Experience the battle of two Wazas with your own eyes
Travel back in time to the 17th century and witness one of the most spectacular historical reenactment events in Europe. The roar of black powder cannons, lively military camps, and a spectacular hussar charge – from August 10th to 16th, Gniew Castle will once again become the arena for a clash between two mighty armies.
The Vivat Vasa! Festival is a living history lesson and a powerful dose of excitement for the whole family, weapons enthusiasts and seekers of unforgettable experiences. The event commemorates the historic clash of September 1626, when the armies of the King of Poland, Sigismund III Vasa, and the King of Sweden, Gustavus II Adolphus, from the Vasa dynasty, faced each other beneath the walls of Gniew.
This is not an ordinary show – it is a full-scale spectacular battle involving hundreds of reenactors from Poland and abroad.
What will you see during the festival?
Main reenactment of the Battle of Gniew: A true battle spectacle on the Castle Meadows. You will see clashes of national and foreign infantry, dynamic artillery maneuvers, and spectacular charges of the Polish hussars.
Living military camps: Narrow streets and the City Moat transform into a 17th-century camp. You can watch the daily life of soldiers, the work of craftsmen, old customs, and try dishes prepared according to old recipes.
Military skill demonstrations: Infantry drill, saber handling shows, mounted archery displays, and presentations of the combat skills of the hussars and reiters.
Old crafts market: Stalls with handicrafts, blacksmithing, traditional food, and souvenirs inspired by the Vasa era. Night parades and shows: An atmospheric torchlit military march through the Old Town streets.
Framework weekend program of the Vivat Vasa 2026 Festival!
The times are approximate and may be subject to minor changes. The highlight of the week is a weekend spectacle commemorating the 1626 clash between the forces of the King of Poland, Sigismund III Vasa, and the Swedish army of King Gustavus Adolphus II.
Friday — Warm-up before the battle
18.00 – The Swedes enter the city – City Moat
19.00 – Concert by the Harmonia Sphaerarum Choir at the Castle
Saturday — Battle Day (main event)
11:00 – Gniew Hussar Tournament, mounted archery show – City Moat
12:00 – Official opening of the 25th historical festival VIVAT VASA! A. D. 2026 – Market Square Start of the old crafts fair Princess parade Blacksmith art show named after Marcin “Gas” Manikowski
12:30 – presentation of banners, companies, and regiments – City Moat
15:15 – Main event of the Vivat Vasa A. D. 2026 historical festival! – reenactment of the Battle of Gniew 1626 – Vistula Meadows
16:30 – Polonaise for the 400th anniversary – Vistula Meadows – direction Market Square
18:00 – Concert of the WoWaKin band – Market Square
19:00 – Concert of the Tuna band – Market Square
21:00 – Concert of the Tczewska Formacja Szantowa band – Market Square
22:30 – Hussar power – film night “Blessed Wine” – Market Square
Sunday — Knight's Day
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM – Zygmunt III Waza Volleyball Tournament – GOSiR Gniew
4:00 PM – Concert by Jerzy & Gosia Dajuk and Friends – Market Square
3:00 PM – Visit to the Kapsel Museum 5:30 PM – Dobranotch Concert – Market Square
A week with history and culture — accompanying events
Before the cannons roar on the Castle Grounds, Gniew is immersed in the festival atmosphere all week long. See what awaits Guests from Monday to Sunday at the Town Market Square and on the Castle grounds:
Date
Events and attractions
Monday 10.08.2026
19:00 – Concert by the Schola Cantorum Gymevensis Choir – St. Nicholas Church
21:30 – Mobile cinema screening at the Market Square
Tuesday 11.08.2026
19:00 – Concert by the Echo Male Choir – St. Nicholas Church
Wednesday 12.08.2026
20:00 – Acoustically Under the Stars – Mikrostyk Station
21:30 – Mobile cinema screening at Mikrostyk Station – „Born for the Sabre” and „A House as Great as a Castle”
Thursday 13.08.2026
19:00 – Concert by the Pasja Choir at St. Nicholas Church in Gniew, procession and bonfire by the Garden of History
Friday 14.08.2026
18:00 – The Swedes enter the city – City Moat
19:00 – Concert by the Harmonia Sphaerarum Choir at the Castle
Saturday 15.08.2026
Main battle event: The Battle of Gniew 1626
Sunday 16.08.2026
Hussar Tournament
Official closing of the Festival
Practical information and directions
Tickets and admission:
Admission to the military camps and the Old Crafts Fair is free of charge. Admission to the designated sections and grandstands during the Main Reenactment of the Battle of Gniew requires a ticket (tickets available at the castle ticket offices and online).
How to get there?
Gniew Castle (Pomeranian Voivodeship) is located directly by national road no. 91, halfway between Tczew and Kwidzyn.
By car: The most convenient route is via the A1 motorway (exit at the Kopytkowo junction), followed by voivodeship road 231 and DK91.
By public transport: Take a long-distance train to Tczew or Smętowo Graniczne. Local buses run regularly from Tczew directly to Gniew.
Where to park?
The main car park is located on Rycerska Street, directly by the entrance to the castle complex.
Passenger car: PLN 35 / day
Coach: PLN 50 / day
Stay overnight!
Don't waste time on return journeys and experience the unique atmosphere of the castle fortress after dusk.
Hotel Zamek Gniew offers exceptional accommodation in three atmospheric venues:
Hotel Rycerski: Modernist comfort and modernity at a four-star standard. The ideal choice for those seeking complete relaxation.
Pałac Marysieńki: A three-star building erected by Jan III Sobieski. It combines coziness with a historical spirit.
Komnaty Zamkowe: Authentic interiors in the heart of a stern Teutonic fortress – an offer for those who want to fall asleep within the walls of a real castle.
Book your stay in advance and secure the best place during the Vivat Vasa Festival!
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