Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
Located in the beautiful and breathtaking region of Lower Silesia in Poland, there is a plethora of majestic castles and palaces dating back to the Medieval Age. In this 6-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 Sarny, 19–25 October 2026.]
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
We will be based at Zamek Sarny (German: Schloss Scharfeneck) and we will take day trips to different castles and palaces sites in Lower Silesia. Once an abandoned castle that provided inspiration to avid photographers, Zamek Sarny is now a modernized hotel and restaurant that provides quality experience for its guests.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
My fascination for the castles and palaces in Lower Silesia started in 2022. Since then, I have spent many hours researching, exploring, and photographing in this area. Now in 2024, 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.
In this six-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 every day.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
As a part of this workshop we will also visit and photograph the Norwegian medieval stave church in the mountain village Karpacz (German: Krummhübel). Vang Stave Church was originally erected around the year 1200 in Norway, but was dismantled in 1841, moved and re-erected in Karpacz in 1842.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
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.
Abandoned Castles and Palaces in Poland. A photography workshop. ©Bjørn Joachimsen.
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
19-25 October 2026
(Scroll down to see detailed itinerary)
The workshop starts on 19 October at 8.00 pmnd ends on 25 October at 4pm
Location and accommodation
Zamek Sarny
Ścinawka Górna 40e
57-410 Ścinawka Górna.
Poland.
Instructor
Bjørn Joachimsen
Email: bjorn.joachimsen@mac.com
Whatsapp: +47 95175579
Tuition language
English
Norwegian
Itinerary
Monday
Arrival in Wroclaw
Accommodation at Arche Hotel Wrocław Airport.
Tuesday
08.00 Breakfast at Arche Hotel Wrocław Airport.
09.00 Departure to Wrocław Główny (train station)
Train from Wrocław Główny to Ścinawka Górna (Zamek Sarny)
Photography session
Accommodation: Zamek Sarny
Wednesday-Friday
08.00 Breakfast at Zamek Sarny
09.00 Photography
18.30 Dinner at Zamek Sarny
Saturday
08.00 Breakfast at Zamek Sarny
09.00 Photography
16.00 Arrival at Wrocław Stare Miasto (Old town)
Photography
20.00 Dinner at Arche Hotel Wrocław Airport.
Sunday
08.00 Breakfast at Arche Hotel Wrocław Airport.
16.00 Workshop finished.
The itinerary is subject to adjustments.
Flights
Information will be published later.
Travel to and from Wrocław is booked and travel expenses are covered by the individual participant. You should not book travel arriving in Wrocław 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
For most of the workshop we will stay at Zamek Sarny. We will also enjoy all dinners except Saturday at the restaurant at Zamek Sarny. Price for the entire stay, including breakfast but excluding dinners and beverages is PLN 2,360 (2025 prices) for the entire workshop with single room occupancy. Double room occupancy is available upon request. Book your stay by writing an email to the hotel at recepcja@zameksarny.pl.
For the first and the last night (Monday + Saturday) we stay at Arche Hotel Wrocław Airport. Book your stay at your favourite booking agent (booking.com, hotels.com etc) or directly at the hotel.
https://www.booking.com/hotel/pl/arche-wroclaw.no
Currency an 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 Sandefjord and in Wrocław.
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.
