Our journey begins with the most impressive Teutonic castle in Poland - Malbork Castle. This monumental fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the largest Gothic castle in the world and a true treasure of medieval architecture.

The castle is located in the heart of Malbork, at 1 Old Town Street. Access is very convenient - the train station is only 1 km from the castle, and there is ample parking for cars and coaches. The castle is open to visitors all year round, but opening hours vary depending on the season. It's worth checking the current schedule on the castle's official website.

Visiting this huge complex is a real adventure, especially for children. The tourist route leads through the most interesting parts of the castle, including the Palace of the Grand Masters, the refectory, the dormitories and the kitchen. There are special attractions for the youngest, such as trying on knights' armor and medieval crafts workshops. It's also worth taking advantage of the audio guides, which tell the castle's history in an accessible way.

Ticket prices range from £40 to £70 per adult (as of 2023), but discounts are available for families and groups. Children under the age of 7 enter for free. A tour of the entire complex can take up to 3-4 hours, so it's worth planning a full day for this attraction.

There are many restaurants and cafes near the castle where you can relax and enjoy a meal after the tour. For those who want to extend their adventure, we recommend staying overnight at the castle hotel, which offers the unique experience of sleeping within the medieval walls.

Malbork isn't just about the castle - it's also worth taking a walk through the Old Town and seeing the Gothic Town Hall or St. John's Church. For families with children, we also recommend a visit to Dinopark, which is located a few kilometers from the city center.

Keep in mind that Malbork Castle is a huge structure and sightseeing can be tiring for small children. It's worth getting comfortable shoes and planning frequent breaks. In summer, remember to wear headgear and water, as the courtyards can be very hot.

The next point of our trip is two fascinating cities - Torun and Kwidzyn, where there are further examples of Teutonic architecture.

The Teutonic Castle in Torun, although preserved in the form of ruins, is still very impressive. It is located at 3 Przedzamcze Street, in the heart of the Old Town. Getting there is easy - you can walk from the train station in about 15 minutes or take public transportation. The ruins are open to the public daily, and tickets cost about 15-20 zlotys per adult (as of 2023).

Although mostly foundations and wall fragments remain of the castle, the site offers many attractions. There are interactive exhibits for children, including a model of the castle showing what it looked like in its heyday. In the basement you can see an exhibition on daily life in the Middle Ages. An interesting feature is the 'chamber of fear', which can be exciting for older children, but may frighten the youngest.

After visiting the castle, take a walk through Toruń's old town, also a UNESCO-listed site. A must-see is a visit to the Gingerbread Museum, where children can take part in a workshop on baking traditional Torun gingerbread.

From Toruń we head to Kwidzyn, where another gem awaits us - the Pomezanian Chapter Castle. The castle is located at 1 Katedralna Street, in the center of the city. Access by car is convenient, and there is parking on site. The facility is open to visitors all year round, but opening hours may vary depending on the season.

The castle in Kwidzyn is famous for its unique dungeon - a sanitary and defensive tower connected to the castle by a long, covered porch. It is the only such structure preserved in Europe! A guided or audio-guided tour allows you to learn about the fascinating history of the place. Special thematic routes and quests have been prepared for children, which introduce the history of the castle in an entertaining way.

Entrance tickets cost about 25-30 zlotys per adult (as of 2023), but family discounts are available. It's also worth taking advantage of a combination ticket, which allows you to visit both the castle and the nearby cathedral.

There are several restaurants in the vicinity of the castle, where you can sample local specialties. For families with children, we also recommend a visit to the nearby city park, where there is a playground and mini zoo.

Keep in mind that in both Torun and Kwidzyn, many attractions are located outdoors. It's a good idea to bring appropriate clothing and footwear, especially if you plan to visit outside the summer season.

At the end of our trip we will visit two lesser-known, but equally fascinating Teutonic castles - in Sztum and Brodnica.

The Teutonic Castle in Sztum, although much smaller than Malbork, has its own unique charm. It is located at 16 Galla Anonima Street, by the picturesque Lake Sztum. Access by car is easy, and there is free parking on site. The castle is open to visitors year-round, but it's worth checking the opening hours before visiting.

Sztum Castle is not only a monument, but also a living cultural site. Within its walls is a museum where you can learn about the history of the region and see interesting exhibits related to the Teutonic Order. For children there are interactive exhibitions and educational workshops where they can learn how medieval walls were built or how to write with a goose feather.

Ticket prices are affordable - about PLN 15-20 per adult (as of 2023), and children under 7 enter for free. It's worth using the audio guide, which gives an interesting account of the castle's history and life in the Middle Ages.

After visiting the castle, we recommend a walk along the educational path around Lake Sztumskie. This is an excellent opportunity to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. There is also a town beach nearby, where you can cool off and enjoy a swim in the summer.

The last point of our trip is the Teutonic Castle in Brodnica, located at 1 Zamkowa St. This is one of the best preserved Teutonic castles in the region, which impresses with its architecture and location on the Drwęca River. Access by car is convenient, and there is parking on site.

Brodnica's museum, located in the castle, offers interesting exhibitions on the history of the city and the region. For children there are special tours and workshops where they can take on the roles of medieval knights or courtiers.

The main attraction of the castle is the tower, which offers a beautiful view of the city and the surrounding area. Climbing the tower can be exciting for older children, but be aware that the stairs are steep and narrow.

Entrance tickets cost about £10-15 per adult (as of 2023), and children under the age of 7 enter for free. The castle is open to the public year-round, but opening hours may vary depending on the season.

After visiting the castle, take a walk through Brodnica's Old Town and see the Gothic Chelmno Gate or the Renaissance Town Hall. For families with children, we also recommend a visit to the Zoobotanical Garden, which is located a few kilometers from the city center.

Keep in mind that in both Sztum and Brodnica, many attractions are located outdoors. It's a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and appropriate clothing, especially if you plan to take longer walks. Both cities also have numerous restaurants and cafes where you can relax and sample local specialties.

Our trip along the trail of Teutonic castles is not only a history lesson, but also a fascinating adventure for the whole family. Each of the castles visited has its own unique atmosphere and offers something special. It's a great opportunity to travel back in time and feel the spirit of the Middle Ages, while spending a wonderful time with your loved ones, discovering the beauty of Polish history and architecture.