Discover a fairy tale Moszna castle, a hidden gem in southern Poland
I love discovering castles and Europe is a perfect place just for that. Did you know that there are around 40 thousand castles all over Europe? 500 of them are in Poland, my home country. Some of the most famous castles in Poland include Wawel Castle in Kraków, Malbork Castle near Gdansk (the largest brick castle in the world) or Ksiaz Castle near Wałbrzych and not far from Wroclaw, the part of Poland I am from.
I spent a couple of weeks in Poland visiting my brother and he took me to a fairy tale Moszna castle, which I didn’t know even existed. It is one of the most beautiful castles in Poland and, in my opinion, a real hidden gem. Moszna castle is a great one-day excursion from Kraków or Wroclaw.
Why visit Moszna castle
Moszna Castle (Zamek w Mosznej) is one of Poland’s most beautiful and enchanting architectural gems, often described as something straight out of a fairy tale. Located in southwestern Poland, this magnificent structure combines baroque, neo-gothic, and neo-renaissance elements, with 365 rooms and 99 towers (can you imagine?!), making it a truly unique destination. I don’t think many foreigners stop by the castle, maybe except Germans that seem to live southern Poland. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience, here’s everything you need to know about Moszna Castle.
How to get to Moszna castle
Moszna Castle is situated in the Opole Voivodeship (wojewodztwo) in southern Poland, about 35 kilometers from the city of Opole and 190 kilometers from Kraków. Renting a car and driving in Poland is easy, so I think it could be the best option for driving to Moszna and other hidden gems around the major cities. You could easily discover the south of Poland by car.
By Car
Driving is the most convenient way to reach Moszna Castle. From Opole, the journey takes around 40 minutes. If you’re coming from Kraków, it’s approximately a 2.5-hour drive, while from Wrocław, it takes about 1.5 hours. If you’re up for it, renting a car in Poland is easy and driving as well.
By Train and Bus
You can also get to Moszna Castle using public transportation. The nearest train station is Krapkowice, located about 10 kilometers away. From Krapkowice, you can take a local bus or taxi to reach the castle. If traveling from larger cities like Wrocław or Kraków, take a train to Opole and then a bus or taxi from there. I use this website whenever I visit Poland for train bookings.
Things to do around Moszna castle
Since Moszna castle is located a bit away from major cities, it is best to be visited as a day trip. However, there are many other things to see and do in the region as the south of Poland is quite interesting. It is also a place where you can find many hiking options with easy trails, so really great for the whole family. I grew up in this region, so believe me when I say, that it so undiscovered by foreigners but loved by Polish people to explore on weekends.
Explore Opole
While in the area, don’t miss a visit to Opole, one of Poland’s oldest cities. Often referred to as the “Venice of Poland” due to its scenic riverside location, Opole is known for its Piast Tower, medieval architecture, and beautiful Old Town. While it is not my favourite city in Poland, it is worth visiting for a few hours as it is quite charming. If you visit during summer, have a look at the festival of Polish songs that is one of the biggest music festivals in the country since 1963. All the best artists perform there.
See Niemodlin castle
Niemodlin castle is known for very cute inhabitants roaming beautiful gardens of the castle: fallow deers. It is one of the most beautiful castles in Poland and very well preserved, but foreigners usually don’t head that way. So if you happen to be around the area, maybe you’d like to check it out. Similarly to Moszna, this castle can also find its place on the list of fairytale castles in Poland (and Europe, I’d add).
Visit Krapkowice
Just a short distance from the castle is Krapkowice, a charming town with its own historic attractions. It’s a great spot to experience local culture, visit a few quaint cafes, and stroll along the Oder River.
Wielka Sowa Mountains
If you’re up for a day trip, the Wielka Sowa Mountains provide stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. Just under two hours away, this mountainous region offers scenic trails and beautiful vistas, perfect for nature lovers. I cannot even count how many times I went there throughout my childhood as it was such an easy adventure. I felt like climbing Mt Everest, so it seems like a perfect and accessible place for families.
Silesian Botanical Garden
Located about an hour away, the Silesian Botanical Garden is a peaceful retreat for those who love nature and plants. It’s home to an extensive collection of flowers, walking paths, and relaxation spots.
See also:
- A guide to Gdansk for first time travellers.
- Pierogi, kings and dragons. See the beauty of Kraków.
- How to maximize your trip to Lake Bled, Slovenia: hidden gems and best photo spots
- 21 most beautiful castles in Europe you must visit
- Neuschwanstein- castle that makes Disney embarrassed
- What you need to know about driving in Slovakia + 5 day road trip itinerary
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