Jewels of Lower Silesia
Description
This tour offers you to discover the most precious attraction of Lower Silesia reflecting its complicated past. Ksiaz Castle is a real example of the mixed legacy of the region being a great example of the German industrial revolution. Ksiaz astonishes with its size and scale being a third largest castle in today's Poland. You will visit the representative part, find out the history of the rise and fall of the family, hear about the incredible fortune, high society scandals, tragedies and why the castle still hides some secret from the World War II visitng the tunnels under the castle (only English audioguide). Pay the visit to the marvelous Church of Peace, the largest wooden church in Europe. Built in the XVII century is an impressive and remarkable example of religious conflict dividing Europe centuries ago. Erected under very strict conditions represent a immense historic and artistic value, rightly earning its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Ksiaz Castle is a real example of the mixed legacy of the region. Built by the local dynasty from Swidnica, descendents of the Polish royal Piast dynasty, passed through several owners such as Bohemian Kings, robber barons, Hungarian ruler, ended in the hands of the Hober (Hochberg family). Those Silesian aristocrats became one of the most successful entrepreneurs in XIX century being a great example of the German industrial revolution.
Have a relaxing walk in the colorful and exotic greenhouses, admire a rare and spectacular plants which help you to comprehend the wealth and prosperity of the Hochberg family.
The church itself was built in the XVII century, during the Hapsburg rule and is an impressive and remarkable example of religious conflict dividing Europe centuries ago. Erected under very strict conditions represent a immense historic and artistic value, rightly earning its place on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- To get to the tunnels, visitors should be prepared for a significant number of stairs, including both descending and climbing up — comparable to walking up to approximately the 7th floor.
- Access to the underground tunnels is available only for children aged 4 years and older.
- Please note that the temperature in the tunnels remains stable at 8–9°C (46–48°F) with humidity over 80%. We recommend wearing warm clothing for your comfort during the visit.
- Please note that reaching the tunnels requires some physical effort. If you prefer, this part of the visit can be skipped and replaced with a relaxing coffee break.
Reviews(27)
Guide Adam is a good communicator, his management of directions and general facts were excellent. He gave interesting additional information on the approach to attractions. The palminira(garden) was ok but not for me nothing of outstanding interest. The castle was interesting, you need the audio tour or you are in a polish world. The tunnels were interesting again you need the audio tour. Security will ask in Polish if you need the guide listen for your country and stick your hand up, or use a guide. 77 steps down from the top of the tunnels to the bottom and up, of course, easy standard steps. Steps to get to the head of the tunnels about 80 to 100 with slopes in between, quite testing..
Excellent trip. I particularly enjoyed the wooden church. These places would be difficult to get to by yourself from Wroclaw. The driver/guide was excellent and very informative
Great trip. Adam, our driver and guide, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. It was a long day - 8 hours - but it meant that we got plenty of time at each stop, and time for a lovely lunch at the castle.
Our guide (Matthaius), waa excellent, narrating the history of Ksaiz Castle and the Peace Church as we drove to them. Timings were good at the locations with audio guides in English at each. Make sure to do the 10 minute walk to Lookout Point at the castle for excellent views
Our group of 8 people was traveling with the German-speaking driver and guide Matthias. On the one-hour drive to Fürstenstein Castle, he taught us very competently the history of the area and the castle and answered all questions professionally correctly. The highlight of the trip was the Friedenskirche in Schweidnitz. We had a very informative day in Lower Silesia -absolute recommendation!
The driver and the guide were very nice! he was knowledgeable and service-friendly. We will definitely all take the trip if you have the opportunity!
My husband and I booked this tour for mid September and it was superb, as was our guide. Adam was prompt, gracious and his English is excellent. The drive was lovely and the castle was stunning. While it is in very good shape, the decor was lacking, but this is due to the Germans and Russians who ransacked it during WWII. You can see how much Poland suffered during the war. We didn't go into the tunnels because of the hundreds of stairs. The Palm House was also stunning. One of the nicest greenhouses I ever saw with lemurs and peacocks. The favorite was the Church of Peace which is breathtaking. Pictures don't do it justice. We went to a nearby restaurant for an early dinner. It was superb and amazingly Rustic polish. The whole day was a great experience and of the highest quality.
Our visit to Książ Castle and the surrounding areas, the palm house and the mysterious Nazi tunnels, was the highlight of our whole holiday! Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable about local history, as well as being a talented linguist: he gave the tour simultaneously in English and Spanish, whilst also advocating for us in Polish. The tunnel and castle provided well-paced, informative English-language audio guides, and there was a pleasant restaurant serving traditional Polish food on site. The church was also fascinating, and once again the guide proved his history credentials, teaching us about the complicated Polish-German history of the area. 5 stars!
This was a really fun tour with a small group! Great way to see some of the polish countryside and learn some history of the area. The castle was very interesting!
We spent the day with Matthias who was one of the best guides we’ve ever had. As he drove us to the different destinations, he provided tons of historical facts and showed us many neat things along the way. The castle and church were unbelievable and the history behind each was very interesting. Highly recommend this trip!!!!!
