Chojnik Castle (German: Kynast) in Sobieszów is the ruins of a castle from the 14th century, located on the Chojnik hill (627 m above sea level) above the district of Jelenia Góra. The named stronghold is located on the premises Karkonosze National Park and is under strict protection. In addition, within its area there is a PTTK hostel "Na Zamku Chojnik".
From the most popular mountain resort in the area, Karpacz, we can reach the castle via a comfortable and picturesque route towards Szklarska Poręba. It's worth seeing a nearby one along the way Sosnówka With the chapel of St. Anna, a Good Source and a great flood Sosnówka. The Chojnik Castle can be reached by car from Karpacz in about 20 minutes, and the driving distance is about 15 kilometers.
On the way, on the right, we will also pass Prince Henry's Castle with a wonderful viewpoint. While passing the reservoir, we will see the mountain and the castle on the left. The access route to Chojnik Castle is interesting and picturesque. Legend has it that there is an underground tunnel between the castles. It's worth finding out who dug it up and why...
Chojnik Castle can be reached equally quickly and conveniently from nearby Jelenia Góra - by car or public transport. The castle is therefore very well connected. Moreover, when it comes to Chojnik Castle accommodation in the area, we can find them without any problems thanks to the extensive hotel base.
Chojnik Castle - history
Chojnik Castle, the history of this place is very interesting. Brick Lock Chojnik dates back to the mid-14th century. The pillory, which still stands in the castle courtyard, was probably built around 1410. Almost from the beginning of its construction, the castle was owned by the Schaffgotsch family. It was expanded in the following centuries.
Impregnable due to its location - there is no record of anyone trying to besiege it - it was destroyed not by enemies, but by fire. In 1675, the castle was struck by lightning and the fire consumed a large part of the buildings. From that moment on, the castle slowly fell into ruin.
Today, the Chojnik Castle, adapted for visitors, is a great tourist attraction and a great vantage point for admiring the surrounding Karkonosze Mountains, the Jizera Mountains, the Kaczawskie Mountains and the entire Jelenia Góra Valley. Moreover, on the south-eastern side of the castle there is an impressive 150-meter cliff that descends into the so-called Hell Valley. Chojnik Castle - visiting this place is impressive!
Legends of Chojniki
Chojnik Castle interesting facts? Of course, there are plenty of them! Like any self-respecting castle, this one cannot do without its legends that add color to its long life. Here are two stories - about love, of course...
Cruel Cunegonde
It connects with the Chojnik castle the legend of Cunegonde – a princess who didn't want to marry just anyone. She stipulated that she would give her hand only to a daredevil who was able to ride around the castle walls on horseback. And Chojnik is located on a steep slope. Many daredevils died by falling into the abyss over which the stronghold was built. Some people gave up early. And none of them completed the task.
Eventually, however, a knight appeared who the princess liked very much. He was the only one who managed to get around the walls and escape this dangerous attempt alive. The princess was already looking forward to their life together. However, the brave knight did not want to marry a woman who played with the lives of young people on a whim and allowed the death of many knights. Out of despair and guilt, Princess Cunegonde threw herself into the abyss, where so many of the daredevils she provoked died...
Forbidden feeling
From the castle you can see another interesting object - the ruins Prince Henry's Castle. These locks were connected - or maybe divided? - big Love. Once upon a time, the descendants of the von Reuss (Prince Henry's Castle) and Schaffgotsch (Chojnik Castle) families fell in love with each other. However, when their parents found out, they imprisoned the princess and the knight in their castles to separate them forever. The young, unable to bear the separation, started digging an underground corridor to be able to meet halfway. And finally they made it! In Red Vale, under the roots of the hornbeam, they saw each other again.
Suddenly the Mountain Spirit appeared. Moved by their sincere devotion, he offered his help to the couple in love. The engaged couple asked Karkonosz to make their love last forever. He fulfilled his promise - the young couple, hugging each other, was wrapped around the hornbeam with its strong roots, and the Spirit of the Mountains took them out of this world and filled the tunnel. Moreover, he punished cruel families by taking away their happiness in life. These families fell into decline and never regained their former glory.
Chojnik Castle attractions - it is not only a building that is a tourist attraction and a treat for lovers of beautiful views. It is also a very attractive area in terms of nature. It is located on a steep, lofty rock and is surrounded by an amazing forest with many boulders and rocky passages. Regardless of the season, a walk around the castle and the surrounding forest will bring us many positive experiences. Colorful, changing leaves in autumn, greenery and the sounds of nature in spring and summer. And always the amazing smell of the mountain forest - walks to and around the castle are great relaxation. Moreover, Chojnik Castle photos are always a great souvenir.
In addition, they are cultivated here to this day knightly traditions. The castle hosts knight tournaments and games modeled on medieval competitions. Not only for local residents, but also for tourists who willingly take part in this type of games, it is a great opportunity to learn history live. The local Brotherhood of Knights also resides here. You can even meet falconers and archers in the castle.
Chojnik Castle attractions in the area
The stronghold is located in the Karkonosze National Park, which is a must see Snow White, Snow Cauldrons, mountain trails and waterfalls Kamieńczyk, Szklarki and Podgórna. The castle is located very close to the capital of the region, Jelenia Góra. When choosing Chojnik Castle for a one-day trip, you can limit yourself only to the immediate area. However, if we decide to stay longer, we can enjoy not only the mountains, but also the picturesque Valley of Palaces and Gardens, try the delicious Karkonosze cuisine, enjoy thermal waters or spend time actively on hiking or cycling trails. In winter, of course, you can also go skiing or sledding.
Chojnik Castle for children
The well-preserved ruins of a medieval castle in the mountains are a great attraction for children. It's also a live history lesson. You can choose a gentle approach to the castle and children should be able to handle it without any problems. In the castle, you must see the tower and the views stretching from it. It is also worth walking around the castle and admiring its picturesque location and brave medieval builders.
For a trip with children, it is best to choose a date when there are additional attractions at the castle. For example, a knights' tournament or falconers' shows or fairs of regional crafts or local food products. Chojnik Castle for children it will certainly be interesting, and the Chojnik Castle, a map prepared after the trip, will be another attraction.
Chojnik Castle - information for tourists
You can reach Chojnik Castle via three tourist trails. Chojnik Castle trails are varied. The red trail starts in the Sobieszów district near the Arnika Pharmacy and leads directly to the castle - from here the walking journey should take about 1 hour. Similarly, the black trail also starts at the pharmacy and goes directly to the castle. Following this trail, we will come across a cave called the Leaky Stone. It's worth going in there. Information for those thirsty for further hiking - you will reach Podgórzyn Dolny along the black trail. The black trail is a bit more difficult, the red trail can be covered at a leisurely, walking pace.
The yellow trail leads to the castle from Podgórzyn (it is worth seeing the beautiful castle Ponds Podgorzynskie), from the "Nad Stawami" restaurant, and it takes about 1 hour to walk there. and 40 minutes. It is also a longer, but less steep route and should not be too tiring. At the entrances to the trails you will find private parking lots, where you should pay about PLN 10 for parking. You can reach the trailhead, starting in Sobieszów, from Jelenia Góra by bus no. 7. You can visit Chojnik Castle with your dog at any time of the year.
Holidays in the mountains?
Chojnik Castle opening hours vary during different periods of the year. It can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from:
- 10:00-16:00 in November-March,
- 10:00-17:00 from April to June and from September to October,
- 10:00-18:00 during the holiday season, July - August.
Chojnik Castle price list
Chojnik Castle tickets: entry prices are PLN 6 for a regular ticket and PLN 5 for a reduced ticket. Importantly, Chojnik Castle tickets for organized groups of over 15 people are slightly cheaper. The Chojnik Castle parking lot is nearby. There is a fee for it, ranging from PLN 5-10. It is also worth remembering to buy a ticket to the Karkonosze National Park, within which the castle is located (PLN 8 regular ticket, PLN 4 reduced ticket and free entry for children up to 7 years old).
Directions from Dwór Korona Karkonosze:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to stay overnight at the Chojnik Castle?
Currently, it is not possible to spend the night in the Chojnik Castle itself. Fortunately, there is a PTTK hostel right next to the castle, and there are many attractive towns in the area with very comfortable accommodation in any standard. For example, in Sosnówka near Karpacz, near the lagoon, we will find interesting accommodation facilities.
How much time to visit Chojnik Castle?
It may take 30 minutes to an hour to reach the castle from the car park. It is worth spending some time at the castle itself and contemplating the amazing views. To enjoy them, it is worth spending at least one hour in the castle. You can also stay longer and have a picnic.
Is there a toilet and a bar in the Chojnik Castle?
There is a restaurant in the Chojnik Castle with toilets and something to eat. So we don't have to worry about meeting the basic needs of life during a trip to the castle, especially with children. You can also take food with you and have a picnic in this picturesque place.
What can you see from Chojnik Castle?
There is a wonderful panorama of the mountains from the Chojnik Castle. The Jeleniogórska Valley and the Karkonosze Mountains seem to be at your fingertips. For this view, it is worth going up the mountain, especially since it is not a difficult trail. Even families with small children will easily enter the Chojnik Castle.
How long does it take to enter the Chojnik Castle?
The road to the Chojnik Castle from its foothills will not take us more than an hour. You can get to the top by 3 trails: red, yellow and black. The yellow trail is the longest, the black the hardest. The red trail is suitable even for an untrained tourist.