.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Trakai Castle is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, the castle is also beautiful in the winter, when it is covered in snow.

What to Eat

There are several restaurants and cafes near Trakai Castle, where you can enjoy traditional Lithuanian cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Cepelinai: These are potato dumplings filled with meat or cheese.
• Kugelis: This is a potato casserole that is baked with bacon and onions.
• Šaltibarsščiai: This is a cold beet soup that is served with boiled potatoes and eggs.

Where to Go

In addition to the castle itself, there are several other things to see and do in Trakai. These include:

• The Trakai Historical National Park: This park is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including deer, moose, and wolves.
• The Trakai Island Castle Museum: This museum is located in the castle, and it tells the story of the castle's history.
• The Trakai Synagogue: This synagogue is one of the oldest surviving synagogues in Lithuania.

FAQ

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Trakai Castle:

• Is Trakai Castle open to the public? Yes, Trakai Castle is open to the public. The castle is open from 10am to 6pm every day.
• How much does it cost to visit Trakai Castle? The cost of visiting Trakai Castle varies depending on the time of year and the type of ticket you purchase. However, you can expect to pay around €10 for a basic ticket, which includes admission to the castle and the museum.
• What is the best way to get to Trakai Castle? The best way to get to Trakai Castle is by bus or train from Vilnius. The journey takes about 30 minutes by bus or 45 minutes by train.
• What are the best things to do in Trakai? In addition to visiting the castle itself, there are several other things to see and do in Trakai, including visiting the Trakai Historical National Park, the Trakai Island Castle Museum, and the Trakai Synagogue.