Malbork   Sightseeing

The Unesco-protected brick beast that is Malbork Castle came to prominence in 1309 when the Teutonic Knights moved into an already established albeit far smaller fort and turned it into their military and political headquarters. The largest brick castle in the world which at its height covered a total of 21 hectares, Malbork Castle, one of what was once a ring of 120  castles surrounding the Teutonic Knights' territory, is visible from 20km away but is much better appreciated by paying to cross over its northern drawbridge and spend an hour or two exploring its extraordinary interior. Made up of three distinctly different ensembles known as the High Castle, Middle Castle and Outer Bailey and surrounded by a vast dry moat, the most impressive sights all lie within the High Castle, the Brethren Knights' original monastery, and the Middle Castle which served as the centre of the Teutonic Knights' political activity. Among the jaw-droppingly awesome collection of buildings, impossible to miss are the 14th-century Palace of the Grand Masters, the original residence of the so-called Grand Master of the Teutonic Order, the breathtaking St. Mary's Church, the Grand Masters' final resting place and the impressive courtyard in the centre of the Middle Castle. Many rooms are open to the public, including during the summer a wonderful recreation of the Castle's mill hidden away in a charming garden in the southwest corner of the High Castle. You will also find a fine collection of amber inside a vaulted hall in the east wing of the Middle Castle. The limited space here can never do enough credit to the Castle. Highly recommended is a copy of the small guidebook Malbork Castle by the German publisher Top Spot. Find it for sale for 14zł in shops throughout the town as well as  inside the Tourist Information Centre and at the reception desk of the the Zamek hotel.
Finally, for the diary, mark in July 24 to July 26. That's the 'Siege of Malbork' re-enactment, with plenty of sword fighting, jousts, feasts and markets.

Admission 35/20zł.