Kłodzko Fortress

Kłodzko Fortress (pronounced roughly "KWOTS-ko") is one of the largest and best-preserved fortresses in Poland, spread over a hill above the old town of Kłodzko in Lower Silesia, close to the Czech border. Over more than 30 hectares you will find massive bastions, a keep with sweeping views of the Sudeten mountains, and a maze of underground countermine tunnels that you explore with a guide. It is one of the best things to do in the Kłodzko Valley and easily fills half a day.

A fortress shaped by Prussia

The hill above the Nysa Kłodzka river was fortified in the Middle Ages, with a stronghold first recorded in 1114. What you see today is mostly Prussian work. After Prussia took the region from the Habsburgs in 1742, Frederick the Great ordered a major expansion that continued until about 1770, when the central keep was completed. In 1807 the fortress held out against Napoleon's troops.

The complex also served as a prison. Inmates included the Prussian officer Friedrich von der Trenck and, later, Polish insurgents from the 1863 January Uprising. During World War II the fortress was used to hold prisoners and forced laborers, a chapter that the exhibitions do not ignore.

What to see

You can choose between two main routes, or combine them:

• Upper Route – bastions, exhibitions covering the 10th to 20th centuries, and a viewing terrace over the town.
• Countermine tunnels (the "labyrinth") – part of a network of roughly 7 km of passages dug to detect and destroy enemy mining under the walls. Some stretches are low, so you will stoop.
• Commander's Package – both routes on one ticket.

The tunnels can only be visited with a guide. Tours run in Polish, and English, German, Czech and Ukrainian are offered too; groups should book ahead.

How long does a visit take?

Allow about 1.5 hours for the Upper Route and another 1.5 hours for the tunnels, so roughly 3 hours for both. Expect cobblestones, steps and uneven floors. Underground it stays at 8–10°C (46–50°F) all year, so bring a sweater even in summer. Children aged 5 and up may enter the tunnels; they are not recommended if you are claustrophobic or have heart, back or joint problems. Wheelchair users can only reach the main courtyard, and dogs are allowed on a leash everywhere except the tunnels.

Tickets and opening hours

As of October 2026:

• Tickets: Upper Route or tunnels PLN 38 (reduced PLN 30); Commander's Package PLN 60 (reduced PLN 50). Group rates apply from 15 people.
• Opening hours: April–September 9:00 a.m.–7:00 p.m.; October 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.; November–March 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Last entry is one hour before closing.
• Address: ul. Grodzisko 1, 57-300 Kłodzko; phone +48 74 867 34 68; twierdza@twierdza.klodzko.pl.

How to get there

Kłodzko is about 90 km south of Wrocław, the nearest city with an international airport, along national road 8. Trains and buses also link the two cities. There is a paid car park at the foot of the hill on ul. Czeska, followed by a short, steep walk up. Is it worth visiting? If you enjoy military history, engineering or simply great views, absolutely. Combine it with the Gothic bridge in the old town and the underground tourist route beneath the market square.