Anyone considering Ostróda as a travel destination will find a clear contrast between the city’s history and outdoor activity: the museum is housed in a former Teutonic Order castle, while a 22-kilometre cycle route starts and ends in the city. The observation point in the tower of the Evangelical Church also offers views across all of Ostróda. The city lies where the Drwęca flows into Lake Jezioro Drwęckie. This makes culture, city views and activity distinct options to consider when planning your trip.
City history in the Teutonic Order castle
The museum in Ostróda is housed in a former Teutonic Order castle dating from the 14th century, with three exhibition rooms. The permanent exhibitions are on the ground floor; the castle’s architecture draws on the Gothic style, with rib vaults. Visitors can also see a gallery and the museum’s exhibition rooms in the castle.
The permanent exhibition “From the History of Ostróda and Its Surroundings” explores the history of the city and its surrounding area. The exhibition “Napoleon in Ostróda” offers a different perspective: an interactive map traces the emperor’s route, along with the sites of important battles and headquarters. The museum thus brings together the regional historical context and Napoleon’s route and its associated locations.
Views across Ostróda from the church tower
The observation point in the tower of the Evangelical Church offers views across the entire city and can be reached by climbing 105 steps. At the top, visitors can see the clock mechanism and three large bells; the largest is 148 centimetres in diameter. The views and the tower’s technical features offer two different highlights. The number of steps is also a practical guide when deciding whether to include the climb in your sightseeing plans.
Cycling route and boat trips
The 22-kilometre cycle route starts and ends in Ostróda. Along the way, it passes through Lichtajny, Brzydowo, Ornowo and Kajkowo. The route’s length and the named places provide a clear basis for considering cycling as a distinct part of your trip. It is therefore a concrete alternative to focusing your stay on the castle and museum.
The Elbląg Canal between Ostróda and Elbląg offers a different perspective: boat trips are one way to explore the canal. Cycling and boat trips offer different experiences—one is a route through several places, while the other lets you experience the canal from the water. If you would like to take a boat trip, check the specific sailing dates before your journey.
More options in the wider Ostródzki destination
The wider Ostródzki destination also offers events, water sports and beach activities. The amphitheatre in Ostróda opened in 2012, has a capacity of 2,500 people and is fully covered. It is intended as a venue for music concerts, theatre performances, cabaret and other large events. Summer offerings include cabaret shows, music concerts and other artistic performances; check specific dates before your trip.
The water ski lift in Ostróda is 800 metres long, electronically controlled from the shore and can accommodate up to nine water skiers at a time. The beach on Lake Sajmino has volleyball courts where tournaments with prizes are regularly held. The beach is busiest during the summer season. These activities offer a different focus from the museum, observation point and cycling route, broadening the range of interests a trip to the region can cater to.
Planning your journey around transport links
Transport links may also play a role in your planning. Important transport routes between Poznań and Olsztyn, and between Warsaw and Gdańsk, intersect in Ostróda. These include the S7 road and national roads 15 and 16; rail connections are also available. For your specific travel dates, it is worth checking suitable road and rail connections separately.
Discover more destinations: Słonecznik, Pojezierce, Kalbornia, Lukta, Pelnik, Miłomłyn, Grunwald, Gierzwald K Ostródy.
Go to the wider travel overview: Ostródzki.
