Audio Guide of Książ Castle

The castle is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00 in high season (April-October), with variations in winter; guided tours are mandatory and depart every hour. It is easily reached by car via the A4 or by bus from Wałbrzych; check the official website for updated opening times and a map.

Admission for the main palace tour costs around 59 PLN for adults (about €13), with discounts for children and families; there are combined packages for the underground tunnels and the gardens. Buy tickets online on the official website to avoid queues.

The guided palace tour lasts about 50 minutes, but with the gardens and additional exhibitions, plan for 2 to 3 hours. If you include the underground tunnels, add 1 more hour for a full visit.

It is one of the largest Renaissance castles in Poland, built in the 13th century and rebuilt in the 18th century by the Hochberg family. During World War II, the Nazis used it for the mysterious Riese Project, with secret tunnels that are still being explored.

Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) are ideal thanks to the mild weather and fewer tourists; avoid July-August if you do not like crowds. At sunrise or sunset, it offers stunning views of the gardens.

The palace has lifts and ramps in the main areas, but some parts include stairs; the underground tunnels are not accessible. Contact +48 74 666 63 63 or the official website for available wheelchairs.

Nearby is the Przełomy pod Książem Nature Reserve, with impressive river gorges that are ideal for hiking; more info here. You can also explore Wałbrzych and its mines, or Gola Dzierżoniowska Palace, 30 minutes away.

Book tours online in advance, wear comfortable shoes for the stairs, and eat at the courtyard restaurant; photography is allowed without flash. Download the official app for audio guides and visit early for fewer people.