Basic Partner info
Picturesquely situated on a riverside hill, the Golub-Dobrzyń Castle began to be erected by the Teutonic Knights after 1293. Initially, the brick fortress served as both the seat of a Komtur and a stronghold guarding the border between the Teutonic Order’s state and Poland. It also ensured the safety of the river crossing over the Drwęca. Over time, the castle lost its military significance. In the 17th century, it was the residence of Princess Anna Vasa, who transformed it into a Renaissance residence.
Today, the castle is a venue for popular knight tournaments, with the most famous taking place annually in July. Oratory contests and New Year’s Eve balls are also held here, during which the ghost of Anna Vasa is said to appear. The castle is currently open to tourists. The tour begins in the cloister-enclosed courtyard and then leads through spacious cellars, which once served as pantries. In one of the ground floor halls, an ethnographic exhibition with artifacts from the Golub-Dobrzyń area is presented. Next, visitors see the fireplace chamber, which was used to heat the castle rooms. From here, one proceeds to a room once supposedly used as a torture chamber.
From the courtyard, the so-called “horse stairs” lead to the upper floors, which knights used to ride their horses directly into the chambers. Also open for viewing are the penitent’s chamber, the hunger dungeon, the refectory, the chapel, and the chapter house. The castle museum is open daily, and tours are conducted with a local guide. The castle also offers accommodation and a restaurant.
Its short distance from Toruń (about 40 km) makes it easily accessible by car and even by bicycle. Numerous bus connections also provide convenient access from Toruń.