Książ Castle (ger. Furstenstein) is one of the most popular attractions of Lower Silesia. It is located in the north-western district of the city of Wałbrzych. The park and castle complex, surrounded by the Książ Landscape Park, is famous for its rich history and architecture. What distinguishes it is also the size as it is the 3rd largest castle in Poland.
Beginnings Książ Castle date back to the Piast times. Representatives of this family chose a high rocky hill for the location of the defensive castle. The building has had a turbulent history, like most of the castles in this area. In 1509 Prince Castle passed into the hands of the Hochberg family, who remained its owners until it was confiscated by the Nazis.
The Hochberg family contributed to the expansion of the castle to the form we know today. After all, since the 19th century, it held the title of one of the richest families in Germany, due to its great wealth and thriftiness. Since the confiscation in 1941, Prince Castle was adapted to Hitler's headquarters. This resulted in massive damage to the interior. All because of the tunnels drilled and the underground complex, about which there are many legends related to the Riese project.
Stately Prince Castle is distinguished by its magnificent architecture, grandeur, as well as beautiful interiors filled with rich stucco work. The residence is surrounded by terraces with French-style gardens. Due to historical turmoil, the castle does not show its full glory. However, it still takes your breath away with its scale and beauty. For this reason, it is one of the must-visit places on the map of Lower Silesia.
Książ Castle - information for tourists
Sightseeing Książ Castle together with the Palm House (open from April to September) is possible from Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 to 19:00. Individual ticket prices are PLN 79 for a normal ticket and PLN 69 for a reduced ticket. Other attractions have a separate price list Książ Castle such as: Mausoleum, Terraces or Underground (PLN 35 - normal ticket, PLN 29 - reduced). For the intrepid, it is also possible to visit the castle at night, usually on Fridays and Saturdays, for PLN 59 per ticket.