In Sztum, lakeside paths and striking landmarks from the town’s history are close together. The approximately five-kilometre illuminated circular route around Lake Sztumskie passes the Jaszczurowe Wzgórze recreation area, where there is a viewpoint. In town, historic landmarks range from the 14th-century Teutonic Castle to a preserved section of the town walls.

By Lake Sztumskie: on foot, by bike or on the water

The illuminated walking and cycling path runs around Lake Sztumskie and is about five kilometres long. The Jaszczurowe Wzgórze recreation area, with a viewpoint, lies along the route. This makes it possible to combine a circuit of the lake with a view of the surroundings from the viewpoint. A marked path also runs along the lakeside promenade.

Lake Sztumskie is popular with kayakers and divers. For a panorama of Sztum, a walk around Lake Zajezierskie leads to the opposite shore. This view and the illuminated circuit around Lake Sztumskie are two different ways to include the lake landscape in your plans.

Sztum also has a sports and recreation complex with a stadium, tennis courts, an outdoor fitness equipment platform and a well-equipped children’s playground. Alongside the lakeside paths, sports facilities and a playground are therefore separate parts of the town’s leisure offering.

Castle, churches and town walls

Sztum’s Teutonic Castle dates from the 14th century. It served as the seat of a Teutonic Order bailiff and as the summer residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order. Its history thus combines an administrative function with its former role as a summer residence. St. Anne’s Parish Church tells a different story of construction: it was built after the Thirteen Years’ War and remodelled and enlarged around 1900–1901.

Another historic landmark is the former Protestant church on the market square. It was built in 1818 on the site of the former town hall, in the central part of the square, and today houses a local history room. Its construction date, former location and present-day use mark different chapters in the town’s history, without needing to be confused with one another.

The fortifications are also tangible: a 116-metre section of the restored western town wall survives, together with the moat. The castle, church and stretch of wall reveal different aspects of Sztum’s history—from the rule of the Teutonic Order and urban development to fortification.

Sztum in the wider Stuhm destination

Within the wider Stuhm destination, Sztum lies on an isthmus between Lake Sztumskie and Lake Barlewickie; the two lakes were once connected. Sztum is also on the Gdańsk–Malbork–Toruń tourist route and the international R-1 cycle route. The “Szlak Powiśla” route, which runs from Elbląg via Malbork to Kwidzyn, is also part of the Stuhm destination.

In the Stuhm destination, Sztum’s Old Town and castle complex are listed in the heritage register of the Pomeranian Voivodeship; the entry is dated 16 July 1959. The castle is now home to a branch of the Muzeum Zamkowe w Malborku. The wider Stuhm destination also includes the supervised bathing area on Lake Sztumskie, which operates during the summer season. Check local operating rules before visiting.

For planning purposes, the distinction is clear: the castle, churches and town walls represent Sztum’s architectural and urban history, while the paths and lakes offer other opportunities for activity and scenic views. You can therefore choose the focus of your stay based on whether you mainly want to explore historic buildings or plan time by the water.

Discover more destinations: Górki, Dzierzgon, Stanowo, Stary Dzierzgoń, Kiersity, Przezmark, Sztumskie Pole, Zajezierze

For the overview of the wider destination: Stuhm.