Szymbark

The Gothic castle ruins in Szymbark provide a clear focus for a trip for those interested in historic buildings and landscapes. They date back to the 14th century and are considered Poland’s second-largest castle after Malbork. At the same time, they are not an active castle complex: since clearance and safety works in the 1960s, they have been a permanently preserved ruin and are not in use. Their historical significance and their present-day status as ruins go hand in hand.

Castle Complex and History

The first phase of construction of the castle lasted from 1378 to 1386. The Castellum-type defensive complex is unique in form and served as the residence of the provosts of the Pomesanian cathedral chapter. The complex thus combined a defensive function with its former role as a residence. Those interested in the building’s history can find a concrete way into its former role in these two features.

The site is also connected with film history: scenes for the film “Król Olch” starring John Malkovich were shot in the castle courtyard. The film connection is therefore part of the site’s history; it does not indicate that the courtyard is in use today.

On-Site and Virtual Visits

When planning a visit, it is important to distinguish between the castle courtyard and the exterior. The courtyard is currently closed to visitors because the castle is privately owned. The castle can be viewed from the outside by walking around its walls and through the former park by Lake Szymbarskie. This means that a limited on-site visit and a view of the building from the outside are both possible.

In addition, the Zamek Szymbark Foundation set up a website that offers a virtual tour of the 14th-century castle and the surrounding park. This digital access provides another way to explore the complex without having to visit the castle courtyard.

Avenues, Park and Lake

Leading out of Szymbark is Aleja Napoleona, a pine avenue around 200 years old. It is fully protected as a natural monument. The avenue thus connects a specific landscape with a designated protected status. According to local tradition, it led from Szymbark towards the castle in Kamieniec. Napoleon was stationed in that castle for two months in 1807; the connection to the avenue is explicitly a matter of local tradition.

West of the castle lies an overgrown park with large oaks and beeches. Many of these trees are designated natural monuments. Lake Szymbarskie lies in the immediate vicinity of Szymbark, within the buffer zone of the landscape park; it covers an area of 165.2 hectares.

For a trip focused on architectural history and natural monuments, Szymbark therefore offers several specific points of interest: the distinctive castle complex, the pine avenue and the trees in the overgrown park. The castle courtyard is currently inaccessible; the exterior visit and the virtual tour are separate options.

More local pages: Zalewo, Boreczno, Lubawa, Szałkowo, Zabrowo, Kiemiany, Janowo and Jaskowo.

For the regional travel overview: Iławski.