Poland has many fascinating castles located throughout the country and you can visit most of them year-round. Summers in Poland are usually mild so you won’t get too hot trekking through the countryside. Visitors who aren’t used to sightseeing outdoors in snow will likely want to avoid visiting in winter, but the sight of a snow-capped castle might just be worth it. Whenever you arrive in Poland and wherever you’re travelling, there’s probably a castle nearby worth visiting.
Visiting Castles in Poland
While there are some castles in major cities like Warsaw and Kraków, many are found in small villages and rural areas. This means you might prefer to plan a day trip to visit them, so always double-check the status of the castle before you make the trip. To keep these historic buildings safe and beautiful, Poland’s castles often need to undergo repair and preservation. This occasionally means that they will be closed to the public. Of course, many of these castles are just as stunning from the outside, so even if you can’t go inside they may be worth the trip.
Reconstructed History at the Royal Castle in Warsaw
One of the most famous buildings in Poland, the Royal Castle in Warsaw was completely destroyed by the Nazis after the attempted Warsaw Uprising in 1944. The building was reconstructed between 1971 and 1984 and returned to its 17th-century design. Many historic figures have spent time residing in the castle, including Napoleon Bonaparte and Tsar Nicholas I. Today, the castle is open to visitors and you can explore the reconstructed Throne Room, Royal Apartments and gardens. If you visit during winter, you’ll have a chance to see the square in front of the castle illuminated by an almost 30-metre-high Christmas tree.
Warsaw: Poland’s Beautiful Capital
Poland’s largest city and capital, Warsaw is a beautiful and fascinating place to visit. If you want to stay super close to the Royal Castle the Castle Inn is a fantastic option just moments away. For some luxury consider the five-star Radisson Collection Hotel close to the Palace of Culture and Science. The Warsaw Marriott and Golden Tulip Warsaw Centre are great options near train stations.
A World War II Mystery at Castle Książ
Located in Wałbrzych, this castle is also known as the ‘Pearl of Lower Silesia’ and is known for its pale pink walls and mauve rooftop. You’ll find tales of Nazi occupation at many of Poland’s castles and Castle Książ is known for the strange addition the Nazis made. Seized by the Nazis in 1941, they went on to build an intricate series of tunnels and bunkers under the castle. To this day, the exact intended function of the tunnels is unknown and visitors can take a guided tour of them for an additional fee. You can get to Wałbrzych from Wrocław by train from Wrocław Główny and get off at Wałbrzych Szczawienko, then take the number 8 or 12 bus to Castle Książ.
Embrace the Magic at Czocha Castle
How does a trip to Hogwarts (in Poland) sound? Built in the 13th century, this rustic castle in Leśna is a popular attraction for fans of Harry Potter. Between 2014 and 2019 the castle ran live-action role-playing events where fans could live out their wizarding-world dreams (and there are plans to bring it back!). Beginning its life as a stronghold, it’s also been a residence of noble families, invaders, a cigar manufacturer, refugees and the Polish Army. It’s around 2 hours from Wrocław by car but you can also stay the night inside the castle itself. Book a room here and consider taking one of their popular nighttime tours.
Kórnik Castle
Originally built in the 14th century, Kórnik Castle received a beautiful neo-gothic remodel in 1855 and today it operates as a museum housing fascinating exhibits. Kórnik Castle’s library hosts more than 400,000 books including many historic books and manuscripts. Highlights include the hand-written manuscript of Napoleon’s novella ‘Clisson et Eugénie’ and a French manuscript that dates back to the beginning of the 10th century. Kórnik Castle is around 2 hours south of Wrocław.
Gołuchów Castle
The castles in Poland showcase a range of architectural styles and Gołuchów Castle is one of the best examples of Renaissance architecture. Situated on the Trzemna river in a sprawling park, it was built between 1550 and 1560 and underwent a French Renaissance-style reconstruction in the nineteenth century. Along with preserved historic interiors, the castle also hosts a range of exhibitions including Renaissance paintings and sculptures. Gołuchów is around one hour and 45 minutes from Wrocław by car.
Wrocław: A Fantastic Day-Trip Home Base
Wrocław is within two hours of many of Poland’s best castles and there are heaps of great places to stay in the city. Budget Travellers will love the B&B Wrocław Centrum while those looking for luxury will be easily satisfied by the Monopol Hotel. Wrocław Główny is the main train station in the city and the Hotel Sofia is a great option nearby.
Malbork Castle: The Headquarters of a Religious Order
Constructed in the 13th century, Malbork Castle is a gorgeous example of a classic mediaeval fortress. Finished in 1406, at the time, it was the largest brick castle in the world and today it’s still the largest castle in the world by land size. The Teutonic Knights, a crusading German Roman Catholic religious order, built the castle and used it as their headquarters between the 14th and 15th centuries. The Teutonic Knights played a role in the history of many of Poland’s castles and a trip to Malbork is a great way to learn more about them. Malbork is around 45 minutes from the city of Gdańsk by car and around 35 minutes by train.
Stay in Gdańsk, One of Europe’s Hidden Gems
Malbork Castle is a popular day trip from Gdańsk, an underrated, historic city in Northern Poland. If you’re interested in visiting Poland’s castles, there’s a good chance you’re interested in the country’s history and Gdańsk has plenty. The Hampton by Hilton Gdańsk Old Town is a lovely hotel close to many of Gdańsk’s historic sites and museums. The Radisson Blu Hotel Gdańsk is close to the Gdańsk Główny Railway Station, which is where you’ll depart from if you take the train to Malbork Castle.
Moszna Castle: A Little Bit of Everything
This castle is famous for its grand size made up of 365 rooms, 99 towers and extensive grounds. Found in Moszna, a small village in southwestern Poland, Moszna Caslte’s turrets and facade look like something straight out of a fairy tale. The original castle was built in the 17th century in a baroque style, an eastern wing was added in 1900 in a Neo-Gothic style and a neo-renaissance western wing was added in 1912. Moszna Castle is a little out of the way but if you’re driving from Kraków to Wrocław it’s about a 30-minute detour from the town of Gogolin.
Ruins on the Lake: Czorsztyn Castle
The preserved Czorsztyn Castle ruins can be found atop a hill at the edge of Czorsztyn Lake. It has a wonderful historic atmosphere and is known for the beautiful views over the lake and into the surrounding region. Once you’ve explored Czorsztyn Castle you can take a boat across the lake and visit Niedzica Castle.
The Ghostly Tale of Niedzica Castle
If you look across the lake from Czorsztyn Castle you can see the picturesque outline of Niedzica Castle, nestled on a hilltop amidst a shroud of trees. This castle is perfect for travellers who love historic buildings with a ghostly atmosphere. Legend says that one of the castle’s residents was murdered by a thief and her ghost can be seen at night protecting the castle and her treasure. Niedzica and Czorsztyn Castle are just under two hours from Kraków, so you could just fit them in as a day trip. But if you prefer to spend more time exploring the area you could stay in the village of Czorsztyn or a nearby town.
Experience small-town Poland
Czorsztyn is a gorgeous village close to the border between Slovakia and Poland. Staying here will let you stay close to the castles and get out into the Polish countryside. The Hotel Umina is a gorgeous hotel just a few minutes from Lake Czorsztyn. You could also stay in a nearby town like Sromowce Niżne, roughly a 15-minute drive from Czorsztyn. The Hotel Nad Przelomem is a great pet-friendly option.
Będzin Castle: A Historic Prison
This stone castle was built over the ruins of a hillfort sometime during the 12th century. It is known for being the prison of the Roman Emperor and German King, Maximillian Hapsburg, in 1588. It fell into decay during the mid-17th century and went through multiple restorations in the 19th and 20th centuries. Today it has been restored to resemble its original appearance and houses a fascinating collection of military objects. Będzin Castle is on the Trao; of the Eagle’s Nest, a chain of 25 mediaeval castles intended to protect Poland’s southern border. It’s just over an hour from Kraków by car and around 1hr 30mins by train.
Music and beauty at Łańcut Castle
Magical crystal chandeliers draw your gaze up to the painted ceiling of Łańcut Castle’s magnificent ballroom. Originally built in the 16th century, this castle was modernised during the 19th and 20th centuries by its owners. The history of the castle and the land it’s on tells the story of many famous Polish families. For example, the Lubomirski family, patrons of the arts with royal ties resided there between the 17th and 19th centuries. Chamber music lovers should try to visit during the Music Festival in Łańcut which usually takes place in early to mid-summer. It’s just under 2 hours from Kraków by car.
A Window for Every Day of the Year: Krzyztopór Castle
With 365 windows, 52 rooms, 12 ballrooms and 4 towers, this ruined castle was built to embody the yearly cycle. The exact origins of its design and construction are still unknown, but the remarkable symmetry and detailed design fascinate visitors to this day. It went under the radar for a long time, but today the castle is being preserved in its current state so it can be enjoyed by visitors for years to come. It’s a little off the beaten path so you’ll probably need a hire car to visit but this means it’s usually uncrowded. It’s around 2hr 20mins from Kraków by car and it’s worth the detour for anyone taking a road trip from Kraków to Warsaw.
The Ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle
This castle, now in ruins, still looks stunning as it shows the weight of its history. Originally built in the 14th century, it was expanded and revamped with Renaissance-style architecture in the early 16th century. The following centuries would see it destroyed and rebuilt on multiple occasions, falling into ruin by the 20th century. Today, work is done to keep the castle stable and preserved in its current ruined form with two towers remaining intact. If you’re staying in Kraków, this castle makes for a great day trip. It’s roughly 1 hour from the city by car and you can also visit the nearby Birów Stronghold while you’re there.
Delve into the Dragon’s Den at Wawel Royal Castle
Today there are over one thousand UNESCO World Heritage Sites but it was back in 1978 that Wawel Castle in Kraków was named the first. One reason it was considered to hold such historic importance is that it represents several European architectural styles. Different sections of the castle represent the renaissance, baroque and mediaeval periods. One particular highlight of the castle is the 270-metre-long grotto where, legend says, the Wawel Dragon lived. The castle is massive and a guided tour is definitely a good idea for first-time visitors.
Stay in Kraków, Poland’s Fairytale City
The former royal capital of Poland, Kraków is known for its picturesque mediaeval architecture and fascinating history. The Hotel Pod Wawelem is close to the Wawel Royal Castle and the Wawel Cathedral. The Hotel Polonia is further from the castle but only a short walk from Kraków Główny, the city’s main station.
Kwidzyn Castle and its Cathedral
Constructed in the 14th century, Kwidzyn Castle was used by King King Władysław II Jagiełło in the early 15th century as he battled the Teutonic Knights. By 1466 the castle was ceded to the Knights and over the years it has been damaged, dismantled and restored to preserve its history. Today, the castle hosts exhibitions that help visitors learn about the history of the Lower Vistula region. The castle is known for its Pomesian Cathedral, which boasts beautiful frescoes, intriguing stories and a unique defensive architectural style. The closest major city to Kwidzyn Castle is Bydgoszcz, around 1hr 30mins away and the Hotel Sloneczny Mlyn offers luxury on the waterfront.
Beautiful Sites around the World
Looking for more beautiful attractions to visit around the world? From man-made structures to natural wonders, KAYAK has you covered. Why not see if one of the Best Castles in the UK is somewhere near you? Or discover the Most Famous Bridges in the UK. For nature lovers, check out our guide to Natural Attractions in the UK, or head down under to some of the best National Parks in Australia. If you’re after a holiday that blends natural attractions with historic sites and city lights, consider a trip to Spain and give our guide to The 20 Most Beautiful Places in Spain a read.
