Fort Srebrna Góra

Srebrna Góra Fortress (say "SREB-nah GOO-rah"; German Silberberg) is the largest and best-preserved mountain fortress in Poland, built by Prussia in 1765–1777 above a pass between the Owl Mountains and the Bardo Mountains in Lower Silesia. Its centerpiece is a massive donjon, described as the largest in Europe, with casemates, deep wells and a rooftop walk with views over the Sudetes. A national Historic Monument since 2004, it is open year-round and makes an excellent day trip from Wrocław, even in winter.

Where it is and how to get there

The fortress rises above the village of Srebrna Góra, about 80 km south of Wrocław, whose airport is the nearest international gateway. The easiest way to get there is by car. Park at the lot on the Srebrna Pass (Przełęcz Srebrna); the road up to the donjon is closed to traffic, and the walk takes about 15 minutes. Public transport to this rural area is limited, so a rental car or a tour from Wrocław is the practical choice.

A Prussian fortress that was never taken

After winning Silesia from Austria, King Frederick the Great of Prussia wanted to lock down the route from the Kłodzko Valley. Some 4,000 workers spent 12 years building the fortress, at a cost of 1,668,000 thalers, part of it raised through a special levy on Silesians.

The fortress was never captured. Its only siege, by Bavarian and Württemberg troops fighting for Napoleon, began on June 28, 1807 and ended when the Treaty of Tilsit was signed on July 9. From 1830 to 1848 the forts held political prisoners from the "Young Germany" movement. During World War II, from December 1939 to September 1941, the Germans ran Oflag VIII B here, a camp for more than 300 Polish officers; nine of them escaped on the night of May 5–6, 1940.

What to see

The complex includes six forts and several bastions spread over the hillsides. The highlight is the donjon: four linked towers, each about 60 m across, with walls up to 12 m thick and 151 casemates inside. The garrison was planned at 2,500–3,500 soldiers, with 264 guns. Nine wells were dug; the donjon's is about 70 m deep and the one at Fort Ostróg 84 m. Across the pass stands Fort Ostróg, and other surviving works include Fort Rogowy and the Wysoka Skała fort.

Your ticket covers a guided tour and the multimedia route "How Srebrna Góra Fortress Was Built," both of which run in any weather. On your own you can follow the craft route, the scenic walk and the path around the top of the donjon. Audio guides are available in several languages, plus versions with audio description and sign language. The guided tour lasts a little over an hour; allow 2–3 hours in total.

Opening hours

As of October 2026 the fortress lists:

• April–June and September–October: 10 am–6 pm, last guided tour around 4:30 pm,
• July–August: 10 am–7 pm,
• November–March: 10 am–5 pm, with guided tours at 10:20, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 15:50.

It is open every day except Easter Sunday, November 1 and December 24–25.

Tickets

Prices (April–October / November–March):

• standard: 68 PLN / 58 PLN,
• reduced: 58 PLN / 48 PLN,
• family 2+2: 240 PLN / 200 PLN (children under 14),
• children under 4: free.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes. Few places in Central Europe let you explore an 18th-century mountain fortress this intact, and the views from the donjon's roof over the Owl Mountains are superb. Bring a warm layer even in summer, since the casemates stay cold, and sturdy shoes for the uphill walk. In winter the site is quieter, and fixed tour times make planning easy.

Staying longer

The operator runs a hostel and restaurant inside the fortress and also offers night tours; dates are posted on its website. Groups of 20 or more should book ahead. In winter, wear shoes with good grip, as the path from the parking lot can be icy.

Nearby

• Palace of Marianne of Orange in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki – a neo-Gothic palace by Schinkel, another Historic Monument.
• Kłodzko Fortress and the old town of Kłodzko.
• Hiking trails in the Owl Mountains and Bardo Mountains.