Balga, Medieval castle in Znamenka, Russia
Balga is a castle ruin on the shore of the Vistula Lagoon, with stone walls positioned to control maritime traffic through the waterway. The remaining structures show how the fortress was originally built and arranged.
The Teutonic Knights built the fortress in 1239 as their first stronghold in the region under Grand Marshal Dietrich von Bernheim. It became an important administrative center that shaped medieval history in this part of Europe.
The stronghold served as a center of power for the Teutonic Knights, where commanders made decisions that shaped the region for centuries.
The ruins are located roughly 30 kilometers southwest of Kaliningrad and can be reached through Bagrationovsky District in Kaliningrad Oblast. Wear sturdy shoes since the ground is uneven and the walking paths go across grass and between stone remnants.
During the final days of World War II, thousands of refugees sought shelter at the ruins as German forces prepared to retreat from the advancing Soviet army. This unexpected chapter shows how a medieval stronghold became a place of refuge centuries after its original military purpose ended.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
