Trakai is 28kms west of Vilnius, Lithuania’s capital city. The town, Trakai, is known for being a lake resort and there are 200 documented lakes in the area. The deepest lake in the region is called Galve, and has been measured at 46.7 metres. Car hire at Trakai is available to explore the surrounding lakes.

Trakai has, not only a rich natural history, but is also lush with human history. The town was established in the 13th century, and since then has attracted the wealthy as a vacation home spot, the first individual being the Grand Duke Gediminas who built a castle near the town. There are several other interesting castles that were constructed in subsequent centuries. Car rental at Trakai is a great way to explore the regional architecture.

An interesting look at local culture is to take a day trip with cheap car hire at Trakai out to the Karaims villages. The Karaims are a local ethnic and religious group which settled in the area before the 1400s. Trakai’s Karaim kenesa is a unique architectural, historic, and cultural site. The kenesa is a wooden synagogue built by Karaims. The kenesa’s interior dome is particularly unique.

For a nature centric day trip the Trakai Historical National Park is the best place to go. Encompassing many of the region’s lakes and natural habitat, the National Park features hiking trails and picnic areas. The park was founded to preserve Trakai’s natural wonders including many of the lakes and surrounding forestry.