Sztum: Castle, Lake and City History

Exploring Lake Sztumskie

A lit footpath and cycle path runs for about 5 km around Lake Sztumskie. The route passes the Jaszczurowe Wzgórze recreation area, which has a viewpoint. The approximate distance and lighting are useful points of reference when considering whether a lap around the lake fits your plans. The route is designated for pedestrians and cyclists, so you can make walking or cycling your main activity.

There is also a marked route in Sztum that follows the promenade by Lake Sztumskie. Another circular route goes around Lake Zajezierskie and offers a view of Sztum’s skyline from the opposite shore. The two routes have different highlights: the promenade by Lake Sztumskie, and the view of Sztum from the shore of Lake Zajezierskie. Lake Sztumskie is also popular with kayakers and divers. If you would like to spend time by the water, you can include the walking paths and these watersports in your considerations when choosing a destination.

Castle and historic buildings

Sztum’s Teutonic Order Castle dates from the 14th century. It served as the seat of an order’s bailiff and as the summer residence of the Grand Master of the Teutonic Order. The castle thus had two distinct functions within the Order’s history: an administrative seat and a residence. For anyone interested in Sztum’s history, it is a tangible starting point for learning about the town’s medieval past.

St. Anne’s Parish Church also bears witness to several phases of construction. It was built after the Thirteen Years’ War and renovated and enlarged around 1900–1901. The former Protestant church was built in 1818 on the site of the former town hall, in the central area of the market square; it now houses a local history room. Its former function and current use are quite different. The town’s history also includes a 116-metre section of the restored western town wall, which has been preserved along with the moat.

Active days and varied interests

Sztum’s sports and recreation complex includes a stadium, tennis courts, an outdoor fitness equipment area and a well-equipped children’s playground. Alongside the paths and the water, there are further options for exercise and recreation. Families can take different interests into account when planning their day without having to settle on just one type of activity: some may want to take a lap around the lake, while others are interested in sports facilities or historic buildings.

If you are looking for a holiday apartment in Sztum, considering which of the town’s features you would especially like to explore during your stay can help guide your choice of destination. As you search, the first question is whether Sztum’s culture and waterside experiences fit your travel plans.

To compare other destinations, you can also look at Górki, Kiersity, Zajezierze, Przezmark, Sztumskie Pole, Stary Dzierzgoń, Stanowo and Dzierzgon.

For the broader travel overview: Stuhm.