Chojnik Castle

Chojnik Castle is located at the top of a picturesque mountain of the same name rising 627 meters above sea level. Its steep slopes form cliffs descending on vertical walls, up to 150 meters high.

The stone castle attracts the attention of both pedestrians heading to the higher parts of the mountains and casual travelers heading towards Jelenia Góra. It was founded by Bolko II the Small, the last independent Piast prince in Silesia. Its best years, however, were when owed by the Schaffgotsch family, who took ownership of the castle after Bolko's death. For almost three hundred years it was systematically expanded and enlarged. Unfortunately, in 1675 the castle burned down from a lightning strike and fell into ruin. In 1822 it became a tourist lodge. Visitors from nearby Cieplice gave new meaning to the existence of the place. Today Chojnik is a very attractive destination for hiking and cycling trips. The panorama from the castle tower is certainly worth the drops of sweat shed during the steep climb.