Ksiaz Castle In Poland

If you are fascinated by WWII secrets, ghosts, and hidden treasure legend, then Ksiaz Castle is the right place to be. Located in Walbrzych, a city in southwestern Poland, Ksiaz Castle is one of the imposing structures in Poland, and breathtaking sight to behold. 

Just recently, the area became a hot spot for both local and international visitors, when two explorers announced they had discovered a secret tunnel that house the legendary wartime train laden with lots of treasures. Legend has it that the richness and valuables in the train were the property of the Nazis. 

Even without the train stashed with hidden treasures, Walbrzych and the Castle have what it takes to satisfy the cravings of every tourist, especially history lovers. After the rumored wartime train discovery, the number of tourists and reporters who visit the former coal-mining center of Walbrzych and the Castle has skyrocketed. 

History

The magnificent Ksiaz Castle was built in the 13th century. The Castle became the private residence of the Hochberg family in the 16th century. In the Second World War, the Nazis seized the Castle from the Hochberg family for failing to support their agenda. 

Most of the building’s original design had to give way to Nazis remodeling ideas. They started building an underground city made up of tunnels and chambers, about 50 meters below the Castle. This task was tagged as the secret Project Riese. 

The underground city encompasses the entire Owl’s Mountains. Unfortunately, the project wasn’t completed after the end of the war, making it hard to know the primary purpose for which the labyrinth of tunnels and bunkers were built. 

While some believed it was to serve as headquarter and permanent home for Adolf Hitler even after the war. Others believe the tunnels were to become a factory for making nuclear weapons. Today, you can explore the underground city not just in Castle Ksiaz but also in Walim and Osowka. 

Hitler seized the property from Wales-born Mary Theresa Olivia, otherwise known as Daisy, the first wife of Prince Hans Heinrich XV. She’s reputed for her kindheartedness, charming beauty, and a socialite. 

She passed on in 1943 and was buried in the Hochberg Mausoleum right next to the Castle, but her servants have to relocate the body on several occasions to protect her from loot by Soviet troops, who invaded the area between 1945 and 1946. 

Due to this, the princess’s burial ground remains a mystery. Legend has it that her spirit revisits the castle time and time. 

When to Visit

Castle Ksiaz attracts many tourists, reporters, and explorers from all over the world. It is a popular attraction, so expect to see lots of people. To avoid the crowd, visit the Castle early in the morning or at sunset. 

You’ll need at least 2 hours to explore the Castle and the gardens. Avoid queues and buy the tickets ahead of time online. Ksiaz Castle is open to the public all year round. However, the best time to visit is spring and summer as Poland’s weather is at its pleasantest at that time of the year.

What To See Around the Castle

The Castle today is a true diamond in Lower Silesia. It is the third-largest Castle in Poland and considered by many as a perfect weekend getaway spot. Many people visit the Castle to admire its majestic architecture, underground tunnels (many of which remain unexplored), gardens, and terraces. 

You’ll learn about the rich history and tumultuous past of the Castle. The entrance to the castle grounds is impressively beautiful. The interior, most of it bare, tells you about the Castle’s magnificence and opulence in its glory days. 

The Maximilian Room, Summer Pavilion and the well-manicured gardens, built on the order of Maximilian Hochberg in the 18th century have been completely renovated. 

Rooms such as China Salon and Games Salon have also been lovingly restored. One of the rooms now serves as an antique store and another and exhibition room with lots of interesting works about the Castle’s history. 

Learn more about the Hochberg family and the tragic event that transpired within the Castle during the Second World War. One of the most exciting things about visiting this Castle is the lovely people that inhabited the Castle over the years. 

The photo tour is highly recommended. Many of the photo exhibitions on display were taken by the Castle’s chef, Louis Hardouin – a man whose passion for photography knew no bounds. 

Amongst the thousands of people who lived within the castles, the one who receives the most attention is Wales born Mary Theresa Cornwallis-West, popularly known as Princess Daisy. She became famous for her beauty and was much loved by locals for her cheerfulness. 

Shrouded in its mysterious pasts, Castle Ksiaz attracts many visitors today not just for its lovingly restored interior and exterior but also to learn more about the many lives who once call this grand Castle home. 

The underground tunnels take you through the Castle’s mysterious past. Do not forget to explore the Castle’s gardens and terraces, renowned for its breathtaking beauty in Poland. It promises to be a walk to remember. This is a great way to appreciate the Castle’s various architectural styles and its environment. 

Another interesting activity is cycling around the Ecological Park of Ksiaz. This lush forest is home to lots of hidden gems, including a medieval castle in Cisy. Moreover, it is an excellent spot for picnicking. If you’re hungry, stop by at one of the restaurants on the castle ground for some tasty food and great beer. 

Getting There

Ksiaz is just about 70km from Wroclaw, 156 kilometers from Gorlitz, 350 kilometers from Berlin, and 450 kilometers from Warsaw. The Castle can be reached by public transport services such as train, bus or car from Wroclaw. 

A 2-hour train ride from Wroclaw to Walbrzych will cost around 15 zloty. From the train station, take the number 8 or 12 bus to the castle. Alternatively you can hire a taxi . For exceptional comfort and convenience, opt for a car rental and drive the 70km road to the Castle. 

Interestingly, you can spend even  the night in one of the hotels on the castle grounds. Accommodation options include Hotel Ksiaz and Hotel Przy Oslei Bramie, both with all the amenities to make for a comfortable stay. 

Ksiaz Castle is unarguably a beautiful place to visit for a full day or weekend if you’re in the region.  

Distance From Other Cities

Wroclaw to Ksiaz Castle – 70 km

Gorlitz to Ksiaz Castle – 156 km

Prague to Ksiaz Castle – 180 km

Dresden to Ksiaz Castle – 252 km

Katowice to Ksiaz Castle –255 km

Warsaw to Ksiaz Castle – 450 km

Operating Hours

If you’re planning on visiting Ksiaz Castle, you need to put some things into consideration. The Castle’s operating hours in winter is not the same as summer. The good thing is that the Castle is open to the public all season long. 

April – October (High Season)

Monday – Friday: 9 am to 5 pm

Saturday – Sunday: 9 am to 6 pm

November – March (Low Season)

Monday – Friday: 10 am to 3 pm

Saturday – Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm

Preferably, avoid visiting the Castle on a Monday. If the day you plan to visit falls on a Monday, reschedule your tour if you can. This is because the Castle performs routine maintenance on some Mondays. These can include all the Mondays of January and the first Mondays of February, March, November, and December. 

Note that the Castle is close to the public on specific days including 

New Year’s Day (January 1st)

Easter Sunday (movable holiday)

All Saints’ Day (November 1st)

Christmas Day (December 25th)

Do not forget to bring your photography and filming equipment to capture every moment as it goes. However, you must follow the rules and regulations guiding every visitor. 

Ticket Price

You can purchase your tickets and tours online and avoid the long lines. You can either choose to explore the Castle on your own or in the company of a knowledgeable guide. The recommended option is the guided tour, as it allows visitors to get a deeper understanding of the Castle itself. 

This way, you don’t get to miss out on all the essential sights within the complex and exciting stories that this Castle tends to hold. Guided tours takes anything from 1 hour 30 minutes up to 6 hours.

Your seller will notify you of the best time to visit based on the personal information provided. 

Tickets Prices For Castle Tour (Individual)

Normal: 39 Zloty

Reduced: 29 Zloty

Castle Website and Ticket Purchase

Is there a Nazi train full of gold here? There’s only one way to find out. Plan your next trip to Poland and make sure you visit Ksiaz Castle. 

Ksiaz Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Poland, and it should be high on your bucket list on your next trip to Poland. Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to explore the history of World War II first hand.