palanok castle

Luckily for me, I was part of a group which visited the Palanok Castle in Mukachevo, this September. I was lucky because I didn’t have any previous knowledge about the Castle, but with the help of our guide – a young nice lady speaking good English – I found out interesting things about the place. Whoever has the chance to have the same guide will learn something about the Castle, because she is doing this for five years and love her job. It was interesting to find out about the owners of the Castle as well as its various utilization over the time.The Castle is well preserved, or well restored, or both, and a lot of places are open for public, starting with the underground passages and ending with the upper part of the fortification. If you are in Mukachevo, it worth to take some time for a visit to Palanok Castle. It is easy to get there from the downtown. Inside you will find gift shops with many interesting objects.

This castle is one of really must visit places in Mukachevo and all Transcarpathia. I think it is the greatest architecture in the region. Very beautiful

"Palanok" Castle - one of the most interesting sights of Zakarpattya.The castle you can enjoy a cup of coffee and enjoy medieval music.Beautiful landscape with a castle called.By car you can reach the entrance to the castle.

Not a lot to see or do. Not kept up very well. Cheap, though. Very good panoramic views of the city and countryside.

Palanok castle looks relatively modern and not nearly as impressive as some European castles but still is very nice. It has wide terraces with city views, sculptures and nice legends which come along. So don't be greedy - take a guide.

Palanok Castle was the most impressive structure on our western Ukraine trip. It's strategic location provides superb views. A tour guide is strongly recommended (we paid 50 UAH plus a tip) as the Castle lacks good information on the history, which is quite fascinating. The castle has been maintained reasonably well. The parking lot at the top is limited so if you are visiting in peak season you might prepare for a walk up the slope. (We found a spot in June on a clear day.)

The Palanok is a visit card of Mukachevo. Located on the top of the hill. Each wall of the castle gives you amazing panoramic view around. There are good souvenir shops and exhibitions inside. You should plan at least three hours to spend there.

This was a great sightseeing stop. Be sure to engage a local guide as they can provide a thorough account of the varied and interesting history of the castle and surrounding area.

A very convenient schedule, they are openned till late. Low entrance fees. And an absolutely amazing view on the city below and the mountains. A good idea would be to go there sunset time.

Not many accessible castles in ukraine. This one has some nicely reconstructed walls and a great view. English speaking guide was very good. Not too much information. We visited as part of a fantastic week in rural ukraine with experience ukraine, on our way to a final two days in lviv, which is well worth an extended visit.Shame about the cheesy live music in the courtyard, though everything in the ukraine outside the cities is a bit low rent, which is part of its charm. Health and safety would shut down the drawbridge straight away.

WE had a very interesting guide of this castle on a hot sunny day. The guide spoke good English and gave us just enough information. It was very interesting how the building has has so many uses over the years with more changes in the pipe line! Two musicians played gentle music as we explored and spent our money in the souvenir shops. The chapel had some stunning icons and a very strange chandelier. This visit was a delightful and unexpected stop on our visit to Ukraine with Experience Ukraine. A lovely atmosphere with an amazing view over the surrounding countryside.

The entrance is 10UAH (little over $1). We were there when there were tons of tourists which bugged me a little. I wanted to enjoy the castle atmosphere and wander around but there were couples taking pictures of each other, giggling and making out everywhere, not caring much about the castle. That was upsetting. But we were there long enough for those tourists to leave and then it became quieter and much nicer. Tons of souvenirs, all of them standard, although I do recommend a lady that sells handmade dolls. she makes them herself, and you won't regret buying a doll from her. I met her at the bottom of the hill.The downside of the place is that the castle is located on a steep, steep hill! there's taxis and if you are with elderly or someone on a wheelchair, you should really consider that option. Walking up the hill was very challenging and especially in the blazing heat that might be challenging for some people. Same goes about wheelchair access. Forget about it. Unfortunately, like with many other places Ukraine is not yet equipped for that.Another thing is public bathrooms. you have to pay for those. But overall experience and various exhibitions in the castle quarters were quite nice.

Many years ago Mukachevo was a capital of Karpat region. Now this is county centre but this castle can move us into times when all be different then now. May be this feeling forced someone to make music festivals there. If you like to wander in old buildings you will like this place.

I always considered Palanok to be the best preserved castle in the region, and in fact top 1 cultural herigate of the region, which I think is still true after my visit. Bargain entry fee (1€) gets you spectacular views.

Nice place to visit if you are interested in medieval fortification or history of Austro-Hungary. For a casual tourist could be boring. Museum/exhibitions inside are pathetic. Guides vary from good to so-so. However since this region in general has little to offer for a western traveller I would recommend to visit the castle if you are around.