Mist in Lower Silesia by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Fog
Rarely can you experience such dense fog in the morning. The Sun looms faintly on the horizon. You can smell humidity in the air.
There you are! Right in the middle of Książ Landscape Park. A vast and beautiful region covering more than 30 square kilometers.
Mist in Lower Silesia by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The landscape park takes its name from the historic Książ Castle erected there.
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Książ Castle in early spring
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The garden area is adjacent to the castle.
Książ Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Cold
The first thing that you notice upon entering the castle is the cold. Ghost enthusiasts claim that Książ Castle is inexplicably cold.
Various visiting groups used a tool with an electromagnetic field meter to measure the temperature.
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One of the castle's many chambers.
Ksiaz Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Size
The all-pervasive cold, however, can be explained by the vast size of the castle. It has over 400 rooms (approximately 600, including outbuildings).
In total, it is around 11.000 m². This does not count the castle basements.
Książ Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Sleepover
You can experience these legendary cold, old corridors, and creaky floors yourself.
A part of the castle has been repurposed as a hotel. It is visited not only by ghost enthusiasts but also by regular guests and families.
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Another chamber.
Książ Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Hotel
It can boast of truly delightful surroundings. It's located in the center of Książ Landscape Park, which we mentioned at the beginning.
The hotel offers accommodation in standard rooms, suites, and premium apartments.
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The castle interior.
Ksiaz Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The History
Built in the 13th century, Książ Castle, along with its history, was home to a number of noble families. One of them was the mighty House of Hochberg.
Over time, the Hochbergs expanded the castle and contributed to its current splendor.
Książ Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
World War II
During World War II, the place was overtaken by the occupying German forces.
During that time, some of the historic chambers were destroyed and never rebuilt.
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The view of the castle from above.
Książ Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Maze
The Germans also built an intricate system of tunnels underneath the castle.
It remains a mystery what exact purpose they served.
Ksiaz Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Golden Train
Some believe that the legendary "golden train" full of gold, precious stones, art, and weapons has been buried by the Nazis in the vicinity of the castle.
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The castle from the outside.
Ksiaz Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
Janek the Hunchback
Allegedly, Książ Castle is haunted by Janek the Hunchback (Garbaty Janek). The inhabitants of the castle believed that there was a ghost of a certain Janek von Chotenitz.
In the 15th century, he managed Książ Castle on behalf of the then owner, the King of Bohemia.
Ksiaz Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Nocturnal Sounds
Tourists and hotel guests also claim to hear suspicious sounds during the night.
However, the security guards who guard the castle at night say these are mainly old, squeaky floors and worn-out windows.
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The figures are "guarding" the way to the castle.
Ksiaz Castle, Lower Silesia, Poland by Michal SiarekMuseum of Architecture in Wroclaw
The Night Quests
The old materials produce various sounds that are better heard during the night when everything else is quiet.
Another culprit for nocturnal sounds are martens that enter the castle through the old windows left ajar.
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Castle at night, beautifully illuminated.
Photography: Michał Siarek
