The best MTB trails around Alwernia

Closed from 1.10.2026 due to renovation works.

Closed from October 1, 2026. The reason is renovation work. It is not possible to enter inside, only to view it from the outside.

Very low water level.

The Castle in Oświęcim is a medieval defensive stronghold located on a hill on the right bank of the Soła River. Currently, the site is home to the Museum of the Castle in Oświęcim, which presents the rich history of the city, the former Duchy of Oświęcim, and valuable historical and archaeological collections. It was here that a great diplomatic turning point occurred: in 1454, the last Piast duke of this region, Jan IV, bowed to the might of Poland and ceded the castle and his entire duchy as a fief to King Casimir Jagiellon. Three years later (in 1457), he completely sold these lands to him. The castle ceased to be a Silesian borderland and became Polish royal property for centuries. It is worth taking a look at the mighty, 13th-century Gothic tower, which remembers those events and that agreement! The history of the castle in Oświęcim dates back to the 11th century, when there was an early medieval agricultural settlement on the hill above the Soła. After it burned down, a fortified castellany stronghold was erected here. The first official documentary mention of it dates from 1179. It was then that King Casimir the Just transferred these lands to the Duke of Opole, Mieszko Plątonogi. Early Gothic tower – dates from the end of the 13th century, it is a defensive building type (bergfried) and is one of the oldest preserved brick structures in Lesser Poland. Royal history – the castle hosted prominent historical figures, including the future Queen of Poland, Bona Sforza. Underground tunnels – there are two corridors under the castle, including an air-raid shelter built by the Germans during World War II. Address: ul. Zamkowa 1, 32-600 Oświęcim Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (the museum is closed on Mondays).

Purpose: A military guard post, built by the Austro-Hungarian army to protect the strategic, lattice railway bridge over the Vistula River against an expected armed conflict with Tsarist Russia. Connection with infrastructure: The facility was erected directly next to the railway line No. 103 (Trzebinia – Spytkowice – Wadowice – Skawce), opened in 1899. Preserved elements: The outline of the ground floor and the structure of one of the guard towers on the Vistula side are still legible today. Three firing positions with original, armored details have been preserved in this tower.

but still in use

A beautiful bridge over the Skawinka river, with green, rural views - perfect for taking photos. Right next to the Vistula Cycling Route.

Visiting the Ruins: The castle is open to the public, and tourists can see, among other things, the walled-up prison cells. Tower: The castle's distinctive feature is the towering, nearly 30-meter-tall tower, which can be climbed to admire the views of the surrounding area. Access to the top via a narrow, winding staircase and ladder is an additional attraction. Vistula Ethnographic Park: The castle ruins are part of a museum complex, along with the adjacent open-air museum, where visitors can see examples of the region's traditional wooden architecture, including a 17th-century church. Events: The castle and the open-air museum frequently host outdoor events, such as history weekends, rallies, and concerts.