Szymbark – Castle and Nature

• The castle is a 14th-century ruin; its first construction phase lasted from 1378 to 1386.
• It is considered Poland’s second-largest castle after Malbork and a Castellum-type defensive complex, unique in its form.
• The courtyard is currently off-limits to visitors because the castle is privately owned. The exterior can be viewed.
• Aleja Napoleona is a roughly 200-year-old pine avenue and is fully protected as a natural monument.

The castle is distinguished not only by its age but also by its particular function: the Castellum-type defensive complex served as the residence of the provost of the Pomesanian cathedral chapter. This site therefore brings together defensive architecture and a representative residential function. Those interested in medieval architectural history can consider these aspects together when viewing the ruin.

The first construction phase took place between 1378 and 1386. Since preservation and clearance work in the 1960s, the castle has remained a permanent ruin; it is not in use. Its history on film is also connected to the site: scenes for the film “Król Olch,” starring John Malkovich, were shot in the courtyard.

The courtyard is currently off-limits to visitors because the castle is privately owned. This is distinct from viewing the exterior, which takes you around the castle walls and through the former park by Lake Szymbarskie. When planning your time there, think of the possible walk as a chance to see the castle from outside, and do not expect access to the courtyard.

The website set up by the Zamek Szymbark Foundation offers another way to explore the building and its surroundings. It provides a virtual tour of the 14th-century castle and the park around it. This lets you explore the complex independently of an in-person visit.

Aleja Napoleona leads out of Szymbark. The roughly 200-year-old pine avenue is fully protected as a natural monument. Its age and designated protected status distinguish it from the overgrown park west of the castle. Large oaks and beeches grow there; many of these trees are designated natural monuments.

Lake Szymbarskie lies near Szymbark. It is located in the buffer zone of the landscape park and has a stated area of 165.2 hectares and a depth of 25.1 metres. These measurements describe different features of the lake and give you a concrete sense of its size. The von Finckenstein family cemetery near the castle is also a place to visit in person.

Local tradition also links the pine avenue with a story: it is said to have led from Szymbark towards the castle in Kamieniec. Napoleon was stationed at this castle for two months in 1807. The tradition places the avenue within a broader historical narrative, without implying that it represents a route today.

If you would like to compare other places in the same category, you can also explore Bądki, Zabrowo, Szałkowo, Siemiany, Mątyki, Janowo, Boreczno and Międzychód.

Can you visit the castle courtyard?

The courtyard is currently off-limits to visitors because the castle is privately owned. The exterior can be viewed.

When was Szymbark Castle built?

The first construction phase lasted from 1378 to 1386. The castle is a Gothic ruin dating from the 14th century.

Can you take a virtual tour of the castle?

Yes. The Zamek Szymbark Foundation set up a website that offers a virtual tour of the castle and the surrounding park.

For the broader travel overview: Iławski.