Malbork itself is unspectacular, a medium sized town south of Trojmiasto with a mixture of typical communist grey blocks and the occasional red bricked building, there's a fair amount of park. Malbork Castle however is a mammoth reminder of a bygone era in these parts.

Built over 3 decades in the late 13th century in what was then Prussia, Malbork castle was the headquarters of the Teutonic Knights, in fact it's kind of ironic that one of Poland's most magnificent buildings and the world's largest brick castle was mostly used by enemies throughout its battle history. Despite its controversial background, a trip to Poland is incomplete without having visited this overpowering structure.

This was once the capital of the Order but in its later years when it was back under Polish rule (just before the 16th century), it hosted passing kings for a while before eventually falling into deterioration, its renovation that started in the 19th century was interrupted by the World War's in the 20th century and the full renovation has only recently finished as the Eastern side of the castle took a bit of a beating in WW2.

Set alongside the Nogat river, it makes a truly magnificent spectacle, this medieval fortress looks unbreakable (providing you don't think about nuclear bombs), the re-enforced layers of wall and upper and central castle are worth the trip alone but fortunately you can also go inside for and nosy around the rooms from kitchens and halls through to it's very own bakery and the dormitory that was used by the knights. The castle houses furniture from over the periods and many pieces are labeled with a little note about its history.

It's free to wander around outside the walls in the car park but 30zl (in high season) 20zl (in full season), students (ISEC or Polish) get discounts of around 33%.

*£1 - 4.8zl as of Aug 04 2009