Borgen Malbork i Polen - en medeltida riddarborg

Malbork Castle in Poland is located in the Polish city of the same name. The castle was built by the Teutonic Order in the 14th century and is the largest brick building in Europe. It is a really powerful castle, which you won't want to miss during your visit to Poland.

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Malbork Castle in Poland

Malbork Castle in Poland is an impressive medieval fortress. The magnificent castle was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, and it is not difficult to understand why this castle should be preserved and protected. We visited the castle with our friends Lennart and Beata, and strolled around the grounds for a few hours with an audio guide.

It's fascinating to think back to all the events that took place here, and it's also cool to look at all the creative solutions used to achieve comfort inside the castle.

Knight of the Teutonic Order

In 1274, after the Prussian Crusade, the Teutonic Order began building Malbork Castle, known in German as Marienburg after the patron saint Mary. The castle, which took 230 years to build, then became the Order's headquarters until the middle of the 15th century.

As the number of knights in the castle grew, the castle had to be repeatedly expanded and enlarged. Eventually, the castle became the largest fortified Gothic building in Europe, covering almost 52 hectares.

The castle was favourably located on the River Nogat, and the castle collected customs duties and had full control over the amber trade. When the city of Malbork fell to the Hansa, many of the important Hansa meetings were held in the castle.

A Polish royal residence

In the 15th century, during the Thirteen Years' War, the Teutonic Order encountered resistance from its cities due to high taxes. At the same time, the Kingdom of Poland launched a new campaign against the Order, and in 1466 Malbork became part of Royal Prussia, one of Poland's provinces. The castle served as one of Poland's royal residences until the partition of Poland in 1772.

Swedish occupation

During the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), Swedish forces occupied Malbork Castle several times. They first occupied the castle in 1626 and 1629, and then occupied it again in 656 and 1660, during Charles X Gustav's Polish War.

Poorhouse and armoury

After the partition of Poland in 1772, Malbork became part of West Prussia in the Kingdom of Prussia. By this time the castle had fallen into disrepair and was used as a poorhouse and barracks for the Prussian army. During the Napoleonic era, the castle was used as a hospital and armoury.

The demolition of the castle was considered, but the exhibition of engravings of the castle sparked public interest in its history. Restoration began in 1816 and continued until the Second World War.

Second World War

When Adolf Hitler came to power in the 1930s, the Nazis used the castle for Hitler Youth hikes. The castle was modelled on the Third Reich's Order castles, but during fighting in the area in 1945, more than half the castle was destroyed.

Once again part of Poland

At the end of the Second World War, the town and castle of Malbork became part of Poland again. The castle has since been repeatedly restored and now serves as a museum.

Audio guided tour of Malbork Castle

We bought a ticket (about 90 SEK/person) and got headphones with a guide in English and access to the rooms inside the castle. The building is huge and seems totally impregnable, with moats, drawbridges and solid walls with gate after gate.

Inside Malbork Castle

It is really fascinating to walk around the castle area, and even more interesting to see the castle from the inside. Castles are big and cold and not always very hospitable, so it was fascinating to see how medieval technology was used to provide warmth and comfort.

The large beautiful halls, for example, were equipped with quite advanced medieval heating technology, or district heating. We also got to see the kitchen with its huge fireplaces and the castle's small bathrooms. In addition, the castle has exhibitions of weapons and the world's largest amber exhibition. Tourists galore and make sure you have plenty of time.

Restaurant in a houseboat

Walking for several hours costs energy and we chose to try a restaurant, or barge that we had passed on our way to the castle in Poland. The restaurant we found was in a houseboat on the waterfront in front of Malbork Castle.

It may have looked a bit rubbish outside, but we're glad we didn't hesitate. We had an exceptionally nice evening here, with good food in a charming setting. In addition, we could look across the water towards Malbork Castle.

Polish dinner at a restaurant in Malbork

It was a real Polish dinner in the houseboat restaurant. We ordered the Polish soup zurek which we love, containing sausages, eggs and potatoes. We also ordered bread, homemade liver pâté and pickled cucumbers, as well as beer and vodka. For this party we had to pay 300 SEK for all four of us. Incredibly cheap!

The dinner may not sound exclusive, but it was really, really good. Even simple food can taste good in Poland because it is often made from scratch. Here, for example, they told us that they made the liver paste themselves and put the cucumbers in the restaurant. Of course, there were also other dishes to choose from, such as meat and fish, but today we were very happy with soup.

Motorhome parking space in Malbork

If you're coming by campervan, you can stop 10 minutes' walk away at a small, pleasant site in a private garden (ul. Walowa 12). The site has electricity, water and sewage... and if you want, you can pick apples from the trees!

På ställplatsen U. Walowa — On the site of U. Walowa 12

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Starting from Malbork Castle, it's not too far to visit the three fine cities of the tri-city region: Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot. We can also highly recommend a visit to the beautiful city. Torun. If you want to continue eastwards, you can discover the tongue of land. Krynica Morska on the Vistula plateau or continue on to the The Masurian Lakes. For even more tips for Poland, click on the image below.

Have you visited Malbork Castle in Poland?

Have you visited Malbork Castle in Poland? What was your experience? Are you interested in experiencing this type of attraction?

Travelling to Malbork

Location: Malbork is located 62 kilometres southeast of Gdansk in Poland.
Car/caravan: It takes about 45 minutes to drive from Gdansk to Malbork. There are several car parks in Malbork. If you come by camper van, there is also a central car park at ul. Walowa 12, from where you can walk to the castle.
Trains: It is possible to travel by train between Gdansk and Malbork. The train journey takes 30-40 minutes depending on the train.

Opening hours

Summertime: In summer (1 May - 30 September) Malbork is open 09-17 (exterior 09-18) (2019).
Winter time: In winter time (1 October - 30 April), the castle is open 10-15 (exterior 10-16) (2019).
For current opening hours: Please note that opening hours may change and that there may be deviations, for example on public holidays. Check the agency's website for current opening hours.

Prices in Malbork

Prices: Adults pay 45 PLN (approx. 120 SEK) for a ticket including audio guide (2019).
Discounted prices: A discounted ticket for students, pensioners and others costs PLN 35 (approx. SEK 90) and a family ticket costs PLN 150 (approx. SEK 395). Children under 7 years old get in for free. If you arrive at the end of the day, some discounts are available.
For current prices: Please note that prices are subject to change. Check current prices on the Malbork website.

Service at Malbork

Restaurants: There are two restaurants in the area: Gothic Café & Restaurant (closed from January to February) and Piwniczka Restaurant.
Shops: There is a castle shop, a souvenir shop and a shop selling amber. There is also a library which is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 to 15 (2019).
Events: Various events are organised in the castle, such as the show "Cross and Sword - Light and Sound in the Malbork Castle". There is also a 'Night at the Museum', where the castle stays open late one night, and guided night tours, where you can experience the castle in a different light.
Read more: You can find more information at Castle website.

Accommodation in Malbork

Hotel: There are several hotels in Malbork, in different price ranges.
Camping: The Kulikowski car park is centrally located at ul. Walowa 12.

READ MORE: Facts about Poland - 30 things you (might) not know
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3 Comments

Add yours →

Mr Steve says:

This castle is both beautiful and impressive. There are so many amazing buildings that I have no idea about, but thanks to the blogging world, I'm always learning something new.

28 September 2014 - 14:42

Ditte says:

I completely agree with Steve; you can learn a lot of new things by reading different blogs. I collect tips, take notes and hope to make a trip to Poland at some point. Should probably not postpone it for too long ....

28 September 2014 - 15:00

Snows says:

It really was a magnificent building! Impressive and beautiful where it is located.

28 September 2014 - 15:38

Malbork Castle in Poland - a medieval knight's castle

Malbork Castle in Poland

Knight of the Teutonic Order

A Polish royal residence

Swedish occupation

Poorhouse and armoury

Second World War

Once again part of Poland

Audio guided tour of Malbork Castle

Inside Malbork Castle

Restaurant in a houseboat

Polish dinner at a restaurant in Malbork

Motorhome parking space in Malbork

More to see and do in the neighbourhood

Have you visited Malbork Castle in Poland?

Travelling to Malbork

Opening hours

Prices in Malbork

Service at Malbork

Accommodation in Malbork

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