Malbork Castle Poland

We set off after our coffee in the direction of Malbork Castle.Along the way we stopped at Lidl for a few provisions. They usually have a good ‘Danish’ section and each country seems to have something a little different. So for breakfast we had croissants filled with apricot jam, passion fruit jam. Pistachio cream (tasted a bit like Nutella) and a local specialty St. Martin Croissant with a poppy seed filling. 

We got some diesel for zt6.39/€1.49/A$2.46. Then stopped at a free service point along the motorway. The last 80km or so were off the motorway and along a very good road but through villages that required us to slow down to 50km and had numerous speed cameras as well. We eventually got to Malbork around 1pm, parking in one of the very few free spots available. We have come here to visit as what is known as the largest castle in the world and is constructed mainly out of bricks. It was originally built by the Teutonic Order but 150 years later sold. It then became a Polish royal residence until the Swedish occupation. Later it was under German rule for 170 years until 1945. In became a World Heritage site in 1997. 

We had a quick bite to eat, shared a plate of meat dumplings, at one of the outdoor eateries. Then bought our tickets which included an audio guide (zt80/€19/A$31 each) and got transported back in time. It was a fascinating visit through different parts of the complex. With different exhibits. Over wooden bridges. We went up and down narrow stairs. Courtyards. Through different assembly halls. A chapel. The kitchens. The offices. Over the 3 hours we were given tons of information. 

Huge fireplace for cooking

The amber exhibit was interesting with some exquisite examples of what can be made 

The armoury and weapons.

We decided to keep going 64km on to Gdańsk and parked in the wharf area for zt15/€3.50/A$6 per 24hrs. It was 6pm when we arrived so we relaxed with a couple of drinks and a salad.

352km today