Pszczyna: the castle, old town, park and the heritage park. Poland
Pszczyna offers several captivating attractions worth exploring. This time, our focus is on the majestic Pszczyna Castle — particularly its stunning 19th- and 20th-century interiors. Originally built in the 14th century, the castle is considered one of the most beautiful aristocratic residences in Poland. Its current appearance stems from extensive renovations carried out in the 1870s.
Parking in Pszczyna
Several parking areas are located close to the main square, right next to the castle. You can park, for instance, on Wojska Polskiego Street 1 (GPS: 49.977251, 18.937093) or on the opposite side of the square near Piwowarska Street 2 (GPS: 49.979288, 18.944962). After buying a ticket from the parking meter, follow the signs toward the castle entrance gate (A; GPS: 49.977895, 18.941341), which leads you into the heart of the town.
The castle
After passing through the entrance gate, we admire the impressive façade of the Pszczyna Castle while heading toward the main entrance on the south side. On the left, just before the entrance, you’ll find the ticket windows. Admission prices are as follows: standard ticket – 14.50 zł, reduced – 8.50 zł, and family ticket (parents and children aged 7 to 16) – 32.00 zł. Visitors enter the exhibition area through a corridor and a side door. The staff is friendly and helpful, always ready to guide you or answer questions — which is great, because with so many rooms, it’s easy to get slightly lost despite good signage.
The tour covers three levels: ground floor, first floor, and second floor. On each level, you can explore numerous rooms, each with unique design and décor. The full visit takes several hours, but it’s absolutely worth the time — every hall and chamber is filled with elegance and historical charm. Once you're finished, you can relax in the nearby park (we also made a video about it!) or unwind in one of the cozy cafes or restaurants around the town square.
Besides the historical interiors, visitors can enjoy several additional exhibitions such as the Armory, Miniatures Room, “Known and Unknown”, “Daisy of Pless: The Happy Years”, and the Princes’ Stables.
Audio guides are available in Polish, English, German, French, and Czech.
The castle’s furnishings are largely original and provide a rare glimpse into aristocratic life at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Notably, the Mirror Room and Library remain in excellent condition. The interiors were visited by important figures of European history — including Emperor Wilhelm II of Germany, a guest of the Hochberg family. Thanks to meticulous conservation, the residence is now one of the few in Poland to preserve such a complete historical interior.
The Castle Park
Beyond the castle itself, visitors can enjoy a relaxing walk through the nearby Castle Park (B; GPS: 49.980817, 18.939335). Designed in the English landscape style, the park spans 156 hectares and features picturesque ponds with islands, scenic canals, small streams, and lush greenery. It is considered one of the most beautiful landscape parks in the Silesian region. The charm of the park is enhanced by the gently flowing Pszczynka River. Spring is an especially lovely time to visit — blooming flowers, budding trees, and fresh green lawns create a truly idyllic atmosphere.
Old Town Square
The Old Town Square in Pszczyna is particularly charming — very well maintained and surrounded by historic buildings. What stands out most are the Neo-Renaissance town hall and the nearby Evangelical church. You’ll also find the entrance to the castle grounds here, through the so-called Gate of the Elect, built in 1687.
Around the square, you’ll also see the building of the former "Pszczyński Dwór" Hotel and the old "Fir-Jawed Deer Inn", dating back to the late 18th century. On one of the benches sits a statue of Daisy Hochberg von Pless, wife of Prince Hans Heinrich XV von Hochberg. Not far from the square stands the Church of All Saints from the 18th century and the intriguing Silesian Press Museum, located in a historic townhouse from the same period.
Zagroda Wsi Pszczyńskiej – Heritage Park
At the far end of the Castle Park lies a hidden gem: the open-air museum called the Farm of Rural Pless (“Zagroda Wsi Pszczyńskiej”) (C; GPS: 49.978684, 18.949394), established in 1975. This heritage park showcases traditional wooden architecture from the Pszczyna region. Among its highlights are an operating replica of a water mill, a collection of beekeeping tools, and authentic interiors of old cottages. Admission prices are: regular ticket – 9 zł, reduced – 7 zł. For up-to-date opening hours, please check the official website.
The museum offers a unique chance to experience rural life from past centuries. Visitors can see how people lived, worked, and maintained their homes, all in a peaceful and natural setting. The charming layout of the buildings, old-fashioned tools, and the surrounding landscape make this a memorable stop for families and history lovers alike.
Most of the structures in the museum were relocated from nearby villages and carefully reconstructed here. The park regularly hosts seasonal events, workshops, and folk art demonstrations, giving visitors a taste of traditional Silesian culture in an interactive way.
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