🏰 Castles and palaces

Good for: everyone — an essential stop on the itinerary

Poland's third-largest castle, sitting dramatically atop a rocky hill. The former residence of the Hochberg family charms with its fairytale architecture, terraced gardens and WWII-era underground tunnels (Project Riese). The audio-guided tour takes about 1.5 hours, the underground section (separate ticket, guided tour only) about 40 minutes.

Hours / prices: In-season hours, April–September: Mon–Fri 9:00–18:00, Sat–Sun 9:00–19:00 (ticket office closes an hour earlier). Terraces open April to September. Parking at Stado Ogierów (about 900 m from the castle), 10–15 zł. Worth considering the combined Explore Wałbrzych ticket.

📍 ul. Piastów Śląskich 1, 58-306 Wałbrzych

Good for: a peaceful walk near Książ, plant lovers

A palm house over a hundred years old, founded by the Hochbergs, full of palms, cacti and orchids. The walls are lined with solidified volcanic lava from Sicily — a genuine curiosity. You can buy a coffee and sit among the plants.

Hours / prices: Ticket combined with Zamek Książ (about a 25-minute walk from the castle). Self-guided visits only.

📍 ul. Wrocławska 158, Wałbrzych

Good for: a peaceful walk, a break with a blanket and coffee

Romantic ruins of a medieval castle in the forest near Książ, with a lovely view over the Pełcznica valley. The forest path takes about 20 minutes.

Hours / prices: Open all year, free entry.

📍 okolice Zamku Książ, Wałbrzych

Good for: lovers of atmospheric ruins without the crowds

Quiet ruins in the forest, with a view of the river valley and surrounding hills from the walls. A good spot for photos and a short walk, easy to combine with a visit to Książ.

Hours / prices: No fees or set hours — accessible any time.

📍 okolice Wałbrzycha

Good for: a half-day trip, families

A castle above Jezioro Bystrzyckie, with a beautiful view from the tower. Inside, a small museum and the tale of the White Lady. Nearby: a dam, a rope park and walking paths.

Hours / prices: Open daily 10:00–17:00 (until 18:00 in season).

📍 Zagórze Śląskie

Good for: a short walk with a view over the city

Ruins on a hilltop in Wałbrzych, with a panorama of the city. A short, easy climb — a good spot for a thermos of coffee on the wall.

Hours / prices: Accessible all year, free of charge.

📍 Wałbrzych

Good for: a half-day trip, lovers of history and craft beer

A well-kept palace in Jedlina-Zdrój, with an exhibition on WWII (it once housed the headquarters of Project Riese) and a local brewery. You can tour the interiors, then try beer brewed on site.

Hours / prices: Tours daily 10:00–17:00, brewery open until 19:00.

📍 Jedlina-Zdrój

Good for: history lovers and atmospheric photos

A Gothic fortress with a mighty tower and a view over the town. Concerts and medieval fairs are often held here, plus the Castle Party festival in July.

Hours / prices: Open daily 9:00–17:00, until 18:00 in summer.

📍 Bolków

Good for: lunch or coffee in exceptional surroundings

A historic Renaissance palace surrounded by a park, once belonging to the Prussian field marshal Blücher, today a hotel and restaurant.

Hours / prices: Open daily 10:00–20:00.

📍 Krobielowice

Good for: families with children, fans of historical events

A castle on a volcanic hill straight out of a fairy tale — halls, towers, defensive passages, and knightly tournaments in summer. A great attraction for kids.

Hours / prices: Open daily 10:00–17:00, until 18:00 at weekends. Themed events mainly in summer — worth checking the calendar before you go.

📍 Grodziec

Good for: an outing towards Jelenia Góra, a walk around the garden

A beautifully restored 19th-century palace surrounded by a park and ponds. It houses a hotel, spa and restaurant, but you can also simply walk the grounds.

Hours / prices: Open daily 9:00–21:00.

📍 Wojanów