Grodzisko Owidz

About the museum

The stronghold in Owidz was built on a moraine hill in a bend of the Wierzyca River. Traces of a settlement of the Lusatian culture reach back to the Bronze Age, and the Slavic stronghold was most likely founded at the beginning of the 11th century, when Bolesław Chrobry (Bolesław the Brave) was consolidating his power in Pomerania. It was in use until at least the mid-12th century. In the 17th century the Swedes used the hill, which is why it is popularly called “Szwedzka Górka” (Swedish Hill). The first excavations took place in 1888, systematic excavations in 1973–1975, and rescue archaeological research in 2010.

In 2012 a reconstruction of the stronghold was opened together with tourist infrastructure. Among other things, the rampart with palisade, a gatehouse with a tower, ten huts, a stołp (tower), an observation tower and an animal enclosure were rebuilt. The whole site covers about seven hectares and also includes an amphitheatre for 400 spectators, a campsite, canoe landings and free car parks.

The site is run by the Gminny Ośrodek Kultury i Sportu Grodzisko Owidz (Municipal Centre for Culture and Sport Grodzisko Owidz), whose organiser is the Gmina Wiejska Starogard Gdański. The stronghold hosts historical re-enactments, knightly tournaments, fairs, concerts and workshops, and schools and kindergartens can book museum lessons and guided tours. The Muzeum Mitologii Słowiańskiej (Museum of Slavic Mythology), which has its own entry, is also located in the complex.

Highlights

• The largest reconstruction of an early medieval stronghold in Pomerania
• Gatehouse, stołp and observation tower
• Ten reconstructed huts
• View of the bend of the Wierzyca River
• Historical events, tournaments and fairs

Permanent exhibition

• Rekonstrukcja wczesnośredniowiecznego grodu – Reconstructed stronghold with gatehouse, rampart, stołp, observation tower and huts, showing life in Pomerania in the 11th–12th centuries.

Founded

2012

Operated by

Gminny Ośrodek Kultury i Sportu Grodzisko Owidz (Gmina Wiejska Starogard Gdański)

Director

Łukasz Rocławski

Admission & discounts

The ticket prices shown apply until 31 December 2026. During events, different admission prices apply and no concessions are available. Tickets can be bought at the ticket office in the main building and at the stronghold gate, where card payment is possible.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

Almost the entire site has ramps and paths adapted for people with disabilities. The stronghold lies on a hill and has no separate ramps, which makes access difficult, and the entrances to the huts have high thresholds. The main building with the ticket office, restaurant and toilets has step-free entrances, and accessible toilets are located in the main building and at the lower square next to the amphitheatre. Parking spaces for guests with disabilities are marked at the administration building car park and the main car park. The building has an induction loop for hard-of-hearing visitors, and assistance dogs are welcome on the site.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Playground / play area

For children there are workshops (including clay, weaving and medieval weapons), museum lessons, holiday day camps and Slavic outdoor games. The fenced playground is temporarily closed.

Getting there & parking

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant
• Museum shop

The Szeptucha restaurant and a souvenir shop are in the main building; card payment is possible at the ticket office, the shop and the restaurant. The site has a campsite, picnic shelters and fire pits.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties
• Corporate events
• Weddings / ceremonies

Up to 400 guests.

Weddings can be held at the stronghold, in the amphitheatre or in another part of the site; the amphitheatre seats 400. Shelters, fire pits and packages for companies are also available.

Plan your visit