Castles in Poland that will take you back in time – 8 places worth seeing
Poland is a true paradise for lovers of history, architecture, and extraordinary landscapes. Full of majestic fortresses, royal residences, and picturesque ruins, it allows you to take an unforgettable journey back in time - from medieval battles to the glory days of Polish kings. Among them, you will find real gems, such as the monumental Malbork Castle, the royal Wawel, or the fairytale castles of southern Poland, often located near national parks, small towns, or UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Discover the rich history and architectural diversity of Poland’s castles
Castles in Poland are steeped in history – many of them date back to the Middle Ages and are a testament to past eras, architectural styles, and the changing fortunes of the country. The oldest castle in Poland is Wleń Castle, located in the Western Sudetes in Lower Silesia. It was first mentioned in 1155, and its construction began in 1163. It emerged as a defensive stronghold on a hill, in a strategic location, aimed at controlling communication routes and ensuring the country’s security.
Another significant medieval castle is the Piastowski Castle in Legnica, which may have been built around the same time as Wleń Castle – likely in the second half of the 12th century. Before the castle’s construction, there was a fortified settlement on the site. This settlement dates back to the times of Mieszko I, around 985, and was part of a larger defensive system that included fortresses in Opole and Wrocław. The first stone castle in Legnica was built by Bolesław I Wysoki, who also constructed the castle in Wleń. At that time, a "palatium" (the main residential building) and two defensive towers were erected, which were later named after Saint Peter and Saint Hedwig.
Castles were usually built in hard-to-reach places – on hills, by rivers, or near the end of routes – which was precisely specified for both their defensive and strategic purposes. In the initial period of construction, they were made of wood and earth, but over time they began to use durable materials such as stone and brick. These structures served various functions – they were the seat of rulers, administrative centres, places of refuge, and symbols of power and prestige.
Travel comfortably with Kaizen Rent – pick up your car at one of more than 30 locations throughout Poland
With Kaizen Rent, car rental becomes effortless and flexible, giving you the freedom to explore Poland at your own pace. Kaizen Rent operate in over 30 locations across major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Katowice, Gdańsk, Wrocław, and Rzeszów — including the main airports. That means you can pick up your car wherever it’s most convenient and hit the road right away.
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- online – through the form available on the website: www.kaizenrent.pl/en;
- by phone – by calling 48 76 727 99 99 (hotline open 24/7).
Book a car and discover with Kaizen Rent the most beautiful places in Poland – from legendary castles, museums, churches and art galleries, to picturesque corners of the Polish.
More than 500 castles in Poland – discover their history, architecture, and magic!
Poland is a country rich in majestic castles, offering a unique journey through history, culture, and stunning architecture. With more than 500 castles scattered across the country, it’s a true paradise for lovers of history, architecture, and picturesque landscapes. Exploring Poland by rental car allows you to access these incredible sites at your own pace, weaving through scenic countryside and charming towns.
Top 8 castles in Poland you should see by car with Kaizen Rent – A journey through history and beauty
Discover the wonders of Poland's history and architecture by visiting its stunning castles. With a rental car, you can easily access these amazing places scattered across the country. From the largest fortresses to fairytale castles. Here is a list of the top places to visit in Poland. Near Wawel Castle, you can also visit the Auschwitz concentration camp, a major historical site and UNESCO World Heritage Site, to honour its victims and understand the gravity of its history. Don't miss staying longer in Kraków to see Old town and the Jewish Quarter - a culturally rich area with art cafés, galleries and vibrant nightlife.
1. Malbork Castle - a monumental Gothic pearl and one of UNESCO World Heritage Site
Malbork Castle, also known as the Teutonic Castle, is a true icon of medieval architecture and the most powerful brick fortress in the world. Built by the Teutonic Order in the 13th century on the banks of the Nogat River, for years it was not only the seat of the grand masters of the order, but also an important administrative and military centre. In 1997, it was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List and today is considered one of the most important tourist attractions in Poland.
What is worth knowing before your visit?
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Opening hours
Fall/Winter Season (1.10.2024 – 25.04.2025) - 9:00 - 16:00
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Castle Route – Historical (last entry at 13:00)
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 – 15:00.
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Walking route (last admission at 14:30).
Mondays 9:00 - 16:00
Tuesday - Sunday, 13:15-16:00
Spring/Summer Season (26.04.2025 - 30.09.2025) - 9:00 - 20:00
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Castle Route – Historical (last entry at 16:30)
Tuesday – Sunday 9:00 – 20:00
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Walking Route (last entry at 18:30)
Tuesday - Sunday 16:45 - 20:00
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Ticket prices:
The temporary exhibition "Tribute 500. History – Culture – Memory" will be open to visitors from 9.04.2025 to 29.06.2025
- Standard ticket – PLN 30.00
- Reduced ticket – PLN 25.00
- Holders of the Malbork City Resident Card (only in April)
- With a guide - PLN 5.00
- With an audio guide - PLN 20.00
- Children up to 7 years old: free admission
Historical reute with temporary exhibition
- Regular ticket – PLN 90
- Reduced ticket – PLN 70
- Children under 7: free admission
- Reduced ticket within the Large Family Card: PLN 70
- Reduced ticket within the Large Family Card: PLN 50
- Reduced family ticket: PLN 80
- Reduced family ticket: PLN 60
Historical reute without temporary exhibition
- Regular ticket – PLN 70
- Reduced ticket – PLN 50
Check out the combo ticket for three castles: Malbork - Sztum - Kwidzyn
- Regular ticket – PLN 113
- Reduced ticket – PLN 83
3. Access and parking
Malbork is located about 60 km from Gdańsk, making it an ideal destination for a day trip from the Tri-City. By car: convenient access via national road DK22.
- Parking fees in the Paid Parking Zone are collected from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 and 17:00. Here's the scoop on the rates: up to half an hour costs PLN 1 up to an hour is PLN 2 and each additional hour is also PLN 2.
- For parking outside the city zone, check out these options:
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Główna Street (Kałdowo): Also a paid parking area open 24/7. 24-hour ticket is PLN 40.
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The multi-storey car park at Sierakowskich Street 1, 82-200 Malbork, is payable - PLN 20 per hour.
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an additional option for parking your car to visit the castle is the 24-hour car park Passenger and Bus Parking Castle "Nad Stawem", the price per day is PLN 30.
Nearby attractions - top places
The castle is not the only attraction in Malbork. The area is also full of interesting places:
- Nogat River Cruises - Available in the spring and summer. A leisurely cruise on the river is a great opportunity to see the castle from an entirely different perspective and take wonderful photos.
- Sztum Castle - Located just 15 km from Malbork, Sztum Castle also belonged to the Teutonic Order.
- Kwidzyn Castle - A unique Gothic building with the so-called gdaniskie, located about 35 km from Malbork. Inside there is a museum with a collection of furniture, ceramics and religious art.
- Florian Ceynowa City Park - A perfect place for a walk or picnic, located near the castle, among greenery and bike paths.
2. Wawel Royal Castle in the famous Polish city - Krakow
The Wawel Royal Castle is not only one of the most important historical residences in Poland, but also a national sanctuary. Situated on a hill above the Vistula River in the centre of Krakow, it has been the seat of Polish monarchs for centuries and the place of coronation and burial of many kings. Today, Wawel is a multi-dimensional museum complex that attracts crowds of tourists from all over the world and is one of the most frequently visited places in the country.
What should you know before visiting?
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Opening hours and ticket prices
April–June:
- Castle II: 10:00 – 16:00 (last admission 15:00)
- Wawel Recovered: 10:00 – 16:00 (last admission 15:30)
- Royal Gardens (from April 25): 10:00 – 17:00 (last admission 16:40)
July–September:
- Castle Underground: 10:00 – 16:00 (last admission 15:10)
- Crown Treasury: 10:00 – 16:00 (last admission 15:00)
- Royal Gardens: 10:00 – 17:00 (last admission 16:40)
October–December:
- Castle I: 10:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:00)
- Wawel Recovered: 10:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:30)
- Międzymurze: 10:00 – 16:00 (last entry 15:30)
Paid attractions (open seasonally)
Wawel Town and viewing terrace (April 12 – October 29)
- April–June, September – October: 9:00 – 17:00
- July–August: 9:00 – 18:00
- Ticket: PLN 19 (regular), PLN 14 (reduced)
Dragon's Den (April 25 – October 31)
- April–June: 10:00 – 18:30
- July–August: 10:00 – 19:30
- September–October: 10:00 – 17:30
- Ticket: PLN 9 (regular), PLN 7 (reduced)
Sandomierz Tower (April 25 – October 31)
- April–June: 10:00 – 18:30
- July–August: 10:00 – 19:00
- September–October: 10:00 – 17:30
- Ticket: PLN 9 (standard), PLN 7 (concession)
Royal Gardens (April 25 – September 30)
- April–June, September: 9:00 – 17:00
- July–August: 9:00 – 19:00
- Ticket: PLN 9 (standard), PLN 7 (concession)
- Admission also with tickets: Castle II, Underground, Treasury
Tuesday–Sunday – paid tickets
Combined ticket (Castle I + Castle II + Gardens) – PLN 89 (standard), PLN 67 (concession)
Castle I (rooms on the first floor + Wawel Recovered + Gardens):
- April–June, September – December: 9:00 – 17:00
- July–August: 9:00 – 18:00
- Ticket: PLN 49 (regular), PLN 37 (reduced)
Castle II (rooms on the second floor + exhibitions + Gardens):
- April–June, September–December: 9:00 – 17:00
- July–August: 9:00 – 19:00
- Ticket: PLN 53 (regular), PLN 40 (reduced)
Castle Underground (Lost Wawel, Lapidarium):
- April–June, September–December: 9:00 – 17:00
- July–August: 9:00 – 18:00
- Ticket: PLN 43 (regular), PLN 32 (reduced)
Crown Treasury:
- April–June, September–December: 9:00 – 17:00
- July–August: 9:00 – 18:00
- Ticket: PLN 43 (regular), PLN 32 (reduced)
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Is there a free entrance ticket to Wawel?
- Monday - check out the possibilities(tickets at the box office, limited number)
- Special free offer - Free November - details on the official Wawel website
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Where can you park near Wawel?
- Wawel Parking – Straszewskiego Street 14. Literally right next to Wawel (1 minute walk). Open 24 hours a day. Prices: PLN 10/hour during the week, PLN 12/hour on weekends, PLN 95 per day (when booking online);
- Underground car park – Plac Na Groblach. approx. 5 minutes walk from Wawel. Prices: PLN 10/hour, 24 hours: PLN 120 (or PLN 95 online);
- at the National Museum, 20 min. walk to Wawel Castle. Prices: PLN 6/hour, 24 hours: PLN 60.
Nearby attractions - beautiful places in Kraków, Wieliczka salt mine and Auschwitz-Birkenau
Visiting Wawel can be easily combined with other attractions in Krakow:
- Kazimierz district and the Old Town - Historic districts – ideal for further sightseeing or lunch after visiting Wawel;
- Vistula Boulevards - Beautiful walking areas along the river – great for a rest;
- Wieliczka Salt Mine - Located just outside Kraków (around 20–30 minutes by car), the Wieliczka Salt Mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Poland’s unique attractions. Visitors can explore underground chambers, salt-carved chapels, and tunnels that date back to the 13th century;
- The Auschwitz Concentration Camp - Located on the outskirts of Oświęcim, along provincial road 933. Your visit starts at the former Auschwitz I camp. The Visitor Service Centre is at 55 Więźniów Oświęcimia Street. The museum is about 1500 metres from the train station, which also has a multi-level Park & Ride car park nearby.
3. Książ Castle – the mysterious pearl of Lower Silesia in the shadow of history and legends
Książ Castle, located on a picturesque hill above the Pełcznica River valley in Wałbrzych, is the third-largest castle in Poland and one of the most fascinating historical sites in Europe. Situated in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, this castle attracts history buffs, architecture lovers, and fans of Polish culture alike. It combines romantic architecture, a turbulent history, and an aura of mystery associated with World War II, during which the Nazis carried out secret projects in its underground ruins.
What should you know before visiting?
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Opening hours. Things can change each month, so be sure to check the castle's website for the latest updates before your visit:
April 2025 Opening Hours:
- Monday–Friday: 9:00 – 18:00
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 – 19:00
2. Ticket prices
All-Day Ticket: Castle, Terraces, Underground, Palm House, Stud Farm, Mausoleum
- regular ticket - PLN 93
- reduced ticket - PLN 83
Castle with audio guide, terraces, palm house,
- regular ticket - PLN 64
- reduced ticket - PLN 54
Discover Wałbrzych: Castle, Terraces, Palm House, Old Mine, Porcelain Museum, and the Observation Tower in Sobieski Park
- regular ticket - PLN 107,00
- reduced ticket - PLN 87,00
You can also choose individual attractions, night tours, light gardens, or special events.
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Access and parking
The castle is located in the northern part of Wałbrzych and is well-connected. By car: easy access from Wrocław (approx. 1.5 hours), national road no. 35.
- Parking P1 Książ Castle and castle park, 15 minutes away from the facility. 24-hour stay: PLN 30
- Książ car park at the stud farm, Parking is located near the castle. Price per day: PLN 30
Nearby attractions
Książ Castle is just one part of a larger historical and natural complex. It is worth planning a whole day for sightseeing:
- Palm House in Lubiechów. Created at the beginning of the 20th century by the Hochberg family, it is located just 2 km from the castle. Extraordinary architecture and exotic vegetation.
- Hochberg Mausoleum and the “Altana” viewing point. A walk along the picturesque forest trail leads to a hidden mausoleum and a gazebo with a beautiful view of the valley.
- Książ Landscape Park and Stallion Farm. Ideal for hiking and cycling. Numerous viewing points, rock formations, ruins and forest alleys.
- Szczawno Zdrój is a charming and picturesque town, known as one of the oldest spa resorts in the Sudetes. Nestled in a valley, it boasts a favourable microclimate and is surrounded by lush green hills that beautifully showcase its natural beauty. The town's architecture, mostly from the 19th century, is harmoniously integrated into two large parks – Wieniawski and Swedish – rich with vegetation, including many trees and shrubs that are natural monuments.
4. Ogrodzieniec Castle – a Jurassic fortress on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests
Located on the highest elevation of the Kraków-Częstochowa Upland, Ogrodzieniec Castle is one of the most picturesque ruins in Poland and a gem of the Eagle's Nests Trail. The monumental stronghold, built in the 14th century on a limestone hill, attracts not only lovers of history and architecture, but also fans of legends, film and beautiful landscapes. It is an ideal place for a weekend adventure with the family or as a starting point for exploring the entire region.
What to know before your visit?
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Opening hours
Ogrodzieniec Castle for tourists is open all year round!
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Daily (Monday - Sunday) 09:00 - 20:00
Castle on Góra Birów
- Monday - Friday 10:00 - 17:00
- Saturday - Sunday 10:00 - 18:00
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Ticket Prices
Ogrodzieniec Castle offers several types of tickets, including combined entry with the amusement park and rope park.
Standard ticket (castle)
- Regular ticket: PLN 29
- Reduced ticket: PLN 20
Extended ticket (castle + Castle on Mount Birów)
- Standard: PLN 37
- Concession: PLN 26
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Parking
- Krakowska 2, 42-440 Podzamcze Parking located near the castle (15-min walk), PLN 15 per day.
- Krakowska 7, Parking Zygmar PLN 10 or 15 per day depending on the day and season);
- Parking Zamek, paid parking - PLN 20/day, 7-minute walk from the castle.
Nearby attractions
- Miniature Park Replicas of all the castles on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests in a scale of 1:25. Perfect for starting a Jurassic adventure.
- House of Fears and Legends A multimedia exhibition combining history with interactive horror. Great fun for older children and young people.
- Birów Mountain and Birów Town A reconstructed proto-Slavic settlement on a nearby hill – beautiful views and an educational historical trail.
- Pilcza Castle in Smoleń, Zegarowe Rocks. The village of Smoleń is close to the town of Pilica. Perched on a hill covered with dense forest, the castle is one of the most picturesque and charming fortresses on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. Just a kilometre from the castle, you'll find the Zegarowe Rocks in the Wodąca Valley, part of the Smoleńsko-Niegowonickie range.
5. Czocha Castle – a mysterious fortress full of legends and secrets
Czocha Castle, picturesquely located on the shore of Lake Leśniańskie in Lower Silesian Voivodeship, is one of the most atmospheric, mysterious, and truly amazing places in Poland. Often referred to as 'Poland's Hogwarts', this 13th-century Gothic castle continues to enchant history buffs, curious visitors and even Harry Potter fans from around the world.
Built as part of a defensive line in southern Poland, Czocha Castle stands out among other castles in Poland thanks to its unique blend of architecture, legends, and wartime secrets. Hidden passages, ghost stories, and rumours of World War II experiments give this castle a thrilling, cinematic character that has inspired filmmakers, writers, and fans of the supernatural. It’s no surprise the site is a favourite filming location and a must-see for anyone exploring the region.
What to know before your visit?
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Opening hours
Czocha Castle is open all year round, with time changes depending on the season:
- 10:00 – 19:15 (last entry around 18:00)
- 10:00 – 20:00 (July – August, last entry at 18:30)
- 10:00 – 17:15 (November – April, last entry at 17:00)
Guests are only available - every hour (also in English and German).
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Ticket prices
Tickets can be purchased at the box office or online.
- Regular ticket: PLN 45
- Reduced ticket: PLN 35
Family tickets
- 2+2 - PLN 182 / 4 people
- 2+3 - PLN 215 / 5 people
Courtyard ticket
- Standard ticket - PLN 8 / person
- Reduced ticket - PLN 6 / person
Tour of the Multimedia Torture Chambers
- Standard ticket - PLN 16 / person
- Reduced ticket - PLN 12 / person
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Access and parking
The castle is located in Sucha on Lake Leśniańskie, about 30 km from Jelenia Góra and 140 km from Wrocław. Access by car from the national road no. 30, the last section to the local road through Lubań.
- Car parks – marked "CZOCHA CASTLE PARKING", PLN 8 for the whole day
- Another parking about 17 minutes walk away, also payable PLN 25 for the whole day of parking. For the first hour, PLN 6 and each additional hour PLN 5.
Nearby attractions
- Cruises on Lake Leśniańskie In summer, tourist cruises, kayaks and water bikes are available. The view of the castle from the water is impressive!
- Rajsko Castle A small, romantic fortress on a neighbouring hill - ideal for a walk or a photo session.
- Leśniańska Dam One of the oldest water dams in Poland - you can cross it on foot, it leads to beautiful walking routes.
- Leśna Huta and Bolesławiec pottery It is close to Bolesławiec and its famous pottery workshops - a great place for shopping with soul.
6. Moszna Castle – a fairy-tale residence with 99 towers
Moszna Castle in the Opolskie Voivodeship is one of the most magical places in Poland, like something out of a fairy tale. Its unusual architecture, combining Neo-Gothic, Neo-Renaissance and Baroque styles, makes it one of the most recognisable castles in Poland. With 365 rooms and 99 towers, Moszna Castle inspires awe and admiration in everyone who has the opportunity to visit it.
This place, which has fascinated visitors from all over the world for years, is not only a symbol of Poland's rich history, but also offers a rich cultural and leisure programme. In addition to exploring the castle chambers, which take you back to a bygone era, you can attend concerts, spend the night in comfortable historic interiors or simply enjoy the charms of the romantic park around the castle.
What is worth knowing before visiting?
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Opening hours and ticket prices
Admission to the park (payable from April to October only)
- Regular ticket PLN 20 (Monday to Friday)
- Reduced ticket PLN 12 (Monday to Friday)
March and November
- Regular ticket PLN 22 (Monday to Friday)
- Reduced ticket PLN 13 (Monday to Friday)
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Tour of the chambers and entry to the park
April - October
- Regular ticket PLN 46 (Monday to Friday)
- Reduced ticket PLN 28 (Monday to Friday)
- Regular ticket PLN 50 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
- Reduced ticket PLN 31 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
December - February
- Regular ticket PLN 16 (Monday to Friday)
- Reduced ticket PLN 26 (Monday to Friday)
- Regular ticket PLN 18 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
- Reduced ticket PLN 28 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
March and November
- Regular ticket PLN 16 (Monday to Friday)
- Reduced ticket PLN 26 (Monday to Friday)
- Regular ticket PLN 50 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
- Reduced ticket PLN 31 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
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Tour of the "Everyday Life of the Castle" and entry to the park
March - November
- Regular ticket PLN 70 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
- Reduced ticket PLN 94 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
December - February
- Regular ticket PLN 57 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
- Reduced ticket PLN 72 (Sat-Sun and holidays)
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Access and parking
The castle is located in Moszna, approx. 35 km from Opole and 120 km from Wrocław. Car: access via national road no. 45 or the A4 motorway (Krapkowice exit).
- Parking at the entrance (18 Village Street, 47-370 Moszna) PLN 8 for the whole day;
- CTN Parking in Moszna, large paid car park PLN 10 per day.
Nearby attractions
- Landscape park Over 100 hectares of green area with hornbeam alleys, ponds and exotic trees. Perfect for a picnic or photos.
- Castle stud farm Moszna is the former seat of the German Tiele-Winckler family, famous for breeding horses. The stud farm is still operating and offers horse riding and tours of the stables.
- Concert hall Concerts of classical, jazz and folk music are held regularly – many of them in the neo-Baroque chapel.
- Niemodlin Castle One of the most beautiful and oldest castles in the Opole region, with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Surrounded by a romantic park and moat, it offers guided tours, historical exhibitions and cultural events. An ideal place for lovers of architecture and history.
7. Niedzica Castle - a picturesque fortress on Lake Czorsztyn
Niedzica Castle, also known as Dunajec Castle, is a medieval stronghold that rises majestically on Lake Czorsztyńskie in southern Poland. Situated on a picturesque hill with breathtaking views of the Pieniny Mountains and the Tatra Mountains, Niedzica Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in the region. Its location is associated with a rich history, full of mysteries and legends, including famous tales of hidden treasures, which attract history lovers and tourists from all over the world.
The castle is not only of great historical and architectural significance, but is also an ideal place to relax among nature. Surrounded by the Pieniny Mountains and stretching along the lake, it is the perfect starting point for hiking and discovering the beauty of the Polish mountains.
What is worth knowing before visiting?
1. Opening hours
Summer (1 May to 30 September)
- Museum: open daily from 9:00 – 19:00
- Granary: open daily from 9:00 – 17:00
Winter (1 October to 30 April)
- Museum: open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00 - 16:00
- Granary: closed
Tours of Niedzica Castle can be taken with a guide (included in the ticket price) or individually. The last guided entry takes place until 30 April at 15:00 and from 1 May at 18:00.
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Ticket prices
Castle and Coach House
- Normal ticket: PLN 35
- Discounted ticket: PLN 25
Granary
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Ticket: PLN 10
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Access and parking
Niedzica Castle is located in Niedzica-Zamek, in the Lesser Poland Voivodeship, close to the border with the Podkarpackie Voivodeship. It is an ideal place for a day trip from Krakow, Zakopane or Nowy Targ. By car: Access by national road No. 49 (from Nowy Targ) or No. 969 (from Krakow).
Several car parks are available near the castle.
- Parking at the Niedzica Castle, located closest to the castle. 100 m from the entrance to the castle. PLN 20 one-time fee,
- Free parking (Profesorska 3, 34-441 Niedzica) for several cars (two streets)
- Parking at Osiedle Zamek 39. Located 500 m from the castle. Price for parking PLN 20 per day.
Attractions nearby
- Lake Czorsztyńskie The lake is an excellent place for relaxation, sailing, fishing and water sports. In summer, cruises on tourist boats are available, as well as water equipment rentals.
- Czorsztyn Castle Right next to Niedzica Castle is another medieval fortress - Czorsztyn Castle. Situated on a hill, right on the lake, it is an excellent vantage point and an ideal place for a walk.
- the Three Crowns One of the most famous peaks in the Pieniny, offering an unforgettable view of the whole area. It can be conquered on foot or by cable car
- The dam on the Czorsztyn Reservoir is an impressive structure 404 meters long and 56 meters high, from which there is a view of the lake, the ruins of the castle in Czorsztyn and the castle in Niedzica.
8. The Royal Castle in Warsaw – an unyielding fortress with history and majesty
The Royal Castle in Warsaw is one of the most important symbols of Polish history and culture. Situated in the very heart of the capital, near the Old Town, it has for centuries served as the seat of Polish kings and was the political focal point of the Republic. The castle witnessed many key events in the history of Poland, serving as a place for coronations, receiving foreign ambassadors and making important decisions for the future of the country.
Although the Royal Castle was almost completely ruined as a result of the 1944 war damage, thanks to the determination, efforts and passion of Polish society, it was rebuilt and restored to its former glory. Today, the castle is not only a place full of historical memorabilia, but also one of the most important centres of national culture in Poland.
The castle is part of the Old Town, which is on the UNESCO list and is one of the most beautiful places in Poland, full of beautiful churches, artistic galleries and historic buildings. As an important cultural centre, the Royal Castle hosts numerous exhibitions, concerts and educational events that attract tourists from all over the world.
What is worth knowing before visiting?
1. Opening hours
The Royal Castle in Warsaw is open all year round, with different opening hours depending on the season.
Royal Route, Lanckoroński Gallery, Kubicki Arcades:
- Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00 (last entry at 16:00)
- Monday: closed
from 2 May
- Tuesday-Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00 (last entry at 17:00)
- Monday: closed
Pod Blachą Palace (exhibition closed until further notice)
Castle Gardens:
- Upper Garden - daily: 10:00 - 18:00 (closed until 17 April)
- Lower Garden - daily: 10:00 - 18:00
The castle gardens may be temporarily closed due to weather conditions.
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Ticket prices
The Royal Castle offers various tickets that include visits to different parts of the castle and exhibitions.
Standard ticket Royal Route
- regular: PLN 60
- reduced: PLN 45
Temporary exhibition "Saxon Visions"
- regular - PLN 20
- reduced - PLN 15
Lanckoroński Gallery (ground floor):
- regular - PLN 60
- reduced - PLN 45
- school ticket - PLN 1
Pod Blachą Palace (exhibition not available until further notice):
- regular - PLN 40
- reduced - PLN 30
- school ticket - PLN 1
Golden ticket (all permanent exhibitions open on a given day) - to be purchased only at the ticket office on the day of visiting until 14:30.
- regular - PLN 100
- reduced - PLN 70
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Access and parking
The Royal Castle is located in the very centre of Warsaw, on Castle Square, near the Old Town. It is an easily accessible place, both for those travelling by car and public transport. Car: Access from most parts of the city is easy, and the Royal Castle is located near the main communication arteries.
The Royal Castle in Warsaw, located in the heart of the Old Town, does not have its own car park. However, visitors have several convenient parking options available in the immediate vicinity:
- Underground car park CPG - Krasińskich Square 2/4/6 - Pricing: PLN 5 per hour, PLN 50 per day
- Guarded Parking ZTP – ul. Bednarska 9 - PLN 5,00 per hour
Nearby attractions
- Old Town The Old Town in Warsaw is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Picturesque streets, colourful tenement houses and numerous restaurants create a unique atmosphere that is worth experiencing right after visiting the castle.
- St. John's Cathedral Just a few minutes' walk from the Royal Castle is St. John's Cathedral, one of the most important places of worship in Poland. This is where the coronations of Polish kings took place.
- Saxon Garden A beautiful park in the heart of Warsaw, a great place to relax after sightseeing. Saxon Garden is one of the oldest public gardens in Poland and blends in perfectly with the surrounding architecture.
- POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Located nearby, the POLIN Museum offers a deep insight into the history of Jews in Poland, their culture and tradition, and also presents the tragic events related to World War II.
Summary
And this is just the beginning! Your adventure with castles, palaces, and other unusual monuments in Poland doesn’t have to end with the ones mentioned above. Poland is full of beautiful places waiting to be explored.
Beyond castles, the country invites you to admire sites like the Copernicus House in Toruń, home of the famous astronomer, or the Bialowieza Forest, where you might spot the majestic European bison. In the heart of Kraków, marvel at the stunning Mary’s Basilica, one of the oldest parts of the city, or visit moving historical landmarks like Auschwitz Birkenau, which are key to understanding the country’s complex past.
Explore the beauty of entire regions like Kuyavian-Pomeranian Voivodeship or the historic estates of Subcarpathian Voivodeship. Or perhaps you'd prefer visiting individual towns and cities filled with legends and the legacy of famous figures like Chancellor Jan Zamoyski. Poland offers everyone an endless array of stories and scenery.
With convenient short term car rental options from Kaizen Rent, you’re free to travel comfortably at your own pace. So pack your suitcase, grab your keys, and set off on a road trip through one of Europe’s most captivating landscapes—because in Poland, there’s always something extraordinary waiting around the corner.
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