During my recent stay at my parents’ place, the weather was unusually beautiful—too good to waste indoors. So, we decided to take a small day trip. Moszna Castle had been sitting on my “must-visit” list for ages, but for one reason or another, I kept missing the chance. Apparently, I’d been there once as a small child, but I have absolutely no memory of it. Not that I cared much about castles at that age—I was probably more excited about ice cream than architecture. 😅
This time, I was ready to fully appreciate it—and it did not disappoint. The castle is stunning, both inside and out. We opted for a self-guided tour, which was a fun and flexible way to explore. Once we finished touring the interior, we found a nearby restaurant and enjoyed a light meal in the sunshine. Surprisingly, the prices were quite reasonable for a tourist spot. After lunch, we wandered around the castle grounds, taking in the scenery and snapping a lot of photos.
A Brief History
Moszna Castle (from the German Schloss Moschen) takes its name from the town of Moszna, likely derived from the Moschin family who settled there in the 14th century. Side note: in modern Polish, moszna means “scrotum”—completely unrelated to the castle, but a mildly amusing linguistic twist nonetheless. (Yes, my sense of humor is questionable.)
Technically, it’s a palace rather than a castle, since it was never built for defense. Still, the term “castle” stuck, and let’s face it—it sounds cooler.
What makes Moszna Castle especially captivating is how it looks. As you approach, it’s hard not to think of fairy tales or fantasy films. Someone nearby even started humming the Harry Potter theme—proof that the place sets the mood. If you Google: “Disney castle in Poland,” Moszna Castle will be your first result. The main architectural style is Baroque, but it features a mix of influences from other periods as well, giving it a very storybook-like charm.
The castle is famous for its 99 towers and 365 rooms, and it’s often listed as one of the most picturesque castles in Poland. The origins of the building date back to the Middle Ages, but the current form is largely due to a 19th-century renovation by Franz Hubert Tiele-Winckler. Thanks to his efforts, the castle gained its signature neo-Gothic flair.
During and after World War II, the castle suffered. The Red Army occupied it, causing significant damage and looting. At one point, they even used the chapel as a horse stable, a stark display of anti-religious sentiment. Later, the castle became a psychiatric hospital, operating in that capacity for over 40 years until 2013. Today, thankfully, it serves as a museum, hotel, and restaurant – finally getting the appreciation it deserves.
The park
Don’t miss the surrounding park—it’s a beautiful and peaceful extension of the castle experience. Designed in the English style by Count Hubert von Tiele-Winckler, the park spans around 100 hectares and was originally filled with canals and boat tours. Guests used to board boats directly at the palace and enjoy scenic rides through the estate.
At the moment, only part of the park is owned by the castle, but efforts are underway to acquire more of the original land, including the former boat docking area. The plan is to eventually bring back the boat tours. If you follow the path through the park, you’ll reach a small family cemetery—one of the latest successful acquisitions aimed at restoring the park to its former state.
Tickets (as of April 2025)
Here are the options we saw during our visit:
- Park access only: 20 PLN / €4.60
- Castle tour + park access: 46 PLN / €10.75
- Guided tour + park access: 46 PLN / €22 (requires reservation)
- Escape Room (in the park): There are two versions—one for adults and one for kids. More info here: Mystery of Moszna Castle
For current prices and availability, check the official website: Moszna Castle Official Site
Want to Sleep in a Castle?
If you’ve ever dreamed of staying overnight in a castle, Moszna offers hotel accommodations within the historic building. The rooms are elegant and surprisingly affordable. You can check availability and pricing here: Castle Accommodation
Getting There
The easiest way to get to Moszna Castle is by car. There are also public transport options from Wrocław and Opole, but you’ll want to check current schedules on Google Maps or local transit sites.
Parking
There is a parking lot right next to the reception, but it’s primarily for hotel guests or those attending events. For day visitors like us, there are several other parking areas within a short walk of the entrance, usually costing around 8–10 PLN. During high season, these spots can fill up quickly.
