This artificial castle ruin perched on top of Mount Grodna feels like stepping straight into a romantic fairy tale. With its neo-Gothic walls, round tower, and sweeping views over the Karkonosze Mountains, it is a rewarding stop even on a short walk near Jelenia Góra.

Grodna is the highest peak of the Łomnickie Hills, and the castle was originally built as a romantic folly decorating the landscape park connected to the Staniszów palace. In summer the surroundings are lush and green, in autumn the nearby hills glow with color, and in winter the tower offers views of snow-capped Karkonosze peaks. Photographers love visiting at sunset, when the old stone walls turn a warm golden hue.

How to get there

• Sosnówka — yellow trail, approx. 20 min, easy
• Staniszów — yellow trail, approx. 30 min, easy
• Marczyce — blue trail, approx. 20 min, easy

Practical information

• Open to visitors from May to October, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM
• The tower has been accessible to tourists since 2016 thanks to a rebuilt staircase
• The site is privately owned

Fun fact: legend has it the tower was built out of jealousy — Henry von Reuss reportedly wanted his own romantic folly after admiring the nearby Chojnik Castle belonging to the Schaffgotsch family.