One day in Trakai, Lithuania
One day getaway to Trakai is really good idea when you are travelling in Lithuania. This historical city is located about 25-30km from Vilnius. Trakai is near Galvės lake has a cool historical castle, big food culture, and just good vibes.
How to get to Trakai?
Well it’s super simple. In Lithuania everything is super accessible. But if I was coming from abroad - my first option would be train. There are almost 10 daily trains, price is up to 3 euros per ride (unless you want first class ticket for ±5 euros) and it takes about 30 minutes. Pretty similar situation is with bus - but since a lot of busses are going through Trakai, sometimes it’s like 5 busses in one hour. And if you want to get maximum comfort - you can always pick Bolt. The usual price is about 20-25 euros, but if it’s 3-4 of you - you are getting in a car without any struggle for almost the same price. P.s. keep the Bolt app since it’s the best working app as taxi alternative.
If you are coming not from Vilnius, well than car or trains might be the best option.
So what should you do in Trakai for 1 day?
Visit Trakai Castle
Well firstly I wanted to say walk around Trakai, but it would be so wasteful to walk around everywhere and just then start to hit some of the objects. Trakai castle is one of the oldest castles we have in Lithuania. And even though I probably haven’t been inside it (shame on my, but at least I’m honest) it’s super nice to walk around it in the island. But all in all - castle is from the XIV century, historical mark, it costs 12 euros to get there and if you are there - that could be a nice mideval experience.
2. Do some sort of water activity
When you’ll go there - you’ll see that you are surrounded by water. So I suggest immerse yourself there and do some kind of water activity. Well Trakai have it all. You can rent a paddle board, pedal boats, katamarans and even jachts and see through kayaks. You don’t need to do all, but since you are there - try something. If you have the museum vibe - there are some which are literally giving you guided tour while you in the lake, if you mischievous - it’s always more fun to take the thing you can control.
3. Try local food - Kibinai
Kibinai is actually not Lithuanian food but originates from Karaites who are part of Trakai town. And their history in Lithuania is probably longer than 1000 years. By coming there they brought this delicious pastry to Lithuania. It is a crescent-shaped yeast dough pie with a filling of chopped lamb or beef, baked in the oven on a tin. Well and it’s super lovely. It’s kind of a tradition to bring home some kibinai. If you don’t have opportunity to reach Trakai - I think the closest contestant would be in LIDL. Yes I know that locals probably will hate me for this comparison and suggestion, but oh well..
4. Visit Moroccan style SPA in one of the Hotels
Well telling you all this feels like telling you some secret, but… There is a SPA area, which could be private just to you, or up to 10-15 your friends. It has dry sauna, Turkish steam sauna, and jacuzzi. Too good to be true? Well there is a Restaurant / Hotel called Apvalaus stalo klubas and they have this amazing SPA area. It’s not that cheap but totally worth it.
5. Discover Trakai with air-balloon
Air-balloons are big think in Lithuania. Vilnius is one of just a few capitals where you can fly it over the old-town. But since regulation is getting stricter only limited amount of air-balloons can fly. With Trakai the case is different and you can fly just with one air-balloon. Where’s the catch? Well first of all you can’t fly with air-balloon any time you want. It’s either early morning or evening. Another thing that it’s pricy. Last time I checked it’s like 175 euros and more information could be found HERE. Anyway Trakai is magical in the morning and if you get skilled balloon guy - you might fly over the Trakai castle. So it would be like visiting Trakai without touching the ground. You can check my last time in this video below.
6. Visit magical Užutrakio dvaras
Užutrakio dvaras is a bit further away from all the action so you need either car to get there of some floatation device. But it’s just a magical manor. I will not bother you with the whole history, why it’s there and why it’s so beautiful. I just say that you should go there. Especially during the summer or autumn. It’s free for all and that’s the source of truth.
