Vilnius County: Castles, Nature and Culture
Accommodation in Vilnius County
In Vilnius County, medieval urban history and archaeological heritage meet forests, rivers and lakes. The region is also home to special places such as Trakai Island Castle and the Europos Parkas landscape exhibition. When planning your trip, you can choose from a wide range of interests: discover culture, explore trails through nature or plan some time by the water.
Urban history and archaeological heritage
The historic centre of Vilnius includes the areas of the three castles and the area enclosed by the city wall in the Middle Ages. The city is an outstanding example of a medieval foundation whose architectural and cultural development influenced much of Eastern Europe. Those interested in the history of cities and buildings will find a distinct focus for their trip here.
At Kernavė, an archaeological site illustrates around 10,000 years of human settlement in the region. Visitors can see the remains of five impressive castle mounds. The cultural reserve includes 15 archaeological and three historical monuments. Research materials from the reserve are preserved and displayed in the archaeological site's museum.
Other cultural sites offer a range of experiences: at Meškonys and Paliepiukai, symbolic memorial pillars mark two of the three points of the Struve Geodetic Arc located in Lithuania, a UNESCO World Heritage property. Europos Parkas is a landscape ensemble with a 55-hectare world art exhibition featuring around 150 works. A museum with four exhibitions and an observation deck are housed in a northeastern tower of Medininkai Castle, restored in 2012.
Forests, rivers and trails
The Vilnius region has lakes, forests and rivers. Possible activities include hiking, kayaking and cycling. Those who want to focus on nature can choose from a variety of landscapes and trails rather than devoting their trip solely to historic sites.
At the Neris Regional Park visitor centre in Dūkštos, exhibitions showcase the park's flora and fauna, as well as traditional crafts and folklore. The Dūkštos educational trail runs for five kilometres through the valley of the Dūkštos stream. A winding educational trail, also five kilometres long, runs through the Varnikai Reserve. The 611-hectare reserve includes woodland and the Ilgelis bog; along the ecotourism trail, there are pavilions, benches, three viewpoints and ten rest stops.
Trakai: castle, lake and regional cuisine
Trakai Island Castle is an outstanding example of medieval defensive architecture and is considered the only water castle in Eastern Europe. It was built as a fortress and later used as the Grand Duke's residence. Today, it houses various exhibitions and serves as a venue for exhibitions and events. Trakai therefore appeals to travellers who want to discover history not only through buildings, but also through exhibitions.
The restored Užutrakis Manor and its grounds on Lake Galvė offer a glimpse into the life of the Lithuanian nobility in the 19th century. The park was designed by Édouard François André. The historic Potato Road offers views of Lake Galvė and the island castle. The Basilica of the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is another notable cultural site in Trakai: it stands on a peninsula surrounded by lakes, was founded by Grand Duke Vytautas in the 15th century, and combines Gothic and Baroque elements. Annual celebrations at the basilica include Žolinės and Trakinės, which attract pilgrims from neighbouring countries and other regions.
Lake Galvė is popular with water tourists, divers and holidaymakers; rowing and sailing teams also train and compete there. One of Trakai's culinary discoveries is kibinai: this traditional savoury filled pastry was introduced by the Karaim people. In this way, activities on the water and regional cuisine complement historic visits with other travel interests.
Choose the right focus for your holiday
When looking for a holiday apartment, it helps to first decide what kind of trip you want: medieval urban history, archaeological sites, trails through forests and bogs, or cultural and waterside experiences in Trakai.
More destinations in the district
Vilnius, Trakai, Kernavė, Karvys, Eišiškės, Avižieniai, Vievis, Švenčionys, Trakai District Municipality, Vilnius District Municipality, Ukmergė District Municipality, Kaniūkai, Žydkaimis, Kiemeliai, Strėva, Madžiūnai, Bezdonys, Juodšiliai, Liucionys, Antatilčiai, Aukštadvaris, Aluona, Glitiškės, Lentvaris, Vilnius District Municipality, Ukmergė District Municipality, Švenčionys District Municipality, Elektrėnai Municipality, Švenčionys District Municipality, Trakai District Municipality, Žuklijai and Širvintos District Municipality.
For the broader travel overview: Lithuania.
