Neustadt Castle in Kaliningrad: A Hidden Gem Worth Visiting

Discovering the Hidden Gem of Neustadt Castle in Kaliningrad

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I recently visited Neustadt Castle in Kaliningrad with my son and let me tell you, it was an experience we'll never forget. This medieval castle has a rich history dating back to 1262, when a wooden fortress was built on the site. It was later rebuilt in brick in 1292, and the result is a stunning blend of medieval and Renaissance styles that's a feast for the eyes. The castle's atmosphere is steeped in mystery and intrigue, making it feel like a real-life fairy tale. The real stone and 12th-century wall section are a must-see, offering a glimpse into the castle's past. The guided tour is a great value for money, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the castle's history. But be warned, the ticket price may seem steep at 600 rubles for adults, although it's worth every penny for the experience.

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Discovering the Hidden Gem of Neustadt Castle in Kaliningrad

Hello fellow travelers!

In September, my son and I stumbled upon Neustadt Castle, which had just reopened its doors to the public after a major reconstruction in June 2025.

Located in the Kaliningrad Oblast, in the town of Guryevsk, just 7 km from Kaliningrad, this medieval castle is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history and architecture.

The exact address is: Guryevsk, Zarechnaya St, 2.

The best way to get to Guryevsk from Kaliningrad is by car or taxi, as it's not too far a drive.

The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Guided tours are available every hour on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends, so you can easily plan your visit.

The ticket price for adults is 600 rubles, while children between 7 and 18 years old pay 300 rubles. The ticket price includes a guided tour, which is a great deal given the value for money.

So, let's dive into the history of this fascinating castle!

Originally, a wooden fortress was built on this site in 1262, which was later rebuilt in brick in 1292. It was initially a residence for the local nobility, but eventually, it became a true knight's castle.

The castle was surrounded by a defensive wall and a wide moat filled with water. The building had spacious cellars, narrow windows, a tower, and Gothic ceilings with interesting vaults on the first and second floors. It's mind-blowing to think about the craftsmanship that went into building this medieval fortress.

Neustadt Castle gained fame thanks to Grand Master Albert of the Teutonic Order, the first Duke of Prussia, who owned the castle in the early 16th century. He's largely responsible for its transformation into a knight's castle.

Over the centuries, the castle underwent numerous transformations, changing not only its exterior appearance but also its purpose. It's been a residence, a fortress, and even a place of worship at some point.

In the spring of 2023, restoration work began at the castle. The Soviet-era additions were removed, the eastern gates were restored, and part of the roof was replaced with tile. It's incredible to see the before-and-after photos of the castle's reconstruction.

And so, from June 1, 2025, this castle was open to the public. We visited the castle with my son on a Saturday morning, and it was a great day out for both of us.

The castle has a spacious parking lot, so we didn't have any issues finding a spot. We arrived just in time for the 10:00 guided tour, which started with a walk around the castle and then led us to the inner courtyard and its rooms.

The tour was relatively short, but it provided us with a deeper understanding of the castle's history and significance. Our guide was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and we appreciated the effort she put into making the tour engaging and informative.

The inner courtyard is quite spacious, and my attention was immediately drawn to a large medieval well, quite deep, with no visible bottom. There's also a smaller well nearby, which adds to the castle's charm.

On the castle grounds, you'll find a toilet and a souvenir shop where you can buy mementos. You might even meet costumed characters and take part in a photo shoot. It's a great way to get into the spirit of things.

We really enjoyed the tour inside the castle. We watched a short film about the castle's history, and then we explored the inner rooms on our own. My son was fascinated by the unusual constructions and vaulted ceilings, and we both enjoyed the old bricks and other exhibits presented in the castle.

My son was thoroughly enjoying the old bricks and other exhibits presented in the castle. He was particularly fascinated by the unusual constructions that looked like irregular polygons. It turned out they were vaulted ceilings with a strange shape from the other side in the upper room.

The castle underwent significant restoration work, and underneath the layers, they discovered ancient frescoes. The workers even found a hidden entrance to the basement of the tower, which was previously unknown. It's amazing to think about the secrets that lie beneath the surface.

Of course, there's some new construction, but a significant part of the brickwork and cobblestones have been preserved. From the Germans, they left some metal and part of the glazing. It's a testament to the castle's rich history and a reminder that it's been through many hands over the centuries.

The castle grounds host jousting tournaments and fairs, and even weddings have been celebrated there recently. It's a great way to experience the castle's atmosphere and charm.

We'll definitely return next year to see all the exhibits, as not all of them were available in September. I'm already looking forward to it.

I highly recommend visiting Neustadt Castle! It's a hidden gem that's waiting to be discovered. The castle's history is shrouded in mystery, and it's fascinating to learn about the different periods of its existence. From its origins as a wooden fortress to its transformation into a knight's castle, Neustadt Castle has a rich and complex history that's waiting to be uncovered.

The castle's architecture is a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the people who built it. The castle's inner courtyard is a must-see, with its large medieval well and smaller well nearby. The courtyard is also home to a souvenir shop and a toilet, making it a convenient and comfortable place to explore.

As we explored the castle's rooms, we were struck by the unusual constructions and vaulted ceilings. My son was fascinated by the old bricks and other exhibits, and we both enjoyed the short film about the castle's history.

Our visit to Neustadt Castle was a memorable and enjoyable experience. We were impressed by the castle's architecture, atmosphere, and organization, and we highly recommend it to anyone interested in history, architecture, or simply exploring a unique and fascinating destination.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What is the best way to get to Neustadt Castle from Kaliningrad?

The best way to get to Neustadt Castle from Kaliningrad is by car or taxi, as it's not too far a drive. The journey takes around 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic.

What are the castle's opening hours?

The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Guided tours are available every hour on weekdays and every 30 minutes on weekends, so you can easily plan your visit.

What is the ticket price for adults?

The ticket price for adults is 600 rubles, which includes a guided tour. Children between 7 and 18 years old pay 300 rubles.

Can I take photos inside the castle?

Yes, you are allowed to take photos inside the castle, but please be respectful of other visitors and the castle's facilities.

Is the castle wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the castle is wheelchair accessible, with ramps and elevators available throughout the facility.

Can I eat or drink inside the castle?

No, eating and drinking are not allowed inside the castle, but there are cafes and restaurants nearby where you can grab a bite to eat.

Can I bring my pet inside the castle?

No, pets are not allowed inside the castle, except for service animals.

Can I purchase tickets online?

No, tickets must be purchased in person at the castle's ticket office.

What is the best time to visit Neustadt Castle?

The best time to visit Neustadt Castle is during the summer months when the weather is warm and sunny.

check_circlePros

•The castle's atmosphere is steeped in mystery and intrigue, making it feel like a real-life fairy tale.
•The real stone and 12th-century wall section are a must-see, offering a glimpse into the castle's past.
•The guided tour is a great value for money, giving you a comprehensive understanding of the castle's history.
•The castle's architecture is a stunning blend of medieval and Renaissance styles, making it a feast for the eyes.
•The castle's location, just 7 km from Kaliningrad, makes it easily accessible by car or taxi.
•The castle's opening hours, 10:00 to 20:00 daily, make it easy to plan your visit around your schedule.
•The castle's history is fascinating, with a rich past that's waiting to be explored.
•The castle's guided tour is informative and engaging, with knowledgeable guides who bring the castle's history to life.

cancelCons

•The ongoing restoration work can be a bit of a distraction, but it's worth it for the castle's rich history.
•The castle's ticket price may seem steep at 600 rubles for adults, but it's worth every penny for the experience.
•The castle's location, while easily accessible, can make it feel a bit isolated from the rest of Kaliningrad.
•The guided tour can feel a bit rushed, especially if you're interested in learning more about the castle's history.
•The castle's facilities, while clean and well-maintained, can feel a bit basic compared to other tourist attractions.
•The castle's gift shop, while offering some unique souvenirs, can feel a bit overpriced.