Lake Galvė

Trakai district lies in the southeastern part of Lithuania, not far away from the capital Vilnius, around the town of Trakai. The administrative centre of the municipality is Trakai. The district covers an area of 1208 sq. km; 47,7% of the territory is covered by forests (576,22 sq. km.); lakes make up 4,9% (59,19 sq. km.) – more than 200 lakes in the region. There are two parks established in Trakai region: Trakai Historical National Park and Aukštadvaris Regional Park. The total area of the protected territories in the Trakai district is 25 550 ha. This accounts for 21% of the district territory.

Trakai district deserves to be called the locality representing Lithuania. The glorious historical past and cultural heritage of the country give it oneness and are important to cognition and education. The district’s image is first of all related to the town of Trakai. An impressive is the Galvė Lake Island Castle, a symbol of Trakai town. It is the only castle in Eastern Europe built on an island and also one of the most frequently visited monuments of architecture in Lithuania.

Trakai is a well-preserved historical village with more than 5,000 residents, and one of the biggest tourist attractions in the country with a million visitors each year. It is the symbol of Lithuanian statehood, the prosperity of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, former residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania.

The environs of Trakai, with old villages and ancient castle hills, attract not only those interested in history but also numerous lovers of nature. In 1991 was established Trakai Historical National Park. The landscape of Trakai Historical National Park exudes particular beauty. It covers an area of 8,200 ha which includes more than 32 lakes (occupying an area of 1,400 ha). Aukštadvaris Regional Park was founded in 1992 to preserve the valuable landscapes of Verknė and Strėva upper reaches. The area of the park is 153.50 km2, most of which is covered by forests. There are 72 lakes here.

In 2008, Trakai was granted resort territory status. Forests with a predominance of coniferous wood (even 87 percent of the territory) are considered to be one of the most important healing factors in Trakai. The town is surrounded by forests and lakes and the air in the town is especially clean thanks to its “green lungs”. Trakai district provides “green” tourism. 65% of Trakai region’s tourism is agro-tourism, which includes a wide variety of activities, including buying produce direct from homesteads, feeding animals or staying on a farm.

Visit the official website