Książ Castle

The third-largest castle in Poland

The third-largest castle in Poland rises above the valley of the Pełcznica river near Wałbrzych, just across the border. It is linked with legends of the beautiful Princess Daisy of the Hochberg family and of a mysterious "gold train" said to be hidden in anti-aircraft tunnels from the Second World War.

The castle's foundations were laid in 1288 by Duke Bolko I on a rocky spur above the river; later it was taken over by the powerful Hochberg family, who gradually rebuilt it into a splendid baroque and neo-Renaissance residence with over 400 rooms.

The gold train and the secret Project Riese

During the Second World War the castle was seized by the Nazis, and in its depths concentration-camp prisoners were forced to dig an extensive tunnel complex as part of the secret Project Riese, intended to serve as one of Hitler's headquarters. Part of the tunnels is open to visitors today.

To this day a legend persists of a gold train laden with Wrocław's gold reserves, said to have been hidden somewhere in the surrounding tunnels near the end of the war — a story that still draws treasure hunters and tourists from across Poland and Czechia.

A trip from Vila Marcelka

The castle interiors offer several tour routes — from the Hochberg family's state rooms to the apartments prepared for Adolf Hitler, which he never actually visited. It's also worth strolling through the terraced gardens overlooking the valley.

From Vila Marcelka in Broumov it's about 55 kilometres to Książ Castle, roughly an hour's drive — a rewarding destination for a day trip across the border into Poland. After the visit, you'll appreciate a quiet rest in the garden.