The most beautiful castles in Poland | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Malbork Castle is the largest castle in the world by area and over 700 years old
• Malbork railway station is only 15 minutes' walk from the castle entrance
• Ksiaz Castle near Walbrzych is one of the largest castles in Poland
• Lancut Castle is reachable by train from Krakow, Tarnow and Rzeszow
• Ciechanow and Sucha Beskidzka castles are within walking distance of their respective stations
• Most Polish castles featured in the article are accessible by train without a car

Is it worth visiting Malbork Castle?

A purely rhetorical question, as it is one of the most complete and best-preserved castles in Poland. In 2007, it was recognised as one of the seven wonders of the world in our country. The famous Teutonic castle is over 700 years old. It is the largest castle in the world in terms of area and once served as the headquarters of the Teutonic Order in Poland.

The Malbork fortress consists of three castles, with the High Castle with the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary atits heart. The spectacular red brick building is clearly visible from the city centre and train windows. Malbork railway station is only 15 minutes from the castle. We can reach it by train on the lines Kraków-Gdańsk, Kraków-Warsaw or from Elbląg.

The most beautiful castles in Poland near Cracow?

If you love castles and live near Cracow, you must have already visited Wawel Castle and the buildings on the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. So where else is worth going? We have two alternative suggestions for you.

Sucha Beskidzka

In the heart of Beskid Żywiecki is Sucha Beskidzka. The town is famous not only for its interesting hiking trails, but also for its beautiful Renaissance castle, which is often referred to as Little Wawel. Noteworthy features include a courtyard with cloisters, massive corner towers and a beautiful green park surrounding the building. The castle grounds include a museum and a concert and theatre space. To visit the castle, it is best to get off at Sucha Beskidzka station. You can get to Sucha directly from Cracow.

Castle in Łańcut

The castle in Łańcut was built in the 17th century at the behest of Stanisław Lubomirski in the "palazzo in fortezza" style. The most outstanding artists of the time worked on the architecture and decoration of the residence. In the 18th century, a park surrounding the castle was created. After the Second World War, the residence was turned into a museum. It is easy to get here by train, getting off at Łańcut station. The village is located on the line connecting Kraków and Medyka.

Castles in the Lower Silesian Voivodship

If you are looking for an idea for an outing to the Lower Silesian Voivodship, you should definitely pay attention to two castles which are located north of Wrocław. Castle Książ and in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki.

Castle Książ

This Lower Silesian residence is one of the most mysterious castles in Poland. The Książ castle underwent numerous reconstructions, which resulted in its current palace-like appearance. During World War II, extensive underground tunnels were created beneath it, which were a secret hideout of Adolf Hitler. Some researchers speculate that the famous golden train may be located there. To get to the castle, it is best to get off at Wałbrzych Miasto station, from where there is a direct bus service. You can get to Wałbrzych from Wrocław or Katowice, among others.

Kamieniec Ząbkowicki

Lower Silesia is famous for its numerous palaces and castles hidden among the forests. Noteworthy among them is the romantic castle ruin in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki. The palace was built in the 19th century in the then fashionable neo-Gothic style. Four towers stand out in its characteristic silhouette. The ruin is gradually being restored and opened to the public. The ubiquitous greenery enhances the impression of mystery. To visit the building, it is best to get off at the Kamieniec Ząbkowicki station, where you can get there from Wrocław.

Ciechanów and Nidzica - beautiful and underrated castles in Poland

Only 65 km away from each other, the castles in the north of Poland in Ciechanów and Nidzica are a suggestion for a day trip for those living in or visiting Warmia and Masuria.

Ciechanów

Ciechanów is not only known for its brewing. There is a medieval castle in the village. The building has characteristic towers and brick walls. There is a museum on the castle grounds and numerous historical re-enactments take place. The castle is located near the Ciechanów railway station, which is accessible from, among others, Warsaw.

Nidzica Castle

The castle in Nidzica is the most impressive castle in Warmia and Mazury. The brick building was also once the quarters of the Teutonic Knights. The Gothic castle is nearly 650 years old. The castle houses the Nidzica Land Museum and the quarters of the Knights of the Nidzica Commandery. The complex is surrounded by a 19th century park. The castle is a 15-minute walk from the railway station in Nidzica. The village is most easily accessible from Olsztyn or by train from Warsaw.

Castles in Poland range from medieval fortresses to beautiful Renaissance residences. There is also no shortage of palaces from the 18th and 19th centuries. Most of them are located in places that once played a significant role and today are well-connected centres that can be easily reached by train. Already know which castle you want to see? Buy your ticket and hop on the train car!