The park was originally laid out as a formal Italian-style garden by the Wielopolski family in the early 18th century.
The Chinese House, located on an island within the park, was originally built for the Duchess Maria Kazimiera Wielopolska.
The park's current English-landscape style was largely shaped in the 19th century under the ownership of the Habsburg family.
It contains a mini-zoo known as the 'Mini ZOO' which houses fallow deer, mouflons, and various bird species.
Several oak, linden, and beech trees in the park exceed 200 years in age.
The park grounds contain the remains of historic fortifications that once protected the Old Castle.
Park Zamkowy w Żywcu is a 26-hectare historic landscape park established in the early 18th century as an Italian-style garden, later transformed into an English-style landscape park. It surrounds the Old Castle and the Habsburg Palace, featuring a collection of over 100 species of trees and shrubs. The grounds include a network of walking paths, duck ponds, and a modern skate park integrated into the peripheral areas. It is home to the Chinese House, an 18th-century structure renovated to house a café. The park is characterized by its significant collection of monumental trees, some of which are protected as natural monuments. It serves as a central green lung for the city of Żywiec, connecting historical architecture with recreational zones.
The bridge leading to the Chinese House on the central island.
Bring bread or seeds if you wish to feed the ducks in the pond, but check local signage regarding permissible feed.
Wear comfortable footwear as the park covers a large area with varying terrain types including gravel paths and grass.
Allow extra time to walk toward the back of the park to see the less-crowded botanical sections near the river.
Avoid walking on flower beds or areas marked for restoration; do not feed animals human snacks like chips or processed sweets.
Maintain silence near the residential areas of the palace; keep dogs on a leash in designated areas.
