The Most Beautiful Castles in Poland You Have to Visit

Who of you loves to visit historical sites? I love it a lot! Fortunately, in Poland we have an abundance of castles, palaces, mansions, and open-air museums. There are places for lovers of different places, architectural styles and history. Answering the frequently asked question, how many castles are there in Poland? The number usually depends on the sources. There are about 450-500 different castles and castle ruins in the country. The largest number of castles can be found in the Lower Silesia province – there will be about 140 of them. All the castles you will find in Poland have a fascinating and interesting history. Don’t wait any longer and take a tour!

In this post I will introduce you to the most interesting castles in Poland, of course, the list is as subjective as possible.  It’s quite a challenge to make a list of the most interesting castles in Poland, so if you think something is missing, write in comments.

Map of Castles in Poland

To begin with, the most important, because without an itinerary you can’t move. I have prepared for you a map with castles in Poland, which will help you find your way around, mark out your routes and enjoy your trip. On it you will find interesting castles and points of interest, which I list in this post.

Czocha Castle

If I had to name one castle in Poland that I love to return to regardless of the season, I would list Czocha Castle. This, one of the westernmost castles in Poland, has an unusual location and history. It is said that this castle has the most turbulent history in the Silesian lands! However, the greatest mark on Czocha Castle was left by the times of World War II, as the military hid the cipher school located there, and after the change of borders, the facility was classified and completely disappeared from the map!

Czocha Castle is worth seeing for its great location and landscapes from the windows, terraces. Inside you will find a beautiful library, or hear some stories told by the guide, which add magic and mystery to the place.

Be sure to visit this place during your stay in Lower Silesia. In my opinion, Czocha Castle is most beautiful in autumn, although I have not had the opportunity to visit it under a blanket of snow, and then it can be just as fabulous. Who will not like it? I really do not know.

Where is Czocha Castle Located?

Address: Sucha, 59-820 Leśna, Lower Silesia voivodeship.

Książ Castle

As I wrote at the beginning, Lower Silesia is famous for the largest number of castles. This is another one of them.

Among the most famous castles in Poland is Książ Castle, located in the fairy-tale scenery of Książanski Landscape Park. Construction of this amazingly preserved building began as early as the 13th century! For hundreds of years, history was created within its walls, which can be discovered. What is worth seeing in this castle? Inside: the Baroque Salon, the Chinese Salon, the Ballroom and the Knights’ quarters. Finally, the Maximilian Hall, called by many you will see the most beautiful hall in the castle.

Castle Książ was supposed to have one of its headquarters for Adolf Hitler, and some of the work was done here by prisoners from the Gross Rosen concentration camp. A 96-meter-long World War II-era tunnel is open to visitors.

Visiting the castle in Książ we will hear the story of Princess Daisy. Pszczyna is home to the second Hochberg estate of the time. Pszczyna Castle is another unusual place on the map of Poland, which is definitely worth a visit.

Where is Książ Castle Located?

Address: Piastów Śląskich 1, 58-306 Walbrzych, Lower Silesia voivodeship.

Castle in Pszczyna

The castle museum in Pszczyna is located in the former castle of the Pszczynski Princes whose documented beginnings date back to the first half of the 15th century. The castle is associated with Princess Daisy, and when visiting the castle, it is worth knowing that most of the chambers you will see have retained their original decor from the turn of the 20th century.

Where is the Pszczyna Castle Located?

Address: Brama Wybrańców Street 1 43-200 Pszczyna, Silesian voivodeship.

Brzeg Castle

The Castle of the Dukes of Brzeg is often called Wawel in miniature. Located in the Opole region, this castle dates back to the 13th-16th centuries. The entrance from Castle Square is so beautifully and richly decorated that you can stare at it for hours (literally). And that’s just the beginning of the tour – starting from the courtyard, through the cloisters, to the Museum of the Silesian Piasts.

In this museum you can see, among other things, the interesting exhibition Memoriae Piastorum Principum Silesiae. It features sarcophagi of the Legnica-Brzeg Piasts and copies of medieval tombstones of the Silesian Piasts.

Is the Brzeg castle actually similar to Wawel Castle? I would rather encourage you to judge it for yourself.

Where is the Brzeg Castle Located?

Address: Castle Square 1, 49-300 Brzeg, Opolskie voivodeship.

Castle in Niemodlin

When describing castles in Poland, you can’t forget the Duke’s Castle in Niemodlin. This place, located in Opolskie Voivodeship, can boast centuries of history. As early as 1313 it was erected in brick form!

It was opened to the public a few years ago, and interestingly enough, it owes its current shape to different eras: from the Renaissance through the Baroque. In my opinion, it’s worth a guided tour, as it’s not only impressive for its size and shape, but especially for its history.

I also recommend a walk through the courtyard, where you can meet fallow deer. They are obviously harmless and beautiful.

Where is the Castle in Niemodlin Located?

Address: Rynek 55, 49-100 Niemodlin, Opolskie voivodeship.

Miedzyrzecz Castle

Many people, when visiting castles in Poland, omit Lubuskie Province. In my opinion, completely wrongly! One of the points of interest is the castle in Miedzyrzecz. There are few castles in Poland that remember the times of Casimir the Great like this place.

The castle in Miedzyrzecz was built around 1350. It suffered a lot over the years, and after World War II it was secured as a permanent ruin. By then, some parts of the castle had been successfully restored. Among other things, the gate building and the basement of the Renaissance dwelling house were reconstructed. In my opinion, the castle, together with the defensive walls, swarms an incredible impression.

Where is the Castle in Miedzyrzecz Located?

Address: 2 Podzamcze Street; 66-300 Miedzyrzecz, Lubuskie voivodeship.

Rydzyna Castle

After the provinces in the southwest of Poland, we move on to the Greater Poland province. Rydzyna Castle is one of the region’s most interesting attractions, both historically and architecturally. If you are in these regions or are planning a trip along the trail of beautiful castles in Poland, it is worth putting this point on your map.

Rydzyna Castle is the largest castle in Wielkopolska – its area is 42.5 thousand square meters. You can tour it, you can sleep in it, you can eat in it, or you can just walk around the surrounding park. Personally, I ticked off every point and I have a short message for those who are afraid to sleep in castles – I checked and it really isn’t scary in Rydzyn!

Where is the Castle in Rydzyn Located?

Address: 1 Castle Square, 64-130 Rydzyna, Greater Poland voivodeship.

Royal Castle in Warsaw

When visiting castles and palaces in Poland, it is worth visiting Warsaw and the Royal Castle there. The Royal Castle in Warsaw was built as the residence of the Mazovian Princes. It has accompanied many historical events over the years, for example, it was in the Senator’s Room on May 3, 1791 when the Parliament passed the Constitution. The Castle’s Small Chapel still holds the royal insignia of the king Stanislaw August Poniatowski. On the other hand, in 1980 the Royal Castle, together with the Old Town, was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Definitely, the Royal Castle in Warsaw is one of the places worth visiting at least once in a lifetime.

Where is the Royal Castle in Warsaw Located?

Address: 4 Castle Square, 00-277 Warsaw, Mazowieckie voivodeship.

See also:

The Best Museums To Visit in Warsaw

Wawel Royal Castle

This defensive and residential castle is located in Cracow and is one of the most important in Poland, historically speaking. Today it houses a museum with extraordinary collections.

The history of the castle is unusual and very intricate. For hundreds of years the kings of Poland lived there, the castle was destroyed by fires or occupations. When Poland lost its independence, the furnishings and collections were largely looted and destroyed. During World War II, the castle played the role of an office and apartment of the German governor general.

Today, you can visit permanent exhibitions, such as the representative royal chambers, the armory and the Wawel Lost and Recovered exhibitions. This is where the State Art Collections are located! Besides, the castle regularly hosts temporary exhibitions, such as a wonderful exhibition of tapestries or special tours. One thing is certain: Wawel Castle is worth a visit, even if you don’t plan to see what’s inside!

Where is the Wawel Royal Castle Located?

Address: Zamek Królewski na Wawelu, 31-001 Kraków, Wawel 5, Malopolskie Voivodeship.

See also:

Free Museums In Cracow (Krakow)

What To See in Cracow? Discover Attractions and Interesting Places

Pieskowa Skała Castle

Located near Cracow, this castle is most often visited by tourists who stroll through the Prądnik Valley. Pieskowa Skała is located in the area of Ojców National Park and attracts a lot of monument lovers, not only those from Poland. No wonder – the castle impresses even those who prefer to relax in nature.

Pieskowa Skała Castle was built in the time of Casimir the Great as a Gothic watchtower, which it definitely does not resemble today. Its Renaissance appearance and location right next to the Mace of Hercules have helped it become one of the most recognizable castles in Poland. You can visit the exhibitions, the courtyard or the Italian garden.

Where is Pieskowa Skała Castle Located?

Address: Sułoszowa 5, 32-045 Pieskowa, Małopolska province.

Krasiczyn Castle

When visiting castles located in the east of Poland, you should visit Krasiczyn Castle. This castle is located near Przemyśl and is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful castles in our country.

What is worth seeing in the castle in Krasiczyn? This Polish castle amazes even from afar. It has four towers, which differ in shape and style. Each tower has its own name, associated with its purpose: there is a royal tower, as well as a knight’s or nobleman’s tower. The castle in Krasiczyn is decorated with sgraffito – I love this type of decoration. The history of the castle I will not tell you, because the guide will do it much better than me. The tour lasts an hour.

I’ll add that the castle also includes a park – it’s worth taking a stroll through it before or after the tour. It hides some interesting riddles, related to family histories.

Where is the Castle in Krasiczyn Located?

Address: Krasiczyn 179; 37-741, Subcarpathian region.

Lancut Castle

Among Subcarpathian castles, the castle in Lancut stands out for its beauty. Besides, the Castle in Lancut is definitely one of the most famous castles in Poland, often and eagerly visited by tourists.

In my opinion, this castle, although beautifully maintained is the most beautiful… inside. The interiors of the castle are preserved and maintained simply perfectly, and the elements that have been renovated are done aesthetically. I liked most the Princess Marshal’s Bedroom, painted in pink tones – one of the more sumptuous bedrooms I had the opportunity to see.

The castle in Lancut, also known as the Lubomirski and Potocki castle, includes more than just an interior tour. In this Polish castle you can visit the stables, carriage houses, stroll through the park and see a variety of orchids.

Where is the Castle in Lancut Located?

Address: Zamkowa 1, 37-100 Lancut, Subcarpathian province.

Castle in Janowiec nad Wisłą

There are many more interesting castles in eastern Poland. Let’s move from the Subcarpathian region to the Lublin province. Provided that, instead of elegant interiors, you want to feel the spirit of the time and admire unique landscapes.

The castle in Janowiec on the Vistula River, as the name suggests, is located on the Vistula River, or more precisely: on a high, steep escarpment, which offers beautiful views. This Renaissance castle, built between 1508 and 1526, is incredibly impressive, even though part of the castle is now a permanent ruin. Janowiec Castle is incredibly photogenic, both from the ground and from a bird’s eye view. Not all castle ruins have charm, and in my opinion Janowiec really has a lot of it.

It is worth adding that a partial reconstruction of the castle has been added and today, apart from the ruins, we can see what the place looked like in the past, not only with the eyes of our imagination. Definitely worth a visit.

Where is the Castle in Janowiec-on-Vistula Located?

Address: 24-123 Janowiec, 20 Lubelska St., Lubelskie province.

Lublin Castle in Lublin

It is impossible not to visit it while in Lublin, and in my opinion, it makes an incredible impression. Unfortunately, it is not known exactly when the castle was built, it was built in the 12th century and one thing is certain: its past is quite turbulent. For 128 years it served as a prison, and as recently as 1954 a death sentence was carried out there. This is the part of history that is not talked about too much in Poland, and it is definitely worth knowing.

Currently, Lublin Castle houses the National Museum. It is definitely worth going to see the exhibitions, the tour is divided into three parts:

Permanent exhibitions of the National Museum in Lublin

The castle tower (Romanesque donjon), which was built in the 13th century

The Chapel of the Holy Trinity, with amazing Russo-Byzantine frescoes from 1418

I visited both the permanent exhibitions and the Chapel and the tower. In my opinion, it is worth it.

Where is the Lublin Castle Located?

Address: Zamkowa 1, 20-117 Lublin, Lublin voivodeship.

Malbork Castle

The Teutonic Castle in Malbork was built in several stages from 1280 to the middle of the 15th century. Its tour takes long hours, and is traditionally divided into 3 parts: High Castle, Middle Castle and Low Castle – the so-called pre-castle.  Malbork Castle is the largest castle in Poland, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Besides, it is the largest Gothic fortress in Europe! It’s also one of the most popular castles in Poland, so it’s a good idea to visit it at a less busy time.

Where is the Teutonic Castle in Malbork Located?

Address: Starostynska 1, 82-200 Malbork, Pomeranian Voivodeship.

Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes in Szczecin

There are several interesting castles in West Pomerania that are worth visiting. An interestingly located, beautifully restored and mysterious castle is located in Szczecin. The Zamek Książąt Pomorskich (Pomeranian Dukes’ Castle) is located in the heart of the city, more specifically, on Castle Hill in Szczecin. This Renaissance castle is the historic seat of the Gryfit family. While in West Pomerania, consider a trip in the footsteps of this family, and visit this ancient castle, which has a torture chamber and dungeons. Before entering the castle, it is worth noting the unusual clock. It makes an impression!

Where is the Castle of the Pomeranian Dukes Located?

Address: Korsarzy 34, 70-540 Szczecin, Zachodniopomorskie voivodeship.

List of the most beautiful castles in Poland

The most beautiful castles in Poland – to be honest, creating this list was not easy, but I think that everyone will find here places for themselves that they will want to visit. I tried to add less and more popular places, not only well-known points such as Książ, Lancut or Wawel, but also castles that are known only to true fans of monuments.

What Castles Are Worth Visiting in Poland?

I know that there are different tastes and types, and there will always be someone who will miss certain castles, possibly attaching to the fact that a castle once stood on German soil and so on. However, one fact is undeniable: today the map of Poland has a different shape than 100 or 200 years ago. Therefore, in this list of castles in Poland you will find buildings that are located in our country today. There are no castles that are located in Belarus, Lithuania or Ukraine, which were once located on Polish territory.

If you want to add other places, I look forward to your comments. Together let’s create the best list of castles in Poland. I look forward to your types and ideas!

See also:

Discover Castles and Palaces of Lower Silesia: A Journey Through History

Moszna Castle (Schloss Moschen): Exploring Its Wonders and History

TOP 20 Best Cities to Visit in Poland