A few days ago, I had the chance to visit Trakai, one of the most charming towns in Lithuania, together with my parents. Surprisingly, although I had been there before, it was the very first time for them. Since Trakai is considered one of the country’s most famous tourist destinations, I thought it would be a perfect day trip to explore history, culture, food, and even nature. What started as a visit to the legendary Trakai Island Castle eventually turned into a full-day adventure that included a boat ride, tasting traditional kibinai, walking up the Hill of Angels, and even experiencing a unique barefoot trail not far from the town.
The History of Trakai Castle
The highlight of Trakai is undoubtedly its Island Castle, built on an island in Lake Galvė. This red-brick fortress dates back to the 14th century and was one of the main residences of Grand Duke Vytautas the Great, one of Lithuania’s most important historical figures. At the time, Trakai was not only a political and defensive center but also a symbol of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania’s power. Although the castle fell into ruins over the centuries, it was carefully reconstructed in the 20th century. Today, it stands as a proud reminder of medieval Lithuanian history and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Walking through the castle gates and across the wooden bridge that connects it to the town felt like stepping into the past. Inside, we explored the museum exhibitions, which include medieval armor, old coins, and household items that give a vivid picture of life centuries ago.
There was also a replica guillotine where visitors can pose for fun photos, as well as an old-fashioned iron cage that once symbolized how prisoners might have been kept. Of course, today it’s all just for entertainment, but stepping inside the cage or standing next to the guillotine added a playful touch to our visit and gave us a glimpse of the darker side of medieval justice.
A Boat Ride Around the Castle
After visiting the castle museum, we decided to see the landmark from a different perspective. We boarded a small tourist boat that took us around Lake Galvė, circling the castle island. The boat ride was peaceful and gave us plenty of opportunities to admire the castle’s silhouette from different angles.
We also passed by the elegant Užutrakis Manor (white buiolding above), located on the opposite shore of Lake Galvė. This 19th-century estate once belonged to the Tyszkiewicz family and is surrounded by a beautifully designed park created by a French landscape architect.
A part of the castle is also being reconstructed (the green covered tower on the right).
Tasting Kibinai – A Must in Trakai
Of course, no visit to Trakai is complete without tasting a kibinas (small meat/veggie pie). These baked pastries filled with minced meat or vegetables are a specialty of the Karaim community, a small ethnic group that settled in Trakai in the 14th century when Grand Duke Vytautas invited them to Lithuania. Ever since, kibinai have become a local culinary symbol. Today, you can find them everywhere in Trakai — in restaurants, bakeries, and small kiosks.
We stopped by one of the many cafes and ordered freshly baked kibinai. Eating them while overlooking the lake felt like experiencing an authentic part of Trakai’s culture. My parents enjoyed them a lot, and we laughed about how Trakai seems to run almost entirely on kibinai — you can’t walk a few steps without finding a place that sells them!
Souvenirs and Amber Everywhere
Walking back through the town, it became clear just how popular Trakai is among visitors. The streets were lined with souvenir stands, selling everything from magnets and postcards to handmade crafts. One thing that stood out was the amount of Baltic amber jewelry. Amber is often called “Lithuanian gold,” and it is everywhere in Trakai. For tourists, it’s one of the most sought-after keepsakes. My mom even bought an amber necklace and bracelet although she has bags of amber at home!
The Hill of Angels
Our next stop was the Hill of Angels, located just a short drive from Trakai. This unique site began in 2009 when local communities and organizations started placing wooden and metal angel sculptures on a small hill, each carrying a symbolic meaning. Today, there are 57 different angels, each dedicated to values such as friendship, hope, love, and peace.
People also bring gifts or offerings to the angels and leave them.
Walking up the hill and seeing the line of angels felt like entering a spiritual open-air gallery. The place is peaceful, and it carries a sense of unity and inspiration. Each angel has its own story, donated by families, communities, or institutions as a way to contribute to the idea of spreading kindness and spirituality.
The Barefoot Trail in Aleksandriškės
Before heading back home, we decided to drive about 20 kilometers further to try something completely new — the Aleksandriškės Barefoot Trail. This unique outdoor attraction is the longest barefoot path in Lithuania, stretching for about 2 kilometers. The idea is simple: you take off your shoes and walk along a trail designed with many different natural surfaces.
Throughout the walk, we stepped on grass, sand, gravel, pine cones, wood, and even refreshing mud patches. It was a playful yet surprisingly relaxing experience. Walking barefoot brought back childhood memories of running through the countryside during summer. My parents enjoyed it just as much as I did, and we all agreed it was a perfect way to end the day.
I also just wanted to enjoy this part so I don't have pretty much any photos except those couple above. :)
Why Trakai Is Worth Visiting
Looking back, this trip reminded me of how diverse and rich Trakai is as a destination. In just one day, you can experience Lithuanian medieval history at the castle, enjoy authentic Karaim cuisine, reflect at the Hill of Angels, and reconnect with nature at the Barefoot Trail. It’s no wonder that Trakai is often included in guidebooks as one of the must-visit places in Lithuania.
For my parents, who had never been there before, it was a special introduction not only to Trakai but also to a part of Lithuania’s cultural heritage. For me, it was a reminder that even familiar places can feel new and exciting when you experience them with others.
If you are planning a trip to Lithuania, I highly recommend adding Trakai to your itinerary. Whether you’re interested in history, food, spirituality, or outdoor activities, you will find something here to enjoy. It is a perfect day trip from Vilnius, and it offers a combination of culture and relaxation that few other places can match.
