Things to do in Walbrzych

No. 4 of Family-friendly Attractions in Poland

Książ Castle

Książ Castle, located in Wałbrzych in southwestern Poland, is the third largest castle in Poland and one of the country's heritage sites of historical and architectural value.After centuries of expansion and transformation, the castle combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architectural elements, showing a unique aesthetic charm. There are more than 400 rooms in the castle, including luxurious banquet halls, exquisite galleries and historic private residences. Each room tells a different historical story, reflecting the splendor of the castle in different historical periods.Since 1509, the castle has belonged to the German noble family of Hochberg until it was taken over by Nazi Germany during World War II. Under Nazi rule, the castle became part of the "Giant Project" and the underground passages were built by forced laborers, which remains an unsolved mystery. Currently, Księsz Castle is open to the public, providing daytime and nighttime guided tours and ancillary attractions such as the Palm Greenhouse. Every spring, the castle also hosts a flower and art festival, attracting a large number of tourists.

No. 18 of Family-friendly Attractions in Poland

Palmiarnia

Palmiarnia is a greenhouse garden that blends tropical plants with historical ruins, located next to Książ Castle (Zamek Książ). The greenhouse, built in the late 19th century by the Hochberg family, was intended to add an exotic touch to the castle. Palmiarnia's architecture is distinctive, adopting a Victorian-era greenhouse design with an elegant exterior and a spacious interior. It houses tropical and subtropical plants from around the world, including palms, orchids, and cacti, remaining green year-round and offering fresh, clean air. The greenhouse also features small pools and footbridges, adding a romantic atmosphere. The garden includes exhibition areas that display the history of the Hochberg family and the evolution of Książ Castle. Through these exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the area's culture and history.

Grodno Castle

Grodno Castle sits above the gorge of thePełcznica Riverand is a historic and picturesque medieval castle. Built at the end of the 13th century, it was originally a defensive fortification and was later expanded and rebuilt multiple times, blending various architectural styles such as Gothic, Baroque, and Rococo. The castle complex is well-arranged, with its main building, towers, walls, and courtyards intertwined to showcase the luxurious life of medieval nobility. During World War II, the castle was used by Germany as a military command center. After the war, the castle fell into disrepair until it was restored and opened in modern times. Today, the castle houses a museum that displays the history, culture, and art of the Silesia region. When visiting the castle, visitors can not only admire the exquisite architecture and precious artifacts but also stroll through the surrounding forests and gardens to experience the tranquility and beauty of nature.

Stara Kopalnia Centrum Nauki I Sztuki

Książ Landscape Park

Underground Town Osowka

Construction of the Underground Town Osowka, located near Głuszyca in the Lower Silesian region of Poland, began in 1943, resulting in a vast system of concrete corridors, fortifications, and halls. The purpose of the project remained a secret. Some believe it was originally intended to be Adolf Hitler's secret headquarters. Others claim it was originally intended to house an underground military factory for producing secret weapons. Workers and prisoners from the Gross-Rosen concentration camp were involved in this project. The above-ground sections of the Osowka complex formed the external infrastructure for the underground facilities. The level of completion makes it one of the more complete above-ground structures in the "Riese" (German for "Giant") project in the Owl Mountains. Since 1996, the site has been open to the public, allowing visitors to explore various guided tour routes, such as the historical, extreme, and expedition routes, to learn about the historical background and architectural features of this mysterious site. It is not only an important site for studying military architecture from the Nazi era but also a testament to the hardships endured by forced laborers during World War II.

Sztolnie Walimskie

Porcelain Museum in Wałbrzych

Zamek Stary Ksiaz

Park Zdrojowy im. H. Wieniawskiego.