Malbork – Marienburg castle

The Malbork Castle, historically known as Marienburg, is located in the town of Malbork in northern Poland, about 60 km southeast of Gdańsk. The castle stands on the banks of the Nogat River and was originally constructed in the late 13th century by the Teutonic Order. It served as the headquarters of the Order after 1309 and became the political and military center of their state. Due to its historical importance and exceptional preservation, Malbork Castle was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997.

Malbork Castle is famous for being the largest brick castle in the world by land area, covering more than 20 hectares. The complex is an outstanding example of medieval fortress architecture and is divided into three main sections: the High Castle, the Middle Castle, and the Lower Castle. These sections include defensive walls, gates, towers, courtyards, and administrative buildings that reflect the organizational structure of the Teutonic Order. The castle’s red-brick Gothic style and massive scale make it one of the most impressive medieval fortifications in Europe.

Visiting Malbork Castle and Main Attractions

Visitors can explore a wide range of interiors and historical exhibits within the castle complex. Highlights include the Grand Master’s Palace, the Great Refectory (a large ceremonial dining hall), and the castle chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary. The museum inside the castle displays collections of medieval weapons, armor, amber artifacts, and exhibits explaining the daily life of the Teutonic Knights. Walking through the courtyards and along the defensive walls provides insight into the castle’s military function and offers views of the surrounding river landscape.

Malbork Castle is easily accessible from major cities in northern Poland. From Gdańsk, the journey takes about 30–50 minutes by train or around 1 hour by car. Regular trains also connect Malbork with Warsaw, with travel times of approximately 2.5 hours. The castle is located about 1.5 km from Malbork railway station, which is a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride.

Entrance to the castle complex requires a ticket. In 2026 the Historical Castle Route with an audio guide costs 80 PLN (reduced 60 PLN, children under 7 free), while the Castle Grounds Route through the courtyards and gate passages costs 35 PLN and is free on Mondays. Entry is limited to 500 visitors per hour, so booking online is recommended in summer. A full visit to Malbork Castle usually takes 3 to 4 hours, as the site is extensive and includes multiple exhibition areas and walking routes.