The town was methodical founded by the Teutonic knights commander of Balga, Heinrich von Muro, on February 5, 1335 at the crossing of the streets Balga - Heilsberg and Bartenstein - Mehlsack in the heart of the Old Prussian region of Natangia.
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The church itself was used as a camp for Russian POW captured at Eylau and at the preluding battle of Hoofe (Dworzno).