Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is the 100 Castles project?

It's my slightly mad quest to discover and document 100 castles in the magical corner of Europe where Poland, Czech Republic, and Germany meet. But it's more than just castles – it's about uncovering the rich history, culture, and hidden gems of this often-overlooked region. The goal is to make this area more accessible and appealing to international tourists, with castles as our exciting starting point!

Are you a history expert or professional tour guide?

Not at all! I'm just a curious guy who fell in love with this region and its castles. I'm not a walking encyclopedia or a professional historian. Instead, I'm on a mission to discover and share the fascinating stories of this area in a fun, accessible way. Think of me as your enthusiastic friend who loves to explore and learn, and wants to take you along for the ride!

Are you a company, or do you operate as a private individual?

I'm a private individual, not a registered company. 100 Castles is my personal hobby project, and arranging trips is a side activity rather than my main source of income. The trips I accept fall under Poland's unregistered activity framework (działalność nierejestrowana), set out in Article 5 of Poland's Entrepreneurs' Law of 6 March 2018.

I check the remaining quarterly limit when a booking request comes in. Availability can be more limited toward the end of a quarter.

Can you issue an invoice?

If you expect to need an invoice or other specific billing document, especially for a company booking, please tell me when you first enquire and provide the billing details you need shown. This gives me time to check the applicable requirements and agree the practical details before confirming the trip. This advance notice is a request to help avoid surprises; it does not limit any right to a document that the law requires me to issue.

How do you gather information about the castles?

It's a bit of a treasure hunt! For each castle, I dig into various sources:

• I research the German names (since this area was part of Germany not too long ago) and use AI to help translate and summarize information from German sources.
• I explore local legends and stories.
• I visit the sites and gather firsthand observations.
• I simplify and present the information in an engaging, easy-to-understand format.

The goal is to create accessible, fun content about these castles in English – something that's often lacking for international visitors.

What makes this region so special?

Oh boy, where do I start? This area is a unique melting pot of Polish, German, and Czech influences. It was part of the original Polish kingdom, then part of Germany for 600 years, and now it's Poland again. This mix creates a fascinating blend of cultures, architecture, and history. Plus, the landscape is stunning – we've got mountains, forests, and of course, castles galore!

What types of tours do you offer?

I offer personalized guided tours, including:

• Half-day and full-day castle tours
• Weekend castle adventures
• Wrocław to Prague (or vice versa) transfers with castle stops
• Custom itineraries based on your interests

Basically, if it involves castles and adventure, I'm game! And remember, it's not just about castles – we can explore charming towns, natural wonders, and whatever catches our fancy along the way.

How many people can join a tour?

Tours use my spacious Toyota Avensis and can take up to four clients, in addition to me as the driver: one client sits in the front passenger seat and up to three in the back.

• Three clients in the back: Comfort depends on passengers' size and the length of the route, so please discuss this with me before booking.
• More than 4 guests: Requires prior agreement and advance planning. A rented minibus may be arranged as a separate service, subject to availability and price.

The Wrocław day-trip rate of 700 PLN covers up to 8 hours of the actual outing; local station meetings and Prague journeys have different rates. The vehicle or minibus arrangement is confirmed with you before booking.

Do you offer tours in languages other than English?

Currently, my tours are conducted in English, Polish, and Russian. I'm working on my telepathic communication skills for future tours, but for now, let's stick to these languages. And hey, if you want to teach me some phrases in your language, I'm always eager to learn!

What's included in the tour price?

The base guide fee is 700 PLN for a day of up to 8 hours with pickup and return in Wrocław. Meet me at Świdnica or Wałbrzych railway station and finish at a station in the area for 600 PLN; you arrange your own trains. Prague pickup or a Wrocław–Prague transfer starts at 800 PLN. The Express transfer is 700 PLN after a 100 PLN discount, for a maximum of 6 hours. Fuel, admission, parking and meals are separate. Extra time is priced and agreed before booking.

• My work as your guide and a flexible itinerary for up to 8 hours
• A private tour planned around your interests

Fuel is not included. You pay for it directly at the petrol station; the fuel money does not go to me. Admission to castles and attractions is also paid separately by you.

Parking is always paid by guests. It is usually reasonably priced; parking at Książ Castle is the most expensive stop on my routes. Guests cover their own meals and accommodation. On multi-day trips, I arrange my own accommodation and guests cover its cost separately as agreed before booking.

The outing normally starts at 9:00 and lasts up to 8 hours. A start time about two hours earlier or later can be arranged. A longer outing is possible by prior agreement for an additional fee. On a Wrocław–Prague route that uses Czech toll motorways for a faster drive, a one-day Czech vignette is also needed. It currently costs 230 CZK for a standard-fuel car: you pay me that amount and I buy the electronic vignette online. The route can be planned without using those motorways.

How do I book a tour?

Booking is easy! Just head over to the Contact page and send me a message with your preferred dates and any ideas you have. The usual start is 9:00; a start about two hours earlier or later can be arranged. We'll chat, laugh, plan, and before you know it, you'll be on your way to castle adventure!

Do I need to pay a deposit?

It depends on where we're starting:

• Jelenia Góra: No deposit needed. Just meet me at the railway station, and we're good to go!
• Wrocław, Prague, or other distant locations: A booking deposit of 150 PLN may be requested. It counts toward the tour price, not as an extra charge. This is separate from fuel, which you pay directly at the petrol station.

If a booking is cancelled, any deposit return is arranged by agreement and sent using the same method it was paid. The cancellation terms above still apply.

What's your cancellation policy?

Cancel more than 48 hours before the tour and there is no cancellation charge. For cancellations with less than 48 hours' notice, up to 50% of the agreed tour price may be charged. Weather cancellations are free. If I have to cancel, you can choose a full refund or reschedule.

What's the best time to visit?

The region is beautiful year-round, but here are some options:

• Late spring (May-June) or early fall (September-October): Ideal weather for castle-hopping and outdoor activities.
• Summer (July-August): Warmest weather, but more tourists.
• Winter (December-February): Magical snowy landscapes, great for skiing, and festive Christmas markets. Just pack your warmest cloak!

Honestly, there's no bad time to visit – each season has its own charm!

Is it safe to travel in this region?

Absolutely! Poland is one of the safest countries in Europe. The Lower Silesia region is very safe for tourists. Your biggest danger is falling in love with the place and not wanting to leave. Oh, and maybe tripping over your own feet while gawking at castle architecture.

Where can I read guest reviews?

Guests have shared reviews of their tours. Read the reviews and see their experiences here.

How can I trust that you're legitimate and not a scammer?

Trust matters when you're planning a trip with someone new. You can see guest experiences on the Guest Reviews page. I confirm each trip in writing before travel, and I'm happy to have a video call before you book so we can discuss your route and any questions.

Do you really not like pierogi?

I know, I know - it's practically sacrilege in Poland! But hey, more for you, right? Don't worry, I know all the best pierogi spots for those who do appreciate these little doughy pockets of joy. And if you want to know about truly amazing food, let me tell you about Moldovan cuisine sometime!

Can we really talk about life, the universe, and everything on these tours?

Absolutely! In fact, I encourage it. There's something about exploring ancient castles that really gets the philosophical juices flowing. We can discuss history, culture, personal experiences, or ponder why they put toilets in castle towers. I'm all about creating connections and having meaningful conversations – or silly ones, if that's more your style!