Stary Książ is a hauntingly beautiful ruined castle hidden among the deep gorges of the Pełcznica river in Wałbrzych — a place where medieval history, romantic 18th-century staging, and wild Sudeten landscapes come together in one unforgettable setting.

The castle perches on a steep hill above the Pełcznica gorge, where the river has carved rocky ravines up to 80 m deep and just 20–30 m wide. The scenery is dramatic in every season: in spring the ancient walls glow through fresh green foliage, in summer dense vegetation swallows the ruins in a mysterious atmosphere, autumn paints the gorge in fiery colours, and in winter a frost-covered Stary Książ looks like something straight out of a fairy tale. The winding ravines, rocky slopes and lush forest make this one of the most atmospheric spots in the entire Wałbrzych Foothills.

• Wałbrzych / Książ Castle — hiking trail through Książański Landscape Park, relatively short route, moderate difficulty due to steep descent into the Pełcznica valley
• From Szczawienk direction — along the Pełcznica valley, scenic route, moderate difficulty

• Stary Książ is an open ruin — take care, as some walls and structures may be unstable
• Located within the Książański Landscape Park
• Nearby Książ Castle makes a perfect combined day trip

Fascinating historical twist: for decades Stary Książ was considered entirely artificial — a romantic folly built in 1794–97 for visual effect. It was only at the end of the 20th century that archaeologists confirmed genuine medieval walls of Duke Bolko I's 13th-century fortress lay beneath.