Henry’s Castle in Marczyce

In a small forest atop Mount Grodna (504 m a.s.l.), near Jelenia Góra and Karpacz, stands Henry’s Castle – a 19th-century structure designed as a romantic ruin. Built in 1806 as a hunting lodge, it was intentionally constructed in the style of a medieval fortress ruin, as was fashionable at the time. From the beginning, it served aristocrats as a picturesque summer retreat and a scenic viewpoint with panoramic vistas of the Karkonosze Mountains and the nearby Sosnówka Reservoir. Today, after more than two centuries of turbulent history, Henry’s Castle – once known as Heinrichsburg – welcomes visitors once again, beautifully restored and even listed as a Historic Monument of Poland.

A Romantic Vision of Prince Heinrich

The origins of the castle date back to the turn of the 18th and 19th centuries, when the owner of Staniszów, Prince Heinrich XXXVIII von Reuss, decided to enrich his estate with a remarkable structure. Around 1806, on the highest hill of the Łomnickie Hills – Grodna – a hunting castle was erected. In keeping with the fashion of the time, it was intentionally designed to resemble a medieval stronghold, complete with battlements and a tower. The castle served two purposes: as a shelter during hunts in the surrounding forests, and as a viewing point over the Karkonosze Mountains. Named after its founder, it was called Heinrichsburg – Henry’s Castle.

Architecture

Although Henry’s Castle was never meant for defensive purposes, its form mimicked that of medieval fortresses. It was built on a square plan using local stone and brick, with a massive round tower on the northeast side and decorative battlements crowning the walls. The entire structure stood about 15 meters high. Inside, it featured two floors with vaulted rooms. A spiral staircase led to the top of the tower, offering a breathtaking view of the mountains and valleys. Next to the tower stood a two-story building that housed hunting quarters and guest accommodations.

Throughout the 19th century, the castle served the von Reuss family as a charming summer retreat during their stays in Staniszów. The Staniszów estate remained in the Reuss family until the end of World War II.

Decline and Post-War Abandonment

Unfortunately, the castle was not spared the ravages of time. Already in the interwar period, it began to fall into ruin. After World War II, when the original owners left the region, the abandoned castle deteriorated further – the ceilings collapsed, and the historic spiral staircase was completely destroyed. Yet the walls endured, silently holding the echoes of the past, waiting for a miracle.

Reconstruction

After many decades, Henry’s Castle finally regained its former glory. In 2015, the current owner, Mr. Marcin Chalecki, undertook the ambitious task of saving the ruins from complete destruction. Between 2015 and 2016, a thorough restoration was carried out – the walls were reinforced, missing elements were reconstructed, and a solid metal spiral staircase was installed inside the tower to replace the collapsed original. Thanks to these efforts, tourists have been able to climb to the top of the tower again since spring 2016.

Henry’s Castle Today – A Place with Soul

Today, Henry’s Castle is open to visitors and has quickly become one of the most charming attractions in the Jelenia Góra region. A symbolic entrance fee is charged for access to the tower, and all proceeds go toward continued restoration work. Plans are also underway to create a small refreshment area for tourists inside the castle.

Importantly, Henry’s Castle is no longer just empty walls – it is a place full of life. A foundation operates here, organizing various events – from outdoor festivities and scavenger hunts to handicraft workshops. In the warmer months, you might come across a bonfire in the courtyard and groups of visitors listening to stories, bringing back the spirit of old gatherings. The current host of the castle, Marcin Chalecki, is known for his hospitality – greeting every guest with a warm smile and passionately sharing the history and secrets of this extraordinary place. I had the pleasure of experiencing it myself.

3D model

I created a photogrammetric 3D model of the castle, based on approximately 250 photographs, allowing you to see the site from a perspective not accessible from the ground. This unique fusion of history and modern technology – photogrammetry and digital 3D modeling – means that Henry’s Castle can now be admired both in person and virtually, keeping its legend alive.