Malbork Castle: The Biggest Castle in The World

Why is Malbork Castle Worth Visiting?

The Castle is an impressive red brick wall as well as a belt of defensive walls with towers and gates. The Teutonic Castle in Malbork was also on the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1997. It is the largest surviving medieval castle in Europe. The three-part defensive fortress in the Gothic style consists of the Low Castle, the Middle Castle and the High Castle. The most beautiful view of the castle is from the side of the river, the Nogat, and from the castle tower, where there is a charming panorama of the area.

Thus, it is one of the largest castles of its kind in the world. Built of brick, the structure is 143,591 square meters and took 30 years to build. The ground for the construction began to be prepared in the 13th century (1278), and the actual start of the castle construction on the right bank of the Nogat river can be dated back to 1280. In the years 1309-1457, it became the seat of the Grand Masters of the Teutonic Order. Then, until the 18th century (1772), the castle was one of the official residences of Polish kings. Currently, it houses the Malbork Castle Museum.

Fun Facts about Malbork Castle

• The entire castle consists of approximately 15 million bricks.
• It covers an area of 143,591 square meters, making it the largest brick building in Eastern Europe.
• It was never fully conquered until the 17th century during the Swedish Deluge.
• The castle served as a prison and military base, even used by the Germans during the Second World War.
• The Grand Master‘s influence extended across Northern Europe and was central to Christianising the Pagan Prussians.

Malbork, Poland – The Residence of The Polish Kings and Top Castles in Europe

During the tour, it is possible to see all three parts making up the castle complex.

• In the High Castle, visitors can see the castle chapel, the chapter house, the Kleš tower, the Bellhop’s house, and the courtyard.
• In the Middle Castle, the chapel of the Grand Masters and the banquet and audience hall await the visitors.
• In the Low Castle is the North Gate, the tower and the former armoury. Numerous exhibitions also await visitors.

A visit to Malbork Castle can easily take several hours. There is much to see in the castle courtyards, cellars, dormitories, chapels and many other rooms. Thanks to a dozen or so exhibitions prepared in various parts of the facility, visitors can learn in detail about the life of the builders and first inhabitants of the stronghold – the Teutonics. 

Malbork is also a beautiful city. Not far from Kazimierz Jagiellończyk Square, there is a model of the Teutonic Castle, which should not be missed while visiting this wonderful place. It allows looking at the castle from a different perspective. The land area of the fenced mock-up is entered through a gate, with benches all around.

Malbork Castle: Prices and Opening Hours

The Malbork Castle Museum offers flexible visiting options:

• Opening Hours:
  • Monday to Sunday: 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
  • Historical Route: Tue-Sun 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. (last entry: 5:00 p.m)
  • Green Trail: Mon 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; Tue-Sun from 5:15 p.m. (last entry: 7:00 p.m)
• Tickets:
  • Standard and reduced tickets are available for students, seniors, and groups.
  • Audio guides are offered in multiple languages (available with all ticket types).
  • Early booking is recommended, especially during summer and public holidays.
  • Ticket prices vary depending on the trail selected. Most include access to Middle Castle, High Castle, and exhibitions.

Ticket tip: Reduced ticket prices apply to EU students under 26, seniors over 65, and children. Special rates are also available for school trips and groups.

Visiting One of The Largest Castles with Mr.Shuttle

Embark on a journey to Malbork Castle with a company that values storytelling, service, and unforgettable experiences. At Mr.Shuttle, we offer a carefully designed full-day Malbork Castle Tour that brings the magic and history of this iconic fortress to life.

What’s Included:

• Hotel pickup in Gdańsk or Sopot for your comfort
• English-speaking driver and expert audio guide or live tour guide on-site
• Entrance tickets with skip-the-line access
• Time to explore the entire castle, including High Castle, Middle Castle, and museum exhibitions (3 hours)
• Return transfer with optional add-ons like dinner in Gdańsk Old Town

Why Join This Tour?

• Immersive experience: Uncover stories of the Teutonic Order in Malbork and Polish kings with your audio guide or designated tour guide.
• Convenience: No need to worry about train schedules or public holidays.
• Value: Affordable prices, including all necessary tickets, guide services, and transportation.

Whether you’re fascinated by other castles, medieval warfare, or just love great architecture, our tour makes exploring this monument of history seamless and inspiring.

Extend Your Adventure Beyond Malbork

After experiencing the grandeur of Malbork Castle, you may find yourself hungry for even more history, knowledge, and unforgettable impressions. Luckily, the Tricity area offers several incredible tours that perfectly complement your journey through Poland’s rich past.

• Stutthof Concentration Camp Tour: Discover one of the lesser-known yet deeply significant WWII sites. With expert guidance, you’ll gain insight into the harrowing history and human resilience.

• Gdańsk City Walk Private Tour: Perfect for those who enjoy leisurely discovering cobbled streets, historic merchant houses, and tales of maritime trade and solidarity movements.

• Tricity & Westerplatte 1 Day Tour: Combine history and coastal beauty as you explore Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia, including the iconic Westerplatte peninsula where World War II began.

• Gdańsk Highlights – Golf Cart Tour: A unique and fun way to discover the top sights of Gdańsk without exhausting your feet. Great for families and those short on time.

Being in Gdańsk or the Tricity gives you the perfect opportunity to delve deeper into Polish heritage. These handpicked tours from MrShuttle are designed to feed your curiosity and satisfy your desire for meaningful travel. We have more exciting tours – check them out here.

About MrShuttle: Trusted by Thousands Around the World

MrShuttle is a globally trusted tour operator known for delivering excellent service, punctuality, and carefully curated travel experiences. With hundreds of 5-star reviews on platforms like TripAdvisor, our commitment to quality, transparency, and guest satisfaction makes us one of Poland’s top-rated tourism companies.

Why Choose MrShuttle?

• Award-winning service – Our dedication to excellence has earned us recognition across major travel platforms.
• Top-rated on TripAdvisor – Thousands of glowing reviews prove that we consistently exceed guest expectations.
• Door-to-door pickup from your hotel – Start your journey comfortably, with no logistics stress.
• Modern, comfortable transport – Our air-conditioned vehicles are safe, punctual, and reliable.
• Passionate and knowledgeable tour guides and drivers – We hand-pick guides who are experts and great storytellers.
• Flexible cancellation and multilingual support – Travel confidently knowing you have complete assistance and peace of mind.

Whether exploring Malbork Castle, discovering Gdańsk, or tracing history through World War II sites like Stutthof, MrShuttle offers more than just a transfer—it provides a meaningful, memorable experience.

Join tens of thousands of travellers who’ve trusted us for their Polish adventures.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

What is Malbork Castle, and why is it significant?

Malbork Castle is the largest brick fortress in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built in the 13th century by the Teutonic Knights, it served as the seat of the Teutonic Order and later as a royal residence for Polish kings. The castle complex represents centuries of Polish and German history.

What can I expect to see at the Grand Master’s Palace?

The Grand Masters Palace is one of the most stunning parts of the castle. It was the ceremonial residence of the Grand Master and showcases exquisite Gothic architecture, restored interiors, and rich exhibitions that detail medieval life and governance within the Teutonic Order.

Is the middle castle open to the public?

Yes, the Middle Castle is open and houses the main museum exhibitions. Visitors can explore the castle chapel, banquet halls, and collections of medieval weaponry and amber.

What is the castle grounds route, and how long does it take?

The castle grounds route is the designated walking path connecting all key areas: the High Castle, Middle Castle, and Outer Bailey. It takes 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on whether you follow the whole historical route with an audio guide.

How many castles are there in the Malbork complex?

The complex consists of three castles: the High Castle, the Middle Castle, and the Low Castle (also known as the Outer Bailey). Each served a different purpose and represents a phase in the expansion of the castle complex.

What is the High Castle used for?

The High Castle was originally a monastic residence for the religious order of the Teutonic Knights. Today, it’s open for tours and features the great refectory, the knights’ chapel, and preserved Gothic halls.

Is Malbork Castle associated with any particular religious group?

Yes, it was the headquarters of the Teutonic Order, a religious order of knights who played a significant role in crusading and converting the Pagan Prussians to Christianity during the Middle Ages.

How important was the Grand Master in the Teutonic Order?

The Grand Master was the highest-ranking Teutonic Order official overseeing military, administrative, and spiritual matters. His residence, the Grand Masters Palace, was the political heart of the castle complex and Polish forces (army).

Is there a museum inside the castle?

Yes, the Malbork Castle Museum operates within the fortress. It features exhibitions on Poland’s medieval history, Teutonic Knights, amber crafting, weaponry, and daily life in the Middle Ages. Nearby is also a church.

What’s included in the historical route?

The historical route covers the entire castle, including all three fortress sections. You’ll explore exhibitions, medieval kitchens, the armoury, chapels, and the Grand Masters’ Palace.

How many times will I walk the castle grounds route during a visit?

Most visitors follow the castle grounds route once, but due to its layout, you may pass through key sections, like the High Castle and Middle Castle, multiple times during your exploration.

What makes the castle grounds route special?

The castle grounds route is designed to provide a logical and immersive experience, helping visitors understand the scale and complexity of the three castles and how life evolved within the Teutonic Order in Malbork.

Is Malbork Castle in a city or a remote area?

Malbork Castle is located in the city of Malbork, in northern Poland. It’s well-connected by train and bus, making it an ideal destination for domestic and international tourists.

Are there tickets required to visit the castle?

Yes, entry requires a ticket. Standard and reduced tickets are available, with optional add-ons like an audio guide or guided tours. Tickets are best purchased online, especially in peak seasons.

How long should I plan to visit the entire castle?

Exploring the castle takes 3-4 hours, depending on your pace and whether you join a guided tour or use an audio guide.

What languages are available for the audio guide?

The audio guide is available in multiple languages, including English, Polish, German, French, Spanish, and more, making the visit accessible to international guests.

Can I visit all three castles in one day?

Yes, visiting the three castles in one day is highly recommended. The castle grounds route is designed to take you through all the significant parts of the complex.

What makes the Grand Masters Palace so important?

The Grand Master’s Palace was the administrative and symbolic centre of the Teutonic Order. It reflects the glory of the Teutonic Knights’ political power and architectural ingenuity.

Does the Malbork Castle Museum feature religious artefacts?

Yes, the museum contains artefacts from the castle’s days as a monastic centre, including religious relics, liturgical objects, and artworks related to the Teutonic Order’s spiritual life.

Is the castle unique compared to other castles in Poland or Europe?

Absolutely. Malbork is the largest brick fortress in the world and a deeply symbolic property representing Poland and Eastern Europe’s military, religious, and cultural history.