Perched majestically atop a limestone hill in southern Poland, Ogrodzieniec Castle is a place where history, mystery, and fantasy collide!
In case you are new here, I’m obsessed with history and castles in particular. So while I was living in Krakow, I, of course, had to visit one of Poland’s most haunted castles several times. I love wandering the grounds and gazing upon its towering walls, imagining the knights and nobles who once called this place home.
Fans of the hit Netflix series “The Witcher” will also recognize Zamek Ogrodzieniec as one of the locations that brought the fantastical world of Sodden Hill to life.
In addition, legends of spectral knights and phantom dogs make the castle a must-visit for my fellow history buffs. So, let’s take a closer look at how to get to Ogrodzieniec Castle, the best time to visit, and what you can expect.
Article overview
Getting to Ogrodzieniec Castle
Ogrodzieniec Castle is located in Podzamcze, a small village in the Silesian Voivodeship of southern Poland. The Polish Jura region is known for its stunning limestone cliffs and rolling green hills.
Home to the famous Trail of the Eagles’ Nests, this picturesque area boasts a series of medieval castles and fortresses, each perched dramatically atop rocky outcrops.
By car
The first time I visited Ogrodzieniec Castle, I rented a car in Krakow. I use Discover Cars, a comparison site covering more than 10.000 destinations worldwide. They compare local companies with well-known brand names like Hertz and Sixt.
From Krakow, it took us around 1 hour and 10 minutes to drive the 60 kilometers (about 37 miles). Driving was easy as soon as we got out of the city, and we stopped at many places along the way. From Katowice, it’s about 50 kilometers (around 31 miles) northeast, with a drive time of roughly 50 minutes.
🌟 Click here to check the price and availability of rental cars in Krakow.
Join a guided tour
This full-day tour is one of my favorite guided tours I’ve ever done. I followed almost the same route with the rental car as well, and while you, of course, have more freedom driving by yourself, I learned so much from our guide Matthew. So if you’re limited on time and don’t want to bother with a rental car, please do this tour!
Discover the dramatic landscapes of Ojców National Park and the 14th-century castles of the Trail of the Eagle’s Nests. Stop by Pieskowa Skala, Rabsztyn Castle, Ogrodzieniec Castle, Bobolice Castle and Błędowska, the largest desert in Central Europe. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included.
🏰 Click to check price and availability >> Castles Tour by The Eagles’ Nests Trail
Visitor information
From my first visit to Ogrodzieniec Castle to my last, the grounds have turned into a full-on tourist destination. Lots of stalls are selling cheap toys and souvenirs, taking away from the experience.
There were also political activists asking for signatures to ban abortion, which I would never sign anyway, but once I said I’m not Polish they went away.
Opening Hours: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm every day. These times might change during the high season, so be sure to check the official site.
Ticket prices: If you book the tour I recommended above, the entrance fee is included. If not, these are the current ticket prices for Ogrodzieniec Castle:
- Adults: 26 PLN (€6)
- Children, Students, and Seniors: 18 PLN
- Including Mount Birów: 24/34 PLN
Free admission for people with mobility disabilities in wheelchairs and children up to 3 years. However, I would say that most of the castle is not wheelchair accessible, I think it would even be difficult with a stroller. But the grounds are still worth it.
Parking: There are plenty of parking lots around the castle, as everyone wants to cash in on the visitors. So you don’t have to worry about that, but as always, I recommend getting there early to beat the crowds inside the castle.
Check the weather: The castle and grounds are mostly uncovered, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven terrain.
History of Ogrodzieniec Castle
For my fellow history buffs, I wanted to quickly touch on the history of Ogrodzieniec Castle. In the 12th century, the first wooden stronghold was built on the hill. Later, after the Tatar invasion in the 13th century, a gothic stone castle was erected in place of the settlement.
This was during the reign of King Casimir III the Great, a period marked by significant fortification efforts across Poland. Ogrodzieniec Castle was part of a broader network of fortresses known as the Eagles’ Nests, designed to protect the kingdom’s western borders from invasions and to secure important trade routes.
Throughout the 14th and 15th centuries, the castle saw various enhancements and expansions. Its robust stone walls, fortified towers, and intricate passageways were all constructed to withstand sieges and attacks.
By the late 15th century, the castle came into the possession of the influential Boner family. Under their stewardship, Ogrodzieniec Castle underwent significant renovations, transforming it into a luxurious Renaissance residence while maintaining its defensive capabilities. This period marked the height of the castle’s grandeur.
However, the castle’s fortunes began to wane in the 17th century. It suffered extensive damage during the Swedish Deluge (1655-1660), a series of invasions and occupations by Swedish forces. Despite efforts to restore the castle, it never fully regained its former glory. By the 19th century, Ogrodzieniec Castle had fallen into ruin, a shadow of its once-magnificent self.
Legends and ghosts
Among the many ghostly tales that shroud Ogrodzieniec Castle in mystery, the legend of the Black Dog stands out. This spectral hound is believed to be the restless spirit of Stanisław Warszycki, a former owner of the castle known for his ruthless and tyrannical rule.
According to the legend, Warszycki’s misdeeds were so severe that he found no peace, even in death. His spirit was condemned to roam the grounds of Ogrodzieniec Castle in the form of a large, menacing black dog. Locals and visitors alike have reported hearing the phantom dog’s chilling howls echoing through the night.
Another popular tale involves the white lady, thought to be the spirit of Seweryn Boner’s wife who met a tragic end within the castle walls. People have reported sightings of her ethereal figure draped in a flowing white gown, wandering the castle’s corridors and grounds.
I didn’t see or feel anything while I was there, but I would have loved to go back at night.
What to expect at Ogrodzieniec Castle
Every time I have visited the castle, the interior tour has been a little different. They keep adding to the experience which is great. Today, you can visit almost all parts of the structure.
To get inside you walk through the main entrance gate in the largest tower. It leads you into the Lord’s Courtyard, where the tour continues to the kitchen and then up some spiral stairs to the upper castle.
You then cross a modern footbridge above the kitchen, go up more spiral stairs and into the private chambers of the castle owner – Boner’s bedroom and the library. He liked to show his wealth so it is often compared to Wawel Castle!
Next, the tour route leads to the Kurza Stopa, the utility yard called Ptasznik, a reconstructed wooden cloister and the treasury rooms. From this part, the stairs lead to the porch and the Kredencerska observation tower. Below are the chambers of knights from the Castle Museum. The tour ends back in the Lord’s Courtyard.
There are different happenings throughout the year such as a horror party at Halloween and the Barbarian Raid in May, a fair that takes you back to Medieval times. During summer, you can attend weekly shows and ghost evenings.
If you’re visiting during the warmer months, I recommend bringing some food and drinks for a little picnic. The ground is absolutely stunning and there are some tables where you can sit down and relax.
The Witcher filming location
The already popular Ogrodzieniec Castle found a new wave of fame when it was featured in the popular Netflix series, “The Witcher.”
Based on the beloved book series by Andrzej Sapkowski, “The Witcher” follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter navigating a world filled with magic, intrigue, and danger.
Filming has spanned all over Europe, but the producers also wanted to film a small part in Poland as a nod to the Polish author.
In “The Witcher,” Ogrodzieniec Castle serves as the backdrop for the dramatic Battle of Sodden Hill, its imposing walls and atmospheric ruins providing an authentic medieval setting that enhances the show’s dark and mystical tone.
Personally, I have never seen the show, I’m not a fan of the fantasy genre. But I can definitely see why the castle was chosen and I wouldn’t mind running into Henry Caville on my next visit.
The castle on Mount Birów
Beyond the castle itself, the surrounding Polish Jura region offers beautiful landscapes and additional historical sites worth exploring. The area is a perfect day trip to add to your Krakow itinerary.
Just a stone’s throw from the enchanting ruins of Ogrodzieniec Castle lies another historic site you don’t want to miss: the castle on Mount Birów. As mentioned earlier, you can buy combined tickets.
Archaeological research has confirmed the presence of humans on this site for 30,000 years. But what you see today is a reconstruction of a Medieval stronghold, complete with wooden palisades, watchtowers, and an archaeological exhibition.
In the tourist season from May to October, you can participate in fantasy events such as “Journeys with Gandalf” and “Summer School of Magic”. Learn about the work of Medieval artisans, see Slavic warriors and fighting Roman gladiators. It is especially fun for families with children.
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