The tourist attractions at Trakai are not as well known as those of the other cities in Lithuania. But if you are looking for something different, this place will be worth a look.
Location
The city is situated 20 km to the west of Vilnius. The easiest way to get there is to get on a bus or train from Vilnius. The trip will take about 30 to 45 minutes depending on the traffic. If you have a car, you will find the city by the Lithuanian road A16. This is a component of European Route E28.
What to See
One of the most popular tourist attractions at Trakai is Trakai Castle Museum. This is at Kestucio street. It is a repository of artifacts and information about the site. The place is actually a refurbished residence of the 14th century Dukes of Lithuania. This is one of the most famous symbols of the country.
During the summer, concerts and other shows are held here. Other sightseeing spots are the Uzutrakio estate and the Galve Lake. You can go sailing on the lake or ride a bicycle around the shores. This is a good place to relax in.
History
The earliest settlements date from the first millennium AD. However, it was not until the 13th century when development truly began. According to the legend, the Old Trakai Castle was founded at the lake after the Grand Duchy of Lithuania spotted the lake during a hunting expedition.
The word Trakai was first recorded in the chronicles of the Teutonic Knights in 1337. This date is accepted as the foundation of the city. From Senieji Trakai, the town was moved into its present location. Reconstruction commenced.
The building of the castles led to the growth of a village around it. The city would eventually be attacked by the Teutonic Knights several times over the years.
Cost
The tickets going to the city cost 5.60 Litas from Vilnius. This is
one way only.
Other Info
The lake and the castle are popular tourist destinations. It should come as no surprise that there are many kiosks in the boulevard nearby. You can purchase souvenir items here. Apart from knick knacks and trinkets, you can buy some genuine Soviet military equipment.
Apart from the tourist attractions at Trakai, you can also try out the different restaurants in the area. Senoji kibinine is one of the best known. There is also the Kybynlar restaurant.
