Olsztyn Castle Ruins, Olsztyn, Poland

The ruins of the 14th-century Olsztyn castle are one of the biggest attractions of the area. The castle, located on a hill, among limestone rocks, is part of the Trail of the Eagles' Nests. It belonged to a system of fortifications, built by King Kazimierz Wielki, to protect western Lesser Poland from Czechs, to whom Silesia belonged at that time. For some time, as a fee, it belonged to Prince Wladyslaw Opolczyk. Taken away from him in 1396, the castle was then handed by King Wladyslaw Jagello to a local nobleman, Jan Odrowąż of Szczekociny. The castle was invaded several times by Silesian princes in the 15th century, and with the advancement of warfare, its fortifications became obsolete. In 1655, it was captured by the Swedes, and since then, it became a ruin. In 1722, it was partly demolished, with bricks used to build a parish church at Olsztyn. Currently, only fragments of defensive walls remain. The most impressive still standing part of the castle is a 35-meter round tower, built in the 13th century, which served as a prison.

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User Reviews

ליהוא זיסברג (2 years ago)
One of the more impressive castles in the "eagles nests " area. A 14th century castle that saw battles and changed many hands, reflecting Poland's turbulent history. This one will challenge your hiking skills if you wish to really explore it and its wild and beautiful surroundings.

Оксана Буканова (3 years ago)
It is not the castle, i was wisitig, but the pizzeria next to the entrance to it . Pizza was good ( taste and stuffing), the atmosphere very relaxing and very good service. Recommend for family outing, change of the scenery, fun.

Andrzej A (3 years ago)
Short climb for very nice view. Parts of the castle are being renovated. It's definitely worth the effort to get here.

Nazar Demchuk (3 years ago)
The place itself looks pretty. But there are a lot of bottles and other plastic garbage. And when you entering the place you need to pay 8 zl per person, but looks like you can enter it from the other side ...

Gaspard Siestrunck (4 years ago)
Loved it! Not so much to see in the castle in itself, but the surrounding parc... Wow. Full of the rocks, which gave the Eagles Nest's Castles their unique style, which can be climbed freely and offer different views of the castle and its surroundings. The entrance is cheap (7zl)and you can wander freely around for hours. Must go with nice, sunny weather.

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