Polish Fairytale Castle Holds Dark Nazi Secrets and Legends of Lost Gold

Książ Castle in southwestern Poland, with its fairytale facade, conceals a history intertwined with the Nazi party and World War II.

Seized by the Nazis in 1941, the castle, which dates back to the Middle Ages, was reportedly earmarked as a potential residence for Adolf Hitler. A bunker was constructed 50 meters beneath the castle to provide protection from aerial bombings.

The site gained international attention in 2015 when treasure hunters claimed to have located gold near the castle. The subterranean complex, code-named 'Riese' (Giant), was built using forced labor, though much of its extent remains a mystery.

Legends persist of a lost "golden train" purportedly hidden by retreating Nazis in the Owl Mountains in 1945, carrying valuable cargo. In 2015, two individuals, Piotr Koper and Andreas Richter, asserted they had discovered a World War II armored railway carriage in the area, allegedly filled with treasures, fueling global speculation about the existence of such a train.

While the veracity of these claims remains unconfirmed, the existence of undiscovered tunnels continues to fuel the mystique. According to the castle's official website, historical documents suggest the tunnel network might be twice as extensive as what is currently known, potentially covering 3,200 square meters.

Internally, Książ Castle boasts opulent decor, featuring elaborate chandeliers, fireplaces, and ornate painted ceilings. Large windows, mirrors, and furnishings evoke the grandeur of European royal palaces.

Guided tours of the castle and its underground sections are available, with all-day passes priced at 92 PLN (approximately £17.50).

Poland offers numerous World War II historical sites, including the Wolin Underground City, a bunker complex constructed between 1935 and 1939 to guard the coastline. This site now operates as a museum, continuously undergoing expansion and restoration.