Come and visit the castle of the Virgin Mary, the ancient capital of the Teutonic Order, the largest Gothic fortress in Europe, a UNESCO heritage site. Not without reason has Malbork Castle been called “the largest mountain of bricks north of the Alps”. The fortress is stern, majestic, and at the same time beautiful, particularly when its walls are illuminated by the warm light of the sun setting over the river Nogat. This thirteenth-century seat of the Teutonic Knights came into being after the Order’s headquarters were moved from distant Venice. Those who seek adventure are invited to join a “mediaeval walk” and take part in night-time exploration of the castle. As you cross the drawbridge between the Middle Castle and High Castle, imagine yourself as a guest of the knightly cortege. Feast at the well-stocked tables of the castle halls, accompanied by an ensemble playing mediaeval music. The magnificent balls and feasts are an experience our guests are not likely to forget. While learning about the knights’ simple, monastic way of life, you will see things which are quite unique, like the fragment of mediaeval central heating, used here for the first time in Europe. The castle also has a unique collection of amber ornaments.

Malbork is more than just a castle. It is situated in an exceptionally interesting region called ¯u³awy. The area was settled by Dutch Mennonites, who left a unique architecture of arcaded houses and a network of canals still called “Little Holland”. From there, along old cobbled roads, it is just thirty minutes to the Vistula Spit and the Baltic Sea.

However, before you set out to explore further, be sure to sample the uncommon attractions offered by the town itself and its friendly residents. Visit the Zamczysko settlement, where knights are ready to fight for beautiful maidens. Try your artistic talent at the ceramics workshop, situated close to the castle, creating beautiful period china. And most importantly take a walk along the embankments of the river Nogat. There the sound of music will draw you into a tavern where you can try out your vocal talents at karaoke, or you can dine at one of the riverside cafes and quench your thirst at the Aliem grounds, admiring the water sports taking place on the river Nogat. These are naturally not all the attractions which the town offers, but for now we won’t reveal any more secrets. Come to Malbork and find out for yourself why it’s worth staying here longer...