---
type: "Article"
title: "Trakai – a castle by the lake and peaceful nature"
description: "It only takes about a half hour's drive from the Vilnius city center to reach Trakai and its fairytale water castle. And it's definitely worth a visit!"
resource: "https://travelmemo.com/lithuania/trakai-castle-by-the-lake"
author: "Letizia Lorenzetti"
publisher: "Travelmemo"
photo_count: 7
tags: ["City Trip", "Lake", "Lithuania"]
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generated: { by: "human:https://travelmemo.com/author/lorenzettil", at: 2026-07-04T14:02:16+00:00 }
timestamp: 2026-07-04T14:02:16+00:00
---

# Trakai – a castle by the lake and peaceful nature

> Trakai, a small town about 30 minutes from Vilnius, is home to a restored medieval water castle set on Lake Galvé, surrounded by birch and pine forests that make it a peaceful escape from the city.

## Destination
Trakai, Lithuania, approximately 30 minutes' drive from Vilnius city center.

## Getting there
Direct flights from Zurich to Vilnius operated by Germania Flug AG (as of June 2016, Mondays and Thursdays). From Vilnius, Trakai is reachable by rental car or taxi in about 30 minutes; guided day trips and bus connections from Vilnius are also available.

## When to go
Off-season visits offer a quieter, more peaceful experience; summer brings heavy tourist crowds.

## Why visit
A fairytale water castle on Lake Galvé, expansive forests, and a tranquil natural setting make Trakai an ideal half-day escape from Vilnius.

## What to see
- **Trakai Island Castle** — A restored medieval water castle on Lake Galvé that also functions as a public museum.
- **Lake Galvé** — The lake surrounding the castle, bordered by picturesque vacation homes and forest.

## What to do
- **Visit the castle museum** — The castle is open to the public and accessible from the lake shore.
- **Stay at TonyResort** — A modern-rustic resort on 100 acres within the nature park, about 15 minutes' drive beyond Trakai, offering forest quiet and fresh air.

## Good to know
Trakai Tourist Information Centre website: www.trakai-visit.lt. The area is within a nature park where wolves have been reported.