The first stop on our tour is the monumental Książ Castle, the third largest castle in Poland. Built on a picturesque hill surrounded by the forests of the Walbrzych Foothills, this imposing structure has a turbulent history dating back to the 13th century. Ksiaz Castle is not only beautiful interiors and observation decks, but also a mysterious World War II-era underground. As of September 2024, a regular ticket costs 79 zlotys and includes a tour with an audio guide, admission to the underground and the nearby palm house. It's worth reserving a full day to explore the castle and its surroundings.

Another fascinating site is the ruins of Chojnik Castle, towering over Jelenia Góra. This medieval castle, destroyed by fire in 1675, offers unforgettable views of the Giant Mountains and the Jelenia Góra Basin. Entrance to the castle requires a short but scenic hike through the forest. The entrance ticket costs 15 zlotys (as of November 2024), to which must be added the entrance fee to the Karkonosze National Park. Although the castle is in ruins, it has retained many interesting features, including a tower worth climbing.

For those who want to see many Lower Silesian monuments in one place, the Miniature Park of Lower Silesian Monuments in Kowary is ideal. This is a unique attraction where you can admire miniatures of the region's most important buildings at a scale of 1:25. The park offers not only the opportunity to see the miniatures, but also to participate in interesting stories of the guides about the history and curiosities related to the presented objects. The entrance ticket costs 50 zlotys per person (as of July 2024), but it is worth reserving more time to take full advantage of the guides' knowledge.

Comparing the three attractions, Książ Castle offers the most extensive tour and the most attractions, but is also the most expensive option. The Chojnik Castle Ruins is for those who like to combine history with physical activity, and the Miniature Park in Kowary is a great option for families with children, who can learn about the region's history here in an accessible way. Each of these places has its own unique character and atmosphere, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of Lower Silesia.

Continuing our journey through the not-so-obvious attractions of Lower Silesia, we can't leave out Grodziec Castle. This impressive structure, built on an extinct volcano, combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance. The history of the castle dates back to the 12th century, and its walls have witnessed many turbulent events. A guided tour lasts about an hour and costs 28 zlotys (as of 2024). Grodziec Castle is distinguished by the possibility of walking on the cloisters and blanks, which is rare in Polish castles. An additional attraction is the knight shows and medieval feasts organized here.

Another fascinating place is the Valley of Pearls, located near the famous Czocha Castle. This picturesque valley of the Kwisa River hides a remarkable history - pearls were mined here in the 17th and 18th centuries! Today, the Pearl Valley is an ideal place for those seeking peace and quiet and contact with nature. An educational path with information boards allows you to learn about the history and nature of the place. Importantly, admission to the Pearl Valley is free, making it an attractive option for families with children.

Also not to be missed is the Leaning Tower in Ząbkowice Śląskie. This unique building, leaning more than 2 meters from the vertical, is one of the most characteristic monuments of Lower Silesia. The tower was built in the 14th century and still fascinates tourists with its appearance. A guided tour costs about 15 zlotys (as of 2024) and includes an ascent to the top of the tower, from where there is a beautiful view of the city and its surroundings.

The last point of our trip is the ruins of the palace in Galow. This 19th century palace, although it has fallen into disrepair, still impresses with its eclectic architecture and picturesque location. The palace is currently fenced off and unavailable to visit from the inside, but you can admire it from the outside. It's a perfect place for photography and 'urbex' enthusiasts.

Comparing these attractions, Grodziec Castle offers the most extensive tour and the most additional attractions, but it also requires the most time. The Valley of Pearls is ideal for those seeking contact with nature and tranquility, and it's free. The Leaning Tower in Ząbkowice Śląskie is a short but intense attraction, perfect for a stop on a longer trip. The ruins of the palace in Galow, although not open to the public, offer an unforgettable visual experience and are a great place for an unusual photo shoot.

Each of these places has its own unique history and character, showing the diversity of Lower Silesia's cultural heritage. It is worth planning time to visit these lesser-known but equally fascinating attractions, which will allow you to discover the region from a completely new perspective.

When planning a trip on the trail of unobvious attractions of Lower Silesia, it is worth taking into account some practical tips that will help you fully enjoy exploring this fascinating region.

First of all, the best way to visit the presented places is by car. Lower Silesia has a well-developed road network, but some of the described attractions, such as the ruins of the palace in Galow or the Valley of Pearls, are located far from the main transportation routes. Your own transportation will provide convenience and flexibility in planning your route.

It is worth remembering to properly prepare for the tour, especially for castles and ruins. Comfortable, flat footwear is essential when exploring such places as Chojnik Castle or Grodziec Castle, where you have to navigate uneven terrain. In the case of the Valley of Pearls or the area around the ruins of the palace in Galow, attire suitable for walking in the woods is also useful.

When planning your sightseeing budget, it is important to take into account that admission prices to individual attractions can vary significantly. While admission to the Valley of Pearls is free, you will have to pay 79 zlotys per person (as of 2024) to visit Książ Castle. It is worth checking the current prices on the official websites of the attractions before you go.

The tour time is also worth factoring into your plans. For example, it is worth reserving a whole day for a full tour of Książ Castle with the underground and the palm house. On the other hand, a visit to the Leaning Tower in Ząbkowice Śląskie may take about an hour. The Miniature Park of Lower Silesian Monuments in Kowary is an attraction that is worth spending at least 2-3 hours on, in order to take full advantage of the guides' stories.

It is also worth remembering the seasonality of some attractions. Castles and museums may have reduced opening hours outside the summer season, and some outdoor attractions, such as the Valley of Pearls, are most attractive in spring and summer. It's always a good idea to check opening hours and any restrictions before planning a visit.

For families with children, we especially recommend the Miniature Park in Kowary and the Valley of Pearls. These places offer not only educational value, but also space for active outdoor activities. History and architecture lovers, on the other hand, should definitely visit Książ Castle and Grodziec Castle, which offer the richest tour program and most additional attractions.

We should also remember to respect the places we visit. Many of the featured attractions are monuments of great historical and cultural value. Respecting the rules of sightseeing, not going off the designated routes and not littering are the basics of responsible tourism.

Discovering the unobvious attractions of Lower Silesia is not only a journey in space, but also in time. Each of the presented places has its own unique history and atmosphere, which allow you to better understand the cultural and natural wealth of the region. Whether you are a lover of history, nature or simply looking for new and interesting places to visit, Lower Silesia will certainly not disappoint you. Embark on this fascinating journey and discover for yourself how many surprises this remarkable region of Poland holds!