Dobczyce Castle: The Fortress over the Lake

We were just following in the footsteps of the heroes of the Second World War, men and women who parachuted out of the plane into an uncertain fate and are now highly honored in Slovakia. Now we drove on, always on the way to discover the unknown along the way. And there it is again: Not far from a picturesque reservoir with wonderful sandy beaches, we discover a hiking destination that combines historical and natural sights. 

A Castle on a rocky hill

It is Dobczyce Castle, a pride of Poland for centuries. Situated on a rocky hill overlooking an artificial lake, the medieval fortress has a rich and fascinating history spanning a thousand years. From the top there is a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape and the Beskids.

Our horror was forgotten when we noticed at the reservoir that some kind of visitor was hanging up warning signs reminding us that the flora and fauna must be preserved. While others, apparently after beer-filled parties, simply leave all their rubbish on the beach.

There is no such disgrace to be seen at the castle. Everything here is clean and well-kept, Dobczyce Castle has been renovated several times and stairs have been built to climb the walls and towers. The lake with the beach is suddenly very far down.

On one of the banks you can see a kind of UFO - a holiday home for socialist officials that was built during the communist regime. Takes some getting used to, but with exceptional architecture. It's a shame that you can only admire this building from a distance.

A warrior build this house

When it was built, the castle had already stood for 600 or 700 years, although today no one knows who actually built it. According to a legend, it was founded by one of Mieszko I's warriors, Dobek, who came to this land with his sons. The castle served as a defense for Kraków and guarded the crossing of the Raba River, which today supplies the reservoir. The first mention was in 1362, when the fortress belonged to King Kazimierz Wielki, who fortified it with thick walls and towers.

The magnificent castle was visited by several Polish kings in the years that followed, including Władysław Jagiełło, who ordered its preservation and donated income from the Wieliczka Salt Mine (learn more here) for this purpose. Later, Kazimierz Jagiellończyk, famous in Poland, also came here and turned the ensemble of buildings into an academy for his sons, where they were taught by him.

The Good Life

In the 16th century the castle was handed over to the Lubomirski family, who converted it into a Renaissance residence. They added a clock, a chapel and a fountain and made it their favorite place. Anyone who wanders through the extensive complex today can imagine how wonderful life must have been here: the castle had 70 rooms and three towers and was considered one of the most comfortable and beautiful castles in Poland.

It was only in the 17th and 18th centuries that the castle first had to contend with wars, fires and then financial problems. The Swedes destroyed them and the local population took the opportunity to loot the remains. In the 19th century the walls were even demolished and used to build a nearby church.

But there was enough left to rebuild at least large parts. The remaining castle ruins were excavated and some parts of them rebuilt. Others now mark a huge steel wall that also protects visitors from falling down the deep abyss to the lake. Today the castle houses a regional museum of PTTK, the Polish Society of Tourist Country Lovers, named after Władysław Kowalski, the museum's founder and first curator.

Concerts in the summer

The museum features exhibitions on the history of the town and castle, the history of the First and Second World Wars in the Myślenice district, an archaeological exhibition and a metallurgical room, as well as a torture chamber in a prison dungeon.

There is also a painting of Saint Kazimierz Jagiellończyk, the patron saint of the Dobczyce region. Shows, parties and concerts take place in summer on the terrace where the tower used to stand. Occasionally, modern knights and mercenaries set up a knight's camp in front of the castle and then put on fighting shows, games and competitions

But how do you get here? Dobczyce Castle, a well-kept secret even for many Poles, is located about 30 km south of Krakow and can be reached by car, bus or train. The nearest train station is Dobczyce, about 2 km from the castle. From there you simply follow the red signposted hiking trail that leads through the town and along the lake to the castle hill.

A hike of 30 Minutes

This only takes 30 minutes. But of course you can also take the blue path, which leads from the train station through the forest to the castle. This hike is more challenging and takes about an hour. Or you can drive almost to the door.

The castle is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in summer and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter. The entrance fee is PLN 10 for adults, PLN 5 for children, students and seniors and is free for children under 7 years old. You can also book a guided tour for an additional fee. The museum has a gift shop and a cafeteria where you can purchase snacks and drinks. There is also a picnic area near the castle where you can relax and enjoy the view.

Into Polands past

If you want to extend your hike, you can also visit the open-air museum, which is just a stone's throw from the castle. The museum shows newly built wooden buildings from the surrounding villages, such as huts, barns, chapels and mills, and provides information about rural life and the culture of the region. The museum is open from April to October from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance fee is PLN 5 for adults, PLN 3 for children, students and seniors and is free for children under 7 years old.

Dobczyce Castle is a great destination for hikers interested in history and nature. The castle offers a glimpse into Poland's past, from the Middle Ages to modern times. It also offers scenic lake and mountain views. The hike to the castle is easy and pleasant and can be combined with a visit to the open-air museum.

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