Sztum Castle – history, architecture and a tour of the Teutonic mayor's seat
- Damian Brzeski
- Jul 30
- 7 min read
Is it possible that lions, camels, and peacocks roamed behind the walls of this austere Teutonic stronghold? Sztum Castle, though it stands in the shadow of Malbork, holds stories that surprise even history experts.
It is not just a fortress – it is the summer residence of great masters, an oasis of luxury, a center of diplomacy and a witness to great battles.
Want to know what everyday life was like in a place where the Teutonic Order combined iron discipline with the splendor of rulers? Immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this castle, which is now being restored to its former glory.
Sztum Castle – history, architecture and a tour of the Teutonic mayor's seat
Everyone knows the might of Malbork . But just a dozen or so kilometers away, in the shadow of this giant, stands Sztum Castle – a stronghold with two fascinating faces.
On the one hand, it was a key military bastion. On the other, it was a surprisingly luxurious residence where the Grand Masters escaped the hustle and bustle of the capital. Within its walls, austere monastic life mingled with diplomacy and... exotic animals.
Forget about boring lectures. Let's discover the history of a place that, thanks to the latest archaeological research, is telling its story anew. Ready?
The history of the Teutonic Castle in Sztum
The history of this stronghold is a ready-made script for a movie: strategic genius, political intrigue, and a great history that rolled through its walls.
The beginnings of construction and function in the state of the Teutonic Order
Before the Teutonic Knights arrived, the pagan Pomesanian tribe had a stronghold here called Stumo. Everything changed in 1236, when the Teutonic Order captured and destroyed the settlement, building the foundations of their power on its ruins.
Why did they need this Sztum castle ? Strategy! Malbork needed to be protected from the south, and its location on an island between lakes was an ideal defensive point.
And when exactly was this medieval Teutonic castle built? This is where the story gets interesting. For years, it was believed to have been built in the 1330s.
Today, archaeologists say, "Wait, the evidence points more likely to the 1370s!" This shows that the history of Sztum Castle is still being uncovered.
The residence of the Grand Masters and the seat of the Teutonic Mayor
The real breakthrough? The visit of the Austrian Archduke Albrecht III of Habsburg in 1377. He was so delighted with the hospitality that he gave the Grand Master money for expansion. The result? Sztum still has a flag identical to the Austrian one. A remarkable souvenir, isn't it?
But why did the great masters love the Sztum castle so much? For a prosaic reason: the water in Malbork was terrible. And in Sztum Castle ? Crystal clear, straight from a 30-meter well. This was their "Castel Gandolfo" – a luxurious spa far from politics.
And speaking of luxury... Imagine camels, lions, and peacocks roaming just outside the castle walls . This is no fairy tale! This is Ulrich von Jungingen's famous menagerie. It's proof that the castles of the Teutonic Knights were not just fortresses but also centers of power and prestige.
The castle after the Battle of Grunwald and during the Thirteen Years' War
The defeat at Grunwald in 1410 did not spare Sztum. The castle was captured by Jagiełło's forces, but the Teutonic Knights quickly recaptured it.
The Thirteen Years' War proved to be a real test. The Teutonic garrison burned the city to prepare for defense. The fortress surrendered only after five months of siege—not from shelling, but from hunger and thirst. This demonstrates just how formidable these fortifications were.
Ultimately, under the Second Peace of Toruń in 1466, the Teutonic castle in Sztum fell into Polish hands.
Changes after the Second Peace of Toruń and the period of the Polish starosty
For the next 300 years, the castle was ruled by Polish starosts. Courts and noble assemblies were held here, and the stronghold was visited by at least seven Polish kings. Nicolaus Copernicus even visited.
The castle in modern times and the stay of Gustav II Adolf
The peace was interrupted by wars with Sweden. In 1629, the Swedish king, Gustav II Adolf, took refuge in the castle to "lick his wounds" after the lost Battle of Trzciana.
The next invasion, known as the Swedish Deluge, was a disaster. The Swedes stripped the castle of everything, even its stove tiles.
After the partition of Poland, the Prussian authorities treated the castle as a free building material depot. They demolished some of the walls and towers, and the surviving wings were converted into offices and a prison. It was a sad end to an era of glory.
The architecture and spatial layout of the castle
Despite the destruction, the castle's architecture still speaks of its dual nature – a fortress and a residence.
Gothic style and defensive elements
It's a classic brick Gothic structure, typical of other castles of the Teutonic Order . Interestingly, Sztum Castle isn't a perfect rectangle. Its shape is a clever adaptation to the terrain of the island on which it was built.
The main line of defense was a nearly 10-meter-high perimeter wall. The entire structure was enclosed by a deep moat surrounding the castle —the first obstacle for any enemy.
The castle courtyard and its functions
The heart of the stronghold was an exceptionally large courtyard. Its size reveals that it served more than just military purposes. It was here that knightly tournaments and courtly ceremonies were held. And, of course, the famous well with the best water in the Teutonic Order's state stood here.
The southern wing – the best-preserved part of the castle
This is the main building that has survived to this day. Its basements housed supplies, the ground floor housed a kitchen and brewery, and the upper floor housed the mayor's luxurious chambers and representative halls.
The prison tower and its role in the defense system
In the corner of the castle stood a massive tower, the ground floor of which served as a prison dungeon. Today, its remains are one of the castle's most distinctive features.
Albrecht Tower and other elements of the fortifications
Unfortunately, the two largest towers have not survived. The Albrecht Tower (a memento of a generous donor) and the massive, 30-meter-high gate tower were demolished in the 19th century.
The entrance gate and the former castle moat
Entrance to the castle was through a fortified gate and a drawbridge. Today's structure is only a modest remnant of its former might. However, the former course of the filled-in moat surrounding the castle is still visible in the terrain.
Chapel, granary and house of the great masters
Additional buildings once stood along the walls: a separate residential wing for the Grand Masters, with a chapel, and a large granary. Their demolition significantly diminished the fortress's appearance, and their existence is now remembered primarily by archaeological research.
The castle in Sztum as a branch of the Malbork Castle Museum
The castle's modern history is the story of its great return.
The castle was taken over by the Castle Museum in 2018
The year 2018 is a key date. The acquisition of the castle by the Malbork Castle Museum provided it with stable funding, the care of top specialists, and a coherent vision for its development. This was the beginning of a renaissance.
Archaeological research and discoveries from recent years
Extensive archaeological research began immediately, yielding revelations. Thousands of artifacts were discovered, allowing the castle's construction date to be corrected and providing tangible confirmation of historical narratives, such as the discovery of peacock bones from the famous menagerie.
Museum exhibitions and educational activities
The result of this work is the castle's first permanent exhibition, opening at the turn of 2024 and 2025. It tells its history in a modern way, showcasing excavated treasures, models, and reconstructions. In the town of Sztum, the castle has finally regained its voice.
Visiting the castle in Sztum
Planning a visit? Here are some practical tips to ensure your visit to the castle is a pure pleasure.
Castle opening hours and ticket prices
Always check the official museum website for the latest information, but here is some rough information:
Standard ticket (with audio guide): approx. PLN 28
Reduced ticket (with audio guide): approx. PLN 23
Free day: Tuesday (audio guide fee applies, approx. 10 PLN).
Opening hours (Wednesday-Sunday): 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Accessible courtyard: On Mondays, when the exhibitions are closed, entry to the courtyard is free.
3 Castles Ticket: A great option (approx. 113/83 PLN) if you also plan to visit Malbork and Kwidzyn. Valid for 14 days.
A walk around the castle and attractions for tourists
A visit to the castle doesn't end with the exhibition. Be sure to stroll the paths around the walls – the view of the Gothic brickwork against the backdrop of the lakes is breathtaking.
The 5-kilometer pedestrian and bicycle path around Lake Sztum begins right next to the castle. It's the perfect place for a stroll, while also admiring outdoor sculptures and signs along the Gothic Castle Trail.
Pomeranian Tourist Card – discounts and benefits
If you're exploring the region extensively, consider purchasing the Pomeranian Tourist Card. Select packages include free admission to Sztum Castle , which is a significant savings.
XVI Knights' Festival in Sztum 2025 and other events
One of the biggest attractions is the annual Knights' Festival, when the clash of swords and the clatter of horses can once again be heard within the castle walls .
Expect tournaments, craft demonstrations, and historical reenactments. This event turns visiting the castle into a journey through time.
The castle in Sztum against the background of the region
To fully appreciate this Teutonic castle , it is worth looking at it from a broader perspective.
The Gothic Castle Trail and the castle's place in the context of tourism
On the Gothic Castle Trail, each stronghold has a distinct personality. Malbork is a mighty capital, Kwidzyn – a unique combination of castle and cathedral. And Sztum Castle ? It's an exclusive residence, the summer palace of the great masters.
A visit here isn't a repeat of Malbork. It's a valuable addition, showing how the Order's leaders lived and rested, not just how they fought. This makes history more human.
Natural surroundings – Lake Sztumskie and Lake Barlewickie
One of the castle's greatest assets is its spectacular location on an isthmus between two lakes. It offers a perfect blend of history and nature, encouraging active recreation on the numerous hiking and cycling trails.
The castle menagerie – a curiosity from the past
The story that best captures the unique character of Sztum Castle is that of the menagerie. This was no ordinary forest with deer. It was a menagerie modeled after royal courts, a symbol of power and global connections.
Alongside bears, lions, camels, peacocks, and monkeys were kept here. This exotic menagerie is a perfect metaphor for the entire castle.
This is a place where raw military might met courtly culture and luxury. It is this blend that makes the medieval Teutonic Castle in Sztum so fascinating.
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