Poland continues to amaze us. A quick day trip from Gdansk would bring us to the Malbork Castle of Knights, one of the biggest brick castles in Poland and the world! It’s another thing or place in our travels here to surprise us about this area of northern Poland: it is home to the largest castle in the world (by surface area).
Visiting the Malbork Castle of Knights
The Malbork Castle was built by the Teutonic Knights and completed in 1406 after the conquest of Old Prussia. It is a dominating presence on the banks of the Nogat River, having been expanded several times to accommodate the number of knights who resided there. It soon became the largest fortified Gothic building in Europe.
Throughout history, the castle has been a residence of the Polish Kings, used for barracks for the Prussian army, and as a destination for a pilgrimage for the Hitler Youth and League of German Girls.
After WWII, the castle again became a part of Poland and was reconstructed and restored after the damages of the war and a fire in 1959. The Malbork Castle now stands as the largest brick building in Europe.
How to Visit the Malbork Castle
Getting There
Visiting the Malbork Castle is easiest as a day trip from Gdansk. The castle is just over 50 km away from Gdansk, and trains are the easiest option. They frequently depart from Gdansk Glowny station, which takes between 45 and 60 minutes. The Regio trains are the cheapest but slowest, while InterCity (IC) trains offer a faster option for a slightly higher price. Once arriving at Malbork station, a leisurely 20-minute walk will take you directly to the castle.
Alternatively, you can drive to the castle in about thirty minutes, or some taxis will take you directly there.
Admission and Tickets
There are several options for admission to Malbork Castle.
Admission to the Malbork Castle is free on Mondays. Note that only the Green Route is available, and a guide or audio guide fee of PLN 15.00 applies and is mandatory.
Historical Route
Availability: Tuesday – Sunday from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (last entrance at 1 pm)
This tour of the entire castle includes the price of a mandatory guide.
- Normal ticket – PLN 70.00
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children under 18) – PLN 220.00
Green route
The Green Route tour includes: part of the Outer Bailey, gate passages, courtyards of the Middle and High Castle, the chapel of St. Anne, terraces with the garden of the great masters, moat and zwinger. It does not include visits to chambers and exhibitions.
Availability: Monday, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm / Tuesday – Sunday, 1:15 pm – 4:00 pm (last admission at 2:30 pm)
- Normal ticket – PLN 30.00
- Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children under 18) – PLN 90.00
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