Teutonic Castle, Radzyń Chełmiński

The castle in Radzyń Chełmiński is regarded as a model seat of a Teutonic Order commandery – a four-winged convent house almost 49 × 49 m in plan, with turrets at the corners and a massive octagonal main tower that may have stood around 48 m tall. Today it is a solid ruin whose south wing still stands almost to its full height. In 1411 the Polish garrison stationed here not only fought off a Teutonic attack but launched a night raid of its own.

History of the castle

The first timber-and-earth stronghold was built in 1234 on the initiative of Hermann von Balk, during the crusade against the pagan Prussians, and it even held out during the first Prussian uprising. Around 1251 Radzyń became the seat of a commandery, which prompted the Order to rebuild in brick. Work on the convent house was most intense around 1320–1350, while the outer walls and outer bailey were added in the second half of the 14th century.

After the Battle of Grunwald in 1410, the castle was besieged and captured by Polish troops returning from Malbork. In early 1411 Grand Master Heinrich von Plauen tried to retake it by force, but the garrison not only held out but also launched a successful night raid on the town. Under the First Peace of Toruń, however, the castle was returned to the Order. In 1454 it was taken by the forces of the Prussian Confederation, and after the Second Peace of Toruń (1466) Radzyń became part of Royal Prussia, under the Polish crown, and the seat of Polish starosts.

Decline came with the Polish-Swedish war: in 1628 the Swedes badly damaged the castle during a siege, and it was then abandoned. From 1780 the Prussian authorities dismantled the walls until demolition was halted in 1838 and the ruin made safe. Conservation work with partial reconstruction took place in 1961–1968.

What to see

• The south wing – the best-preserved part, with its facade almost at full height and two corner turrets.
• Cellars with surviving cross vaults, and original 15th-century portals.
• Traces of the chapel – on the upper floor of the south wing, 20.7 × 8.7 m, with a star vault that uses a five-pointed star instead of a four-pointed one in the eastern bay.
• Foundations of the main tower in the north-west corner – the tower itself was not connected to any of the wings.
• The courtyard, once surrounded by two-storey vaulted cloisters.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

• Season: from 1 May to 30 September the castle is open daily until 18:00, no need to call ahead.
• Out of season (1 October – 30 April) visits only by phone appointment, ideally a day in advance: 694 959 628.
• Tickets: standard PLN 15, reduced PLN 10.

Tripto tip

Allow 1–1.5 hours. This is a ruin with uneven ground, so wear sturdy shoes. The castle stands on an isthmus between two lakes, on the old road from Grudziądz to Golub and Toruń – before going in, walk around the outside of the walls to appreciate the scale of the south wing. If you come in October or winter, phone the day before, or you will find the gate locked.