Castle near me - Discover Gothic castles around Gdańsk
- Damian Brzeski
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Think you've seen all the castles around Gdańsk? Think again. The Gothic fortresses of Pomerania aren't just Malbork—they encompass a whole network of fascinating sites that hold stories of battles, intrigues, and everyday life from centuries ago.
This guide will take you on a journey through monumental fortresses, hidden gems, and places where history still lives on—sometimes in museums, and sometimes… in hotel rooms. Ready to follow in the footsteps of knights and great masters?
I invite you on a journey through the castles near Gdańsk.
Think "Pomerania" and see Gothic castles? Rightfully so! The region's landscape—from the flat, table-like Żuławy to the rolling hills of the lake district—is dotted with the mighty, brick silhouettes of fortresses.
These monumental structures, which have watched over a changing world for over seven centuries, are silent witnesses to an incredibly turbulent history. They tell a story of struggle, engineering genius, and the clash of cultures.
Sure, at the center of this story stands Malbork Castle , the largest brick fortress in the world and former capital of the Teutonic Order. Its majesty is a true magnet for travelers from all over the globe.
But hey, Pomerania is much more than even the most magnificent castle!
To feel the true spirit of this land, you have to go beyond the walls of Malbork and discover a whole network of strongholds which, although often less known, hide equally fascinating stories.
Many of them, such as the mighty castles in Gniew, Kwidzyn, and Człuchów, form the official Gothic Castle Trail . This is not a random collection of buildings, but a carefully mapped route connecting Teutonic, episcopal, and chapter castles.
Together, they formed a cohesive defense and economic system. Evidence of their cooperation includes initiatives such as the "Ticket for 3 Castles," which encompassed Malbork, Kwidzyn, and Sztum.
In this guide, I'll take you on a journey along the Pomeranian section of this trail. We'll rediscover the region's icons, delve into its hidden treasures, and give you a handful of practical tips for planning an unforgettable journey deep into the Middle Ages. Ready?
Pomerania's Big Three: Gothic Castles You Must See
At the heart of the trail lie three monumental fortresses that define the region's historical landscape. Each, though born from the same era, tells a completely different story and guarantees a different experience.
Malbork Castle: The Power and Precision of the Capital of the Monastic State
Let's start with the main attraction of many a trip. Malbork Castle is not simply a fortress – it's a manifestation of the power, ambition, and precision of the monastic state.
For nearly 150 years (1309-1457) it was its capital, the political and economic heart of one of the most powerful state organisms in medieval Europe.
Built from millions of bricks, it is the largest Gothic castle complex in the world, which was appreciated by UNESCO by including it on its list.
Its vastness can be overwhelming, so in order not to get lost in this brick city, it is worth knowing its division:
The High Castle: The oldest part, the true heart of the monastery. Here you'll find the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Chapel of St. Anne, where the great masters were buried.
Middle Castle: The command center and ceremonial area. Within its walls were the Palace of the Grand Masters and the Grand Refectory, where the most important guests from all over Europe were entertained.
The Lower Castle (Outer Castle): A gigantic economic base with armouries, workshops and stables, which ensured the fortress's full self-sufficiency.
Today's Malbork tour is a well-planned experience. You can choose from several routes, including the comprehensive Historical Route (approximately 3.5 hours) and the shorter Green Route (approximately 1.5 hours).
Whatever your choice, be sure to grab an audio guide! It's an absolute masterpiece that makes the walls truly speak. There's even a special, fictionalized version for kids that's completely captivating.
Malbork is more than just a museum, though. If you have the chance, aim for July and the annual Siege of Malbork .
This multi-day festival features hundreds of reenactors, knightly tournaments, and spectacular nighttime reenactments. The castle is alive and dynamically seeking new ways to tell its history, as exemplified by the Historical Games Mini-Convention.
Gniew Castle : Phoenix from the Ashes and Living History
It's a story straight out of a movie. A massive Teutonic fortress on the left bank of the Vistula, which after the Peace of Toruń became home to Polish starosts (including the future King John III Sobieski!), and in 1921 almost completely burned down.
For decades, it lay in ruins. Its renaissance only recently occurred when, in 2010, a private company purchased the castle and transformed it into one of the most thriving historical tourism centers in Poland .
What truly sets Gniew apart is its incredible attention to "living history." The castle is home to elite reenactment groups, such as the Hussar Banner of the Marshal of the Pomeranian Voivodeship .
Regular tournaments, shows, and reenacted battles make history tangible. It's the people and their passion that are the heart of this place.
Someone had a brilliant idea: instead of constantly fighting for subsidies to maintain the walls, Gniew became a self-sufficient tourist complex with a hotel, restaurants and an impressive, covered courtyard.
Here, you can not only explore but also live in history, dine on a royal dinner, and feel its rhythm. It's a fantastic example of how the past can become the foundation of a successful business.
Kwidzyn Castle : an engineering masterpiece with the world's largest toilet
Often mistaken for a typical Teutonic stronghold, Kwidzyn has a somewhat more complex identity. It was built as the seat of the Pomesanian Chapter —the assembly of canons who governed the diocese.
Although they were members of the Order, the castle was their property, which gave it an absolutely unique character.
Its most striking feature is the inextricable connection between the castle and the massive cathedral. Together, they form a unique castle-cathedral complex . In the Middle Ages, this was an integrated defense system, where the sacred and the profane defended the city side by side.
The real icing on the cake, however, is the "dansker" —a monumental latrine tower. Connected to the main part of the castle is the world's longest, 55-meter-long arcaded porch. It served not only sanitary functions, but also served as the last point of resistance.
As a branch of the Malbork Museum, Kwidzyn can surprise you with the diversity of its exhibitions.
Next to armor and medieval artifacts, you'll find a rich exhibition dedicated to the culture of Powiśle, a fascinating natural history exhibition with the voice of Krystyna Czubówna, and even... a collection of Polish art glass.
This mix makes Kwidzyn an absolute must-see for any curious traveler.
Off the beaten track: treasures for true explorers
Beyond the big three, the Gothic Castle Trail hides fortresses offering more intimate, yet equally profound, experiences. These are options for those who enjoy venturing off the beaten path.
Sztum Castle : The Summer Residence of the Grand Masters
Located just a dozen or so kilometers from Malbork, on a picturesque isthmus between lakes, Sztum Castle served a unique function. If Malbork was the official "White House" of the Teutonic Order, then Sztum could easily be called its "Camp David" —a fortified summer residence and hunting base for the Grand Masters. It was here that the elite rested and met.
The southern wing, with the mayor's apartments, the gate tower, and the so-called Albrecht Tower, still survive today. A tour takes about 45 minutes, making Sztum an ideal complement to a visit to Malbork.
It is best to use the aforementioned "Ticket for 3 Castles" to see the full picture of life in the monastic state – from the official pomp of Malbork to the more private, recreational character of Sztum.
Człuchów Castle: The Forgotten Giant of the Order
Prepare for a real exercise in your imagination. It's hard to believe, looking at the remains today, but this castle was the second-largest fortress in the entire Teutonic state!
Its scale was staggering: 3 hectares, the High Castle, three baileys, 11 gates, and 9 towers. Legendary commanders such as Konrad von Wallenrode and Ulrich von Jungingen ruled from here.
Unfortunately, after the tragic city fire in 1793, permission was granted to demolish the castle, which led to its almost complete destruction.
Today, Człuchów has come back to life as the home of a modern Regional Museum. A tour here resembles the work of an archaeologist. Key points include:
Tower: Climb the 46-meter tower, which offers panoramic views of the area.
Museum: Interactive exhibitions and finds. An absolute must-see is the 11-minute 3D digital reconstruction film , which brilliantly restores the fortress to its former glory.
Courtyard and cellars: Walking among the foundations allows you to physically feel the enormity of the former castle.
Człuchów doesn't offer a finished picture. Instead, it challenges the imagination and allows for a fascinating adventure in discovering the spirit of a forgotten giant.
Bytów Castle: A stronghold on the border of cultures
This is a place where history is no longer black and white. Built as a key border fortress on the western fringes of the Teutonic Order, after the Thirteen Years' War it fell into the hands of the Gryfits – the indigenous dynasty of Pomeranian dukes. This dual Teutonic-Pomeranian identity is its greatest distinguishing feature.
This is visible in the architecture, where the austere, Gothic Monastic House stands next to the Renaissance Princely House .
Today, the castle is bustling with life – it houses the excellent Western Kashubian Museum , a hotel, a restaurant and a library.
A visit to Bytów is a unique opportunity to understand that Pomerania is not only a Polish-Teutonic battlefield, but also a land where Germanic and Slavic influences clashed and intertwined.
For historical detectives: castles that have changed their appearance
For the most persistent, the region offers places where the medieval fortress is now only an echo. Finding them requires a detective's passion, but it brings immense satisfaction.
Lębork Castle : Gothic in the Service of Justice
Let's start with an important note: the castle's interior is closed to tourists , as the former seat of the Teutonic mayor was eventually converted into a court and prosecutor's office. A visit here is a historical investigation.
A trained eye will notice Gothic relics from the outside: the original eastern gable, fragments of walls and massive cellars.
This is a proposition for connoisseurs who enjoy finding traces of history in the fabric of the modern city.
Palaces on the Castle Foundations: Rzucewo and Krokowa
In two other locations, former strongholds have evolved into aristocratic residences. The palace in Rzucewo is a neo-Gothic gem, today operating as a luxury hotel.
The Krokowa Castle, in turn, is the ancestral seat of one of the oldest Pomeranian families, also hosting a hotel and a restaurant.
These are ideal places for those interested in the history of the aristocracy or simply looking for accommodation with soul .
A ready-made plan for visiting castles near Gdańsk: how to organize your trip?
To help you organize your trip, the table below collects key information, and the suggested routes will help you optimize your trip.
Name of the Castle | Estimated distance from Gdańsk (km) | Key Attraction | Current Function | Website |
Malbork Castle | 60 | The largest UNESCO brick fortress, the capital of the monastic state | Museum, cultural center | |
Castle in Gniew | 70 | Hussar shows, knight tournaments, "living history" | Hotel, restaurant, historical center | |
Kwidzyn Castle | 95 | A unique castle and cathedral complex, the longest danske | Branch of the Museum in Malbork | |
Sztum Castle | 75 | Summer residence of the great masters, located by the lakes | Branch of the Museum in Malbork | |
Człuchów Castle | 115 | Ruins of the second largest Teutonic fortress, observation tower | Regional Museum | |
Bytów Castle | 100 | The seat of the Pomeranian dukes of the Gryfit dynasty, Kashubian culture | Museum, hotel, library | |
Lębork Castle | 80 | A preserved Gothic gable, a history of transformation | District Court (visible from outside) | Lack |
The Palace in Rzucewo | 50 | A neo-Gothic palace on historic foundations | Hotel, restaurant | (Available on booking portals) |
Krokowa Castle | 70 | The seat of the von Krockow family, an 18th-century palace. | Hotel, restaurant, museum | (Available on booking portals) |
Route Suggestions
A classic one-day itinerary (for busy people): Gdańsk → Malbork → Gdańsk. An ideal option for seeing the region's most important monument.
Two-Day Powiśle Loop (Extra-Large Option): A route designed to take full advantage of the "3 Castles Ticket." Day 1: Gdańsk → Gniew (sightseeing, maybe an overnight stay?). Day 2: Gniew → Kwidzyn → Sztum → return to Gdańsk.
Two-Day Expedition: A great option for those who want to explore less obvious strongholds. Day 1: Gdańsk → Bytów (visit the castle and the Western Kashubian Museum, overnight stay). Day 2: Bytów → Człuchów → return to Gdańsk.
The story of Gothic Pomerania doesn't end with a single fortress, even the most magnificent. It's an epic written in brick and stone. Each castle is a chapter in itself, waiting for you. Let this guide be your map. Hit the road!
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