Just a stone’s throw from the fairytale-like Moszna Castle lies a lesser-known neighbor – Niemodlin Castle. Since we were already in the area, we figured, why not check it out?
To be honest, I wasn’t expecting much. The plan was to simply stroll around the grounds, admire the exterior, and hopefully spot a few fallow deer that are said to roam the gardens. My curiosity was piqued.
But then – plot twist! As we arrived, we noticed a guided tour about to start and decided to hop on. And wow, what a delightful surprise it turned out to be! Even my mom, who usually isn’t one to swoon over “old stones,” was totally into it.
After the tour, we stopped by the castle’s restaurant and tried the local specialty: carp. Apparently, it’s a big deal in the area, thanks to the many nearby carp farms. It was actually really tasty and made for a perfect end to our visit. All in all, Niemodlin Castle was a blast—and I can’t wait to see how it continues to transform with ongoing renovations.
A Bit of History
The name Niemodlin likely comes from the original Slavic owner of the village – possibly linked to the word “not pray”. By the late 13th century, German influence brought in the name Falkenberg (Falcon Mountain), inspired by the area’s coat of arms and its falconry traditions. Over the years, names like Yalkinberg, Valkinberg, Falkinberg, and Falkenberg-Niemodin popped up.
As for the castle itself – it has a history stretching over 700 years. Built in 1313 on the orders of Prince Bolesław, it remained in the hands of the Silesian Piast princes for nearly 250 years. Over the centuries, it faced a series of dramatic events – sacked by the Hussites, scorched by fire, and later ravaged during the Thirty Years’ War.
Fortunately, various German noble families rebuilt and renovated the castle in Renaissance and Baroque styles. After WWII, things took a rough turn – the Red Army looted and destroyed much of the castle, and it later served as everything from a repatriation office to a military school. Then came years of abandonment, leaving the structure a bit worse for wear.
Things started looking up in 1990 when a private investor bought the property and began renovations. Since then, the castle has changed hands a couple of times, and since 2015, the castle has been open to visitors – and while it’s still a work in progress, each year brings new improvements and more areas to explore.
Tickets
You’ve got two options when visiting:
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Wander the grounds – Stroll the gardens and courtyard, soak in the scenery, and maybe catch a glimpse of those deer.
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Take a guided tour – Get access to the castle’s cellars (where there’s a mysterious “magic stone” hidden down a corridor!), the crypt, and explore a few curious torture devices and artifacts from the current owner’s private collection.
Check the official website here.
We originally planned on the garden-only ticket, but curiosity got the better of us – and we’re glad it did. The tour was fun, informative, and full of quirky surprises.
Though the upper floors aren’t open yet, the parts you can explore are well worth the visit. If you’ve got an hour to spare, it’s a great stop on your itinerary.
Bonus tip: The castle also hosts events throughout the year, so be sure to follow their social media for the latest happenings!
