LITHUANIA
- Michael_sgrant
- 2 days ago
- 3 min read
Explore the cities of Kaunas and Vilnius and discover the gem of Trakai Island Castle...
Lithuania offers a rich blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that often surprises travellers. Among its cities, Kaunas and Vilnius stand out with their unique charm and stories. Adding a trip to Trakai Island Castle completes the experience, offering a glimpse into medieval times surrounded by stunning lakes. This little guide will help you explore these destinations with practical tips and highlights to make your visit memorable...
Kaunas: A City of Culture and History
Kaunas, Lithuania’s second-largest city, is often overlooked but offers a vibrant atmosphere and plenty to discover. The city’s Old Town is a great starting point. Here, narrow cobblestone streets wind past Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Key spots include:
Kaunas Castle: A medieval fortress on the banks of the Nemunas River, perfect for history lovers, explore both the inside and the grounds of the castle...
Laisvės Alėja (Liberty Avenue): A lively pedestrian street lined with cafes, shops, and street performers...
Cathedral-Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul & Church of Vytautas the Great: a centuries-old Gothic cathedral with a lavish interior...
Kaunas Town Hall: visit the main square in Kaunas and visit the Town Hall as well as the Church of St. Francis Xavier...
Kaunas also has a growing street art scene, with murals adding colour to the urban landscape. For food, try traditional Lithuanian dishes like cepelinai (potato dumplings) at local restaurants.
(Left) Liberty Avenue, (Centre) Kaunas Castle, (Right) Kaunas Town Hall main square
Vilnius: A Blend of Old and New
Vilnius, the capital, offers a mix of medieval charm and modern energy. Its Old Town is one of the largest in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Walking through its winding streets reveals:
Vilnius Cathedral and Bell Tower: Iconic landmarks in the centre of the city...
Gediminas Tower: Offers panoramic views of the city from its hilltop location, check out more information here at Gediminas Castle Tower | National Museum of Lithuania
Uzupis District: A quirky neighborhood known for its bohemian vibe and artistic community; once declared independence for itself from Vilnius...
Office of the President of the Republic of Lithuania: check out the home of the President of Lithuania..
Vilnius also has many cosy cafes and bars where you can relax after sightseeing. Don’t miss the chance to visit the local markets for fresh produce and handmade crafts.
(Left) Gediminas Tower, (Centre Left) Vilnius Cathedral & Bell Tower, (Centre Right) Uzupis District, (Right) St Anne's Church
Visiting Trakai Island Castle: A Medieval Treasure
Just a short drive or train journey from Vilnius, Trakai Island Castle is a must-see. This red brick fortress sits on an island in Lake Galvė, surrounded by water and forest. The castle dates back to the 14th century and was once a residence of Lithuanian Grand Dukes.
Visitors can explore the castle’s museum, which displays medieval artifacts and tells the story of Lithuania’s past. The castle grounds are perfect for walking, picnics, and photography. Nearby, you can rent a boat or try local Karaim cuisine, a unique ethnic minority known for their tasty kibinai pastries. However in the winter time, the lake is often frozen, adding even more magic to your adventure...
Trakai History Museum and its permanent exhibition, devoted to the history of the town of Trakai, its castles, and the land of Trakai, has been based at the ducal palace of the Trakai Island Castle. Now the museum showcases all kinds of collections such as furniture, clocks, china, glass, as well as hunting trophies.
You can book your tickets here Trakų Istorijos Muziejus, they cost roughly €12 :)
Travelling around Lithuania, I used a lot the train. Tickets are super cheap even for cross country rides. I'll leave the link here incase you want to book ahead yourselves!
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