Our journey begins with the pearl of Czech architecture - the Castle in Nové Mesto nad Metují. Situated in the heart of the Eagle Mountains, this picturesque structure is a fine example of Renaissance architecture that delights every visitor. The castle is located at Husovo nám. 1201, 549 01 Nové Město nad Metují-Nové Město nad Metují 1, Czech Republic. Getting there is relatively easy - you can get there by car or use local bus transportation.

The current state of the castle allows for a full tour, thanks to careful restoration and attention to preserving its historical character. It is worth noting that the castle is open to the public from April to October, and you can check the exact opening hours on the official website: http://www.zameknm.cz/.

Ticket prices range from 220 Czech crowns for an adult, with additional fees for climbing the tower (50 crowns) and for photo opportunities (170 crowns). There are discounts for families with children, and children under the age of 6 have free admission. It's worth remembering that these prices are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to verify them before visiting.

Visiting the castle is a real trip back in time. Tourists can admire the beautiful interiors, including the famous ribbed hall, the study hall and the richly decorated bedrooms. A special attraction is the winter garden and the observation deck on the tower, which offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding area.

For families with children, the castle offers special tours tailored to younger explorers. The youngest can participate in interactive history workshops or search for hidden treasures in the castle's chambers. This is a great opportunity to make history a fascinating adventure.

Near the castle there are several interesting attractions worth visiting. Among them is the picturesque market square of the town of New Town on the Metuje River, where you can relax in one of the charming cafes. For nature lovers, a stroll through the nearby Orlické Mountains Nature Park is recommended.

Remember that visiting the castle requires proper preparation. Comfortable shoes are a must, as the route includes many stairs. It's also a good idea to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the architecture and the views from the tower. For families with young children, we recommend bringing snacks and drinks, as the tour can take several hours.

The castle in Novi Mesto nad Metujem is not only a history lesson, but above all an unforgettable experience for the whole family. Its unique architecture, rich interiors and fascinating history make it a place that will remain in the memory of every visitor for a long time.

Our journey through the historic castles of the Polish-Czech border region now takes us to the Polish side of the border, where two remarkable sites await us: Czocha Castle and Grodno Castle.

Czocha Castle, located in Sucha (59-820 Lesna), is a true pearl of defensive architecture in Lower Silesia. This medieval castle, built in the 13th century, impresses with its monumental structure and picturesque location on Lake Lesna. The castle can be reached by car, and there is a parking lot for tourists (paid, 20 PLN per day). The nearest train station is in Luban, from where you can get there by bus or cab.

Czocha Castle is open to visitors all year round, but opening hours vary depending on the season. You can check the current price list and opening hours on the official website: https://zamekczocha.com/. An entrance ticket for an adult costs about 35-40 zlotys, with discounts provided for children and teenagers. The castle offers various tours, including the popular night ghost tour, which is a great attraction for older children and adults.

Inside the castle, a real trip back in time awaits. Visitors can enjoy richly decorated chambers, secret passages and unique exhibits. Special thematic tours have been prepared for families with children, which present the history of the castle in an interactive way. Of note are the famous 'knight's hall' and the 'duchess's chamber', which particularly fire the imagination of the youngest.

Just 60 kilometers northeast of Czocha Castle is another gem - Grodno Castle. This medieval castle, located on Castle Hill in Zagorze Śląskie (58-321), offers unforgettable views of Lake Bystrzyckie and the surrounding mountains. The castle can be reached by car (free parking is available at the foot of the hill) or by public transportation to the village of Zagorze Slaskie, and from there it takes about 20 minutes on foot uphill.

Grodno Castle is open to the public from April to October, and on weekends during the winter season. The entrance ticket costs PLN 30 for an adult and PLN 25 for a child (prices as of 2023, it is worth verifying them before visiting at https://zamekgrodno.pl/). The ticket price includes a guided tour and admission to the observation tower.

The interior of the castle hides many fascinating exhibits, including a collection of medieval instruments of torture, which may be of interest to older children and adults. For the youngest, there is a multimedia room where they can learn about the history of the castle and the region in an interactive way.

Both castles - Czocha and Grodno - offer an unforgettable experience for the whole family. It is worth planning your visit so that you can visit both sites, as each has its own unique character and history. Remember to wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves climbing numerous stairs. There are refreshment facilities at both castles, but it is advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks, especially during hot weather.

For families with children, we recommend scheduling the tour in the morning, when it is cooler and less crowded. It's also worth taking advantage of the offer of educational workshops that are often held at both castles, especially during the summer season.

Both Czocha Castle and Grodno Castle are not only a history lesson, but above all a fascinating adventure that will remain in the memory of the whole family for a long time. These stone testimonies of the past allow us to touch history and feel the spirit of the old days, while offering modern attractions and comfortable sightseeing.

At the end of our fascinating journey through the historical castles of the Polish-Czech borderland, we will discover two lesser-known but equally captivating architectural gems - Międzylesie Castle and Prince Henry Castle.

The Międzylesie Castle, located in the heart of the picturesque town of Międzylesie (42 Liberty Square, 57-530 Międzylesie), is a structure with a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Getting to the castle is relatively easy - you can get there by car or train to the Miedzylesie station, and then a short walk to the town center. The castle is open to visitors all year round, but opening hours may vary depending on the season. For up-to-date information, visit: http://www.zamekmiedzylesie.pl/.

Tours of the castle are guided, which is an excellent opportunity to learn about the fascinating history of the building. Ticket prices are affordable, and there are discounts for families with children. Inside the castle, many attractions await - from richly decorated halls to mysterious dungeons. We especially recommend climbing the castle tower, which offers a beautiful view of the surrounding mountains.

For families with children, the castle offers special thematic tours that present the history of the site in an interactive way. A variety of cultural events are also organized during the summer season, including knight shows and medieval craft workshops.

Just 50 kilometers northwest of Międzylesie, in the picturesque village of Staniszów, is another hidden gem - Prince Henry's Castle (58-500 Staniszów). Located on a hill above Lake Sosnówka, this small but charming structure offers unforgettable views and an atmosphere full of mystery.

Getting to the castle requires a short hike - it's best to leave your car at the free parking lot at Lake Sosnówka and from there walk (about 30-40 minutes' walk) along a marked trail. The castle is open to the public during the season from spring to autumn, and admission costs PLN 10 for an adult and PLN 8 for children (prices as of 2023, it's worth verifying them before visiting).

The interior of the castle consists of one chamber and an observation tower, which offers breathtaking views of the Giant Mountains and surrounding valleys. This is an ideal place for families looking for peace and quiet and contact with nature. It is worth planning a longer stop here to enjoy the beautiful views and atmosphere of the place.

Both Miedzylesie Castle and Prince Henry's Castle offer a slightly different experience than the larger and more well-known sites. They are places where history intertwines with nature, creating a unique experience for the whole family.

When planning a visit to these castles, there are a few practical considerations to keep in mind:

1. Comfortable footwear is a must, especially when entering Prince Henry's Castle.
2. It's a good idea to bring snacks and drinks with you, especially for a trip to Prince Henry's Castle, where there are no food outlets.
3. Cameras are welcome - the views from both castles are truly spectacular.

4. For families with young children, we recommend planning your visit in the morning, when it's cooler and less crowded.

Visiting these lesser-known but equally fascinating castles is a chance to discover another dimension of the history of the Polish-Czech borderland. These are places where you can take a break from the hustle and bustle of popular tourist attractions and enjoy the beauty of architecture and landscape in peace. Both Miedzylesie Castle and Prince Henry's Castle are excellent points on the map for families seeking unforgettable adventures and authentic historical experiences.