Czocha Castle also known as the Polish branch of Hogwarts, is a unique place gathering hundreds of thousands of tourists a year. It is no coincidence that this medieval fortress is so popular, because as a monument it is a pioneer on the Polish market, which is confirmed by numerous awards, such as the latter Certificate – Best Tourist Product 2019. This distinction is awarded by the Polish Tourist Organization. The castle was also included in the prestigious list of the New 7 Wonders of Poland. Miracles are selected by the popular science monthly National Geographic Polska.
Interestingly, among tourists from all over the world, there are mystery seekers, both discovered and those that ignite the imagination. Fascinating architecture, secret passages between chambers, undergrounds, many mysterious plans are a paradise not only for historians, analysts, enthusiasts, but also artists, directors and poets.
The building inspired many, as evidenced by numerous books written about the castle or with the castle in the background. The proliferation of articles, reports, columns, novels, and non-fiction are generally accessible texts of culture. Immediately next to written values are visual works. The castle and its interior can be seen in many photographs, postcards, paintings, its shape and rocky slope were also liked by sculptors, who created interesting sculptures and reliefs.
Undoubtedly, however, Czocha can be remembered thanks to cinematography. It was in the castle walls that the actions of the films “Where is the General”, “The Witcher”, “Two Worlds”, “Holy War”, “The Secret of the Cipher Fortress”, “Marion – the queen of thieves”, “Legend”, “Dywersant” or “Sensations of the 20th Century”. Another form of film art combined with a piece of music is a music video, and these are also included in the castle’s media output. The filmmakers enjoy the charm of the mysterious castle and thus make it famous even in distant Japan.
The possibilities of the castle are almost endless, as evidenced by the numerous festivals that attract real crowds. Everybody can find something for self. The Festival “Crime and Castle” is a real treat for lovers of crime fiction. “Husycka Zawierucha” is a time machine to the medieval realities. “Twierdza Smaków”, a historical feast, serves dishes that have been characteristic over the centuries. The “Heroes and Princesses” festival is an explosion of imagination, where enchanted characters transport guests to a fairy-tale wonderland. The “Film Pyrotechnics Festival” is an event full of emotions, special effects and pyrotechnics, combining film, music and history.
The castle calendar will host such events as “Beer Feast”, “NieWinne historie”, “Czocha Secret Castle” and many others.
Each event is embellished with artistic inserts, tastings, appropriate decor and a tailored narrative.
The castle calendar is also filled with corporate events in unique conference and banquet rooms, weddings, celebrations, but also honey, carnival, St. Andrew’s Day and New Year’s Eve balls.
The castle is also friendly to schools. Tours can take advantage of magic workshops and live history lessons. During summer, barbecues are also organized on the medieval veranda.
The visiting card of the castle is the Night Tours. It is then that the medieval fortress turns into a mysterious castle occupied by the spirits of its ancestors. Accompanied by guides, tourists spend three hours walking around the castle full of relevant attractions. And yes, we can be in the center of military assaults, participate in the bloody battles of medieval knights. Sometimes you can feel the cold breeze of guests from beyond, and participate in a real fire theater and pyrotechnic shows.
Of course – Polish, English and German-speaking guides are at the disposal of tourists on a daily basis. After sightseeing, guests can go to the castle restaurant “Feast”, full of local specialties of Old Polish cuisine. For connoisseurs of flavors, an important point will be the noble mushroom soup, which has been hailed as “Culinary Heritage”. Right next to the SPA zone there is a charming cafe with delicious cakes, ice cream and aromatic coffee.
Czocha Castle is a facility with 125 beds in 50 rooms, also themed. MThe picturesque surroundings encourage forest hikes. The castle is surrounded by the Kwisa River, which makes it look phenomenal at any time of the year. In the immediate vicinity there is the Leśniańskie Lake, where cruises take place. The lake is also a great place to encourage water sports. Numerous hiking and cycling routes are an endless adventure among the beautiful nature of the Jizera foothills, which is full of numerous monuments, including the ruins of castles.
On the premises of the Castle, there is the Multimedia Torture Room, the Outer Castle Museum, the Room of Curiosities and the Riddle Room. All this is surrounded by courtyards covered with flowers, rock bridges and a deep moat.