Malbork — the largest brick castle in the world.
Malbork was the capital of the Teutonic Order's state and is the largest castle in the world by area — a monumental complex of Gothic brick architecture on the river Nogat, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.
What to know before you go
Malbork Castle was begun around 1274 as a seat of the Teutonic Order and, from 1309 — after the Order moved its capital from Venice — as the residence of the grand masters. Extended over decades, it became the largest Gothic fortress in Europe and the largest castle in the world measured by area.
The complex falls into three parts: the High Castle (the monastic heart, with the church of the Blessed Virgin Mary), the Middle Castle with the ceremonial Grand Masters' Palace, and the Low Castle (Outer Bailey) with the working quarters. The whole is ringed by walls, moats and gates above the Nogat.
Badly damaged in the Second World War, the castle was painstakingly rebuilt; in 1997 it was added to the UNESCO list as an outstanding example of medieval defensive architecture and brick Gothic. Today it houses the Castle Museum with one of the most important amber collections in Poland.
Malbork lies on the Gdańsk–Warsaw railway line, about 60 km from Gdańsk. From the Tricity the train takes roughly 40–60 minutes, which makes the castle the most popular day trip from Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. A visit with the audio guide takes about 3–4 hours.
Places you should not miss
The most important sights of the region, each with its own guide — how to get there, when to go, practical info.
The High Castle
The monastic heart of the fortress — cloisters, chapter house, dormitories and the monumental church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
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The Middle Castle and the Grand Masters' Palace
The ceremonial, residential part — the Great Refectory and the Grand Masters' Palace with its intricate palm vaults.
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The Castle Museum and the amber collection
One of the most important amber collections in Poland, along with arms, sculpture and architectural detail within the fortress walls.
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The Nogat and the castle panorama
The most famous view of the fortress — from the far bank of the Nogat, where the castle is reflected in the water; also the setting for „The Siege of Malbork” in summer.
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The church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Anne's Chapel
The monumental castle church of the Blessed Virgin Mary with the restored figure of the Madonna, and the burial chapel of St Anne with the crypt of the grand masters.
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The Outer Bailey and the Karwan
The working part of the fortress — the Outer Bailey with the Karwan (the former cart house and armoury), ringed by walls, moats and gates.
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The castle and cathedral in Kwidzyn
The chapter castle and its adjoining cathedral in Kwidzyn, with a distinctive latrine tower carried far out over the water (near Malbork).
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Sztum Castle
The former summer residence of the grand masters of the Teutonic Order, picturesquely set by a lake (near Malbork).
Read the guide →Do you run a property in Malbork?
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List or submit a property →Malbork in every season
Fewer visitors and comfortable routes. Good light on the brick walls from the Nogat side.
The height of the season — crowds, and booking tickets online is advisable. Summer brings the open-air spectacle „The Siege of Malbork”.
Golden light, fewer people, atmospheric courtyards. A very good time for photography.
Shorter routes and opening hours, and the raw mood of the fortress. Few visitors, a magical atmosphere.
How to get there and what to know
- From Gdańsk by train
- about 40–60 min, frequent services
- From Warsaw by train
- about 2.5–3 hours
- Visiting
- The audio-guide route takes about 3–4 hours
- Tickets
- Online booking recommended in season
- The best shot
- The panorama from the far bank of the Nogat
- Event
- „The Siege of Malbork” — an open-air spectacle in summer
How far to the sights
Approximate straight-line distances from the centre of Malbork — calculated from real coordinates. By road it is often further.
- The High Castle
- ~0 m from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
- The church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Anne's Chapel
- ~39 m from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
- The Castle Museum and the amber collection
- ~47 m from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
- The Middle Castle and the Grand Masters' Palace
- ~85 m from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
- The Outer Bailey and the Karwan
- ~172 m from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
- The Nogat and the castle panorama
- ~240 m from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
- Sztum Castle
- ~13 km from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
- The castle and cathedral in Kwidzyn
- ~35 km from the centre Malbork (as the crow flies)
Where Malbork is
Frequently asked questions — Malbork
What is worth seeing in Malbork?
Where can you find a place to stay in Malbork?
How much does a place to stay in Malbork cost?
Do you run a property in Malbork?
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