Tickets to Malbork Castle: prices, routes and ticket discounts
- Damian Brzeski
- Aug 15
- 16 min read
Malbork Castle – the largest Gothic fortress in the world and the former capital of the Teutonic Order – hides within its walls hundreds of years of history, but also a few tourist traps.
This guide will show you how to buy your ticket, choose the perfect route, and take advantage of discounts so your visit is full of excitement, not queues.
How to buy a ticket to Malbork Castle – step by step
Purchasing tickets for visiting Malbork is easy and you can do it in several ways: online , at the ticket office on site or at the ticket machine in front of the castle.
Below you will find step-by-step instructions for purchasing online , as this is the most convenient and recommended option (it allows you to book a specific day and time, which is important given the limit of 500 people per hour).
With online tickets, you can avoid queuing and be sure to enter at your chosen time.
Here's how to buy a ticket to the castle:
Visit the official website of the Malbork Castle Museum and go to the "Buy a ticket online" section. You can directly access the dedicated portal (address: bilety.zamek.malbork.pl ). This redirect is clearly visible from the castle's official website – click the "Buy a ticket online" button.
Select the tour type and date and time. On the system page, you'll see available ticket options (e.g., Historical Route , Walking Route , Night Tour , 3 Castles Ticket , etc.). Click the route you're interested in. Then, select the day of your visit and an available time slot/entrance from the calendar. The system will display the tour's starting times – select an available time. For example, select "Historical Route," then the date (e.g., August 15, 12:30 PM). Confirm your selection .
Specify the number and type of tickets. Specify how many standard, concessionary, etc. tickets you need. For example, if you're a couple of adults with two school-age children, select 2x standard and 2x concessionary. Note: Some discounts (e.g., Large Family Card) may have dedicated options – in that case, select the appropriate ticket category from the list. The system usually considers limits – for example, it won't allow you to purchase a concessionary ticket without specifying that you meet the requirements. After selecting your tickets , add them to your cart .
Provide the required buyer information. The system will ask for your first name, last name, and email address. Tickets will be sent to this email address, so please ensure it's correct. Also, check that the total and type of tickets in your cart match (e.g., 2 full-fare, 2 reduced-fare tickets for a specific date at 12:30 PM).
Pay for your order online. Choose your payment method (credit card, instant transfer, etc.) and complete the payment through our secure transaction system. You have 30 minutes to pay from the moment you book your appointment – after this time, unpaid reservations will be canceled. Payments are processed by Autopay, and prices include VAT. After entering your card details or logging in to your bank, confirm the payment.
Receive your e-tickets. After a successful transaction, you should see a confirmation that your order has been accepted, and within a few minutes, you'll receive your tickets in PDF format via email . Check your inbox (and sometimes your spam folder). Each ticket has a unique QR or barcode.
Have your tickets ready to show at the entrance. You can print them out or save them to your smartphone and show the screen at the entrance gate. Staff will scan the code from your phone or paper – both methods are accepted. Do not share the code with others , as each code is valid for one entry only. If you purchased a discounted ticket, remember to bring proof of your discount (student ID, proof of child's age, etc.), as staff may ask to see it during check-in.
On the day of your visit, arrive on time. Go to the castle entrance a few minutes before the entry time indicated on your ticket. With an online ticket, you don't need to queue at the ticket counter – go directly to the entrance/visitor gate with your reservation. At the gate, a staff member or guide will gather your group for the designated time.
If you purchased a ticket with an audio guide, go to the audio guide window on the right side of the ticket office building. After presenting your tickets, collect your audio guide (if you use one) – remember: the device is issued upon presentation of your ticket. After scanning the code, you will receive the device on headphones. Also, remember to tell the employee which language you want them to set for you. After passing through the entrance gate, simply press the large gray button on the device. Now you can begin your fascinating tour!
Tip: If something goes wrong with your purchase (e.g., you don't receive an email with your tickets), don't panic. Check your spam folder, or log back in to bilety.zamek.malbork.pl – you can often download your ticket there after logging in. As a last resort, contact support (email: kasa@zamek.malbork.pl or phone: +48 55 649 14 35) – they will help you locate your reservation.
Alternative ways to purchase: If you cannot purchase online, traditional methods are available: on-site ticket offices (open during museum opening hours) and self-service ticket machines at the entrance.
During the summer season, queues at the ticket offices can be long, so there are vending machines nearby – you can buy tickets there by card.
The machines also allow you to purchase tickets for later that day or even the next day , which is useful when current tickets are sold out. Keep in mind that daily visitor limits (500 people per hour) mean tickets can sell out , especially on holiday weekends.
Therefore, it's safest to buy tickets online in advance . This way, you'll avoid arriving in Malbork and running out of places to visit at a convenient time.
Types of sightseeing routes available with the ticket
The Malbork Castle Museum , aware of the diverse expectations of its guests, has prepared several tour options.
Each route has been designed with a different audience in mind – from history enthusiasts who want to explore every nook and cranny of the fortress, through families with children looking for an interactive adventure, to tourists with limited time.
Choosing the right route is a key element in planning your visit and determines the nature of the entire experience.
The "most popular" Historical Route - a complete tour of the castle, its interiors and exhibitions
The Historical Route is the Castle Museum's flagship and most comprehensive offering, providing a comprehensive experience for anyone wishing to fully understand the phenomenon of Malbork's fortress. This option is especially recommended for first-time visitors.
The route covers all three parts of the complex: the Lower Castle (Outer Castle), the Middle Castle and the High Castle, providing access not only to the impressive architecture, but above all to the rich interiors and permanent exhibitions.
During the tour, tourists can admire, among other things, the world-famous amber collection, an impressive exhibition of weapons and armaments, as well as rooms crucial to the functioning of the order, such as the Grand Refectory, the Palace of the Grand Masters, the dormitories, the chapter house, and the Castle Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The tour is accompanied by an audio guide or a guide in Polish, the cost of which is included in the ticket price.
This solution standardizes historical communication and allows for effective tourist management, ensuring a high level of professionalism for each visitor. Plan to spend at least 3 to 3.5 hours completing the entire Historical Route.
Walking Route – courtyards, chapel and gardens
The Walking Route, formerly known as the "Green Route", is a shorter alternative, focusing mainly on the castle's external architecture, fortifications and green areas.
This is an ideal solution for those with limited time, families with small children who might not be able to endure several hours of walking, and for those who have already visited the interiors and want to feel the atmosphere of the place again.
The route leads through the von Plauen Ramparts, the courtyards of the Middle and High Castles, the picturesque terraces with the Grand Masters' Garden, the moats, the interwalls, and opens up the interior of St. Anne's burial chapel.
However, it does not include the main exhibitions or the stately rooms of the Palace of the Grand Masters. The tour takes approximately 1.5 hours.
This route also serves a strategic purpose. In accordance with the Act on State Museums, admission to them is free on Mondays. The Malbork Museum fulfills this obligation by providing free access to the Walking Route.
This allows us to protect the most valuable, historic interiors from increased traffic, while also offering tourists an impressive and valuable experience.
This form of "invitation" can effectively encourage you to return on a different day and purchase a full ticket for the Historical Route. To take advantage of free admission on Monday, please pick up a free ticket at the ticket office.
Family-Holiday Route – an offer for families with children
The Family Route is a specialized, interactive proposition, created with the most demanding guests in mind – children.
Available only during the summer season, typically from early July to late August, it's a prime example of smart marketing and diversification of museum offerings.
Instead of simplifying the standard narrative, a completely new, engaging experience was created that solves the problem of keeping young children's attention during the tour.
The tour is led by a guide who shares the castle's history through games, puzzles, and activities. Children, often dressed in special costumes such as Teutonic hoods, actively participate in the adventure, making learning a fascinating experience.
The tour is primarily designed for children aged 5 to 12 and takes approximately two hours to complete. It's undoubtedly the best option for families who want to explore the castle in a way that departs from the traditional museum format.
Monastery Route – currently unavailable due to conservation work
In the past, the Museum also offered a Monastery Route, which focused on the everyday and spiritual life of the monks, leading through the oldest part of the stronghold – the High Castle.
However, it should be strongly emphasized that this route is unavailable until further notice due to conservation works carried out on the western cloisters of the High Castle.
This information is crucial to avoid disappointing tourists who may have read about it in older guidebooks or information materials.
Prices and types of tickets to Malbork Castle
The pricing structure for tickets to Malbork Castle varies, depending on the chosen route and discount eligibility. Below is a detailed price list, based on official data from the Castle Museum.
It is always recommended to verify current prices on the website zamek.malbork.pl immediately before your visit, as information on partner websites may not be up-to-date.
Ticket Price List for Malbork Castle
Ticket Type | Historical Route | Walking Route | Family Route (Holiday) |
Standard Ticket | 80.00 PLN | 35.00 PLN | 65.00 PLN |
Reduced Ticket | 60.00 PLN | 25.00 PLN | 50.00 PLN |
Family Ticket | PLN 70.00 (guardian) / PLN 60.00 (child) | PLN 35.00 (guardian) / PLN 20.00 (child) | No separate tariff |
Ticket with Large Family Card | PLN 60.00 (guardian) / PLN 40.00 (child) | PLN 25.00 (guardian) / PLN 20.00 (child) | No separate tariff |
Please note: The price of the Historical and Walking Route ticket includes an audio guide . Family tickets are for a minimum of 1 guardian and 1 child (aged 7-18) and a maximum of 2 guardians.
Regular ticket – basic option for adults
The standard ticket is the basic admission ticket for adults who are not entitled to discounts. Its price in 2025 is PLN 80 for the comprehensive Historical Route and PLN 35 for the shorter Walking Route.
Reduced fare ticket – for children, students, seniors and other eligible persons
Reduced-price tickets are available to a wide range of individuals under the Museums Act. Eligible individuals include: students under 26, doctoral candidates, retirees, pensioners, individuals over 65, people with disabilities and their caregivers, as well as veterans and individuals honored for their care of historical monuments.
To benefit from the discount, you must present a valid document confirming your entitlement (e.g. school, student or pensioner ID) at the cash register or during inspection.
Family ticket – a good option for families with children
The museum offers a special family fare that is more flexible than the typical "2+2" ticket. This is not a flat-rate ticket, but a lower price charged for each person in the family group.
The condition is to visit in a group consisting of at least one guardian and one child aged 7 to 18 (maximum two guardians).
For example, on the Historical Route, a ticket for a guardian under this tariff costs PLN 70, and for a child PLN 60, which, with a larger number of children, generates savings compared to purchasing separate standard and concession tickets.
Free Ticket – Who can enter for free and when?
Free admission to the castle grounds is available in two cases. First, it applies to groups legally entitled to it, which include children under 7, employees of museums listed in the State Register of Museums, holders of the Polish Card, veterans, and recipients of the Order of the White Eagle or the Virtuti Militari.
Please note that even in the case of free admission, you must collect a "0" ticket at the box office.
The second case is Monday – the day of free sightseeing, when each person can enter the Walking Route for free after collecting a "0" ticket at the ticket office.
Ticket for 3 castles - Malbork, Kwidzyn and Sztum in one offer
For tourists planning a longer stay in Powiśle and wanting to explore the broader historical context of the region, a special combined ticket is available. It allows for a single visit to three Gothic fortresses: Malbork Castle, Kwidzyn Castle, and Sztum Castle.
The price of a standard ticket is PLN 113.00, and a reduced ticket is PLN 83.00 . It is valid for 14 days from the date selected during purchase, giving you great flexibility in planning your trip.
The ticket in Malbork includes a tour of the Historical Route with an audio guide or a guide, while in Kwidzyn and Sztum the tour takes place with an audio guide.
Additional services during your visit to the Castle Museum
In addition to the standard tour, the Malbork Castle Museum offers a range of additional services that can enrich your visit and adapt it to specific needs, such as language barriers, the desire for in-depth knowledge, or the search for unique experiences.
Audio guide – available languages and how it works
The audio guide in Malbork is a modern device that significantly enhances the visitor experience. The system is based on GPS technology, meaning the narration starts automatically at appropriate points along the route, without the need for manual dialing.
This ensures a seamless and immersive experience. The audio guide service is included in the price of the Historical and Walking Route ticket.
To meet the needs of visitors from around the world, the museum offers recordings in more than a dozen languages: Polish, English, German, Russian, Ukrainian, Italian, Spanish, French, Lithuanian, Czech, and Hungarian. Importantly, a version in Polish Sign Language (PJM) is also available, as well as a special, fictionalized soundtrack for children, which turns the castle's history into an engaging story.
Exclusive Guide – How to book and how much does it cost?
For organized groups or individual tourists seeking a personalized and in-depth tour, an exclusive guide service is available. This premium option allows you to ask questions and adjust the pace and narration to suit the group's interests.
The cost of this service is a flat fee of PLN 350.00, plus the price of admission tickets for each participant (at the group rate). Advance reservation is required and should be made by email at
rezerwacja@zamek.malbork.pl with your preferred date, time, number of people, and language of the guided tour. The service is available in Polish, English, German, Czech, Russian, French, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Italian.
Night tours – a summer attraction with a guide
Night tours are one of the most unique attractions in Malbork, allowing you to see the castle in a completely different, magical way.
After dark, with special illumination and accompanied by music, the fortress walls tell different stories, full of legends and secrets.
This is a model example of maximizing the potential of a facility – the museum creates a completely new tourism product after standard opening hours, generating additional revenue and attracting an audience looking for unique, exciting experiences.
The tour lasts 1.5 hours and leads through courtyards, terraces, cloisters and selected, most representative interiors.
Night tours of the castle are available seasonally, from May to December, on selected days of the week. The schedule varies and adapts to the season: during the summer season (June-August), tours are more frequent (Wednesday to Saturday) and begin later (9:00 PM), while in autumn and winter, tour groups depart earlier (6:00 PM or 8:00 PM).
A standard ticket for an individual tourist costs PLN 70.00, and a concession ticket costs PLN 60.00; the price includes a guide. Tickets can be purchased online, which is especially important because after 7:00 PM, this is the only available method of purchase, besides the ticket vending machine.
Discounts and programs entitling you to cheaper tickets
The Malbork Castle Museum actively participates in numerous partner programs and offers attractive discounts that significantly reduce the cost of your visit. It's worth checking if you qualify for any of the discounts below.
Large Family Card – discounts for large families
Holders of the nationwide Large Family Card (KDR) can count on special, lower ticket prices. The card, awarded to families with at least three children regardless of income, entitles them to purchase tickets at preferential prices for the Historical Route and Walking Route.
For example, a ticket for a guardian with a KDR on the Historical Route costs PLN 60, and for a child PLN 40. The card must be presented when purchasing tickets at the ticket office or during inspection.
Malbork Resident Card – discounts for local residents
The special "Malbork Resident Card" program is an example of the museum's excellent collaboration with the local community. It serves as a tool for building positive relationships and a way to thank residents for their daily lives in the shadow of this major tourist attraction.
Card holders can purchase an entry ticket to any daily route (Historical or Walking) at the exceptionally low price of PLN 20.00.
This significant relief makes the castle an easily accessible place for residents, which builds a sense of pride and shared responsibility for the local heritage.
Volunteer Card and Pomeranian Tourist Card – additional discounts
The museum also appreciates community involvement. Volunteer Card holders, like Malbork residents, can purchase a ticket for 20.00 PLN.
Malbork Castle is also a key partner of the Pomeranian Tourist Card program. This means that cardholders can enjoy free admission or attractive discounts, depending on the package selected.
Detailed conditions depend on the type of card you have, so please check the current offer within your travel package before your visit.
Practical information for visitors
Planning a visit to a site as large as Malbork Castle requires knowledge of several key logistical details. The following information will help avoid surprises and ensure your stay runs smoothly and trouble-free.
What are the opening hours of Malbork Castle?
Castle opening hours vary depending on the season. Pay particular attention not only to the opening hours of the grounds themselves, but especially to the last entry times for individual routes, which end well before the gates close.
Malbork Castle Opening Hours
Season / Day of the Week | Opening hours of the area | Cash register opening hours | Last Ascent (Historical Route) | Last Entry (Walking Route) |
Summer Season (approx. April 27 – September 30) | ||||
Monday | 9:00 – 20:00 | until approx. 7:00 p.m. | Route unavailable | 19:00 |
Tuesday - Sunday | 9:00 – 20:00 | until approx. 5:00 p.m. | 5:00 p.m. | 18:30 |
Winter Season (approx. October 1st – April 26th) | ||||
Monday | 9:00 – 16:00 | until approx. 3:00 p.m. | Route unavailable | 15:00 |
Tuesday - Sunday | 9:00 – 16:00 | until approx. 1:00 p.m. | 13:00 | 14:30 |
Note: These times are approximate and subject to change. Always verify them on the museum's official website before your visit. Only the free Walking Tour is available on Mondays.
MZM 60th Anniversary Square – starting point of the tour
All sightseeing routes, both guided and audio-guided, start from one central point.
This is the 60th Anniversary Square of the Malbork Castle Museum, located directly in front of the modern ticket office and Tourist Service Center building. This is where groups are formed and audio guides are distributed.
How much time is needed to visit the Teutonic Castle in Malbork?
To fully enjoy your visit, please reserve enough time, appropriate to your chosen route:
Historical Route: Minimum 3 – 3.5 hours. The guided version may take slightly longer than the audio guide.
Walking Route: approximately 1.5 hours.
Family (Holiday) Route: approximately 2 hours.
Night Tour: exactly 1.5 hours.
Entrance to the castle tower (additional paid attraction, seasonal): approximately 30 minutes should be added.
Extended offer - other castles included in the combined ticket
The "3 Castles" ticket is a proposal for tourists who want to delve deeper into the history of the region and see what the Teutonic heritage looked like outside the walls of the mighty capital.
It is a journey through three different aspects of the monastic state: from the imperial center of power in Malbork, through the cathedral fortress in Kwidzyn, to the administrative residence in Sztum.
However, the right attitude is key – the castles in Kwidzyn and Sztum offer a different, more intimate experience, which does not diminish their historical value.
Kwidzyn Castle – what's worth seeing
The castle in Kwidzyn, a branch of the Malbork Museum, forms a castle-cathedral complex unique on a global scale, which was once the seat of the Pomesanian chapter.
History and character: The building, directly connected to the massive cathedral, was the center of religious and military power.
Main attractions: The most distinctive feature is the Danzig tower – a sanitary and defensive tower connected to the main body of the castle by the world's longest gallery, supported by monumental pillars. The interior houses diverse exhibitions: from an ethnographic display featuring painted chests from the Powiśle region, through a rich natural history exhibition "Nature of Northern Poland" narrated by Krystyna Czubówna, to a collection of Polish art glass. It's worth remembering that the adjacent cathedral, with its crypts of great masters, is a separate institution and requires a separate ticket.
Practical information: A tour of the castle takes approximately 1-1.5 hours. On Tuesdays, admission to the museum is free (you only pay for the audio guide).
Sztum Castle – attractions and history of the facility
The castle in Sztum, picturesquely situated on an isthmus between two lakes, served as the summer residence of the Grand Master and the seat of the Teutonic mayors, and after the Peace of Toruń it became the seat of the Polish starosts.
History and character: It was an important administrative and recreational center, on a much smaller scale than Malbork.
Main attractions: The southern wing, which houses the museum, remains intact, along with the entrance tower, prison tower, and fragments of the defensive walls. The museum exhibition focuses on the history of the Teutonic Order in Pomerania, showcasing costumes, armor, and coins. The Brotherhood of Knights of the Sztum Region operates in the courtyard, organizing shows and tournaments.
Practical information: The tour is much shorter, taking approximately 45 minutes. As in Kwidzyn, Tuesday is free admission.
The table below summarises key information to help you plan your visit with a combination ticket.
Ticket for 3 Castles – Guide to the Branches in Kwidzyn and Sztum
Characteristic | Kwidzyn Castle | Sztum Castle |
Main Attractions | A unique dansker, cathedral complex, ethnographic and natural history exhibitions. | The seat of the mayor, an exhibition about the history of the order, a picturesque location. |
Estimated Visiting Time | 1 – 1.5 hours | approx. 45 minutes |
Approximate Opening Hours | Summer: 9:00-17:00, Winter: 9:00-15:00/16:00 | 9:00 – 16:00 (all year round) |
Free Entry Day | Tuesday | Tuesday |
Note: The "Na 3 Zamki" ticket is valid for 14 days from the date of purchase, which allows you to freely plan your visits to individual facilities.
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