Książ Castle
Wałbrzych, Poland
One of the largest castles in Poland, perched above a wooded gorge on the edge of Wałbrzych, with terraced gardens and wartime tunnels beneath. Use the paid car park near the entrance and walk a few minutes.
Książ Castle (Fürstenstein) in Wałbrzych (Waldenburg) in Lower Silesia has around 400 rooms on about 11,000 m² and is one of the largest castle complexes in Poland. Duke Bolko I had a castle built here from 1288 to 1292, first mentioned in documents in 1293. It belonged to the Hochberg family from 1509 to 1944. Today it is a museum and part of Książ Landscape Park, attracting more than 300,000 visitors a year.
During the Second World War part of the underground 'Riese' complex was built beneath the castle by forced labourers, including inmates of the Gross-Rosen concentration camp. What it was meant for is disputed. Several tunnels can be visited on guided tours. The Festival of Flowers and Art is also held here every year. Check the current opening and tour times before you go.
- Nearest town
- Wałbrzych, Poland
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 50.8425, 16.2919
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Poland: Tolls on some roads, bridges or tunnels. Some motorway sections are tolled; pay with the e-TOLL app. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Czarci JarCampsite1 km from Książ CastleTentsCaravansElectricity
- Camping nr 231Campsite14 km from Książ CastleTentsCaravansElectricityDrinking waterShowersToiletsWaste disposal
- Camping nr 92Campsite16 km from Książ CastleTentsCaravansShowersToilets
- Wakacyjne pole namiotoweCampsite18 km from Książ CastleTentsDrinking waterWi-Fi
- Kemping Stawy MarcoweCampsite18 km from Książ CastleCaravansDrinking water
- Bike Camp KochanówCampsite19 km from Książ CastleTentsCaravans
All campsites in Poland · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Książ Castle?
Książ Castle is in Wałbrzych, Poland, at GPS 50.8425, 16.2919. It is about 14 km from Świdnica.
Can you camp near Książ Castle?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Czarci Jar, about 1 km away; within 25 km there are 13 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Książ Castle?
Książ Castle is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Lower Silesia: Książ Castle, the Table Mountains and the skull chapel.
What is there to see near Książ Castle?
Places worth a stop nearby: Church of Peace in Świdnica (13 km), Adršpach Rock Town (28 km), Wang Stave Church (40 km) and Szczeliniec Wielki (40 km).
When is the best time to visit Książ Castle?
The most pleasant months are usually June–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in May. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)