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!

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?

I'm flexible! Here's the breakdown:

• 1-3 people: Ideal and most common
• 4 people: Totally doable if you're okay with a cozy backseat
• 5-7 people: We can arrange this with a rented minibus (just need a bit more planning and a deposit)
• 8+: Let's chat and see what we can work out!

I offer discounts for additional people, so bring your friends! Or make new ones – nothing bonds people like a castle adventure.

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?

Tour prices typically include:

• Transportation in my trusty late '90s Toyota (vintage charm included at no extra cost)
• My enthusiasm and knowledge as your guide
• Entrance fees to castles and attractions
• Bottled water (and tissues in case the castle stories make you cry... or laugh too hard)
• A unique, personalized experience you won't find in guidebooks

Meals and accommodation are usually not included, but I'm happy to recommend great local spots!

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. 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: Small deposit of 150 Polish złoty (about 35 EUR) to cover fuel costs in case of last-minute cancellation.

Don't worry, I'm not trying to break the bank here – just covering my bases!

What's your cancellation policy?

Life happens, I get it. If you need to cancel, let me know at least 48 hours in advance and we'll refund your deposit (if applicable). Less than 48 hours, and well... let's just say the castle ghosts get very disappointed. But seriously, I'm pretty flexible – just communicate with me, and we'll work it out.

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.

Why don't you have any reviews yet?

Great question! I've been a tour guide before in Moldova and Ukraine, where I had many happy customers. However, after moving to Poland, I took some time to explore the country myself, learn the language, and work as a remote linguist. Now, I'm excited to return to my passion for guiding tours, but I'm essentially starting fresh in this new location. While I don't have reviews for my Polish tours yet, I'm confident in my ability to provide an amazing experience based on my past guiding experience and my deep love for this region.

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

I completely understand your concern! Trust is crucial when you're planning a trip with someone you've never met. While I'm new to offering tours in Poland, I have a long history of connecting with travelers. I've been an active member of the Couchsurfing community for years, hosting dozens of travelers in my home. My Couchsurfing profile has numerous verified reviews that speak to my character and reliability. I'm happy to share my profile link with you privately so you can check out these reviews. Additionally, I encourage you to chat with me (video call if you prefer) before booking, so you can get a sense of who I am and ask any questions you might have.

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!