Hi, it’s Alan! When I think of Lower Silesia, I immediately see the misty Karkonosze Mountains, mysterious castles and underground corridors. For me, it’s not just a region on the map of Poland, but a real fairy-tale land where history intertwines with legend and the folk tales of Lower Silesia are still alive. Travelling here is more than just ticking off items on a list – it’s a journey into the stories that shaped this land.

Wandering along the local trails, I have often felt a thrill, as if I were following in the footsteps of ancient heroes and ghosts. That is why today I will take you on a journey through the most legendary and magical places in Lower Silesia. We will discover where to look for the Mountain Spirit, which castle is haunted by the White Lady, and what secrets lie underground. Are you ready for an adventure that will stimulate your imagination?

Key figures in Lower Silesian folklore: Who are Liczyrzepa, Skarbek and the Wrocław dwarves?

Before we set off on the trail, let’s get to know the heroes of Lower Silesian tales. They are the ones who, sometimes dangerous, sometimes helpful, give these places their unique character and are the soul of this region. Without them, castles would be just stone walls and mountains would be just a collection of rocks.

Who is Liczyrzepa and what places in Lower Silesia are associated with him?

Liczyrzepa, known as the Mountain Spirit or Rubezahl, is the legendary ruler and guardian of the Karkonosze Mountains. He is a capricious and powerful figure: he can bring storms upon those who anger him, but he also rewards people with good hearts by showing them the way or giving them healing herbs. His presence can be felt in the highest parts of the Sudeten Mountains.

The places inextricably linked with him are primarily:

• Śnieżka: The highest peak of the Karkonosze Mountains, considered his throne and observation point.
• Śnieżne Kotły: Mighty glacial cirques, where, according to legend, the Mountain Spirit imprisoned kidnapped princesses or brewed the weather.
• Kocioł Łomniczki: The place where his magical garden full of wonderful herbs was supposedly located.
• Kamieńczyk Waterfall: According to one legend, behind the waterfall is the entrance to Liczyrzepa’s underground kingdom.

Walking along the Karkonosze trails, especially in the fog, it is not difficult to believe that Liczyrzepa still watches over his domain, and stories about the Mountain Spirit, Liczyrzepa, are at the heart of local folklore.

Where did the dwarfs in Wrocław come from and what legend explains their presence?

Wrocław’s dwarves have a dual origin – legendary and historical. According to an old legend, a mischievous imp roamed the Oder River, playing terrible pranks on the inhabitants. Desperate, the people of Wrocław called on the dwarves for help, who dealt with the mischief-maker and, as a token of friendship, settled in the city, quietly helping its inhabitants.

The contemporary history of the dwarves stems from the activities of the “Orange Alternative”, an anti-socialist movement of the 1980s. Its members painted dwarves with orange hats on walls, in places where censorship had painted over anti-regime slogans. The first sculpture, “Papa Krasnal”, was erected on Świdnicka Street in 2001 to commemorate these activities. Today, searching for over 800 figurines scattered around the city is one of Wrocław’s biggest attractions – and let me tell you, it’s great fun for both children and adults!

Who was Skarbek and in which Lower Silesian mines did he guard underground riches?

Skarbek is the guardian spirit of the mines, the underground equivalent of Liczyrzepa. As the guardian of precious metals, he appeared to miners in the form of an old foreman with a lamp. He was fair but strict: he helped the honest, warning them of cave-ins with a knock, but mercilessly punished the lazy, the greedy and those who did not respect the underground world.

His presence was most strongly felt in the coal mines in the Wałbrzych area. Today, you can hear about the legend of Skarbek at the “Stara Kopalnia” Science and Art Centre in Wałbrzych or in the undergrounds of Nowa Ruda. The guides there, often former miners, talk about him with genuine respect.

Who was the dragon Strachota and in which part of Wrocław did he live according to legend?

The dragon Strachota is a monster from a Wrocław legend. He lived in the Strachociński Forest, now part of the city, and terrorised the inhabitants, kidnapping cattle and people. No one could defeat him until a clever shoemaker came up with an idea.

Instead of fighting with a sword, he substituted a sheepskin stuffed with sulphur and tar. The greedy dragon devoured the bait, and the fire began to burn him from the inside. In desperation, he rushed to the Oder River to quench his thirst and drank until he burst. Today, in the Strachociński Forest, you can find a place commemorating this event.

What are the penitential crosses in Lower Silesia and what dark stories are associated with them?

Penitential crosses are one of the darkest and most authentic reminders of Lower Silesia’s past. According to the law in force from the 13th to the 16th century, the murderer had to forge these simple stone crosses with his own hands and place them at the scene of the crime. It was part of a settlement with the victim’s family, which allowed them to avoid bloody revenge.

The murder weapon – a sword, axe or knife – was often carved into the cross. Each of the more than 400 monuments preserved in Lower Silesia is a silent witness to tragedy. Standing by such a cross, for example in Świdnica, Lubań or Jawor, one feels the weight of history. This is not a fairy tale about a dragon, but a brutal story of guilt, punishment and an attempt at atonement.

The origins of extraordinary places: How do legends explain the creation of Czocha Castle, Mount Ślęża and the Stołowe Mountains?

Looking at fantastic rock formations or castles, we wonder how they were created. Before science provided answers, people created their own stories – full of magic and the wrath of the gods. These stories still shape our perception of these places today.

Why is Czocha Castle called the Polish Hogwarts and what legends surround it?

Czocha Castle has earned the name “Polish Hogwarts” thanks to its picturesque location on Lake Leśniańskie, numerous towers, mysterious chambers and a network of hidden passages. It looks like something out of a novel about wizards, and this impression is reinforced by the fan conventions and magic schools in the form of LARPs that have been held here for years.

The castle is also a hotbed of dark tales. The most famous of the legends of Czocha Castle tells of Ulrike, the unfaithful wife of one of the owners, who was walled up alive in the fireplace by her husband for her betrayal. Her ghost is said to wander the chambers. Another legend mentions the “well of unfaithful wives”, into which women accused of adultery were thrown. Every nook and cranny of the castle seems to whisper its own story.

What pagan legends are associated with Mount Ślęża, known as the Silesian Olympus?

Dominating the Wrocław Plain, Mount Ślęża has been a sacred place for thousands of years. Known as the “Silesian Olympus”, it was the centre of pagan worship. According to one of the most famous legends about Ślęża, angels fought a battle with devils on its summit. The defeated demons were cast down to hell, and the angels blocked the entrance to it, creating a mountain. The rocks scattered on the slopes are said to be the projectiles that the combatants threw at each other.

Evidence of its cult character can be found in the stone sculptures that have survived to this day, such as “The Maiden with a Fish”, “The Bear” and “The Monk”, whose origins are still the subject of debate among historians. Regardless of the interpretation, when you climb Ślęża, you can feel its extraordinary, primal energy.

What legends explain the origin of the fanciful rock formations on Szczeliniec Wielki?

The fantastic shapes of the rocks in the Stołowe Mountains, especially on Szczeliniec Wielki, have stimulated the imagination for centuries. Legend has it that the Mountain Spirit, Liczyrzepa, is responsible for them. He once had his castle and kingdom here. Angry at the inhabitants, in a fit of rage, he turned his entire residence, along with his courtiers, animals and guests, into stone.

That is why today on Szczeliniec we can admire rocks resembling figures and animals, such as the “Camel”, “Monkey” and “Hen”. According to legend, each of them is an enchanted creature from the Mountain Spirit’s court. Walking there, you can really feel like you are in a fairy-tale, petrified world.

What legend explains the creation of the Błędne Skały (Errant Rocks) labyrinth in the Stołowe Mountains?

Błędne Skały, a rock labyrinth full of narrow passages, also has its legendary explanation, and legends about Błędne Skały often refer to the character of Liczyrzepa. One version says that he created this labyrinth to punish the inhabitants of a nearby village for their sins and greed. He caused the mountain to crack, creating a network of corridors in which anyone who did not have a pure heart would wander forever.

Another story says that Liczyrzepa simply liked to play pranks on travellers. Regardless of the version, squeezing through narrow crevices, one of which is only a few dozen centimetres wide, is an amazing experience that allows you to feel the power of nature and… a little claustrophobia.

Are there any legends explaining the unnatural colours of the Colourful Lakes in the Rudawy Janowickie Mountains?

Yes, although science explains the colours of the lakes by the presence of chemical compounds from old mines, local folklore has its own version. Legends tell of mountain spirits and gnomes who guarded underground treasures here.

Each of the lakes was supposed to be their work. The purple one owes its colour to amethyst dust. The blue one shimmers thanks to dissolved emeralds and lazurite. The yellow one was created in the place where gnomes washed the extracted pyrite. It is a beautiful metaphor that combines the world of magic with the mining history of this place.

Are there any old legends associated with the Land of Extinct Volcanoes in Lower Silesia?

Of course. The conical hills of the Land of Extinct Volcanoes, such as Ostrzyca, known as the “Silesian Fuji”, captured the imagination of the former inhabitants. Not understanding geology, they explained their formation in their own way. The most popular legends tell of devils who had their forges or entrances to hell here, and the smoke rising from the peaks was proof of their work.

Another legend tells of giants who piled up mounds of earth for fun, creating volcanic hills. These simple stories perfectly capture the mysterious aura that these unusual landforms still exude today.

A guide to the legendary places of Lower Silesia: Where to look for castles, underground passages and mysterious trails?

Now that we know the main characters and the mythical origins of some places, it’s time to hit the road! I have prepared a small guide to the locations that make up the Lower Silesia Legend Trail. These are specific suggestions that will help you plan your own trip and discover the tourist attractions of Lower Silesia with a legend.

What are the most interesting legends you can learn about while wandering the Piast Castles Trail?

The Piast Castles Trail is a real treasure trove of extraordinary stories, and the secrets of Lower Silesian castles discovered here can be surprising. It is here that you can learn about the most interesting legends of Lower Silesia, because each stronghold has its own unique tales that are worth listening to while wandering along the trail.

Castle	Legend
Chojnik Castle	The story of the cruel Princess Kunegunda, who required her suitors to ride around the castle in full armour on a narrow wall. All of them died, until one knight managed to do it, only to despise the princess in the end. Heartbroken, Kunegunda threw herself into the abyss.
Grodziec Castle	The story of the Red Ghost – the ghost of the castellan who appears on the walls, holding his head in his hand. He is supposed to guard the treasures looted from monasteries and hidden in the castle.
Bolków Castle	The legend of the hidden treasure of the Knights Templar, who had their commandery in the area. The treasure is said to be hidden in one of the secret passages or in the castle well.
Grodno Castle	A dark story about Princess Margaret, who was pushed off the castle walls by her father for refusing to marry a rich old man. Her ghost, the White Lady, still haunts the stronghold to this day.

In which castles in Lower Silesia can you meet the legendary White Lady?

The White Lady is one of the most popular figures in Polish folklore, and Lower Silesia is her true home. She is usually the ghost of a woman who died tragically because of unhappy love. Such haunted places in Lower Silesia have a unique atmosphere, and her apparition can reportedly be encountered in several castles:

• Grodno Castle in Zagórze Śląskie: This is where the aforementioned Princess Małgorzata is said to haunt.
• Czocha Castle: The ghost of the beautiful Ulrika, who was walled up in the fireplace by her husband, wanders the castle corridors.
• Castle on the Rock in Trzebieszowice: The White Lady appears here as the ghost of a young girl who threw herself from the tower to avoid an unwanted marriage.
• Książ Castle in Wałbrzych: Although this is a more contemporary myth, some believe that the ghost is Princess Daisy herself, longing for her lost home.

Which castles in Lower Silesia were the seats of legendary robber barons?

In the Middle Ages, many castles, especially in hard-to-reach mountainous areas, became the strongholds of robber knights, known as raubritter. They attacked merchant caravans, and their activities became the subject of many legends.

The following are considered to be the main strongholds of robber knights:

• Rogowiec Castle: Located on a steep hill in the Suchy Mountains, it was an ideal base for raids.
• Niesytno Castle in Płonina: Its mighty ruins still command respect today. Legend has it that its lord was a cruel knight, insatiable for wealth, which gave rise to the name of the stronghold.
• Sokolec Castle: Considered one of the oldest seats of robber barons in the Sudetes.

Which Lower Silesian cities have underground passages shrouded in the most interesting legends?

Lower Silesia is not only about castles on the surface, but also a mysterious world underground. Many towns have extensive systems of cellars and tunnels, which served as storage rooms or escape routes and became the source of fascinating legends.

The most interesting underground passages can be found in:

• Kłodzko: The Underground Tourist Route leads through a labyrinth of corridors under the old town. Legends tell of hidden treasures, merchant ghosts, and even a passage to the fortress.
• Złoty Stok: The underground of the Gold Mine is a world of legends about gnomes, alchemists and the ghost of Gertruda, who helps those who are lost.
• Wałbrzych: The underground passages of Książ Castle, part of the Riese complex, are the epicentre of modern legends about secret Third Reich projects and hidden treasures.

Where in Lower Silesia are the so-called Devil’s Stones located and what legends circulate about them?

Devil’s Stones are huge boulders that can be found in the fields and forests of Lower Silesia. Their presence was explained by the intervention of evil forces. The legend is usually similar: the devil was carrying a boulder to destroy a nearby church, but a cock crowed on the way. Losing his power at dawn, he had to abandon the burden.

Such stones can be found, among others, in the vicinity of Krzeszów, Lwówek Śląski and in the Izera Mountains. Sometimes you can see traces of the devil’s claws on them.

What are the most popular legends associated with the Karkonosze range?

The Karkonosze Mountains are the kingdom of the Mountain Spirit, so most legends revolve around his character. These stories explained the sudden changes in weather and unusual rock formations. The most popular ones are:

• The legend of how Liczyrzepa kidnapped Princess Emma: This is a story of love and magic. In order to escape, the princess asked the Mountain Spirit to count the turnips in his garden, which gave her time to escape and gave him the mocking name “Liczyrzepa”.
• The tale of the magical mandrake: It was believed that a mandrake root with powerful magic grew in the Karkonosze Mountains. Obtaining it was deadly dangerous, and it was guarded by the Mountain Spirit himself.
• The story of the Pilgrims and the Sunflower: According to legend, these rock formations are sinners or wedding guests turned to stone, punished by Liczyrzepa for their unworthy behaviour.

Dark secrets and hidden treasures: What secrets do Książ Castle, the Riese complex and the Golden Train hide?

Let us move on to more recent, but no less legendary, history. The 20th century, and especially World War II, added a new, dark chapter to the history of Lower Silesia. These are stories of secret projects, hidden treasures and mysteries that make up the historical enigmas of Lower Silesia and still spark the imagination of seekers today.

What secrets and legends does Książ Castle in Wałbrzych hide?

At Książ Castle, the history of the Hochberg family meets the dark secrets of the Third Reich. The biggest mystery is the system of underground tunnels dug by prisoners of the Gross-Rosen camp as part of the “Riese” project. To this day, their purpose remains unknown – they were supposed to be Hitler’s quarters, a secret weapons factory or a shelter. This lack of knowledge is fuel for countless legends.

Another legend concerns looted works of art that were supposed to be hidden in the castle at the end of the war. The most famous of these is, of course, the Amber Room, although the search has been unsuccessful. The castle itself, with its monumental architecture and tragic history, exudes a mysterious energy, which makes Książ Castle, its secrets and legends, attract visitors like a magnet.

What legends and anecdotes circulate about Princess Daisy of Książ Castle?

Princess Daisy von Pless, the last lady of Książ Castle, is a tragic and fascinating figure who has herself become a legend. She is said to have been beautiful, kind-hearted and charitable. The most famous anecdote concerns her pearl necklace, which was over six metres long. According to one version, the Duchess hid it somewhere on the estate, and the treasure is still waiting to be discovered. Another says that she sold it to help the poor.

After her death, a legend about her ghost was born. Some believe that her apparition, dressed in a white gown, wanders the chambers, mourning her lost home and the happy times before the war. She is a figure who adds a human, melancholic dimension to the castle.

Where exactly is the legendary Golden Train located in Lower Silesia?

The legendary “Golden Train” is said to be hidden in a buried tunnel on the railway line between Wrocław and Wałbrzych, most often around the 65th kilometre of the line. At the end of the war, the armoured train was supposed to transport gold and works of art from Wrocław, after which it disappeared in the Owl Mountains region. This is one of the most famous legends about treasures in Poland.

Despite numerous searches, including those publicised in 2015, the train has never been found. The lack of evidence only reinforces the legend known as the Wałbrzych Golden Train, which lives on its own life and from time to time attracts treasure hunters and journalists from all over the world to this area.

Is the underground city of Riese in the Owl Mountains connected to local legends?

Yes, although these are legends that arose after 1945. The Riese complex, with its gigantic, unfinished underground halls, became the canvas for a new, dark mythology. The mystery of its purpose gave rise to stories about laboratories working on nuclear weapons or anti-gravity vehicles (the famous “Wunderwaffe”).

It is also said that looted treasures still lie in the buried parts of the complex, and access to them is guarded by the ghosts of thousands of prisoners who died during its construction. It is a place where the horror of history is palpable, and stories of secret experiments seem frighteningly plausible.

What stories about hidden treasures are associated with Bolków Castle?

Bolków Castle, with its mighty tower, is a natural candidate for a treasure hiding place. The most popular legend links it to the Knights Templar. After the dissolution of the order in 1312, their enormous wealth was to be hidden in the castle’s underground passages or in a tunnel connecting the castle with the monastery in Krzeszów.

Another story tells of treasure hidden by the Hussites during the religious wars of the 15th century. These tales attract seekers who believe that somewhere in the labyrinth of cellars or deep in the castle well, a legendary fortune awaits them.

What is the legend of the White Lady of Grodno Castle in Zagórze Śląskie?

This is one of the most moving legends about the White Lady. It tells the story of Małgorzata, the castellan’s daughter, who fell in love with a poor squire. Her father, wanting a rich husband for her, arranged her marriage to an old knight. When Małgorzata refused, he pushed her off the castle tower in anger.

Her ghost, dressed in a white wedding gown, haunts the castle, and her quiet weeping can be heard in the courtyard on moonlit nights. Interestingly, a skeleton has been on display in the castle dungeons since the 19th century, presented as the remains of the princess, which was supposed to lend credibility to the legend.

What legends about miners and gnomes are told in the Gold Mine in Złoty Stok?

In the Gold Mine in Złoty Stok, stories about the hard work of miners are mixed with the fairy-tale world. The guides tell two key legends here. The first is the story of two gnomes who were supposed to help miners find gold veins. One of the chambers is arranged as their workshop.

The second, darker one is the story of Gertruda, the wife of a miner who died in a cave-in. The distraught woman entered the mine to find her husband’s body and never came back to the surface. Her ghost is said to wander the corridors, leading lost tourists back to the right path.

What are the most terrifying ghost legends from Lower Silesian strongholds?

Lower Silesian fortresses are breeding grounds for ghost stories, real thrill-seeking places in Lower Silesia. If you are looking for thrills, here are some of the most terrifying legends:

• The ghost of Princess Kunegunda from Chojnik Castle (Kynast): Legend has it that the cruel lady of the castle forced every suitor to undergo a deadly trial of riding around the walls on horseback. After being rejected by a knight who passed the test, she threw herself into the abyss.
• The ghosts of children from Czocha Castle: In addition to the White Lady, the castle is said to be haunted by the ghost of a newborn baby whose mother drowned him in his cradle to hide the fruit of her betrayal. Apparently, the baby’s cries can be heard at night.
• The Red Ghost of Grodziec Castle: The ghost of a robber castellan, who plundered and murdered during his lifetime, is said to be doing penance after death, wandering around the castle with his own head under his arm.
• The ghosts of murdered prisoners from the Kłodzko Fortress: The vast underground passages of the fortress, which served as a harsh prison, are said to be haunted by the moans and apparitions of convicts who died in inhumane conditions.

Legends of Lower Silesia today: How do ancient tales inspire contemporary tourism and culture?

Legends are not just stories from old books. In Lower Silesia, they are still alive, driving tourism, inspiring artists and shaping the identity of the region. Let’s see how ancient and modern myths function today.

How do legends about hidden treasures of the Third Reich influence tourism in Lower Silesia?

Legends about the “Golden Train”, Riese or the Amber Room have a huge impact on tourism. They create the region’s brand, attracting history enthusiasts, adventure seekers and conspiracy theorists from all over the world. This form of “mystery tourism” generates real profits.

Thanks to them, places such as Książ Castle and the underground passages in Osówka and Walim have become internationally renowned attractions. Local companies offer tours, field games and souvenirs related to these legends. This is proof of the marketing power of a well-told, mysterious story.

What legend is associated with the world’s only polychromes of Sir Lancelot in Siedlęcin?

The Prince’s Tower in Siedlęcin hides a unique treasure – 14th-century paintings depicting scenes from the legend of Lancelot of the Lake, a key figure in Arthurian mythology. The mystery lies in the question: why did the Silesian prince Henryk I Jaworski decide to decorate his residence with scenes from a British legend?

This testifies to the extraordinary cultural connections of medieval Europe and shows that stories about the Knights of the Round Table were popular even in distant Silesia. The presence of these paintings in a small village near Jelenia Góra is a fascinating historical mystery.

When does the Festival of Mysteries take place and what legends are presented during it?

The Lower Silesian Festival of Mysteries is an annual event that usually takes place in August at Książ Castle. It is a celebration for those fascinated by historical mysteries and hidden treasures. During the festival, you can attend lectures by historians, explorers and writers.

The topics presented include the hottest Lower Silesian legends: the search for the “Golden Train”, the secrets of the Riese project, stories about hidden deposits, as well as older tales about ghosts and alchemists. It is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the latest theories first-hand.

Are there any local legends associated with the discovery of the Bear Cave in Kletno?

The Bear Cave was discovered by accident in 1966 during work in a quarry, so there are no ancient legends associated with it. However, the discovery of a huge amount of prehistoric animal remains inside (mainly cave bears) immediately gave rise to new folklore. Local residents began to say that the cave had been known for a long time, but was considered a cursed place or a gateway to the underworld.

There were also stories about the spirits of ancient animals guarding the cave. This is an example of how a scientific discovery can quickly be absorbed into local culture and become the subject of new legends.

What legends surround Szybowcowa Mountain near Jelenia Góra?

Góra Szybowcowa is a place with more recent legends related to the history of aviation. Before the war, there was a famous German gliding school here, and after the war, the Poles continued the tradition. This gave rise to a specific aviation folklore.

There are stories of the ghosts of German pilots who still take off from the slope in their archaic gliders and disappear into the fog. Another story tells of the ghost of a legendary instructor who watches over the safety of young apprentices, warning them of sudden changes in the weather. This is proof that legends are constantly being created, drawing on the history of the place.

How has Lower Silesian folklore influenced contemporary urban legends?

Lower Silesian folklore has proven to be extremely resilient, adapting old patterns to new times. Contemporary urban legends are based on the same motifs. The motif of hidden treasure, once associated with the Knights Templar (Bolków Castle), has now been updated to the treasures of the Third Reich (the Golden Train). The figure of the protective spirit of the underground, formerly Skarbek, has been replaced by the ghosts of prisoners guarding the secrets of Riese.

Even the Wrocław dwarfs, although born out of a political happening, fit perfectly into the archetype of small, helpful creatures known from legends about gnomes. This shows that our need to tell stories and give places a magical dimension is unchanging. Only the decorations change.