Muskau Park: follow the bridges across a shared landscape

A reason to pause here

The water and bridges are what keep drawing us around Muskau Park. Our photographs move from late-summer trees to bare spring branches, giving us a reason to leave room for a long walk on both sides of the border.

A park designed before the border

Prince Hermann von Pückler-Muskau began creating the landscape park in 1815. Later owners included Prince Frederick of the Netherlands and the Arnim family. The Neisse became the German-Polish border after the Second World War, dividing a composition that had been planned as one estate.

Cooperation from the late twentieth century helped restore park connections and buildings. Muskauer Park / Park Mużakowski is now a UNESCO World Heritage site on both sides of the river. The New Castle, burned in 1945, was rebuilt through a long restoration programme.

Give the water and trees time

We would follow the bridges and water channels rather than hurry straight to the castle. Our gallery moves from late-summer foliage to bare spring branches, giving different views through the same landscape. Choose a circuit that leaves time for both sides if you can.

Plan the visit

Check the park foundation’s current route, parking and visitor information. Carry a valid travel document when crossing the international border. Cycling is restricted to permitted developed routes, with pedestrians taking priority; palace exhibitions and tower visits have separate admission.

• Plan the return crossing before making a long circuit.
• Check bridge access and temporary restrictions.
• Allow separate time for the New Castle exhibitions.