Wałbrzych

Urban commune

German: Waldenburg Postal code: 58-300 Dialling code: +48 (0)74 Area: 85 km² Population: 138.597

Major tourist attraction

Close to the city is the castle of Książ – the largest hilltop fortress in the country.

this is a huge castle complex on the outskirts of Wałbrzych in Lower Silesia, surrounded by hills. The castle has over 400 rooms. It was build in the late 13th century as a Gothic stronghold for the Piast Prince Bolko I, and from the 16th century belonged to the knightly family of Hochberg von Pless. Expansions in the 16th and 17th centuries gave the castle the form of a Baroque residence; the art collection was also expanded. The castle was last converted in the 20th century in the German Modern Renaissance style. the castle is surrounded by terrace gardens that bland into the forest land of Książański Scenic Park. the former outbuildings house a stud farm, where auctions are also held. there is also a hotel and several restaurants. New Year's Eve parties are held at the castle.