The best MTB trails in Varnikų Miškas

Karaims. Trakai was settled by Karaims in the second half of the 15th century. The official date of settlement is between 1397 and 1398. The language of the Karaims belongs to the Turkic language family. The ethnic name originates from the Karaite faith. Their religion shows features of Islam, they adhere to the Pentateuch of the Old Testament. The prayer house of the Karaims, the Karaite Kenesa (from Karaite "Temple"), has survived. In 1894 the new wooden Kenesa was built, after the renovation from 1903 to 1904 it received its new appearance. It is beautiful to hear about the history and religion of this small people from an old Karaite in this church. The houses of the Karaims are located in a residential area. For a long time, this district was called "Little Town". Since 1441, the Karaite community enjoyed the privilege of self-government. Karaite houses are easy to distinguish, as they stand with their gable facing the street and have three windows. The Karaite national dish Kibinai and other dishes, as well as the drink Krupnik, can be tasted today in Karaite restaurants. The ethnographic exhibition of the Karaims, Karaimy g. 22. This unique exhibition tells about the history and life of the national minority of the Karaims in Lithuania and in the city

The old Vilnius-Kaunas tract. That's all that's left of it.

It is well preserved, but abandoned and not suitable for visiting. However, the village of Paneriai itself is in a very beautiful place at the bend of the Neris River.

Driving through the streets of Trakai, I noticed the distinctive wooden houses of the Karaim. These houses are not only architecturally interesting, but also an important testimony to the history and culture of the Karaim. The legends surrounding the windows of these houses are particularly fascinating. It is said that the Karaim allocated one window for themselves, the second for Vytautas the Great, whom they called “Vatai By” (Crushing the Enemies), and the third for God. However, these windows were also a sign of prosperity in the Middle Ages. The Karaim, who paid tribute to the Duke, could “buy” windows. The less well-off had one or two windows facing the street, while richer families had houses with three or even four windows. This tradition is reflected in the arrangement of the windows on the carefully aligned wooden houses. Another interesting detail is the historical significance of the Karaim in Trakai. In 1397, Prince Vytautas settled Karaimų as bodyguards alongside Tatars. Their presence in Trakai is a direct result of this historic decision, making the Karaimų Mediniai Namai a living history book. Cycling through the streets of Trakai, past these historic wooden houses, was like traveling back in time. Each house told its own story, and the peaceful atmosphere in the streets provided a perfect opportunity to feel the deep connection between history, culture and architecture.

The Vokė, a picturesque left tributary of the Neris, flows quietly under the rickety bridge. Despite its narrowness and noticeable instability when crossing, the bridge offered a unique and exciting experience. The bridge's location in an unexpected place, embedded in the natural beauty of the Lithuanian landscape, makes it a special highlight. For me, the bridge's narrowness and wobbling were part of its charm. As I drove across the river, I felt the movement of the bridge beneath me, which got my adrenaline pumping. It was a balancing act that I was happy to master.

Each house here tells its own story, evident in the carefully preserved old wooden houses, which showcase rare architecture. The color palette of these buildings, from soft yellows to bolder colors, gives the street a vibrant atmosphere. The Karaite Quarter, a Jewish religious community with about 70 members who live exclusively in these characteristic yellow wooden houses, was particularly fascinating. As I wandered through the alleys, I felt the spirit of this community, which keeps its traditions and culture alive. A highlight of my walk was a visit to Trakai Water Castle. Although much of the castle is no longer in its original condition, I was impressed by its imaginative reconstruction, both inside and out. The entrance fee of €7.00 was worth it to immerse myself in the story told by the castle walls. The colorful wooden houses along Karaimų gatvė, some with lovingly tended gardens and interesting details, contributed to a homey feeling. Each house seems to have its own personality, making the street a living museum. Another significant structure is the Kenessa, the Karaite prayer house, which offers deep insight into the community's cultural identity and beliefs.

A traffic calming system for this road is currently being built. This will significantly enhance this beautiful ensemble!!!

narrow, shaky suspension bridge across the river