Knights Hospitaller Castle in Łagów

Łagów Castle (pronounced roughly "WAH-goof") is a 14th-century Gothic stronghold built by the Knights Hospitaller on a narrow strip of land between two lakes in western Poland. Today it is a hotel and restaurant with a 35-metre brick tower that any visitor can climb for a small fee. If you are looking for things to do in the Lubusz region, a castle with a lake view and a pretty resort town makes an easy half-day stop between Berlin and Poznań.

Where is Łagów and how do you get there?

Łagów lies in the Lubusz Voivodeship, about 130 km (80 miles) east of Berlin as the crow flies and roughly 110 km west of Poznań. The nearest cities are Świebodzin and Gorzów Wielkopolski. The easiest way to reach the castle is by car; the official site does not describe parking, so ask the hotel reception if you are driving.

A short history of the castle

The Hospitallers, a medieval order of crusader knights later known as the Order of Malta, built the castle in the 14th century. The castle's website gives 1350 as its origin, though the exact date is uncertain. It served as the seat of a Hospitaller commandery until 1810, when Prussia dissolved the order's estates. The building was expanded between the 16th and 18th centuries, so it mixes Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. In the 19th century it passed to a private owner, and it was restored between 1964 and 1970. It is a listed monument.

What to see

The castle forms a quadrangle with a square brick keep, a 35 m tower, in one corner. Inside, there is a Gothic hall whose vault rests on a single pillar and a Knights' Hall with a Baroque fireplace dated 1740. The courtyard is Renaissance-Baroque in style and covered with a glass roof. Most of the interior is used by the hotel and restaurant, so as a day visitor you will mainly see the tower, the courtyard and the outer walls.

Climbing the tower

From the top you can see the courtyard, the red roofs of the town and the two lakes on either side. Plan about an hour for the castle and tower, or half a day if you add a lakeside walk. The staircase is narrow, so the tower is not suitable for wheelchairs or visitors with limited mobility.

Practical information (as of October 2026)

• Tower hours: Monday to Friday 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, Saturday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Sunday 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
• Ticket: 15 PLN per person, cash only (about 3.50 euros).
• Discounts: children under 5 enter free, and so do holders of the Polish Large Family Card.
• Address: ul. Kościuszki 3, 66-220 Łagów; phone +48 68 381 40 33.

The website does not say whether the hours change by season, so call ahead in winter. Signs and information at the tower are probably in Polish, but the hotel staff are used to visitors from abroad; this is not confirmed on the official site.

Is it worth visiting?

Yes, if you like small castles with a real setting. Łagów is not a big-ticket sight like Malbork, but the combination of a Gothic tower, two lakes and a quiet resort atmosphere makes it a pleasant stop. In July the town hosts the Lubusz Film Summer, a well-known film festival. If you have more time, nearby Świebodzin is home to a huge statue of Christ the King.