In the north of Poland, 80 km from the Kaliningrad region of Russia, in the Vistula river delta is the ancient city of Malbork. It was founded in 1276 as the Order Castle of Marienburg.
City of the Knights
Malbork is located in the picturesque area of Zhuliavi. He was once inhabited by immigrants from Holland. Thanks to their legacy - numerous buildings with arches and galleries that reflect the sophistication and grandeur of arcade architecture, water canal systems - Zhuliavi is called “Polish Holland”. The city of Malbork (Poland) is very small. Its population slightly exceeds forty thousand people. The living area is 17.15 square meters. km for tourists is not of great interest.
Most of the guests arriving here would like to see one of the most famous architectural monuments in Europe, which in ancient times belonged to the Teutonic Order - Malbork Castle (Marienburg).
Weather
This city is characterized by rainy or cloudy weather. Malbork (Poland) welcomes guests in the summer with prolonged rains, and in winter with frequent thaws and fogs. Summer lasts from June to August, the average temperature of the hottest month (July) + 18 ° C.
In the first autumn months it is usually warm, sunny and without precipitation. In November, the so-called pre-winter comes with its rainy and inclement weather. The first frosts are also frequent this month. The average January temperature is -2 ° C.
Things to do in Malbork (Poland)
Acquaintance, and often the first impression of the city is formed from the inspection of the station, where the traveler gets, leaving the train.
Train Station
In Malbork, the station building makes a very strong impression on visitors. The first station was built in 1891, when these lands were part of the Kingdom of Prussia. The railway was supposed to connect Berlin with Gdansk and Koenigsberg. Construction began in 1845, but was suspended three years later due to economic difficulties.
The work was completed only in 1852. The station was not too damaged during the Second World War. In June 1945, they tried to set it on fire, but the fire was discovered on time and extinguished. In 1988, this building was included in the register of monuments of Lesser Poland Voivodeship.
The building was built in the old German style. Its interior has been preserved almost in its original form, with the exception of the Prussian coat of arms above the ticket office, which has been replaced by Polish. Particular attention should be paid to ceramics floors and stained-glass windows, which depict the coats of arms of neighboring ones. Overhaul of the building was completed in 2014 and today it delights with its majestic beauty. Today, there is a tourist information center. Therefore, immediately after arrival, you can pick up a city tour at a convenient time for you.
Malbork Castle
This huge, largest castle complex in the world rises on the right bank of the Nogat River. Marienburg ( Mary's Castle ), today more often called Malbork. It covers an area of 20 hectares. And today it is of interest to amateurs and specialists in the field of castle architecture and history. And not only. It strikes with its beauty all the guests of the city, even those who are not too susceptible to the splendor of ancient palaces.
Malbork Castle (Poland) was included in the UNESCO list in 1997. Tourists from Europe visit it with pleasure.
Architecture
Malbork Castle (Poland), the photo of which you see in this article, is surrounded by three levels of brick high walls. It consists of three parts: Low, Middle and High castles. In addition, the church of St. Lawrence and administrative premises are located on the territory. The courtyard of the Middle Castle is decorated with statues of the great masters of the Teutonic Order. Tourists are amazed at the multitude, like sculptures soaring in the air.
The High Castle is the oldest part of the complex. Once its buildings served as a meeting place (Capitulation) for the supreme rulers of the Teutonic Order. There is a legend, not documented, that in one of the many dungeons of this castle, the innumerable riches of this organization are stored.
The castle buildings were divided according to their purpose: monastic knights lived in the High Castle, the premises of the Middle Castle were intended for officials and guests, and the Low Castle housed utility rooms - bakeries, workshops, stables and other services. After the end of the thirteen-year war of the Poles with the crusaders, the castle became one of the residences of the kings of Poland.
At the end of XIX, Malbork (Poland) was reconstructed. An interesting fact - funds for this were collected using lotteries. During the war with the Nazis, the castle was badly damaged and was partially restored in the postwar years. Restoration work continues to this day.
Museum
Since 1960, a museum has been operating on the premises of the castle, which displays several exhibits. The most extensive of them is devoted to the history of a grandiose structure. The attention of visitors is attracted to collections of amber products, armor of different eras and weapons.
The museum often hosts theatrical performances and concerts, various celebrations. According to visitors' reviews, the silhouettes of the ancient structure at night are very impressive when they are illuminated by spotlights. Here you can often see jousting tournaments and historical dramas, which are usually accompanied by sound effects. After these activities, guided night tours are provided.
Dinosaur park
Malbork (Poland) is known not only for its unique castle. There are many places that attract both adult tourists and kids. One of them is Dinosaur Park (Poland). Malbork became its owner not too long ago - in 2004. It is located in a picturesque forest in the vicinity of the city. Walking along the forest paths, you meet here and there (sometimes quite unexpectedly) the figures of huge dinosaurs. If you come closer to them, they growl, begin to twist their tails and heads, bend down. There are 40 dinosaurs in the park.
The creators of the park paid special attention to young visitors. In addition to a fascinating walk and acquaintance with ancient animals, kids can sit and even ride some exhibits, visit an amusement park, chat with real animals in a mini zoo.
Rope park
Jumpy Park is one of the largest cable parks in the country. It occupies an area of 1.2 hectares and is equipped with 1,500 meters of tracks with various obstacles - crossbars and bridges, Tyrolean slopes and nets, etc. All of them are fixed on trees.
Trails have 6 difficulty levels. Everyone, regardless of physical capabilities and age, can choose the right track and test their strengths, while receiving a pleasant experience.
Poland, Malbork: hotels
In this country, as a rule, they are very responsible for the issue of resettlement of guests. City hotels provide tourists with comfortable living conditions. The requirements of international standards and the specifics of the wishes of customers in this region are taken into account.
If you are going on vacation with children, then first in the hotels of Malbork you need to get information about the availability of cots for the baby. Hotels from 4 * provide such a service for free, and from 3 * and below they charge a moderate fee for it.
Grot 3 *
Located in the city center, very close to the Malbork Castle Museum. It offers 24-hour service. Many guests at this hotel are attracted by the very warm, welcoming and relaxed atmosphere.
The rooms are comfortably furnished and have satellite TV. The restaurant serves national Polish and European dishes. Soothing music and flickering candles create a pleasant atmosphere.
Hotel Dedal 3 *
This hotel is also well located. Malbork Castle (Poland) is a five-minute walk away. You will be offered to settle in one of the 75 rooms. In each of them there is wireless Internet, a telephone (domestic and intercity).
Guests can enjoy lunch or dinner at the restaurant located here. And in the bar you can choose your favorite drink.
Stary Malbork 2 *
The hotel is 700 meters from the famous Castle of the Teutonic Order. It is located in a restored 19th century apartment building in the art nouveau style. The spacious rooms and suites at this hotel are decorated in a simple, classic style with pastel colors. Each has a bathroom with essential amenities.
Regardless of the room category, free internet access is provided. Hotel guests can have lunch and dinner in the restaurant or visit the cafe and bar. After long city tours, you can relax in the sauna. This service is paid extra.
How to get there?
A train leaves from Warsaw daily to Malbork. The road takes 4 hours. If you have a Polish or Schengen visa from Russia, you can get to Malbork from Kaliningrad. You can use the train or bus for this.