How many castles are there in Poland? Here are 5 you must see at least once in your life.

Poland is a country where history lurks around every corner – and it's most beautifully visible in the castles scattered from the Baltic Sea to the Tatra Mountains. Officially, there are over 400 of them, although traces of ancient strongholds can be found in hundreds more. From royal Wawel, through fairytale Moszna, to mysterious Książ – here are the most beautiful castles worth visiting.

If Poland were a fairy tale, most scenes would take place against the backdrop of castles . Where do these conclusions come from? Well, the numbers are impressive: according to data from 2021, as many as 402 castles were listed in the National Heritage Institute's register. Historians like Dr. Tomasz Ratajczak suspect there are many more remains—even over 600. It all depends on how broadly we interpret the definition of "castle." Whether we count only monumental royal residences or also smaller fortifications that once protected local families.

Regardless of which number you choose, one thing is certain: Poland is a land of castles . And it's not just Malbork or Wawel Castle—almost every region holds a treasure trove of medieval tournaments, royal feasts, and sometimes... romantic stories. If you're a fan of stately homes, palaces, and castles, here are 5 that are worth visiting (in my opinion).

On a limestone hill above the Vistula River reigns Wawel Castle – the former seat of Polish monarchs and one of the most important national symbols.

Construction of the first brick fortifications at Wawel Castle began around the 13th century , but the castle's current appearance is the result of a Renaissance reconstruction from 1507 to 1536 during the reign of Sigismund I the Old . It was designed by Bartolomeo Berrecci and Francesco Florentino , among others.

Wawel Royal Castle / Unsplash, Chris Linnett

Hidden among the green hills of Lower Silesia , Czocha Castle was built around 1247 on the orders of the Czech King Wenceslas I as a border watchtower.

It is famous for its network of underground passages, the so-called " wells of unfaithful wives ," and numerous legends about treasures hidden during the war. Picturesquely situated on Lake Leśniańskie, it is often used as a film set.

Czocha Castle, a historic castle in the settlement of Sucha

The third largest castle in Poland is the true pride of Wałbrzych . Surrounded by terraced gardens and situated on the edge of a picturesque gorge, Książ Castle exudes the splendor of an aristocratic residence .

It's said that during World War II, the Germans conducted secret work here as part of the "Riese" project—and the underground tunnels still capture the imagination of treasure hunters. Its most famous resident? Daisy von Pless , a Belle Époque beauty known for her charitable work.

Built between 1629 and 1642 at the initiative of Stanisław Lubomirski , it was originally a bastion fortress. In the 18th century, it was transformed into a baroque-classical magnate residence.

It is famous for its richly decorated interiors, painting galleries, and some of the most beautiful stables and coach houses in Europe . In the 19th century, it was the residence of the Potocki family , who enjoyed a lively social life there. The castle was also used as a set for " The Leper ."

Moszna Castle in the Opole region looks like a castle from a child's imagination: 99 turrets, 365 rooms, and a vast park where magnolias bloom in spring. Built in the late 19th century, its architecture is a blend of styles that makes it resemble a setting from a Disney movie. It's the perfect place for a stroll, a photoshoot, or even a proposal. In winter, it's worth visiting the Christmas market, which lasts only a few days!

Moszna Castle in the Opole region / Shutterstock