Discover Działdowo: Castle, Museums and City History

Castle and Museums

The history of the fortifications has a notable early landmark in 1306: that year, the Teutonic Order built the first defensive structure in the area of Działdowo. In the wider destination of Soldau, the Teutonic Castle in Działdowo is part of the “Szlak Zamków Gotyckich” (Gothic Castles Trail).

The Muzeum Pogranicza is located at 12 Zamkowa Street in the Gothic wing of the castle. Its permanent exhibition is titled “Działdowo – miasto i ludzie dawnego pogranicza” (Działdowo – the town and people of the former borderland). The exhibition could be visited at the castle from September 2018; check the latest visitor information before planning your museum visit.

Another museum highlight is the Interactive Museum of the Teutonic State. It opened on 13 August 2013 in Działdowo Town Hall. The interactive exhibition spans two levels; the first consists of five rooms arranged chronologically. This layout offers a chronological approach to the subject and differs in structure from the permanent exhibition at the Muzeum Pogranicza.

Old Town, Market Square and Churches

The Old Town has retained its original medieval street layout. At its centre is a square market square; the town hall on the market square dates from 1796. The street layout and town hall offer two different points of reference for the town’s history: the preserved layout of the Old Town and a specific year of construction.

The churches also reflect different historical connections. St. Adalbert’s Church was built in 1862 in the Neo-Gothic style. The Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross is considered the oldest church in the town; its foundations date back to the Middle Ages. The Shrine of the Blessed Martyrs of Działdowo is located in the Church of St. Catherine of Alexandria. It commemorates Archbishop Antoni Julian Nowowiejski and Bishop Leon Wetmański, who were martyrs at the camp in Działdowo.

Cycling Routes, Rail and a City Tour

Four signposted, colour-coded cycling routes run around Działdowo. Information boards provide details about local history and route maps. The routes thus combine exercise with guidance to places along the way. Check local route conditions before setting out.

Działdowo railway station is on a busy main line, with regular trains between Warsaw and Gdańsk. This places the town on the rail route between the two cities, but is no substitute for checking the timetable. If you are planning to travel by train, check the specific connections for your travel date.

In April 2026, a city tour with a museum guide was launched. A speaker and a museum employee supplemented the walk with stories about important places and sights in the town. At the time, only one of 15 possible routes was available without a code. If you want to take the tour or use the app, check the latest information on availability and access beforehand.

More places to discover in the Soldau destination

Within the wider destination of Soldau, the Działdowski Jarmark, a fair for antiques, handicrafts and healthy food, is a recurring gathering celebrating culture, craftsmanship and local creativity. If you want to plan your trip around the Jarmark, check the specific event dates.

Park Honorowych Dawców Krwi is also located in Działdowo. Its facilities include paths, a high ropes course, outdoor trampolines and a stage. This offers a different reason to stay than the town’s museums, churches and historic buildings.

Discover more destinations: Lidzbark, Rybno, Grądy, Murawki, Naguszewo, Uzdowo, Kopaniarze, Nowa Wies.

Back to the main trip overview: Soldau.