Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
Located in the beautiful and breathtaking region of Upper Silesia in Poland, there is a plethora of majestic castles and palaces dating back to the Medieval Age. In this 7-day workshop, we will explore a diverse array of these abandoned architecture with glorious past. Together with a group of other enthusiastic photographers, you can unleash your creativity and let your inspiration flow. [Zamek Lubliniec, 20-26 October 2025.]
The registration deadline is July 20, 2025.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
We will be based at Zamek Lubliniec, and we will take day trips to different castles and palace sites in Upper Silesia. Zamek Lubliniec, also known as Lubliniec Castle, is a historical castle located in the town of Lubliniec in Poland. The castle is notable for its architecture and historical significance, representing the region's medieval history. The medieval castle in Lubliniec is now a modernized hotel and restaurant that provides a quality experience for its guests.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
My fascination for the castles and palaces in Silesia started in 2022. I have spent many hours researching, exploring, and photographing in this area. Now in 2025, I am happy to be able to offer this fulfilling workshop to other avid photography enthusiasts showcasing hand-selected locations of this extraordinary region.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
Silesia (German: Schlesien. Polish: Śląsk) is a fascinating region where Polish, Czech and German cultures have blended for centuries; as a result, the castles and palaces located here reflect this cultural appeal. Situated in the heart of Europe and sandwiched amongst the powers of Polish, Russian, Austrian, Prussian Soviet and German—Silesia has imperiled through many wars and conflicts. This aspect of Silesian history explains the present condition of many of the castles and palaces— some of them are in ruins, some others are in severe decay, and some are fully renovated to serve as museums or hotels.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
In this seven-day workshop, we will visit more than ten castles with historical significance that are in the state of tasteful decay. Each day of this workshop will be an adventure-filled day and you will have a spectacular time taking the best photographs at each of the sites. Our workshop will begin from 9 in the morning until the evening.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
During the workshop, we will also visit the beautiful Pustynia Błędowska desert in Upper Silesia. Here you can daydream and let your imagination run wild. Your thoughts can travel to other countries in other continents as you wander around Pustynia Błędowska with your camera.
What can you expect from me?
That I am present and available for you as a participant.
That I will provide professional guidance and assistance throughout the entire workshop experience.
That I will absolutely share all of my photography knowledge and skills.
What do I expect from you?
That you set aside all the time to work on photography.
That you follow all joint teaching plans during the workshop.
That you work independently and on your own.
That you actively seek guidance during the workshop.
That you remember to charge the camera batteries before each workshop day.
That you contact me before, during and after the workshop if you need help of any kind.
You will find practical information and registration form below the image.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
Practical information
Dates
20-26 October 2025
(Scroll down to see detailed itinerary)
The workshop starts on 20 October at 8 pm and ends on 26 October at 4pm.
Location and accommodation
Hotel Zamek Lubliniec
ulica Grunwaldzka 40
42-700 Lubliniec
POLAND
Instructor
Bjørn Joachimsen
Email: bjorn.joachimsen@mac.com
Whatsapp: +47 95175579
Tuition language
English
Norwegian
Maximum number of tickets available: 5.
The registration deadline is July 20, 2025.
Itinerary
Monday
Arrival in Katowice
Accommodation at Hotel Zamek Lubliniec
Tuesday
08.00 Breakfast
09.00 Departure to first location.
Photography sessions on the way.
Wednesday-Friday
08.00 Breakfast
09.00 Photography
18.30 Dinner
Saturday
08.00 Breakfast
09.00 Photography
20.00 Dinner
Sunday
08.00 Breakfast
09.00 Photography sessions
16.00 Workshop finished.
The itinerary is subject to adjustments.
Travel to and from Katowice is booked and travel expenses are covered by the individual participant. You should not book travel arriving in Katowice after the start of the workshop or departure before the end of the workshop.
All transport during the workshop is included in the participation fee if you travel at the above times. Wait to book a flight until you have received confirmation of your spot in the workshop.
Accommodation
We will be staying at Hotel Zamek Lubliniec throughout the workshop. We will also use the hotel’s restaurant for breakfast and dinner each day. The price for the entire stay, including breakfast but excluding dinner and beverages, will be PLN 315 per night. Double rooms are available upon request.
Rooms have been reserved for all participants, and each individual books and pays directly to the hotel. Due to the advance reservation, bookings are to be made directly via email to the hotel. Please send an email to recepcja@zameklubliniec.com.pl and use the booking reference 6134/2024 when contacting them.
Currency and means of payment
Currency in Poland is PLN/złoty. You cannot pay with Euros.
You can pay with a Visa card or other electronic means of payment in most places. Vipps cannot be used.
You should have some cash available during the workshop. Cash can be withdrawn at ATMs at the airport in Katowice.
What to bring
Good shoes
Clothing for different weather conditions. (Check the weather forecast the day before departure.)
Camera with any additional lenses and accessories you have. Get in touch if you are unsure about camera equipment.
Extra camera battery.
Camera filters (if you have them).
Camera tripod, possibly also monopod.
Laptop/Mac or tablet if you want to be able to edit photos during the workshop. (This is up to the individual.)
Contact the workshop organizer in good time if you intend to leave parts of your camera equipment at home.
Participation fee
EUR 1250 (including deposit).
The participation fee covers tuition and guidance.
A deposit of EUR 400 is payable after registration. You will receive an invoice per email, so wait to pay until this has been received. The deposit is not refunded if you cancel. Advance payments are refunded in the event of cancellation of the workshop by the organiser.
Enrollment
You will get to the registration form by clicking on the button below.
About the Instructor
Bjørn Joachimsen works as a photographer in many European countries, including Norway, Sweden, Poland, Austria, Croatia and Spain. He unfolds his energy and creativity within a wide field of photographic themes and genres, including documentary, portraiture, landscape, street photography and architecture with digital and analogue cameras. Bjørn also offers photography workshops in the countries mentioned above. He is always present for his workshop participants and shares knowledge and inspiration along the way.
Bjørn Joachimsen.
Gallery of abandoned castles and palaces in Upper Silesia – Poland
