In this post, I’ll take you inside the legendary Malbork Castle — the largest Gothic fortress in Europe and the former stronghold of the Teutonic Order. I’ll share my impressions from a recent visit, atmospheric photos, and practical tips — from the best walking routes to small but important details that will help you experience the castle not just as a tourist, but as a true explorer.
If you’re passionate about history, architecture, and want to visit a place where every brick breathes the Middle Ages — this post is for you.
At the end of June 2025, I spent a short vacation in northern Poland, exploring around a dozen fascinating historical sites. Among them stood out the majestic Malbork Castle — a true gem of medieval architecture and a symbol of the Teutonic Order’s might.
I must confess: aside from my passion for World War II history, I have always had a soft spot for medieval castles. Their austere walls, towers, and secret passages hold an irresistible aura of mystery and grandeur. Visiting Malbork was not just a stop on my itinerary but a long-standing dream.
And it exceeded all expectations. From the very first steps along its mighty brick walls and through its spacious courtyards, I realized that this castle unquestionably ranks in my personal Top 3 of all medieval sites I have ever visited.
In this article, I will share a brief history of this extraordinary citadel, tell you about my impressions and feelings from the visit, and give a few tips for those who plan to see this Gothic masterpiece and experience the living spirit of the past preserved within its walls.
Main Tower
High Castle
The High Castle is the oldest and most fortified part of Malbork Castle. It housed the monastery quarters, chapel, refectory, and the living spaces of the Teutonic Order’s brothers. The High Castle served as the spiritual and administrative heart of the entire fortress.
Gdanisko
Gdanisko is a unique medieval structure in Malbork Castle that served both as a watchtower and a latrine (toilet tower).
It was connected to the High Castle by a covered bridge and extended beyond the main walls. Waste was discharged through a vertical chute directly into a moat or cesspit below, helping to maintain hygiene during sieges. At the same time, the tower had defensive functions and could serve as a fortified outpost.
Grand Master's Palace
The Grand Master’s Palace is one of the most impressive and significant buildings in Malbork Castle. It served as the residence of the head of the Teutonic Order — the Grand Master. Inside were lavish halls, a reception room, a refectory, the Grand Master’s private chambers, and rooms for official meetings. The palace’s architecture reflects both the power of the Order and its aspiration for grandeur.
Grand Refectory
The Grand Refectory is one of the largest and most ceremonial halls in Malbork Castle. It was used for communal meals, celebrations, and gatherings of the Teutonic knights. The hall features high vaulted ceilings, impressive columns, and remarkable acoustics — showcasing the Gothic architectural style and engineering excellence of the time.
Middle Castle Courtyard
The Middle Castle Courtyard is a spacious open area surrounded by the buildings of the Middle Castle. It was a hub of daily activity — where servants and knights moved about, supplies were handled, and guests were welcomed. The courtyard connected the administrative and residential parts of the complex and often served as a gathering space for various events.
Klesza Tower
The Klesza Tower is one of the corner defensive towers of Malbork Castle, located in the area of the Middle Castle. It served as a watchtower and played a role in protecting the fortress walls. The name “Klesza” likely derives from a Polish word related to the clergy, suggesting a possible connection to ecclesiastical functions or clerical residence.
St. Anne’s Chapel
St. Anne’s Chapel is a Gothic chapel located in the High Castle of Malbork. It served as a place of prayer and burial for high-ranking members of the Teutonic Order. Several Grand Masters are interred in its crypt. The chapel’s interior features austere architecture and a solemn atmosphere, reflecting its religious significance within the fortress.
Chapter House
The Chapter House is one of the most important rooms in the High Castle of Malbork. It was where the brothers of the Teutonic Order gathered to discuss internal matters, make decisions, and hold official meetings. The hall was designed with austere architecture and excellent acoustics, reflecting its symbolic and administrative significance as the center of the Order’s internal governance.
Bridge Towers
Bridge Towers at Malbork Castle guarded the bridges connecting different parts of the complex — particularly between the Middle and High Castles, as well as across the moat. These towers functioned as defensive outposts, controlling access and protecting key passages. They were equipped with arrow slits and sometimes lifting mechanisms for drawbridges.
In the following three sections, you’ll find a concise historical overview of the castle, my personal impressions from the visit, and practical tips for those who may one day wish to walk through the gates of Malbork Castle themselves.
📍 General Information
- Name: Marienburg Castle (Ordensburg Marienburg in German, Zamek w Malborku in Polish)
- Location: Malbork, Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland
- Year Founded: 1274
- Construction Completed: 14th century (expanded multiple times)
- Original Builders: Teutonic Order
- Architectural Style: Brick Gothic
- Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site (since 1997)
🏰 History of the Castle
Founding and the Teutonic Order Era (13th–15th centuries)
Malbork Castle was founded by the Teutonic Order after their conquest of Prussia and was named Marienburg in honor of the Virgin Mary, the patron saint of the order.
Originally serving as a fortress and monastic complex, it later became the residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order in 1309, when the order moved its capital from Venice to Prussia.
The castle functioned as an administrative, military, and religious center of the Teutonic state.
Polish Period (15th–18th centuries)
In 1457, during the Thirteen Years’ War, the castle was handed over to the Polish Crown.
Until the end of the 18th century, it served as a royal residence, barracks, prison, and warehouse.
Prussian and German Periods (19th–20th centuries)
Following the Partitions of Poland, Malbork became part of Prussia in the late 18th century.
In the 19th century, it underwent extensive restoration, transforming it into a symbol of German national heritage.
During the Third Reich, the castle held significance as a symbol of German history.
20th Century and Reconstruction
The castle was heavily damaged during World War II.
After 1945, it became part of Poland again and underwent decades of restoration work.
🧱 Architecture
Malbork Castle consists of three distinct parts:
- High Castle (Zamek Wysoki)
– The oldest and most fortified section. It housed monastic quarters, the chapter house, and the Church of the Virgin Mary. - Middle Castle (Zamek Średni)
– Contained service and administrative rooms, refectories, parlors, an apothecary, and a library. - Lower Castle (Zamek Niski)
– Featured fortifications, stables, granaries, mills, and the outer bailey with a small village.
Key Features:
- Scale: The largest brick fortress in the world (approx. 21 hectares)
- Fortifications: Numerous towers, walls, gates, bridges, and moats
- Interior: Richly decorated Gothic interiors with stained glass and architectural details
📚 Interesting Facts
- Malbork Castle is the largest brick castle in the world, and one of the largest by surface area overall.
- It hosted General Chapters of the Teutonic Order, where key decisions for the state were made.
- It is a clear example of a “monastic state”, a unique medieval phenomenon.
- In the 20th century, the castle was widely used in German nationalist propaganda as a symbol of imperial strength.
- Today, it is one of the most visited landmarks in Poland.
🧭 Present-Day Significance
- The castle houses the Malbork Castle Museum, featuring both permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- It hosts medieval-themed festivals, knightly tournaments, and exhibitions on arms, heraldry, ceramics, stained glass, and jewelry.
- Malbork remains a key center of cultural tourism, heritage conservation, and museum research.
Malbork Castle turned out to be not just big — it is truly enormous and incredibly diverse. Every part of it seems to tell its own story: the mighty walls and towers, hidden passages, cozy inner courtyards, and even gardens that add a special charm to the complex. You can’t simply limit yourself to the main halls — you feel drawn to explore every corner.
What impressed me the most was the multi-level structure of the castle. Climbing stairways and walking along transitions, one moment you find yourself on a viewing platform with a stunning panorama of the surrounding area, and the next you’re descending into quiet courtyards filled with an atmosphere of calm and seclusion. Each level seems to reveal a different “face” of the castle.
The audio guide deserves a special mention. Honestly, it’s the best one I’ve ever used. Its unique feature is that it tracks your location and automatically offers relevant information based on where you are. You can simply stroll through the castle, and at just the right moment, the guide tells you exactly what you’re looking at. It feels like having a personal guide by your side, always ready with the perfect story. That’s genuinely impressive.
The atmosphere of the castle is another story on its own. You can truly feel the spirit of the Middle Ages and the historic grandeur of the Teutonic Order. Step by step, you feel transported back in time, imagining knights, monastic cells, and bustling dining halls.
I spent about two and a half hours wandering through the castle, and the time flew by completely unnoticed. It felt like I had just entered, and suddenly it was time to leave — yet there was still so much left to see.
Yes, the ticket price (around €20 per person) is not exactly cheap, but believe me, it’s worth every cent. Malbork Castle isn’t just a tour; it’s a true journey into the past that leaves vivid impressions and a strong desire to return.
1. Audio Guide – A Must-Have
If you plan to visit Malbork Castle, be sure to take the audio guide. It is available in several languages: Polish, English, German, Czech, Russian, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Italian. Its biggest advantage is that it detects your location and automatically provides relevant information about what you are looking at. This makes your walk not only convenient but also rich in detail.
2. Plan Your Time
Allocate at least 2–3 hours for your visit. The complex is large and multi-level, and time flies by quickly. If you want to explore at a relaxed pace and take beautiful photos, consider setting aside half a day.
3. Tickets and Prices
The standard adult ticket costs about €20 per person. It is best to buy tickets online in advance, especially during the high tourist season, to avoid queues.
4. Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking a lot and climbing stairs, so wear comfortable shoes. It will make your visit far more enjoyable.
5. Photos and Videos
There are plenty of scenic spots for great photos throughout the castle. Make sure your camera or phone is fully charged — you’ll definitely want to take dozens of pictures.
6. Best Time to Visit
Mornings or weekdays are the best time to avoid large crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
7. Getting There
You can easily reach Malbork by train from Gdańsk (about 40 minutes). From the train station, it’s a 15–20 minute walk to the castle.
If you are traveling by car, simply click the button below to open the route in Google Navigation.
Before visiting the museum, we recommend checking the opening hours and ticket prices on the castle’s official website
Discover More Heritage Sites Across Poland
Text, photos, and illustrations by Deniss Ignatjev — created exclusively for not-TOYS.com.
If you wish to share or use these materials, please credit the original source with a link.
Souvenirs for Squires, Knights & Lords
Unisex organic cotton t-shirt “Honor Before All”
€ 24.80 (tax incl.)
Unisex organic cotton t-shirt “Ye Olde Wi-Fi Sucks”
€ 24.80 (tax incl.)
Unisex organic cotton t-shirt “Ordo Teutonicus”
€ 24.80 (tax incl.)
