All you need to know about visiting the largest castle in the WORLD! Welcome to Malbork, Poland!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 20 ก.ย. 2024
- I had passed this castle on the train the day before so decided it was worth a closer look. Without knowing much about it I jumped on another train for the short journey from Gdańsk. Why not join me and see how easy it is to get to such a historic and HUGE castle!
I visited on Friday 12th May 2023.
Music courtesy of epidemicsound.com
'Countess Castle' by Jon Björk
'Tired' by Mindme
Hi, I’m Steve, a travel reviewer from Scotland. Join me on my adventures as I discover my own country, often visiting places for the first time, so hopefully it's as much of an eye-opener for you as it is for me! Don't expect expert opinion, just a very honest journey of discovery. Sometimes featuring my intrepid sidekick Alicja, sometimes featuring adventures beyond the borders of Scotland. Enjoy!
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#SteveMarsh #Poland #MalborkCastle
I had no idea that the world's biggest castle was in Poland, you learn something new everyday
As far as i can tell „Biggest brick made castle” is not „biggest castle in the World”.
@@kstempniakStones castles usually tends to be smaller becouse they usually was build in mountain areas. You just build with what you have around. And there were no stones nearby 🙂
Still, there are no bigger castle anywhere, regardless of the material it is made of.
It's the biggest medieval castle
@@imcbocian It is the biggest :) google it lol
@@kstempniakzamiast cieszyć się że mamy największy zamek na świecie to ty wypisujesz głupoty ...
I went to Malbork castle and was truly impressed. Much of it was destroyed by the Russians when the front line rolled through at the end of WW2. The territory surrounding the castle went back and forth between Poland and Germany throughout history but now it's finally again in Poland. Definitely worth a trip and they have guided tours in English for the ultimate experience. Thank you for the video!
did you know russian officer saved malbork from deconstruction for bricks to re build warsaw after war?
@@mariuszostrowski3734 source?
I heard about that. It was like 15-20% bigger but destroyed by soviets.
@@mb8083 It was rebuilt by the Poles after WW2 but some of the storehouses and other support buildings of the outer castle are still in ruins. This was the capital of the Teutonic order and its name was Marienberg in German.
@@mariuszostrowski3734no they did not.
Fun fact: Malbork castle was actually much bigger in size but over centuries many of the additional buildings and fortifications were taken down for free bricks. Also soviets destroyed much of it. IIRC current size is 1/3 of it's original size.
Its* original size. 😛
Goofy @@englishatheart
Malbork is my home city, I live here for 18 years now. My dad works as a castle guide and a year ago I worked there as a person who looks after the exhibitions (my first job ever). I've seen lots of familiar faces in your video.
It's a pity you missed the tower! With a good weather you could see a few of Gdańsk's building tops, and a beautiful Żuławy's landscape. If you plan to come back in a few years, I'd also suggest exiting with the actual exit (I completely agree that the museum lacks proper signs and a map, the exit is almost invisible for a tourist.) There you could see some basements and walk through the moat, between the middle and higher castle, observe some stunning vegetation and possibly meet some local cats that live there. You would exit by the west gate (the wooden one where the bored kids were spending their money.)
I love the video! I think it captures the experience really well!
As a Polish guy living abroad i can say that this British bloke did an incredible job capturing the subtle nostalgic vibe of Poland that is otherwise very hard to see without being there. This video is a very legit representation and visualization of just being in Poland.
Really appreciate it mate :)
I think he is Irish.
He is Scottish
thankyea
That castle is German, tho. It has nothing to do with polish culture.
Poland is a beautiful country, I have been there a couple of times when I still lived in The Netherlands..It is very accessible by just driving through Germany..Last time I was there I visited Katowice..The people are lovely and friendly and everything is still much more affordable than in most countries in Europe..Thanks for taking us on this trip Steve..The castle is amazing..🤩 Oh and I hope you feel much better by now as well!!!
So basically cost of living is all you care about.
@@VoidCosmonaut Grow up, the post said Poland is a beautiful country and the people are lovely and friendly plus the castle is amazing....your comment is just stupid
@@VoidCosmonautW Polsce jest tyle cudownych rzeczy ze ciezko byłoby je wszystkie wymienić😉
Im starting to love Poland more and more :)
I agree. I keep muttering, "Why haven't I been to Poland yet?"
Yes, this mini-series from Poland has been quite interesting.
Another great video Steve, and that castle looks fantastic. Hope you recovered quickly from whatever made you feel like that !!?
We invite you to Poland. It is the most beautiful country in Europe. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF INTERESTING PLACES TO VISIT; AND THE PEOPLE ARE VERY NICE: WHO HAS BEEN CERTAINLY DIDN'T REGRET:
@@witold3179 Thats very kind.....Im happy to say we are coming later this year :)....so looking forward to it.
That castle was AMAZING! If i ever win a lottery and decided to travel to Poland this would definitely be on my list of places to see! GREAT video!
Money you put in lottery you can just save for ticket.
@@cieslik7564dobrze napisana odpowiedz 😂😂👍
you do not need to win lotery.. there are flights to Poland from New York for 600 dolars, two way trip. Stay in Poland is even more cheap, for 10 days 1500 dolars will be more than enough, so you will need like 2000 dolars for a nice trip
@@stefanj11 if he's living in eu then it's even cheaper, from uk for example can get a ticket under £100
It's huge, never ever heard of it. Really nice impression.
I live in Malbork and see the castle basically every day, but it was still a pleasure to watch you showing it, great video :)
Thanks so much!
TLK stands for Tanie Linie Kokejowe, which kinda means cheap train ride, so TLK Intercity has 8 seats per comp, and no power sockets anywhere but toilet place. Everyone avoids it in Poland, but the casual Intercity you've taken to Warsaw is civilised and should always be your first choice 👌
Thanks Steve for a wonderful tour of that castle in Poland. I've now seen the largest castle in the world thanks to you. Good stuff!!!
Steve, loving all your Polish content, I'm married to a Pole for 15 years now& so we are backwards & forwards all the time & have been to almost all your destinations on your travels in Poland .Upon knowing you was to visit Malbork Castle I was hoping you would be visiting by train as I just knew you would have to comment on the stunning Malbork train station, ! it truly is fantastic beats my local Leeds City Station that's for sure. The Polish trains are great ways to zig zag all over the land.
One interesting point I'd like to make is I found out a few years ago that one of my relatives from Halifax West Yorkshire is buried in the Malbork Commonwealth war Cemetery so had to go pay my respects after being killed in Gadansk Harbour back in 1920 while serving in the Royal Navy. I believe I was the first relative to visit his resting place 100 years after his passing .A very proud moment indeed for me.The Castle as you now is a fantastic place to visit.
Keep up the great content on your Polish adventures as I will keep on watching ,
Regards Dave in Leeds !
Fantastic comment Dave, thanks so much for watching and posting!
What a story Dave!!!
Absolutely incredible Castle and grounds. Simply stunning!
What a spectacular castle! Every wall and stairway was decorated perfectly! I really feel l like I want to go there, now.
I have had food poisoning also. Chicken wings.!!!!!! Still can't eat them. Three days in bed, and bathroom....I hope you are better now. It is a tough lesson to learn. Hugs and good wishes. Merry Ann from Minnesota
🤮
Great video. I visited Gdańsk a couple of times last year and going back in October. I'll definitely be visiting Malbork. Poland is my new favourite place
I thought Prague Castle was excellent, but Malbork is superb. Dziękuję bardzo, Pan Steve.
An amazing place on the map of Europe since the 14th century
The thing about Malbork/Marienburg is that it was always way bigger than it needed to be. It was less of a fortress (even though it was built to the highest standards of medieval technology), but more of a statement. "Look at us, we are the Teutonic Order, and we are so filthy rich, we can afford to build this thing in a swamp in the middle of nowhere!"
one has also to keep in mind that there are many different castle types for different purposes. that an ORDER built such a castle/settlement structure is not surprising. most castles were not created by orders ...
Germans and their greatness complexes 😅
I was in Malbork castle a few times, once on a school trip and (I think it was about) 4 times with my parents, because we drive through Malbork anyways while going on vacation. It's trully beautifull, tours with guides can be even 6h long walks around both inside and outside. It's a really beautifull and cool place to visit
Have this as one of the things I have to see when I come to Poland in August.
Can't wait.
This 8 people compartments tell me you most propably took a TLK train. IC standard for 2nd class is now 6 and compartments are far less common in general.
Avoid TLK if you can afford it. As we say in Poland, the only certain luxury in the TLK is for it to have wheels. Those are the lines where PKP IC dumps its old rolling stock.
That is the type of place I would love to visit if I were in Poland. Thanks for showing it to us, I'm sorry you weren't feeling well. Your Poland trip has been wonderful to watch.
Steve, regarding your train travel to Malbork from Gdańsk you have two choices:
The one which you took: Intercity train which is the only long-distance operator in Poland. When taking those trains look at their classes (TLK, IC, EIC, EIP). Two last ones are really expensive and serve as a high-speed way of travel, while the first two are cheaper but stop every 30 minutes on some mid-sized cities.
You travelled with TLK, which is by far the worst standard. If you travel with IC, comparments would have 6 seats in second class. Also there would by AC, power sockets and reclinable seats, but you are much more likely to get non-compartment wagon in those trains - they mainly consist of non-compartment wagons.
Second option is to use a Regional train (POLREGIO). They can't be sell out. There is no seat reservation and they consist of electric units - during peak hours they are connected with 2 electric units. Of course they can be packed sometimes, but they are pretty spacious to walk through.
Priceswise, the regional train is a little bit cheaper but runs 15 minutes longer (around 1 hours instead of 45 minutes)
Thanks so much for this info!
@@steve-marsh What is worth mention, there's no lottery with seating at all. You can specify order open space car or compartment. Try that next time, see ya.
Still you have to love prices for such travel by train... not all of the trains are yet to western standards ... yet we don't have those killer prices like you get in uk... they are ridiculous.... its cheaper and quicker to fly from south to North of England than taking a train...
When I was teenager, instead of going to school, I took a train and went to Malbork to see the castle. This happened a few times as I liked it so much. Luckily my parents never found out. Btw. there are many other castles built by Teutonic knights in the Warmia region, obviously they are much smaller.
Brilliant! :)
@@steve-marshfew that are still in good conditions are in Kętrzyn, Ryn. In giżycko you have huge citadel that had important part during World War I
@@Jizzzmani Yes, in Ryn there is 2nd biggest castle in Poland.
Also Lidzbark Warmiński I guess
What a beauty, would love to visit, everyday is a school day. Poland looks so beautiful. Thanks for this great video. Hope you soon recovered.
Hi Steve....I think " amazing" is an understatement !
That was simply amazing. Videos like this make bucket lists longer and Longer
That looks like somewhere I would love to visit, maybe when I can get back to Europe.
Malbork castle is amazing
Thanks for showing us Malbork castle, Steve, inspite of your illness. Hope you are feeling better. I am now inspired to research everything concerned with Malbork castle--and save up for a ticket to Poland!!!🤗
Cheers Marti, feeling much better after 24hrs thanks :)
Awesome place to visit.
So sorry to hear you got sick--but the castle was spectacular. I'm always amazed when a place I never heard of or saw before becomes a must-see!
Stumbled across these videos recently and i just love them. No shouting random facts at us. Just giving us a view of the city as if we were walking through there. So peaceful. Hope the food poisoning passed quickly. On a train that doesn't sound fun.
This castle was incredible Steve, thank you so much for taking us around. Lovely video, your filming is A1, it was like watching a TV documentary. Malbork looks so pristine and the architecture is fabulous and that station - wowser 👌
I'm so sorry you were poorly at the end. Hope by now you are feeling much better🥰
Wow! Makes our castles look like tower houses!
Imagine our forefathers had to defeat the Teutonic Knights who built it. They did it and kicked them out after two hundred years since they were invited to Poland.
Wow, when you "largest" Caste I thought this will be cool, but in fact, "huge" doesn't even cover it, that place looks so cool, one for my own bucket list, thanks for sharing, hope you got over the food poisoning
I haven't been to northern Poland yet. Very much on my list. Thanks, Steve.
I always smile a bit when I see foreigners cover my home town of Gdansk. Couple of fun facts:
1: The part of the canal going through the mall (0:59) is actually fake, what's passing on top is just a clean flow like you'd get in a fountain. The actual canal flows under it, hidden from view for flood and hygiene concerns.
2: The central train station has been a mess like this for over 4 years now and we still don't know when they are planning to finish all the work.
The train station is absurd. I started my high school in Gdańsk in 2019 and I just finished it and through my entire high school the station was under construction. (I commute)
enjoyed the vid Steve , looks a great place and well worth a visit . and Poland just looks a great place any way .
Loved your tour of the castle - what a beautiful place Poland is! Hope you've got over your food poisoning - I really felt for you having to travel back feeling like that
Thanks Suzanne! It was a tough 24hrs :D
What a fabulous castle, I hope you are feeling much better now. Thanks for the tour. 👍
Your idea of an easy walk is niot mine! But I am full of admiration.
Thank you for bringing back some memories. My uncle was a chief of security of the castle in the 90's and as a kid i spent days playing there every summer. Even train station didnt change a all. Great vlog, just subbed!
Really appreciate it :)
I'm so sorry you felt unwell. Thanks for the fabulous and inspiring video.
Thanks Lisa, it was a tough 24hrs :D
The castle was amazing! It seemed to have endless rooms and corridors all beautiful. Thank you for the tour. (So sorry about the distressing ending, hope it didn't last too long).
Your videos are brilliant! I've just spent an hour watching your trips around Poland. Those videos looks so sincere.
Also the notes at the end of the video are great too!
Wow what an amazing video Steve. I love your content and I have now added Poland to my trip to Europe in December . I'm spending Christmas with family in Pitlochry then I'm off to re-visit the continent. Keep up the amazing work Steve and hope you and your lovely lady make it back to NZ one day 👍
Cheers Bruce! Have an amazing time (just the planning alone will be fun) :)
I suggest you to come to Poland in the summer. It is much better experience and you can catch much sun. Also everything is nice and green.
@@niemamnicku1359 I will definitely be back in Summer but my upcoming trip is to spend Christmas with my cousin's in Scotland as I was born in Scotland but moved to New Zealand at the age of 2. I find Poland a truly beautiful country and can't wait to visit
@@bruce6334 Sure. Good luck with your trip
That place is insane! Great job covering it!
I just love castles, and this one is outstanding... thanks so much Steve... speedy recovery.
Cheers mate!
With friends I visited this castle on a Thursday in June 2009. Sadly on that day the castle was closed. HOWEVER, even though closed, we could then still walk through the grounds and courtyards, which are extensive AND we were able to take the lift to the top of the tower, which involved walking through a number of internal corridors and rooms, so getting a view of what was inside. The view from the tower provides an amazing overview of the current and former extent of the castle.
What a treat to get a midweek vlog! Such an incredible find this castle in Poland. The ceilings, doors, all the architecture is incredible. You looked awful at the end and I am sincerely hoping you are feeling better now. Take care of yourself and thank you again!!!
What a beautiful place. It looks like a castle from an Age of Empires game! I wonder if it gets used as a filming location?
I never thought that Poland would appear on my bucket list. Who knew!?
Hope you felt better quickly. #betteroutthanin
The castle was used in an old Polish film about the Polish-Teutonic war in the Middle Ages (based on the 1905 book by Nobel Prize winner Henryk Sienkiewicz) th-cam.com/video/RApzre_YhTg/w-d-xo.html
@@smiechuwarte-qt8pn Not only. There was also "Król Olch" - about WW2 in 90's or 80's if I'm not wrong
i dont know if the Polish seriael 'Korona Królow' sometines uses the Malbork castle since it says about kings?
The castle was a scenery for many Polish films and series. Among others "Pan Samochodzik i tempalriusze" (based on Polish adventure and mystery book for young people) and Polish Witcher series (the castle in Malbork played the Cintra castle).
Very surprised to see it's mostly brick work .. and having read the comments I see why. Thanks Steve, it's on the bucket list now.
Shame about the food poisoning, my favourite part of my visit there was having a pint at the "beach" bar across the river.
Fascinating video, Steve. Your special trip to the castle was well worth the effort. Hope you are suitably recovered!
Hi Steve, love your videos and just wanted to say thank you for introducing us to the wonders of Malbork Castle, we have just finished the audio tour and it's amazing! Relaxing with perogi and a dark Staropolskie at the end of the day 👍
Great video Steve! Ive really enjoyed your trip to Poland. So sorry that you got sick..you are such a trooper to power thru to do this! Hope you feel better soon!!
This has been on my bucket list for 30 years. Thanks for the video
That's true. When you leave that castle, you feel something like emptiness, as if you've lost something beautiful.
As a 20+y Pole, i never saw Malbork Castle from inside, only few pictures from school books
Thank You for this tour
This was unexpected and so fabulous. The castle was amazing, so much to see. So sorry about your food poisoning. Good grief, what a trooper to do the video while feeling so sick. Get well soon Steve.
Thanks Wanda! That was a tough 24hrs!!!
I live in Poland, but I've never been to Malbork. For the first time I see such an interesting film about the biggest castle. I think I should go and this beautiful castle.
Wow - thank you so much. The look on your face gives away how astonnished you were. We can't go all to any place, so it's cool people like you make videos for others to take part too. I also like maps for orientation and get always laughed at.
Lot more to Poland 🇵🇱 than meets the eye this is just great to view I can see why it’s popular to visit another winner sir
Cheers Paul! Here's to many more Polish adventures!
Wow! I love visiting castles, this one would be so interesting. Hope the illness passed soon, Steve. Nothing worse, especially being away from home and your own comforts.
So true Sheila!
Thank you for posting this Steve. I went there in 2010 and was hugely impressed by the castle, but only have a few photos recording my visit. It’s great to see it again.
The Malbork castle is in ongoing restoration for years - since 2010 the whole chapel has been restored and is now available to tourists for example. If you would have a possibility to visit it again - I strongly suggest you do it, it's worth it :).
Fantastic Steve, super video thanks for taking us with you.
Cheers Adrian!
Sorry about the gastrointestinal challenge. The castle video was amazing! One more for my bucket list. It's amazing that there are so many great artifacts to see as well as the castle itself.
I visited a castle in Savannah, Georgia, USA a few years ago. Fort Pulaski was named after a famous Polish soldier. The moat round the castle is full of Alligators 😮
Wow!!!
Fort Pulaski is a fort not a castle
can someone tell him? Trust me, you don't have castles in the USA.
@@Cycke86 they do just not medival ones
@@Cycke86 There's the Hunt Castle in Fitzwilliam, NH (US) and the small Castle in the Clouds in Moultonborough, NH (US).
What a magnificent castle thanks for taking me along to explore, I trust that you have overcome you intestinal distress and are now much better having been there myself I can appreciate how low you can feel. Till next time take care and keep well, cheers.
Cheers Simon, all over in 24hrs, but it was a tough 24hrs!
Twenty one years ago, my then new girlfriend and I decided to go there for our first weekend away. I spent a quiet Friday researching the place as she wanted me to play tour guide. On the Saturday, she turned up at my flat five hours late and we headed off in the opposite direction, towards Krakow, because she had changed her mind..... Now married with two kids, we still haven't visited Malbork - but after watching this, we have decided to leave said kids and do a weekend there before this summer's end. Apparently part of the castle is now a hotel, which would be a cool place to stay. What is it about Polish girls, eh, Steve? ;-D
Haha love this mate!
Polish girls will make You forget remembering Malbork castle ;)
Finally someone comments about the gorgeous meticulously restored train station. Big plus for you. Unfortunately you missed the Hugh 13 th century fresco of the virgin on the exterior. It’s amazing
What a great video Steve made despite your indisposition! Hope you're recovered now. Stunning castle, what more can I say but thanks for showing us round
Looks amazing. I think there is a strong possibility of me visiting Poland, thanks to your videos. I had your issue the other day when I visited dover Castle. Time wasn't on my side. I spent more time travelling thanks to various delays on public transport. I didn't get to see it all i don't know how you do it with most places you visit
Your train journey took me back to London commuter trains before air con. The girls would close the window because it was messing up their hair. The men would immediately open the window and a row would ensue. The men usually won. It was a nice walk around the castle.
Great video of an amazing castle, overloaded with nooks and crannies. Those compartment trains look a nightmare. Thanks again.
Oh dear! hope you got well quickly m'lord. Great video non the less, Europe is filled with so many castles (I've seen a few), looking forward to your next trip, Cheers.
It is good to take a tour in places like that. When i went to Malbork my tour guide took his time and explained everything so well and added some of his own bits too
What an amazing adventure, thanks for taking us along ❤
another grand adventure!
Steave, I, as a Polish nationale, been in this castle over a dozen times over the years, watching Your video story now, walking virtually through my favorite Castle in Poland, brings back lifetime memories again.
Great video blog, mate, job well done. Thanks for the stories. And the weather on video was good, which is sometime tricky to align to. Amaizing Stories .... Sorry for the food discomfor, you had, but the local food could be a bit unfiendly for outsiders . .. .. .
Thanks so much Piotr!
Superb look at a fascinating castle. Hope the stomach recovers.
Given the perfect looking preservation of the castle, I guess that a lot of restoration has gone on - I'd be surprised if it didn't get badly damaged in the 2nd World War.
Some parts were quite seriously damaged by both German and Soviet artillery during the fighting in early 1945. For example the roof and ceiling of the chapel shown in 12:34 were completely destroyed. Their reconstruction was finished as late as 2010 if I'm not mistaken. Looking at the walls from outside you can recognize which parts are original by the darker shade of bricks.
AH. Excellent! I was waiting for this..Thanks Steve
And even if video can't capture ALL the majesty, enough of it still comes through to recognize the sheer magnificence of the place..
Adding this one to the bucket list
EDIT: Oh, man... I posted before the end..SOOo sorry Steve. Hope you're feeling better.
Cheers mate, it was a tough journey home!
Good ol' Malbork. I live a couple kilometers away so I tend to call myself a local and as such it's quite entertaining to see people enjoy that place as much as you do since for us it's like a part of our daily life 😅 I've got to say that now is probably the best time to visit since in a way castle grounds feel complete for once with most revitalization works being done. To all visitors, enjoy your trip! Wish you all the best Steve!
Steve, American here with 2 great grandparents from Krakow. Wondering if you did a video on Krakow. Looking forward to watching this castle video.
I was there during 'The Night of Museums' event and it was soooo great. Tour was a little bit shorter than usual, but entry was almost free (the price was 1zł (0,25 $), just to secure your entry) . Every 15min (or so) next group start a guided tour. I highly recommend!
Oh sounds fantastic! We will definitely be doing that somewhere next year :)
An extra video from Steve!! Made my evening!! Thanks again as always and inspiring me to travel again one day like back in my Cooks days. Take care my favourite TH-camr and TH-camrs 😊
Cheers Richard, that's lovely to hear :)
wow, that train was rammed and the station was stunning - those mosaics will get B&B salivating and then you give us the castle!! Trust you feel better now
Cheers Robin, all better after 24hrs, but it was a tough trip home!
Steve! A bonus video and an amazing one at that, all done through the pain barrier as well!!! Hope the food poisoning subsided quickly??! You’re a gentleman 😆. Yet another ‘to do’ added to my list thanks to you 🤣🤣.
Fabulous!!!!
Awwwwwe- I miss my country and your video took me back to Marlbork again. I have visited it at least twice in my life and the fist time my mom took me I was probably about 9 years old and even though I was usually one of those ‘’bored kids’’ when visiting museums and old churches ( oh! how I have changed!) - I DO remember that this castle awakened my imagination because it was just SO DAMN COZY - complex, full of tight little staircases and passages, the ivy growing on walls, the different courtyards….my mom telling me bloody stories of the Teutonic knights in an omnious tone- it is a really good childhood memory. Take your kids to interesting places, people! -even if they say they’re not interested. You might not even know how much it will help them evolve, and create those core memories, that will enrich them for the rest of their lives!
What a great comment, you are so right and say it in such an evoking way :)
What a treat to have a extra video, hope you’re better now. Lovely piece of history, which needs a day to explore
Gorgeous Gorgeous vlog ❤ keep em coming 😊 sorry to hear you were unwell 🤗
What a massive building, would love to see it for myself one day!
Wow! Now THAT’S a castle! Thanks for sharing Steve👍
What an exquisite castle great vlog thanks Steve.
We were there last year and my kids weren't bored at all. We spent there an entire day, the place is massive and it host many exhibitions which adds more reason to visit it.
Now that's a castle 😊