A Forgotten Capital

We all know the story of Grand Duke Gediminas and his discovery of Vilnius.. the dream on a hunting trip, an iron wolf howling atop a mountain? Hopefully it rings a bell.

Well, it seems his hunting trips proved quite fruitful at discovering capitals, as, before Vilnius, he briefly in fact made Trakai the capital of Lithuania, thanks again to one of these hunts.

The story goes that while hunting in the forests west of Kernavė (the earlier center of power), he discovered a beautiful area surrounded by lakes and hills. Enchanted by the landscape, he decided to build a castle there — giving rise to Old Trakai (Senieji Trakai). Later, his son, Kęstutis, moved the residence to New Trakai (Trakai Island Castle), which became one of Lithuania’s main political centres for a time.

The island castle of Trakai.

So when was Trakai the capital?

Likely, it was only from 1316, when Gediminas took power, up until 1323, when he moved the capital again to Vilnius. That’s only about seven years as capital — a brief but important chapter in Lithuania’s history.

And that makes three capitals so far: Kernavė, Trakai, and Vilnius.

But Lithuania actually had a fourth capital for twenty years — Kaunas, from 1919 to 1939, when Poland annexed Eastern Lithuania and Vilnius was no longer under Lithuanian control.

Pretty fascinating, right? From forests and lakes to fortified islands and bustling cities, Lithuania’s capitals have shifted with its history — each move marking a new chapter in the nation’s story.

Kernavė, with its ancient hillforts, was where it all began — the cradle of Lithuanian power. Then came Trakai, born from Gediminas’ hunts and love for the lakes. Vilnius followed, inspired by a dream and destined to become the enduring heart of Lithuania. And centuries later, Kaunas carried the torch during one of the country’s most turbulent periods, proudly serving as the temporary capital.

Four capitals — each with its own legend, landscape, and legacy — reflecting how Lithuania’s identity has always been shaped by resilience, nature, and vision.

Next time you’re wandering through the cobbled streets of Vilnius, gliding across the waters of Trakai, or standing atop the ancient mounds of Kernavė, remember: you’re not just visiting places — you’re walking through the footsteps of Lithuania’s evolving story.