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Książ Castle

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Książ Castle in Wałbrzych is the third-largest castle in Poland and a true architectural jewel of Silesia. Perched on a rocky promontory and surrounded by dense forests, the majestic fortress has a complex and fascinating history. For centuries, it was the ancestral seat of the powerful von Hochberg noble family, who lavishly expanded the castle, including its famous terraced gardens. During World War II, the castle was confiscated by the Nazi regime and incorporated into the top-secret 'Project Riese', resulting in a deep, mysterious network of tunnels excavated beneath the building. Today, visitors can explore the opulent halls, the subterranean passages, and the magnificent surroundings of this historic landmark.

Location: Poland
Top sights: Zamek Książ · Podziemna Trasa Turystyczna · Ruiny Amfiteatru
Nearby: Wałbrzych (8 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	-2	-1	3	8	13	17	20	19	14	9	4	-1
Rain mm	48	37	45	39	69	78	92	77	62	50	44	43

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

Książ Castle is open to visitors; the lavish interior rooms and the underground tunnels are accessible. The park and terraces are freely accessible.

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Typical hours

The castle museum is open year-round, usually 10:00-17:00, longer in summer. The tunnels have separate hours; check the website.

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Photography

Photography inside is usually allowed without flash, often forbidden in tunnels. Outdoor shots of the castle on the rock are spectacular.

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Time needed

Allow at least 2 hours for the interiors and tunnels. Add another 1 hour for the park and terraces.

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Combine with

Combine with the nearby city of Wałbrzych or Fürstenstein Castle. The underground structures of Project Riese are also nearby.

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Getting there

Książ Castle is about 5 km south of Wałbrzych. By car, reachable via expressway; parking at the castle. Buses also serve it.

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Insider tip

Book the WWII tunnel tour in advance as it sells out quickly. The rose garden in the park is at its best in June.

Geography

Coordinates

50.84200, 16.29200

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Świebodzice3 km · NEExplore →

Wałbrzych Special Economic Zone5 km · SExplore →

Wałbrzych8 km · SExplore →

Boguszów-Gorce11 km · SWExplore →

Strzegom Basilica13 km · NExplore →

Świdnica13 km · EExplore →

Project Riese20 km · SEExplore →

Jawor24 km · NExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Książ Castle (10)

Zamek Książ

Castle in Poland, one of Silesia's largest fortresses, perched on a rock above the valley.

🌐 ksiaz.walbrzych.pl

Podziemna Trasa Turystyczna

Underground tunnel complex beneath Książ Castle, opened to visitors in 2017.

🌐 ksiaz.walbrzych.pl

Ruiny Amfiteatru

Ruins of an amphitheater in the castle park, only wall fragments remain.

Grodzisko Stary Książ

Archaeological site of an early medieval stronghold, with ramparts and foundations.

Rezerwat Przełomy pod Książem koło Wałbrzycha

Nature reserve with rocky gorges and defiles along the Pełcznica river.

Książ Landscape Park

Protected landscape area around Książ Castle, featuring forests and valleys.

Ma Fantaisie (nie istnieje)

Former house of Duchess Daisy von Pless, destroyed in the 1940s, remains erased in the 2020s.

OSiR

Water park with swimming pools and slides, part of the sports and recreation center.

Kościół pw. Podwyższenia Krzyża Świętego

Church of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross, a Baroque building with a tower.

Kościół pw. św. Mikołaja⛪ church

Church building in Świebodzice, a 14th-century Gothic hall church.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How large is Książ Castle?

It is the third largest castle in Poland and sits on a steep rocky plateau.

Are there underground tunnels?

Yes, there are mysterious tunnels under the castle from the WWII era (Project Riese).

Can the tunnels be visited?

Yes, there are specific guided tours through the underground facilities.

What is the Palm House?

A historic greenhouse about 2 km away with over 80 exotic plant species.

Is there a hotel in the castle?

Yes, you can stay overnight directly within the historic walls of the castle.

Książ Castle: where is it located?

Książ Castle is located in Poland.

Książ Castle: what is there to see?

Highlights include Zamek Książ, Podziemna Trasa Turystyczna, Ruiny Amfiteatru.

Książ Castle: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.

Książ Castle: why is it worth visiting?

Książ Castle in Wałbrzych is the third-largest castle in Poland and a true architectural jewel of Silesia.

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