Ksaiz Castle in Poland

Visit Poland

Ksiaz Castle in Wałbrzych, Poland is somewhere I never even knew I wanted to visit, but am so glad I did. Have you ever had one of those places? Somewhere that was certainly not on your bucketlist, but after a visit you wondered why it wasn’t on everyone’s list of dream travel destinations?

If you are traveling to Poland, be sure to visit Krakow and Wroclaw Christmas Markets, and don’t overlook Visting Auschwitz and Birkenau.

Ksaiz Castle is not only an interesting place to visit, it is affordable, steeped in history, and offers a great hub or base for exploring the surrounding areas.

Set in the countryside a few hours outside some of the better-known areas of Poland, this eclectic and interesting castle is something that any traveler looking for something interesting and fun off the beaten path should check out.

I visited Poland with two friends, Rebecca and Courtney, and left much of the itinerary to them, as I had visited before, and did not want to dictate what we did and didn’t do while we were there. Because of this, I did not know what we were in for when we visited this Castle. But I am a girl, and castles are awesome, so I was all for a visit. Especially when I learned we would be staying right on the Castle grounds in a charming Gatehouse hotel Zamek Ksaiz.

Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Lower Silesia, Castle Ksiaz is a stunning historical gem waiting to be discovered. As one of Poland’s largest and most beautiful castles, it offers a captivating blend of rich history, architectural grandeur, and breathtaking scenery. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit to this enchanting castle.

Discover the History

Castle Ksiaz, also known as the “Pearl of Lower Silesia,” has a history that spans over 700 years. It has witnessed numerous historical events and has been home to various noble families. Start your visit with a guided tour to immerse yourself in its fascinating past. Learn about the castle’s origins, its role during World War II, and the intriguing legends that surround it.

Marvel at the Architecture

As you wander through the castle, you’ll be mesmerized by its architectural beauty. The castle features a mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance styles, reflecting its long and varied history. Don’t miss the impressive Knight’s Hall, the elegant Maximilian Hall, and the charming Rococo Rooms. Each room is adorned with exquisite details, from intricate woodwork to stunning frescoes.

Stroll Through the Gardens

The castle’s surroundings are just as enchanting as its interiors. Take a leisurely stroll through the lush gardens and terraces that offer panoramic views of the Sudeten Mountains and the surrounding forest. The gardens are meticulously maintained and provide a tranquil escape where you can enjoy the natural beauty and serenity.

Visit the Palm House

A short walk from the castle, you’ll find the Palm House, a botanical haven housing an impressive collection of exotic plants. Built in the early 20th century, this greenhouse is home to palm trees, cacti, and other tropical flora. It’s a perfect spot to take a break and admire the diverse plant life.

Explore the Underground Tunnels

For a touch of adventure, delve into the mysterious underground tunnels of Castle Ksiaz. These tunnels were built during World War II and are part of a larger complex known as Project Riese. Guided tours are available to explore these eerie passageways and learn about their history and purpose.

Enjoy Local Cuisine

After exploring the castle and its grounds, treat yourself to some local Polish cuisine. The castle’s restaurant offers a delightful menu featuring traditional dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Enjoy a meal with a view, as the restaurant provides stunning vistas of the castle and its surroundings.

Attend Events and Festivals

Castle Ksiaz hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, from historical reenactments to music concerts and art exhibitions. Check the castle’s event calendar to see if any special events coincide with your visit. These events offer a unique opportunity to experience the castle in a different light and immerse yourself in the local culture.

Practical Information

• Opening Hours: Castle Ksiaz is open year-round, but opening hours may vary by season. Check the official website for current hours and any special closures.
• Tickets: Admission fees apply, with different ticket options available depending on the areas you wish to explore. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and families.
• Accessibility: The castle and gardens have areas that are accessible to visitors with mobility issues, though some parts of the castle may be challenging to navigate.

Castle Ksiaz is a destination that offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a scenic getaway, a visit to this magnificent castle is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

We drove to the Castle, but Walbrzych is about 2 ½-3 ½ hours drive from Krakow, Dresden, Berlin or Prague, making it easy to get to no matter what direction you are coming from. Walbrzych is also easily accessible by train.

We arrived too late at night to tour the Castle initially, so we checked into our quaint and charming little hotel right on the Castle grounds, and went to sleep.

The next morning we got to enjoy this interesting and eclectic pink building. I loved the manicured lawns, the beautiful gardens, and all the statuary outside the building, but what we found inside was even better.

This Castle has a unique history. At one point it was seized by German Nazis in 1941 to become a residence for Hitler, there are even stories that Nazi treasures are hidden in tunnels under the structure, and around the property. No idea if that is true, but if it is, they haven’t found it yet.

But you can tour the grounds, and the tunnels, so keep an eye out!

Even before the infamous Todt (Nazi fource) took over the castle, and built the tunnels, other well known figures called Ksaiz Castle home. The most notable family was the The Prince and Princess of Pless, who raised their 4 children in the castle.

Princess Daisy is the better known of the two, as she was a progressive woman who not only divorced the Prince at age 50, but also wrote an expose about living life as a Princess. She was also the step-aunt to Winston Chruchill, who stayed at Ksaiz Castle on many occasions.

So as you can see, this castle offers mystery, intrigue, beauty and more. It is an interesting place to visit, and one I am so glad we opted to stop at.

One of the stark truths about this castle is that much of the finery and furnishings had to be sold in order for the family to afford the upkeep. When you tour it, many of the rooms are empty. But some are staged to help you get a feel for what a grand place it once was.

The walls are beautifully designed, the ceilings offer frescos, there are terraces, and gardens, and exploring the castle is kind of like going through a maze. Luckily there are numbered signs, and guides along the way to help you to not get lost.

You can of course, take a guided tour, if you need English, arrange it in advance. Or do like we did, and explore on your own.

Ksiaz Castle is worth a visit, and staying overnight in the charming Hotel Ksiaz is convenient and affordable. At under $100 a night, for a three bed suite, it is the ideal place for family travel. Though single rooms are under $40, making it an excellent place for the solo traveler to visit as well. The fee includes breakfast, if you don’t sleep too late to enjoy it. And it is only 150 meters from the Castle itself, and offers wonderful views of the Castle Ksaiz as well as the nature preserve. I was pleased to find out the reception person spoke English, making it easy to check in.

Honestly, I loved our time at the Castle Ksaiz, and am so glad I got to glimpse a bit of its unique history. Do yourself a favor and read more about it in my friend’s posts (linked above), and let me know if you ever get a chance to visit!

During this trip we also visited Auschwitz, you can read about that here.

I received a complimentary stay to facilitate this post, all opinions are my own.