Trakai Island Castle (Lithuania) - the only castle in Eastern Europe located on an island

Where is located Trakai Island Castle?

Address of Trakai Island Castle is Kęstučio 4, Trakai 21142, Lithuania
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When was built Trakai Island Castle?

Built date of Trakai Island Castle is 1404 - construction begins

Facts, informations and history of Trakai Island Castle

Trakai Castle is a Lithuanian castle built on an island surrounded by Lake Galvė, one of the deepest lakes in Lithuania. The current castle is a reconstruction from the second half of the 20th century.

Three islands were used to build the castle, which were connected by filling the space between them with earth and stones.

The castle can be reached by crossing a long wooden bridge. In winter, the lake freezes over and becomes a natural ice rink.

The original castle was built between the 14th and 15th centuries by Lithuanian Prince Kiejstut with his son Witold. The fortress gained in importance when Kęstutus placed the princely treasures there and resided there.

The castle was built and maintained by people of various nationalities. Communities of Karaites, Tatars, Lithuanians, Ruthenians and Poles lived there. Both the Christian and Karaite communities were granted separate self-government rights - Magdeburg rights.

In 1377, the castle was attacked by the Teutonic Knights and partially destroyed. The stronghold was rebuilt, strengthened and enlarged with two wings and a donjon.

Trakai Castle lost its military importance soon after the Battle of Grunwald, when the main enemy of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania was defeated by the Polish-Lithuanian army.

In 1430, Grand Duke Vytautas the Great, son of Kiejstut, who was not crowned King of Lithuania, died in the castle.

The most important part of the castle was a quadrangular palace; in addition, a chapel and living quarters were created. The walls were strengthened to a thickness of 2.5 m and raised with additional shooting galleries, three towers, stables and kitchens were built. The south-west tower was also used as a prison.

From the 17th century, Trakai Castle gradually fell into disrepair. From 1951 to 1961, modernisation works were carried out, which gave the castle its present appearance.

In 1962, the castle was handed over to the Trakai Historical Museum. The castle museum displays historical exhibitions of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania, various archaeological finds and artefacts. The castle also hosts reconstructions of medieval battles.

In the summer, the castle hosts performances of the Lithuanian National Opera and Ballet, medieval festivals and music concerts.

It is the only castle in Eastern Europe located on an island.

The castle is one of Lithuania's top tourist attractions, attracted by its architecture and more than 400,000 museum exhibits.

Architect of Trakai Island Castle

How many meters have Trakai Island Castle?

Height of Trakai Island Castle is 35 metres - tower

Construction/building type

Building Trakai Island Castle is of type Castle

Architectural style

Architectural style of Trakai Island Castle is Gothic

What material is the building made of?

Trakai Island Castle is made of the following materials: stone, red brick

Practical informations

What is the cost of entry for Trakai Island Castle?

Tickets for Trakai Island Castle are available at the following prices and variants:

• April-October:
• Adults: 12 Euro.
• Students and senior citizens: 6 Euros.
• November-March:
• Adults: 8 Euro.
• Students and senior citizens: 4 Euro.

At what times is open Trakai Island Castle?

Trakai Island Castle is open or accessible to the public on the following dates and times:

• May to September, Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 19:00
• March to April and October, Tuesday to Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00
• November to February, Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00

Official website

The official website of the building, where up-to-date information can be found, is https://trakaimuziejus.lt/en/