Niedzica Castle (Zamek Dunajec)
Zamkowa 2, Niedzika, Poland, 34-441
Overlooking Lake Czorsztyn in southern Poland, Niedzica Castle was built in the early 14th century for Hungarian aristocrat Kokos of Brezovica. Once a fortification on the Polish-Hungarian border, the site is now home to a museum with fascinating artifacts, including hunting rifles, maps, paintings, and antique clocks.
The basics
Niedzica Castle is a popular day trip destination from Krakow, often as part of a larger itinerary that includes other attractions near the Polish-Slovakian border. Even though much of the castle is in ruins, you can still pop into some of the original rooms, including the dungeons and a guard chamber, and visit the carriage house to see its antique horse carts, vehicles, and sleighs. In the granary, visitors can enjoy a collection of 19th- and 20th-century folk art from the Spiš region of Slovakia.
Some tours showcase Poland’s “winter capital” of Zakopane, known for its highland architecture, ski jumping hill, and views of the Tatra Mountains. Given the castle’s proximity to the Dunajec River, it also sometimes features on tours that offer a river rafting trip with views of Pieniny National Park.
Things to know before you go
There is an on-site parking area available for visitors driving to the castle.
Since Niedzica is a medieval castle, it contains cobblestone paths, steep staircases, and uneven surfaces that are not suitable for wheelchair users.
As capacity is limited, it's recommended that you book tickets in advance or visit as part of a guided day tour.
How to get there
Depending on traffic, it takes two to 2.5 hours to drive to Niedzica Castle from Krakow. Follow the E77 road south towards Zakopane, then take the S7 and DK47 towards Niedzica. If traveling by public transport, you can get a bus from Krakow to Nowy Targ or Zakopane, then change to a local bus or taxi that takes you to Niedzica. This route takes roughly two to three hours.
When to get there
Niedzica Castle is busiest during the summer months (between June and August). To avoid crowds, it's better to come in May, September, or October. The castle is open throughout the year, but hours vary depending on the season (with the castle typically closing earlier in winter), so it’s best to check opening times before you visit.
Niedzica Castle’s ghost and Inca treasure
According to legend, Niedzica Castle has a ghost called Umina, the daughter of former castle owner Sebastian Brezevichy and an Inca princess. After moving from Peru to Niedzica in the 18th century, Umina was murdered by a thief in search of her late husband's Inca treasure (which was passed down as her husband was a descendant of Inca kings). It’s believed that she haunts the castle to scare off anyone who comes looking for the family’s fortune.
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