Plan your visit
Planning Your Malbork Visit
Prepare for a 3.5 to 4-hour walking tour. Learn the transport routes, packing rules, and best times to arrive.
Getting there
Direct trains from Gdansk are the most efficient option.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Train: Direct PKP Intercity or regional (Regio) train from Gdansk Glowny to Malbork Station, followed by a 15-minute walk to the castle. | 30-55 mins | 6-27 USD | The fastest, most efficient, and most popular way to visit on a day trip from the Tri-City area. |
| Car: Drive via the S7 and DK55 routes south from Gdansk. | 50 mins | 30 PLN parking | There is no parking directly inside the castle, but municipal and private lots (like Sierakowskich Street) charge around 30 PLN for the first 3 hours. |
| Tour: Book a guided half-day bus or minivan tour from Gdansk. | 5-6 hours total | varies | Includes hotel pickup, transport, and often the entry ticket and a dedicated guide or audioguide. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
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- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The castle is open year-round. The full Historical Route runs from late April to late September. The best months are May, June, and September.
These months offer pleasant weather for the 21-hectare outdoor grounds and fewer crowds than July and August.
What to bring
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Luggage and backpacks larger than 40 × 30 × 20 cm are strictly prohibited.
Bring a small day bag and leave larger items at your hotel.
How the day runs
Suggested schedules based on a half-day trip from Gdansk.
Take the morning train from Gdansk Glowny and explore the Historical Route.
- Train departure
Board the PKP Intercity or Regio train from Gdansk Glowny.
- Arrival and walk
Arrive at Malbork Station and walk 15 minutes to the castle.
- Enter High Castle
Start with the Courtyard Well and Chapter House.
- Middle Castle
Explore the Grand Masters' Palace and the Amber Collection.
- Lower Castle lunch
Stop at Karczma Rycerska for bigos or roasted kielbasa.
- Return journey
Walk back to the station for your return train to Gdansk.
Take advantage of the free Monday entry to explore the outer defenses.
- Ticket office
Collect your mandatory zero-zloty ticket for the Castle Grounds Route.
- Moats and Walls
Walk the complex system of dry moats and thick brick fortifications.
- Drawbridge
Photograph the immense red-brick facade and main defensive entry points.
- Lunch stop
Eat traditional Polish food at the medieval-style Karczma Rycerska.
Important packing rules
You must wear comfortable, flat walking shoes. You will traverse cobbled courtyards and climb many narrow stairs. Bring a light jacket; the interiors and underground passages remain cool year-round.
Bring your smartphone and headphones to listen to the downloadable audio guide. A refillable water bottle is essential for the long walking tour. Remember that luggage exceeding 40 × 30 × 20 cm is strictly prohibited inside.
Easiest way to do it
Malbork Castle Tour from Gdansk
4 h to 5 h 4.7 (77)
- Admission fee
- Museum's guide
- Air-conditioned vehicle
From$139per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How do I get to Malbork Castle from Gdansk?
Take a direct PKP Intercity or regional train from Gdansk Glowny to Malbork Station. The ride takes 30-55 minutes. You will then walk 15 minutes to the castle.
What are the rules for bags at Malbork Castle?
Luggage and backpacks larger than 40 × 30 × 20 cm are strictly prohibited inside the museum. You must bring a small day bag.
Are dogs allowed inside Malbork Castle?
No. Pets are not allowed inside the complex. Exceptions are typically made for registered service animals only.