Full of violent events, the history of the Silesian lands has left behind many traces of the past. Picturesque mountain castles and fortresses, representative palaces that once belonged to wealthy knightly and aristocratic families, or finally mysterious and gloomy ruins whose glory days passed irretrievably centuries ago – are today as much an unfailing testimony to the vicissitudes of times and customs as a jewel in the crown of the region’s cultural heritage. Individual buildings were erected at the behest of Piast princes or wealthy German owners, then demolished, burned, looted and repeatedly rebuilt from almost complete destruction – even if not all of them have stood the test of time, they have managed to preserve their identity, their unique atmosphere.

Promoted today, the European Route of Castles and Palaces is one of the most interesting thematic routes in the region, which covers not only the southwestern tip of Poland, but the entire Polish-Czech borderland. Benefiting from an unprecedented accumulation of objects of extraordinary historical and architectural value during the journey, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy other attractions.

In the dozen or so locations on the Lower Silesian section of the Route, to which it is worth adding castles and palaces in the Czech Republic, located on the southern side of the Sudetenland, no less interesting and worthy of attention, there will certainly be no shortage of impressions. And this is true regardless of whether you choose to visit Książ Castle, Czocha Castle, Marianna of Orange’s Palace in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki, or visit the monumental Frydlant Castle, the interiors of Nové Město nad Metují Castle or the ruins of the mountain castle Skály south of the rocky town near Adršpach.

In addition to their sometimes centuries-old history and beautiful locations in enclaves of unspoiled nature, some of the sites on the list also offer accommodation in historic or modern interiors, excellent cuisine, as well as the opportunity to take part in various cultural events (festivals, picnics, battle reconstructions, knightly tournaments, etc.). And this is just a part of the opportunities that open up for those following the trail leading from the vicinity of Wroclaw to the Klodzko Basin and mountainous regions on the southwestern edge of Lower Silesia.

If it is true that we are primarily guided through past eras by people, then we must not forget those of them who make a huge effort to restore a broader awareness of the importance of the heritage of our ancestors – it is they who, by turning to the past (whether through reconstructions of ancient battles or the utterly mundane recreation of recipes), shape our present and influence the future. And not only by reminding us of the existence of an earlier historical reference point, but also – perhaps even primarily – through activities that promote the development of the region.

The route of the Route in Lower Silesia has been designated as an attraction for motorcyclists, taking into account the extremely interesting scenic sections of local roads, especially those running in the region of the mountain ranges included in the Sudetenland, but nothing prevents you from visiting the individual sites individually, by bicycle, car, commuter train or bus. So – there is nothing to wait for, the European Route of Castles and Palaces invites you to Lower Silesia!

For conquerors, we propose a game of conqueror of the trail. Collect all the stamps for a dedicated flyer of the European Route of Castles and Palaces, then deliver it or send it to the office of the Lower Silesian Tourist Organization Świdnicka 44 Street, 50-027 in Wrocław. In return for the flyer, you will receive a certificate of the winner of the European Route of Castles and Palaces!
If you send the flyer by mail, don’t forget to leave information on what address to send the certificate to and who is the winner of the trail! Stamps can be found at the reception desks and ticket offices of 17 sites from the trail, as well as at tourist information points at the main railway station and the airport in Wroclaw. You can download and print the flyer yourself. Collected stamps on self-printing will be accepted!

Here is the list of sites included in the European Route of Castles and Palaces:

Chojnik Castle
Located at the top of Mount Chojnik, the castle offers picturesque views of the Karkonosze Mountains and the Jeleniogórska Valley. It is famous for the legend of Princess Kunegunda and annual knightly tournaments.

Czocha Castle
One of the most visited attractions in Lower Silesia. It offers the opportunity to stay overnight in historic chambers and explore interiors full of mystery. Numerous themed events and night tours are organized here.

Grodno Castle
Situated on Bystrzyckie Lake, the castle impresses with its medieval architecture and rich history. Visitors can admire, among other things, a torture chamber and an observation tower.

Grodziec Castle
Located on a volcanic hill, the castle is an excellent example of late Gothic architecture. It is famous for its numerous historical events and battle reenactments.

Kliczkow Castle
This restored castle offers luxurious accommodations, a spa and a vast park. It hosts many cultural events and conferences.

Książ Castle
The third largest castle in Poland, surrounded by beautiful gardens. Known for its World War II secrets and underground tunnels.

Castle of the Dukes of Glogow
Now houses a museum with rich archaeological and historical collections, showing the history of the region.

Olesnica Castle
Renaissance castle with characteristic cloisters, surrounded by a moat. It performs cultural and educational functions.

Ducal Castle in Ząbkowice Śląskie
An impressive building with a rich history, currently undergoing revitalization work, open to the public.

Lesnica Castle
Located in the western part of Wroclaw, the castle serves as a cultural center, offering numerous artistic events.

Miedzylesie Castle
Baroque castle with Renaissance elements, offering accommodation and organizing various cultural events.

Sarny Castle
A historic complex with beautiful frescoes and a park, gradually being restored to its former glory.

Swina Castle
One of the oldest strongholds in Lower Silesia, now in the form of a picturesque ruin available for touring.

Topacz Castle
A restored castle with a luxury hotel, an automotive museum and an extensive recreational area.

Bolkow Castle
Known for its distinctive tower and the annual gothic music festival “Castle Party.”

Roztoka Castle
Baroque palace surrounded by a park, undergoing restoration work, with plans to open to the public.

Krobielowice Palace
A Renaissance palace with a golf course and hotel offerings, ideal for history and recreation enthusiasts.

Lomnica Palace
A charming complex with a museum, hotel and restaurant, offering craft workshops and cultural events.

Palace in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki
A monumental neo-Gothic mansion with impressive terraces and views of the surrounding area.

Wojanow Palace
A restored palace with a hotel, spa and beautiful park, often chosen as a venue for conferences and weddings.

By visiting these unusual places, you can travel back in time and feel the atmosphere of the old centuries, while admiring the beauty of the architecture and surrounding nature of Lower Silesia.