Wołek Castle ruins

Wołek Castle ruins are a medieval fortification near the Soła river valley with preserved stone walls and steep ravines surrounding the site. The remains sit at 394 meters (1,292 feet) elevation and reveal the scale of this defensive structure.

The castle was built in the 14th century by the dukes of Oświęcim to defend southern borders and served as a key defensive position for generations. It eventually fell into disuse around 1477 after enduring multiple attacks.

The ruins display Gothic design with walls built from local stone using medieval construction methods. Visitors can still observe period techniques in the surviving sections of the fortification.

The site sits about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) south of Kobiernice and welcomes visitors throughout the year without seasonal restrictions. Ground conditions vary with the weather, so sturdy footwear and basic hiking gear are advisable.

Scientific excavations here started as early as 1880 and ranked among the first systematic investigations of its kind in the region. These pioneering archaeological efforts established methods that influenced later research across Poland.