Trakai

Trakai is a historic town located just 28 kilometers west of Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. It's famous for its impressive island castle that sits on Lake Galvė, creating one of the most picturesque scenes in the Baltic region. The red brick Trakai Castle dates back to the 14th century and served as the residence of the Grand Dukes of Lithuania during their powerful medieval empire.

What makes Trakai special beyond its castle is its unique cultural heritage. It's home to a small community of Karaim people, brought to Lithuania from Crimea in the 14th century as castle guards. They've maintained their distinct language, religion, and customs for centuries. Their traditional houses with three windows facing the street (one for God, one for the Duke, and one for the family) can still be seen in the old town.

The town is surrounded by a network of lakes, making it a popular spot for water activities during summer. In winter, the frozen lakes transform the landscape into a magical snow-covered setting. Traditional Lithuanian and Karaim cuisine can be sampled in local restaurants, with kibinai (pastries filled with meat) being a must-try local specialty that the Karaim community brought with them centuries ago.