Discover Szczytno: Castle, City History and Lake

Since 5 July 2019, the Muzeum Mazurskie has presented a permanent exhibition on the history of Szczytno and its surroundings, from prehistory to the present day. The yellow-marked Mazursko–Kurpiowski hiking trail begins at the museum by the castle ruins and crosses a bridge between Domowe Duże and Domowe Małe in town. The trail ends at the historic Chata Mazurska, dating from the mid-19th century. Lake Domowe Małe covers 11.4 hectares and is close to the town centre.

The permanent exhibition at the Muzeum Mazurskie spans a broad period of time: it covers the history of Szczytno and its surroundings from prehistory to the present day. Rather than focusing on a single era, it looks at the town’s history across many different periods.

At the ruins of the Teutonic Order castle, visitors can operate multimedia devices themselves and access information of their choice. The design also took into account how young people use and engage with the displays. This adds an interactive element to the permanent exhibition, allowing visitors to choose the information they explore.

The castle’s north wing is also intended for cultural events: its two levels can host exhibition openings as well as permanent or temporary exhibitions on history and contemporary local art. The rooms are designed for year-round use as exhibition spaces. This part of the castle complex brings historical subjects together with contemporary art. Szczytno’s tourist information office is located in the castle exhibition hall, which is intended for year-round use.

The yellow-marked Mazursko–Kurpiowski hiking trail begins at the Muzeum Mazurskie by the castle ruins. In Szczytno, it crosses a bridge over the passage between Lakes Domowe Duże and Domowe Małe. The trail therefore links a starting point at a cultural site with a distinctive stretch between two named lakes.

The trail ends at Chata Mazurska on Konopnicka Street. The historic house dates from the mid-19th century. Together, the museum, bridge and Chata provide different points of reference along the trail: a start rooted in the town’s history, a section between the lakes, and a historic building at the end. This offers a different way to get to know Szczytno than focusing on a single exhibition or place.

Domowe Małe is a distinct, clearly identified place in its own right: the lake covers 11.4 hectares and is close to the town centre. If, when planning your trip, you would rather focus on a lake than on a trail with several points of interest, it offers a specific natural highlight. Another cultural stop in town is the park in the centre named after musician Krzysztof Klenczon, with a monument to him and a fountain.

The cultural offerings have different focuses: the Muzeum Mazurskie explores the history of Szczytno and its surroundings, while the planned exhibition spaces in the north wing provide a venue for exhibitions on history and contemporary local art. The multimedia devices in the castle ruins offer another experience. If you are looking for a hotel in Szczytno, these themes can help you decide whether you would like to connect your visit primarily with history, art, a trail between the lakes, or a town festival.

Festiwal Dni i Noce Szczytna is an annual town festival. It complements the permanent exhibition and local cultural venues with a recurring event in the calendar. Specific festival dates are not given; check the dates if the festival is important to your travel plans.

Discover more destinations: Lipowiec, Pidun, Niedźwiedzie, Sedansk, Występ, Rozogi, Piece and Rudziska Pasymskie.

What does the permanent exhibition at the Muzeum Mazurskie show?

Since 5 July 2019, it has covered the history of Szczytno and its surroundings from prehistory to the present day.

Where does the yellow-marked hiking trail begin?

The Mazursko–Kurpiowski hiking trail begins at the Muzeum Mazurskie by the ruins of the Teutonic Order castle.

What is at the end of the hiking trail?

At the end of the trail, on Konopnicka Street, stands the historic Chata Mazurska, dating from the mid-19th century.

What is Festiwal Dni i Noce Szczytna?

It is an annual town festival in Szczytno.

For the regional travel overview: Szczycieński.