Planning a trip to Swidnica and Jawor
Ksiaz Castle has a small tourist information office just as you enter the castle compound in the lobby of the Ksiaz Castle Hotel (Piastów Slaskich 1; tel. 74/664-38-90; www.ksiaz.walbrzych.pl). Don't expect much in the way of service or English, but they do carry a few brochures and maps. In Swidnica, the main tourist information office is conveniently located on the central square (Wewnetrzna 2 [Rynek]; tel. 74/852-02-90; www.um.swidnica.pl). Look for the brochure Swidnica, Tradition of the Market, which has a small map and a good list of sights and accommodation options. Jawor also has a small but helpful tourist information office on the main square (Rynek 3; tel. 76/870-33-71; www.gci.dja.pl). The English-speaking staff is eager to recommend hotels and restaurants, and help sort out transportation options.
Getting There
By Car -- Ksiaz Castle is easily accessible from Wrocaw by car, following signs to Wabrzych along Polish Route 35 (you'll see the entrance to the castle just before you reach the center of town). Conveniently, the route takes you near Swidnica, meaning it's easy to plan a stopover at the Peace Church there. There's ample parking (4 z/hr.) at Ksiaz Castle, and if you've booked a room at one of the hotels there, you're permitted to drive practically up to the castle gates. To reach more remote Jawor from Wrocaw, follow the A4 highway to Legnica and turn south on E65 when you see signs to Jawor. From Wabrzych, drive along Route 35 in the direction of Swidnica, following signs first to Strzegom and from there to Jawor.
By Train -- Regional train travel has been curtailed a bit in recent years. You can reach Wabrzych by train from Wrocaw, but you're better off taking the bus for other destinations. From the Wabrzych train station, use local bus connections (city bus no. 8) to get to Ksiaz Castle. From Swidnica, it's possible to take the train to Jawor (about 1 hr.) or to Kodzko (about 2 hr.). From the Swidnica train station, walk or take a taxi to the Peace Church.
By Bus -- Wabrzych, Swidnica, and Jawor are all on regular bus routes. To reach Ksiaz Castle, take Wabrzych city bus no. 8, which takes you to the castle gate, or take a taxi from the bus station.
