Lipa Castle is one of those hidden Lower Silesian gems that reward curious travellers willing to step off the beaten path. Perched on a rocky hill above the Nysa Mała river at 375 m above sea level, it blends medieval history with the quietly romantic atmosphere of a half-forgotten ruin.

The village of Lipa lies just a short distance from Bolków, surrounded by the gentle hills of the Sudeten Foothills. The landscape around the castle is peaceful and green, with the outline of the old dry moat — though partly filled in — still tracing the shape of the former fortress. In spring and summer the setting feels almost pastoral, while autumn colours paint a vivid backdrop for the old stone walls. It is the kind of place that invites you to slow down and wander freely.

• Village of Lipa, near Bolków — the castle stands directly in the village by the Nysa Mała riverbank; drive from Bolków, then continue on foot; difficulty: easy

• Elevation: 375 m above sea level
• The castle is a partial ruin — exterior visiting only; surviving elements include sections of defensive walls and the remains of cellars
• The tower no longer exists; stone portals and Gothic and Renaissance window frames were stolen in the past

The castle has over 700 years of history — legend has it that Henry of Lipa built the original fortress around 1309. Centuries of expansions followed, including a Neogothic redesign in the 19th century, before poorly managed renovations in the 1970s caused irreversible damage. A sobering reminder that even ruins deserve careful stewardship.