The Mysterious Książ Castle

Książ Castle belonged to various states, it was destroyed and rebuilt. A dark history full of secrets is written in its walls…

This historic place cannot be described in just a few sentences. Over the years, Książ Castle had many owners, and each of them left behind some mystery, secret, or legend. I will try to give you a glimpse of why this is such a unique place.

Table of Contents:

1. The Legend of the Castle’s Origins and a Brief History
2. Visiting Książ Castle
3. Terraces of Książ Castle
4. Underground and Nearby Tunnels
5. The Amber Room and the Golden Train
6. The Stallion Stud
7. The Mausoleum of the Hochberg Family
8. The “Amphitheater” That Is Not an Amphitheater
9. Hotel
10. Getting There
11. Price List

The Legend of the Castle’s Origins and a Brief History

The fortress was said to have been built by a knight named Funkenstein. As a young squire, he brought his lord coal that he had found in the forest. The lord was so pleased with the gift that he quickly promoted the squire to a knight and gave him the title “He Who Brings Stones That Spark.” He ordered him to return to the forest, find the precious material, and build a fortress there to protect a dark secret. This event is believed to have occurred around the year 930.

The first mention of the castle appears in 1288 during the reign of Duke Bolesław I the Strict of Świdnica and Jawor. Initially, the fortress was intended to be a strategic point for defending Silesia. The castle stood out due to its location and picturesque surroundings, and soon after, Bolesław I moved there and took the title “Lord of Książ,” which was passed down to his successors. When the Piast dynasty line ended, the castle came under the control of the Czech dynasty and remained with them until the 15th century. It then passed to the Hungarians and later the Germans, gradually losing its original military function in favor of a residential one.

In the 18th century, Książ Castle came into the possession of the von Hochberg family, and it was during their rule that the largest reconstruction took place. They commissioned the construction of a baroque wing, a courtyard, and buildings for the lower castle. However, the greatest transformation occurred during the reign of Jan Henryk XV of the von Hochberg family, who married Maria Teresa Cornwallis West, today known as Princess Daisy, a woman who was ahead of her time. Under his rule, Książ Castle underwent a second major reconstruction. Two new neorenaissance wings were built, the western and northern wings, the castle terraces took on their current form, and the Palm House construction began.

Visiting Książ Castle

There are two ways to visit the castle. The first option is a group tour with a guide. The second option is an individual visit with an Audioguide set. In both cases, the entry follows fixed hours. I chose the second option. The tour follows a fixed route, and the Audioguide takes us through the castle’s chambers one by one.

It has been about 10 years since my last visit to the castle, and many changes have occurred. Much more of the castle has been opened for visitors, with all rooms furnished and described. Several museum rooms have been opened, where you can view an album about the Hardouin family, who once worked at the castle. The walk around the castle felt longer, but not very free. In almost every room, there is security. The Audioguide provides detailed information about the rooms, their decor, and architecture, but in my opinion, it lacks history and interesting facts that would have made the visit feel like a small journey back in time.

The current way of visiting Książ Castle feels more like a museum tour, following a designated path. My impressions were rather average; I somewhat miss the times when it was possible to get a little lost in the castle. Although the rooms were almost empty, the castle had more atmosphere back then.

Time of visit: 60-90 minutes

The Terraces of Książ Castle

Like something out of a fairy tale, gardens carved into the rock surround the majestic Książ Castle. The 2-hectare terraces are spread over 12 levels, each offering a stunning view of the surrounding area.

It is believed that the construction of the terraces began in the first half of the 17th century, on the site of former fortifications, during the reign of Christoph II von Hoberga. However, it was only after the end of the Thirty Years’ War that work began to expand and beautify them. The terraces took their current shape between 1913 and 1927, and to this day, visitors can see, among others, the Flora Goddess Terrace, the Middle Terrace, the Water Terrace, the Rose Terrace (Cascading), the Western Terrace, the Chestnut Terrace, and the Horseshoe Terrace.

Since 2019, the Light Gardens at Książ Castle have also been held.

The Underground and Surrounding Tunnels

The underground tour of Książ Castle is only available with a guide. It is a half-kilometer stretch of concrete tunnels carved into the rock. Visitors are able to see the concrete hall and the side chambers of the bunker. The guide is not particularly necessary, as at various points, the lights are turned off, and a film is displayed telling the history of this place.

The underground of Książ is one of many secrets hidden for the last 70 years. There are speculations that the tunnels beneath the castle are much more extensive than we currently know. One theory suggests that Adolf Hitler, during World War II, wanted to create a tunnel all the way to Wrocław, and he allegedly managed to complete it halfway. Another hypothesis talks about a train station beneath the castle, as well as hangars the size of an airport, hiding the secrets of the Third Reich. There is no evidence to support any of these theories, but could it really be untrue?

Additionally, near the “Amphitheater,” there is an entrance to one of many underground tunnels around the castle, and there are a large number of them. In the surrounding forests and possibly farmhouses, many tunnels lead to the castle. Unfortunately, after many years, most of them have been flooded or secured. Personally, I had the chance to enter one of them, but halfway through, I had to turn back due to a large amount of water.

The Greatest Mystery – The Amber Room

The Amber Room was supposed to be a chamber measuring 10.5 by 11.5 meters. Its history began over 250 years before its disappearance, when the Prussian King Frederick I Hohenzollern dreamt of a room entirely covered in Baltic gold. Initially, the project was prepared for a hall in the Charlottenburg Palace near Berlin. In 1706, the unfinished room was moved to the City Palace in Berlin. Tsar Peter I had the opportunity to admire it, and he soon became its next owner. After the death of Frederick I, his son, Frederick William I, gifted the room to the Tsar in exchange for a Russian military regiment.

The room was packed into 18 crates and transported to St. Petersburg. However, it turned out that no one could properly assemble or finish the construction of the room, so the Amber Room spent more than a quarter of a century in those crates. It wasn’t until Elizabeth I, the Tsar’s daughter, ordered the installation of the room in the newly constructed Winter Palace. But even there, it didn’t stay long. Soon after, it was moved to the Tsarskoye Selo Palace, located 25 kilometers away. It was here that the Amber Room truly shone and quickly earned the title of the “Eighth Wonder of the World” by those who were able to admire it.

The room remained in Tsarskoye Selo until 1941 when German soldiers dismantled it and sent it to Königsberg. From there, it was supposed to be transported to Książ Castle, where a room was prepared for it, named the Conrad Hall. And this is where the mystery begins.

One version claims that the Amber Room arrived at Książ, while another says it reached the vicinity. There are many theories, some of which suggest the room was already removed from Poland long ago, while others say it is hidden in the underground tunnels of Książ Castle, where a supposed railway station is also believed to exist. The final theory talks about the “Golden Train,” which allegedly left the castle with the Amber Room, but it was never found. Some even claim to have found tracks leading toward the castle’s underground tunnels. Which version is true? How could a 6-ton amber room disappear? Will we ever know what really happened? What is truth, and what is fiction?

The Stallion Stud

After visiting Książ Castle, it’s worth heading to the Stado Ogierów. The current stables are not only a facility for horses but also a historic site. They were built in the 18th century at the request of Prince Hochberg. In the 19th century, they were remodeled, but they only started functioning as stables in the 20th century.

The Stado Ogierów Książ was founded in 1947, and in 1997, the Książ Horse Stud was also established. The SLKS equestrian club has been operating here for many years, and often there are recreational events, horse riding demonstrations, carriage rides, and equestrian competitions.

Ticket Office Hours:

• April 1 – September 30: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• October 1 – October 31: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• November 1 – March 31: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Ticket Price:

• 5 PLN – Children, students, seniors
• 10 PLN – Adults

Mausoleum of the Hochberg Family

Located near the Southern Gate, on Topolowa Hill, the Mausoleum of the Hochberg Family was built in 1734. Originally serving as a Summer Pavilion with a beautiful panoramic view, its interior features paintings depicting Książ Castle from four different perspectives.

In 1883, the pavilion was transformed into a chapel, and a crypt was carved into the rock beneath it. The first to be buried there was the unnamed daughter of Jan Henryk XV and Princess Daisy. Later, Jan Henryk XI and his two wives were laid to rest, followed by Princess Daisy von Pless. In 1945, fearing desecration of the tomb, the Hochberg family servants moved the bodies from the crypt. Unfortunately, no sources provide information about their new location.

Opening hours:

Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Price:

Normal: 9 PLN
Discounted: 7 PLN

“The Amphitheater” That Is Not an Amphitheater

The Hochberg Amphitheater, the Old Amphitheater, or simply “the Amphitheater” – nothing is more misleading than calling this place by such a name. Although I, too, referred to it this way until this year, it’s important to note that no signs on the trail or around Książ Castle lead to this place, and there is no informational plaque nearby. Its structure indeed resembles an amphitheater, and for a very brief time after World War II, it served such a role. So, what is this beautiful remnant? You might be surprised. It used to serve as… a tennis court!

How did this happen? Initially, this area was a horticultural site, where fruits and vegetables were grown for the noble family. That was until 1907 when the horticulture moved to nearby Lubiechów, where a large Palm House was being designed. It was at that time that the nearby greenhouses were dismantled and a popular tennis court was built. Count Vico Cross, a close friend of the Hochberg family, shared his passion for the sport with the young prince and his wife Daisy. So, during his visits to the castle, they could play on their own private court.

Although the “amphitheater” originally served a completely different purpose, I think it will forever remain an amphitheater in the eyes of the local residents.

Hotel

The hotel is located on the lower grounds of Książ Castle, surrounded by greenery and the songs of birds. It is built on a rocky promontory at an elevation of 395 meters above sea level. Over the centuries, it has hosted notable guests such as Princess Izabela Czartoryska, Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, King Wilhelm I of Prussia and Emperor of Germany, Queen Maria of Romania, Winston Churchill (Prime Minister of the United Kingdom), and many others. The rooms are of a high standard, featuring royal-style bathrooms. Rooms are equipped with a TV, telephone, and Wi-Fi access.

Price: From 165 PLN to 1400 PLN.

Getting There

• Książ Parking by the Stallion Stud: Price up to 15 PLN for the whole day.
• Main Parking: Price up to 15 PLN for the whole day.
• Parking under the Palm House: Ticket machine, small parking lot, space not always available.

By Foot or Trail:

• Świebodzice, Kasztanowa Street – Książ Gate (Lviv) – Black Trail to Książ Castle – Black/Red Trail to Książ Castle.
• Świebodzice, Spacerowa Street – Red Trail – Black/Red Trail to Książ Castle.
• Świebodzice, Stanisława Moniuszki Street – Red Trail via Hochberg Path – Red/Green Trail of Piast Castles to Książ Castle.

Price List

Książ Castle Tour:

• All Day Ticket (Castle, Undergrounds, Palm House, Stallion Stud, Mausoleum): Normal 75 PLN, Reduced 65 PLN
• Castle, Undergrounds, Palm House: Normal 65 PLN, Reduced 55 PLN
• Castle, Stallion Stud, Palm House: Normal 49 PLN, Reduced 39 PLN
• Castle, Palm House: Normal 45 PLN, Reduced 35 PLN
• Explore Wałbrzych (Castle, Palm House, Old Mine, Porcelain Museum): Normal 71 PLN, Reduced 53 PLN
• Night Tour of the Castle: 55 PLN / 59 PLN online

Other Attractions in the Complex:

• Undergrounds: Normal 29 PLN, Reduced 24 PLN
• Mausoleum: Normal 9 PLN, Reduced 7 PLN
• Terraces, Palm House: Normal 26 PLN, Reduced 20 PLN
• Palm House: Normal 15 PLN, Reduced 10 PLN

When visiting Książ Castle in Wałbrzych, it’s worth planning a full-day tour of nearby and related attractions. Some of them can be visited with a single ticket purchased at the Książ Castle ticket office.

• Palm House – The Pearl of Princess Daisy (One Ticket),
• Romantic Ruins of the Old Książ Castle
• Science and Art Centre, Old Mine (One Ticket)
• Porcelain Museum (One Ticket)
• Daisy’s Lake
• Cisy Castle – The Mysterious Gem of Lower Silesia,

If my article helped you plan your route and gather the necessary information, I would be grateful for your support in making my dreams come true by buying me a coffee!