Ogrodzieniec Castle was badly damaged during the 18th century and again in the closing stages of World War II, but restoration work means you can access much more of it than you’d think. Rugged rock formations, spiral staircases, and ruined towers make for impressive photos. Nobleman Stanisław Warszycki, who owned the castle during the 17th century, was a notorious torturer, and today the castle houses a small exhibition in the torture chamber where he allegedly practiced his misdeeds.
There’s a charge to visit the castle. Many travelers reach the castle via guided tours, which depart from either Krakow or Katowice and typically focus on The Witcher filming locations or the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests. On select spring and summer days, the castle holds events including ghost evenings, tournaments, and costumed performances.
Ogrodzieniec Castle is ideal for photographers, The Witcher fans, history buffs, families, and lovers of the paranormal.
Podzamcze, the castle village, is home to a range of child-friendly attractions, including a rope park and an amusement park.
There are souvenir stands and a restaurant on-site.
The main tourist route through the castle is not accessible to visitors who rely on wheelchairs.
Ogrodzieniec Castle perches on a hilltop in the village of Podzamcze, about 40 miles (65 kilometers) north of Krakow. Tours leave from both Krakow and Katowice, about 30 miles (50 kilometers) to the southwest, and there’s parking in the village for self-drivers. The nearest train station is in Zawiercie, 7 miles (11 kilometers) away; from there, you can catch a taxi or bus number 7.
Ogrodzieniec Castle is open seven days a week, from morning to early evening, with longer hours during the summer season. Ghost evenings run on some Friday and Saturday nights, with guided tours available on some Sundays. If you’re not interested in medieval shows and performances, visit during the week for a quieter experience.
Running from Krakow to Częstochowa, the Trail of the Eagles’ Nests is a hiking or biking route that spans a little over 100 miles (160 kilometers) and encompasses a wealth of ruined castles. Highlights include Pieskowa Skała Castle (Zamek Pieskowa Skała), an atmospheric Renaissance castle; Mirów Castle (Ruiny Zamku Mirów), which is crumbling and unrestored; and the rugged ruins of Rabsztyn Castle (Zamek Rabsztyn). You can visit parts of the trail on day trips from Krakow.
