Karpień Castle, Medieval castle ruins on Karpiak Mountain, Lądek-Zdrój, Poland
Karpień Castle is a ruined fortress located on Karpiak Mountain at about 758 meters elevation. The remaining stone walls mark what was once a strategic stronghold overlooking the Biała Ladecka river valley.
The fortress was built in the 14th century to control the Salt Route through Karpow Pass. It was destroyed during the Hussite Wars in 1428.
The name comes from Karpiak Mountain, where the fortress sits. Visitors can see how the stones were repurposed for later buildings in the area, making the ruins part of the region's building tradition.
Two marked hiking trails lead to the castle ruins: a blue route starting from Lądek-Zdrój and a green path from Gierałtowska Pass. The best time to visit is from May to October when the trails are dry and easier to walk.
A stone block carved with the castle's layout sits in the courtyard and was made in 1883. This unusual architectural record from the 19th century gives visitors a visual guide to how the fortress was once arranged.
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