Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle, at ul. Staroscinska 1 in the town of Malbork in Pomeranian Voivodeship, Poland, is the largest brick castle in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built from the late 13th century as the seat of the Teutonic Knights, it lies about 55 km south-east of Gdansk. Regional and intercity trains from Gdansk Glowny take about 35-55 minutes and cost roughly 20-35 PLN one way, and trains are the simplest transport mode. From Malbork station the castle is a 20-minute walk across the Nogat river bridge, with the red-brick walls visible from the riverbank. The complex has three parts: the High Castle with its cloister and chapel, the Middle Castle with the Grand Master's Palace and refectory, and the Lower Castle with outer works. Visitors typically follow a set route through the interiors, including the amber collection, the armoury and the weapons displays, and audio guides are available in several languages. Entry was 70 PLN in the museum's 2026 summer prices, with a reduced ticket of 50 PLN. Walking the full route takes three to four hours and involves many stairs, so the trip is classed as moderate. A good one-day plan has a morning train arrival, a full castle visit with audio guide through midday, lunch at a cafe near the castle entrance or in the town, then an afternoon walk along the Nogat riverbank for views of the castle walls. A late-afternoon train returns to Gdansk. The best window is April to October; summer weekends are crowded, so arrival at opening reduces queues. Winter visits are quieter, though some outdoor areas may be closed. Food stops are available outside the castle and in the town centre, and bringing water is sensible on hot days. A sound-and-light show is held on some summer evenings, so check the museum's calendar if an evening return is planned.