Wroclaw: Project Riese Tunnels & Ksiaz Castle Private Day Trip

Summary

Wroclaw to Project Riese tunnels and Ksiaz Castle day tour with private transfer

You’ll travel from Wroclaw with a local guide to explore Ksiaz Castle’s grand halls and then descend into the eerie Project Riese tunnels beneath the Owl Mountains. Expect small moments of surprise — like Marek’s family stories or the chill underground air — plus hotel pickup and all tickets included for a stress-free day.

What’s the experience like?

We’d barely left Wroclaw when our driver, Marek, started telling us stories about his grandmother hiding potatoes during the war. I liked that — it made the drive out to Ksiaz Castle feel less like a tour and more like hanging out with someone who actually grew up here. The city faded into forests, the windows fogged up just a little, and I realized I’d underestimated how green Lower Silesia is in spring. By the time we pulled up at Ksiaz Castle, I was already half-lost in Marek’s stories about the Hochberg family (he pronounced it “Hoh-bairg,” which I definitely can’t). The castle itself is huge — honestly, you could get lost in those halls if you’re not careful — but it’s the mix of faded grandeur and weird Nazi-era renovations that sticks with me.

The real surprise was underground. Project Riese isn’t something you really “see” so much as feel — cold air on your neck, echoing footsteps, that odd mineral smell you only get deep under mountains. Our audio guide kept cutting out (old batteries maybe?), but somehow that made it creepier. There’s this moment where you touch the rough concrete walls and think about who built them, and why. It’s not comfortable history, but it’s real. I tried to ask Marek what he thought happened down there; he just shrugged and said, “Nobody knows everything.” Which felt true.

Lunch was simple — sandwiches we packed ourselves — eaten on a bench outside Osówka while a group of Polish schoolkids ran around yelling something about treasure. The sun came out for maybe twenty minutes. On the way back to Wroclaw, we didn’t talk much. Maybe everyone was tired or maybe it’s just hard to switch gears after wandering through those tunnels. Either way, I keep thinking about that cold air and how quiet it got down there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit Ksiaz Castle and Project Riese

• Travel from Wroclaw to Ksiaz Castle
• Explore Ksiaz Castle and learn history
• Visit Underground Town Osowka (Project Riese)
• Explore underground caverns and tunnels

Top questions

How long does the day trip from Wroclaw to Project Riese take?

The tour lasts most of the day, including travel time between Wroclaw, Ksiaz Castle, and Project Riese (Osówka site).

Is hotel pickup included for this private tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Wroclaw.

What is the temperature inside Project Riese tunnels?

The average temperature in Project Riese is around 10°C year-round.

Are entry tickets included in the price?

Yes, entry tickets for both sites are included.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

No lunch is provided; travelers should bring their own food or snacks.

Are audio guides available at both sites?

Audio guides are usually available at both locations if they’re not out of stock.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Yes, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

What kind of vehicle is used for transport?

An air-conditioned minivan is used for private transport.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Wroclaw by private air-conditioned minivan, all entry tickets for both Ksiaz Castle and Project Riese Osówka site, bottled water along the way, plus audio guides when available so you can explore at your own pace before heading back in comfort.