Zamek w Gniewie

About the museum

The Teutonic Order began building the castle in Gniew in the 1280s–1290s, on a quadrangular plan on the left bank of the Vistula; the works lasted about forty years. In the mid-15th century the entrance was moved and the chapel enlarged. After the Second Peace of Thorn in 1466 the castle became the seat of Polish starostas. In the second half of the 17th century the starost was Jan Sobieski, who built a Baroque house in the castle grounds for his wife Maria Kazimiera, known as Marysieńka.

After the First Partition in 1772 the castle fell to Prussia and was used, among other things, as a granary; in 1855–1859 it was rebuilt, the corner tower was removed and the moat was filled in. A fire in 1921 seriously damaged it. Reconstruction was carried out in 1968–1974, and further works began in 1991–1992 with the participation of volunteers and the Archaeological Museum in Gdańsk.

Today the castle combines tourist and hotel functions: some rooms have been turned into suites, and the guided tour includes, among other things, the permanent exhibition “Gniew. Miasto na szlaku wielkiej historii” (“Gniew: A Town on the Route of Great History”), the chapel, the defensive cloisters, the armoury and a room devoted to the Second World War. Knights' tournaments, artistic blacksmithing demonstrations and themed camps also take place in the castle.

Highlights

• Permanent exhibition “Gniew. Miasto na szlaku wielkiej historii” (“Gniew: A Town on the Route of Great History”)
• Castle chapel and defensive cloisters
• Armoury and a room on the Second World War
• Several centuries of history, from the Teutonic Knights to Jan Sobieski
• Knights' tournaments, artistic blacksmithing demonstrations and night tours with torches

Permanent exhibition

• Gniew. Miasto na szlaku wielkiej historii – The permanent exhibition of the Archaeological Museum in Gdańsk in the castle presents the history of Gniew; the tour also includes the castle chapel, the cloisters, the armoury and a room on the Second World War.

Admission & discounts

Tickets are sold at the box office in the Gatehouse (Dom Bramny) at ul. Zamkowa 2; online booking is also available.

Accessibility

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

The tour information does not describe accessibility; according to the hotel's website, some of the hotel's rooms are adapted for people with disabilities.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Playground / play area

A family ticket (PLN 67) is available; for children there is the play room “Pysiolandia” on two levels and a playground by the hotel.

Getting there & parking

The castle lies on the escarpment above the Vistula in Gniew, about 70 km (one hour's drive) from Gdańsk. Parking is available for guests.

Amenities & dining

• Restaurant

The castle has the Restauracja Kolumnowa (with a view of the Vistula) and the Karczma Zamkowa. The hotel provides free Wi-Fi throughout the building for hotel guests; no information on Wi-Fi for visitors is given. There is also a swimming pool, a spa zone, a bowling alley and a free car park for guests.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit