Ryn Castle Hotel - history, legends and luxury in the heart of Masuria

A Teutonic stronghold among the Masurian lakes

At the turn of the 13th and 14th centuries, when the area of ​​today's Masuria was still covered with impenetrable forests of the Galindian Forest and the surrounding lakes were teeming with life, construction of a stronghold began on the hill between Lake Ryńskie and Lake Ołów. The first mention of the castle in Ryn appeared in the chronicle of Wigand of Marburg in 1377. Initially, the building was to serve as a strategic fortress of the Teutonic Order. Interestingly, the construction of the castle was carried out in two stages - from around 1320 to the end of the 1370s.

The castle was built on a rectangular plan. The massive walls, up to 4.5 meters thick, created a compact body with a characteristic tower in the western corner. It was already planned then to build two wings - south-eastern and north-eastern. Over time, a chapel, chapter house and the commander's private chambers were built, as well as an armoury and numerous cellars.

Ryn Castle over the years

From the moment the commandry was established in Ryn, the castle began to gain importance and underwent numerous reconstructions. In the 16th century, modernizations began to give it a more representative character. Additional wings were built at that time - south-west and north-west, with an entrance gate and an elongated courtyard. In the 18th century, the building took on the shape of a four-winged castle, with an irregular shape, resulting from many stages of expansion.

Documents from the 15th and 16th centuries mention numerous functional spaces - a kitchen, brewery, powder magazine, chapel, refectory and dormitory. There were also mills, granaries, warehouses, and even a malt house and a fulling mill. This indicates a significant degree of self-sufficiency of the stronghold at that time.

In 1853, the castle was purchased by the Gąbin regency and adapted to serve as a prison. A few years later, in 1881, the building burned down. After the fire, it was rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style – turrets, battlements and a new wing closing the courtyard were added.

During World War II, the castle again served as a prison. After 1945, it was used for a while as a warehouse and mechanical workshops, and later it served as the seat of municipal and cultural institutions.

Ghosts, legends and mysteries hidden within the castle walls

There are many local legends associated with Ryn Castle. The most famous one tells the story of the White Lady – the ghost of Anna, the wife of Duke Vytautas. According to the legend, the prince, planning to take over the crown of Lithuania, visited Ryn Castle to hold talks with the Teutonic Knights. When he did not meet their expectations, his family was imprisoned and bricked up in the fortress's basements. Since then, Anna's ghost is said to have been walking through the chambers in the moonlight!

Ryn residents also continue to tell stories about underground tunnels, supposedly connecting the castle with the former church and cemetery.

Hotel Castle Ryn **** - history, luxury and relaxation

Today, Ryn Castle is not only a historical monument – ​​it is also a four-star hotel with a unique atmosphere. The facility offers 350 beds in four atmospheric wings: Knights', Commander's, Prison and Hunter's. Guests can also take advantage of the charming Willa Pod Zamkiem and the Ryński Młyn Inn by the lake.

The castle walls house the Refektarz Restaurant, whose menu combines refined classics with modernity. The restaurant, located in the oldest part of the castle, consists of two rooms and pays tribute to medieval etiquette – both in terms of the aesthetics of the dishes and the atmosphere.

For lovers of relaxation, there is the Duchess Anna's SPA, where you can experience unique care rituals based on the power of the four elements. Well-known brands such as Kurland and Yonelle provide the highest standard of treatments.

In the Gothic basement, there is a swimming pool with hydromassages and geysers, surrounded by an arched vault and the glow of a fireplace. An additional attraction are two saunas – Finnish and Roman – available exclusively to hotel guests.

What's more, guests can take part in the Knights' Feast, a reenactment of a medieval feast with fight shows and joint entertainment. Ryn Castle also offers guided tours. It is a fascinating journey through the history of Masuria and East Prussia, rich in stories about ghosts, architecture and castle secrets.

The pearl of Masuria linking past and present

Hotel Castle Ryn is a place where history comes alive in a luxurious edition. Located in the heart of picturesque Masuria, the castle combines majestic Gothic architecture with the elegance and comfort of modern hospitality. Every corner of this place tells a different story - from the monumental castle walls, through atmospheric courtyards, to stylish interiors, where modernity harmoniously harmonizes with the spirit of the past.

The rich history of the castle, dating back to the 14th century, the legendary aura of the Teutonic heritage and unique attractions - such as the SPA in the Gothic basement, a swimming pool with a stone vault and a relaxation zone by the fireplace - make your stay here an unforgettable experience. Guests can count not only on relaxation, but also on an inspiring journey through time, enriched with the highest standard of services.

Hotel Castle Ryn is an ideal place for romantics, history enthusiasts, as well as those who are simply looking for a unique place with soul. It is the pearl of the region, which attracts with its unique atmosphere and the highest quality!