The ruins are located on the island of Ełcki Lake. It is believed that the castle was built in 1398 by Ulrich von Jungingen. However, some historical accounts give the year 1273. The Ełk castle was connected to the mainland by a wooden drawbridge. It was of strategic importance and served as a shelter for the surrounding population. Currently, the ruins are fenced off and inaccessible to visitors.
Originally a wooden stronghold, it was placed on the ruins of a conquered Yotvingians settlement. After several years, Jagiełło's army destroyed it. It was erected again to a brick form. During the Thirteen Years' War, the Polish army once again captured and completely destroyed the building. It was rebuilt after less than 50 years. After the secularization of the Teutonic state, the seat of the starosta and then the judicial authorities were placed in the castle. After a fire in 1833, the ruins of a completely destroyed castle were transformed into a prison that operated until 1970.
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