This northeastern Polish town centers around a medieval fortress and hosts a yearly summer music festival. A practical starting point for trips into the Masurian Lake District.
Kętrzyn, a town in Poland's Masurian Lake District, grew around a red-brick Teutonic Castle from the 1300s. You can explore its Gothic churches with medieval frescoes, take riding lessons at Europe's second-longest horse stables, or visit the concrete bunkers of Wolf's Lair where Hitler directed World War II operations.
Exploring the Teutonic Castle
The red-brick Teutonic Castle dominates Kętrzyn's center. Walk through its thick defensive walls to visit the Wojciech Kętrzyński Museum, open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00. You'll see local artifacts, scientific collections, and art from the Warmia and Masuria region. The castle's courtyard hosts cultural events and temporary exhibitions throughout the year, ranging from medieval craft demonstrations to modern art shows.
Medieval Churches of Kętrzyn
Step into St. George's Church to see its 16th-century crystalline vaulting and listen to the sound of 18th-century organs built by Josue Mosengel. The Neo-Gothic St. Catherine's Church welcomes visitors outside mass times, while its restored interior reveals original medieval elements. Near the train station, you'll spot the white and brown Eastern Orthodox church, open for services and visits by arrangement.
Historic Horse Stables
At the 200-meter-long Klub Stado Kętrzyn stables, built in 1877, you can take riding lessons or watch horses train in 162 original stalls. Sign up for carriage rides through town or time your visit for jumping competitions and dressage shows. The 19th-century building remains active year-round, with special events during spring and summer weekends.
Lakes and Recreation
Walk or jog around Jezioro Górne (Upper Lake) on paved paths through the lakeside park. The Roman-style amphitheater hosts concerts and plays from June through September, converting to an ice rink in December-February. Bring binoculars to spot waterfowl, or let children explore the playground while you use the exercise equipment along the trail.
The Wolf's Lair
Visit the massive concrete bunkers in Gierłoż forest, 8 kilometers from Kętrzyn, where Hitler ran his Eastern Front operations. Walk through multiple security zones to see Bunker 13, site of the failed 1944 assassination attempt. Despite Nazi demolition efforts, many structures remain partially intact. Guided tours run daily 8:00-18:00 in summer and 8:00-16:00 in winter, explaining the compound's wartime role.
Getting Around and Day Trips
Catch regular buses to nearby Reszel (18 km) to see its medieval castle, or visit the Baroque Jesuit Monastery in Święta Lipka (12 km). Trains connect Kętrzyn with major Polish cities. Within town, walk between main sites in 15-20 minutes, or rent bikes from shops near the castle to explore surrounding lakes and countryside. Local tourist office on Castle Street provides maps and current event schedules.
