HISTORY
Built in the second half of the 14th century, the Ryn castle was intended to be a base for the Teutonic Knights in their wars against Lithuanians. Until 1525 the castle was a seat of the Commander of the Order. The first commander to reside at the castle was the future Grand Master of the Order, Konrad Wallenrod, immortalised by the great Romantic poet Adam Mickiewicz in his poem on faith and treachery entitled Konrad Wallenrod. Another Grand Master of the Order, Winrich von Kniprode, who arrived in Ryn in 1378 to inspect and take possession of the fortress, chose to return to Malbork by water. Ever since then Ryn has been known to have a system of waterways connecting the town with the Baltic sea. But the settlement had to wait much longer to be recognised as a town. On July 21st 1723 Ryn was granted a charter by the King of Prussia, Frederic Wilhelm I. Long beyond any military use, the medieval castle was converted into a prison in 1853.
In July 2006 a four-star luxury hotel was opened in the castle, called the Hotel ZAMEK Ryn. The hotel can satisfy expectations of the most demanding guests. There are nearly 300 beds in 140 rooms, including 5 luxury royal suites and 20 rooms offering higher standard of service.
Other historic buildings found in the town are a Dutch windmill, a watermill and several townhouses. Today Ryn is a local administrative and economic centre. It is inhabited by 3.300 people. The commune of Ryn is praised for its delightful postglacial landscapes dotted with azure lakes and green forests. Ryńskie Lake is connected with the Great Mazurian Lakes. A vast network of marinas, camping sites and holiday complexes will provide sailors and other holidaymakers with sufficient amenities and good accommodation. Walking trails and bicycle routes lead to many interesting sights in the area, including the post-Teutonic signalling mound near the village Orło. Lying in the Land of the Great Masurian Lakes, on the isthmus between the two beautiful lakes: Ryńskie and Ołów, the town of Ryn offers countless opportunities for relaxing or active holiday all round the year. Worth seeing are also the charming villages on the canals and lakes stretching from Węgorzewo via Giżycko to Ruciane Nida.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

TOURIST INFORMATION OFFICE
The Cultural Centre of Ryn, The Tourist Information Office, 1 Hanki Sawickiej St.
tel. 087 421 80 61, e-mail: rck-it@ryn.pl, www.rck.ryn.pl

TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

THE RYN HOTEL
The Masurian Convention and Recreational Centre
1 Wolności Ave. tel. 087 429 70 00, fax 429 70 01
www.zamekryn.pl, www.andersgroup.pl

ACCOMODATION
The "Żero" Hotel, 5 Partyzantów St. tel. 087 421 85 39
The "U Wallenroda" Guest-house, 3a Wolności Ave. tel. 087 421 86 75
The "Hetman" Guest-house, 18 M. Kopernika St. tel. 087 421 87 14
The "Baszta" Guest-house, 6 Wolności Ave. tel. 087 421 82 05
The "Passat" Guest-house, 4/6 Wolności Ave. tel. 087 421 81 42
The "Max" Guest-house, 6 Świerczewskiego St. tel. 0603396873
The "Serce Mazur" Guest-house, 23 Świerczewskiego St. tel. 087 4218116
The "Wichrowe Wzgórze" Sailing Resort, Mazurska St. tel. 087 421 82 84, 421 82 85
The "Zofiówka" Sailing Resort, 19 Mazurska St. tel. 087 421 83 08, 421 86 26
The "Ryn" Sailing Resort, 17 Mazurska St. tel. 087 421 85 48, 421 85 47

RESTAURANTS
"Żero", 5 Partyzantów St. tel. 087 421 85 39
"U Wallenroda", 3a Wolności Ave. tel. 087 421 86 75
"H. Mil" Restaurant - Bar, 2a Kopernika St. tel. 087 421 81 22

EVENTS - in the season: Days of Ryn; all year: medieval feasts with music and shows of knights in combat; visitors wear costumes of courtiers.
- the Dutch windmill from the second half of the 19th century

The Town and Commune Office
2 Świerczewskiego St.
phone: 087 421 80 81
www.bip.ryn.pl