Niedzica Castle and the Czorsztyn Dam, Poland
We recently visited the magnificent castle in Niedzica, a medieval stronghold from the 14th century, located approximately 40 km east of Zakopane. This impressive fortress is situated in a breathtakingly beautiful location, perched directly on the shores of the man-made Czorsztyn Lake. Beyond the castle itself, the area offers another significant attraction: the imposing dam of the Czorsztyn Reservoir. The combination of historical architecture, stunning natural scenery, and modern engineering makes Niedzica a fascinating destination for visitors of all interests. The castle's reflection on the still waters of the lake creates a truly magical and picturesque scene, especially on a clear day.
The history of Niedzica Castle is as captivating as its appearance. Originally known as Dunajec Castle, it served as a key border fortress on the trade route to Hungary. Over the centuries, it was owned by both Polish and Hungarian noble families, leading to a unique blend of architectural styles. Legends and mysteries surround the castle, including tales of hidden Inca gold and secret passages, which only add to its allure. The castle’s long and turbulent history, filled with sieges and conflicts, is palpable in its ancient walls. Today, it stands as one of the most important and best-preserved monuments in the Pieniny Mountains, offering a tangible connection to a rich past.
Parking in Niedzica. The castle
A convenient parking lot is available near the castle for a fee of 10 PLN (1; GPS: 49.421967, 20.318935). From there, you can walk up a road that leads to the castle gates (A; GPS: 49.422501, 20.319539), passing by an ancient cannon along the way. During this visit, we decided not to go inside the castle itself, saving that for the summer when better weather will allow us to fully enjoy a cruise across the lake to the Czorsztyn Castle. Instead, we explored the area, walking to the other side of the fortress where we discovered a charming shingle beach and a small marina (B; GPS: 49.423002, 20.317181). From here, you can catch a boat or a gondola that will take you across the lake to the foot of Czorsztyn Castle, providing a different perspective of both strongholds. The views from this spot are simply stunning, with the castle perfectly framed by the sparkling water and the surrounding hills.
After exploring the castle grounds, you can take a pleasant 200-meter walk to the impressive dam. The road leading to it is lined with numerous stalls selling local products (C; GPS: 49.421457, 20.319762), making it a great place to stop for some souvenirs or local snacks. From here, you can also admire a truly beautiful view of the castle reflected on the surface of the lake. The reservoir's dam, with a height of 56 meters (GPS: 49.419670, 20.323325), plays a crucial role in protecting the Dunajec River from floods and is also a popular spot for recreation. Additionally, it serves as a source of electricity through its hydroelectric power station. At the top of the reservoir, a wide bridge allows you to walk to the other side of the lake. As you step onto the bridge, you'll be greeted by a remarkable pseudo-3D painting on the surface, aptly named "3D Elemental Power." When you stand in the right position, it creates the illusion of water overflowing from the lake and cascading down into a series of hollows on the bridge—an interesting visual effect. You can see this effect for yourself in our video. The hydroelectric power station can also be visited, with tours available for 9 PLN for a simplified tour (main hall with machines and internal observation balcony) and 17 PLN for a detailed tour (simplified tour plus the generators hall, control room, and the dam crown). For more information, you can visit the website of the dam and power station (in Polish).
Gastronomy in Niedzica
The culinary scene in Niedzica is a reflection of the region's mountainous character and traditional Polish flavors. The area offers hearty, delicious meals perfect for refueling after a day of sightseeing. You can expect to find a mix of classic Polish dishes and local specialties, often with a focus on fresh, simple ingredients.
What to Try?
- Oscypek: This is a smoked cheese made from salted sheep milk, a specialty of the Tatra Mountains region. It's often grilled and served with cranberry sauce, making for a delicious snack.
- Kiełbasa: Polish sausage is a must-try. You can find it grilled at local stands or served as part of a traditional meal.
- Placki Ziemniaczane: Potato pancakes are a staple of Polish cuisine, served either plain or with a variety of toppings like sour cream or goulash.
- Bigos: A traditional hunter's stew made of sauerkraut, fresh cabbage, various cuts of meat, sausages, and often mushrooms and plums. It's a rich and flavorful dish.
- Żurek: A sour rye soup, often served with a hard-boiled egg and sausage. It's a comforting and classic Polish soup.
Where to Eat?
You will find several dining options near the castle and the dam, ranging from casual food stalls to traditional restaurants.
- Stalls near the Dam: The path leading to the dam is lined with food stalls (C; GPS: 49.421457, 20.319762) where you can buy regional products, snacks like grilled oscypek, and simple hot meals.
- Restaurants in the Village: The village of Niedzica offers a few restaurants (karczmy or restauracje) that serve traditional Polish and regional cuisine in a cozy, rustic atmosphere.
- Castle Restaurant: The castle itself often has a restaurant or cafe, providing a unique dining experience within the historic walls.
- Pierogi and Soups: Look for places that specialize in Polish dumplings (pierogi) and traditional soups for a hearty and authentic meal.
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