tour of colditz castle

Colditz Castle

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Colditz Castle - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Tue - Fri 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• (0.04 mi) Colditz Youth Hostel
• (0.15 mi) Alte Stadtmauer
• (0.72 mi) Pension Zur Kutscherstube
• (1.00 mi) Gasthaus Waldhaus
• (1.97 mi) Parkhotel Muldental
• (0.04 mi) Gasthaus Schloss Wachter
• (0.12 mi) Waldschlößchen
• (0.11 mi) Landbackerei Dietrich & Cafe
• (0.11 mi) KIC Kochschule in Colditz Steve Bischof
• (0.15 mi) Asia Nam
• (0.08 mi) Tischlereimuseum Colditz
• (0.07 mi) Stadtbrunnen
• (0.34 mi) Rathaus Standesamt Colditz
• (1.31 mi) Heimatturm Colditz
• (1.49 mi) Lehmannsche Werkstatten

Colditz Castle

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

COLDITZ CASTLE: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

• Tue - Fri 10:00 - 17:00
• Sat - Sun 10:00 - 18:00
• (0.04 mi) Colditz Youth Hostel
• (0.15 mi) Alte Stadtmauer
• (0.72 mi) Pension Zur Kutscherstube
• (1.00 mi) Gasthaus Waldhaus
• (1.97 mi) Parkhotel Muldental
• (0.04 mi) Gasthaus Schloss Wachter
• (0.12 mi) Waldschlößchen
• (0.11 mi) Landbackerei Dietrich & Cafe
• (0.11 mi) KIC Kochschule in Colditz Steve Bischof
• (0.15 mi) Asia Nam
• (0.08 mi) Tischlereimuseum Colditz
• (0.07 mi) Stadtbrunnen
• (0.34 mi) Rathaus Standesamt Colditz
• (1.31 mi) Heimatturm Colditz
• (1.49 mi) Lehmannsche Werkstatten

• Harz Mountains
• Quedlinburg
• Wernigerode
• Harz Fairy Tales
• Berchtesgaden Area
• Berchtesgaden Town
• Eagle's Nest
• Hitler's Berghof
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• Wartburg Castle
• Martin Luther
• Hogan's Heroes
• Colditz Castle
• Flights to Germany

The Famous WWII POW Camp

Starting in 1940, this gloomy, Saxon castle above a small town in eastern Germany was used to house the most "difficult" of the Allied POWs.

The prisoners' dramatic and ingenious escapes have been the subject of over 40 books, two films, board games, video games and a popular TV series.

Colditz History

International collection of bad boys.

Officers who had escaped from other POW camps or had otherwise given the Germans trouble were sent to this grim castle on the Mulde river.

This prison was unusual in having officers of different nationalities housed together in the same camp.

Polish officers were the first residents, followed by British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealanders, Dutch, Belgian, and French.

Later in the war, the prisoners were predominantly British. A handful of Americans were also imprisoned there at the very end. A few enlisted men were kept there who acted as orderlies, basically servants, for the higher ranking officers.

Captain Reinhold Eggers , the former German security officer, wrote in his book,  Colditz, The German Story , "You might think at first sight that the place was impregnable. It probably was, but apart from putting bars on the windows it had never really been built for the purpose of keeping people in. Breaking out was shown to be much easier than breaking in!"

The Germans had their hands full. With a castle full of escape artists, it became an advanced escape school, with techniques becoming more and more sophisticated as the years went by.

A friendly rivalry developed among the different nationalities. The officers competed for the highest number of  Home Runs , or successful escapes.

A bustling escape industry was occurring in the vast warren of rooms, passages and winding stairways that made up the prison.

Different departments were set up where men worked eight hours a day making fake ID's, civilian clothes, medals, false weapons and German uniforms.

Stop That Lady!

A French officer almost got away dressed as a rather intimidating-looking woman. "She" made it past the sentries but then his luck ran out. As he walked past a group of prisoners out for their exercise, his watch slipped off his wrist. An unsuspecting prisoner picked it up and gallantly called out to alert her.

The French officer kept walking. The prisoner told the guard about the lost watch and the guard alerted the other sentry. When the second guard got a closer look at the "lady", the deception was discovered.

The Master Escape Artist: A Tragic Ending

Michael Sinclair, a red-headed British captain, was one of the experts. The Germans called him the Red Fox and distributed his picture throughout Germany. He escaped nine times, twice from Colditz.

Once he disguised himself as one of the senior sergeants of the guard, a veteran of WWI with long, flowing white mustaches that the prisoners called "Franz Josef" after the former Emperor of Austria.

He made it past the first two sentries, but the last one demanded to see a pass and Sinclair was discovered; his was the wrong color. Sinclair was shot in the chest during the argument, but survived. The guard was sent to the Russian front.

Another time he made it as far as Bulgaria with the help of a Polish couple from Warsaw. Unfortunately, the Poles were also caught and sent to Auschwitz, where they died.

Sinclair himself was killed in an escape attempt when he jumped the fence, ran for the woods and was shot by one of the guards. He was the only prisoner killed while escaping from the castle.

The French Tunnel: What's All That Racket?

The French officers came very close to pulling off what would have been the most massive escape of the entire war. All 200 French prisoners were going to make a run for it when the tunnel was ready.

A clock tower with a circular stairway went from the prisoners' courtyard to the attic three stories up. During a period of eight months, The French created a tunnel that went from the top of the clock tower all the way down to the wine cellar under the building and right through the medieval foundation of the castle -- 44 meters long.

It was an enormous project involving 31 men and tons of debris. The diggers were brazen; the castle echoed with banging and scraping noises all night, every night. Everyone, including the Germans, knew a huge tunnel was being constructed, but where was it?

The Germans were desperate . They conducted searches day and night, but no luck. The sounds could now be heard from all over the castle, inside and out, and still they couldn't find it. Their microphones weren't able to zero in on the location.

Captain Eggers was getting more and more worried; based on the material they kept finding, he knew that they had reached the castle foundation. Then dirt from outside the castle walls started appearing!

Almost There

The break-out was scheduled for January 17; they had only 12 feet to go. On January 15, an observant security officer was searching the attic of the clock tower. He looked behind the workings of the clock to the floor below and saw something that shouldn't have been there: a ladder. He found a small boy and lowered him down into the small space. "There are prisoners down there!", the frightened boy shouted. And the tunnel was found.

The tunnel is still there and can be seen on the castle tour. The French had even put in electric lights for the entire underground portion and had a cart running on a track.

Interested in hearing more Colditz stories?

Find out how some of the officers  drove the guards crazy  and what the men did for entertainment when they weren't escaping

Visiting Colditz

English language tours are available and visitors can see the prison yard, the prison chapel, theater, tunnel entrances and the rooms where the VIP prisoners were kept.

See the  Colditz Castle webpage  for dates, times and prices for the tours, plus which areas are currently available for visiting.

(Photo courtesy of Pete Nowakiwskyj)

The castle has undergone extensive renovation in recent years, which has been somewhat controversial. Understandably, structures do need to be painted and maintained, but many Colditz history buffs are concerned that historic aspects of the castle from the WW2 period may be forever lost in the desire to modernize and use the castle for other purposes.

In April 2007, a  youth hostel  was installed in the section of the castle that housed the German garrison at Colditz, and a  music academy  was added in 2009.

The castle buildings have been painted off-white and look a lot prettier than they did during the war years, but climbing the steep walkway and walking through the stone passages still gives one some feeling of what it must have been like.

Visiting the castle is a fascinating experience. Being here and seeing the strength of this castle inspires enormous respect for the men who were locked up here and who used all their wits and courage to get out.

(Photo courtesy of Ian Hall)

Escape Museum

An interesting collection of escape photographs and artifacts taken from the prisoners is on display in the  castle museum  (formerly the solitary confinement cells).

The Town of Colditz

The small  town of Colditz  is a charming collection of winding streets lined with half-timbered houses. Directly below the castle is a large market square ( Markt ) with a pleasant outdoor cafe where visitors can sit and admire the view.

The  Tourist Information Center  is located on the street leading towards the castle just beyond the square. Check here for more info on  Colditz attractions .

Excellent Colditz Video!

Mike Jones of the UK has created a great video with a virtual tour of the castle. See what the castle looks like now, along with lots of fascinating historical photos. Well done narration about the history, describing the escapes and pointing out the locations. (Be sure to watch Part 2 also.)

More Colditz Websites

A selection of other Colditz websites for more information about the castle and the town.

www.virtualcolditz.com Photos and videos of Colditz correlated with escape routes.

www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/naziprison/colditz.html Cool interactive map with escapes pinpointed and linked to descriptions.

www.schloss-colditz.com Official Colditz castle site. In German and English.

www.colditz.de Official Colditz town site. In German.

Guided Tours

In addition to the tours given at the castle (see above), there is also a popular tour of Colditz Castle by  Military History Tours .

Guests are met at the Berlin airport by the guide and given a three day tour of the castle and surrounding area, focusing on escape locations. See  Escape to Colditz tour  for more info.

More POW Camps

Stalag 13 . The Stalag 13 of Hogan's Heroes was a real POW camp. See Stalag 13C for tips on visiting what remains of it, as well as the history of Stalag 13C .

There were actually four Stalag 13s's. Check out the experience of a Polish prisoner at Stalag 13B in Weiden, Germany. 

To read a report compiled by the U.S. Military Intelligence Service about the conditions in POW camps holding American prisoners in Germany in 1944, see camp conditions report .

More on Colditz...

Traveling in Germany

Check the  German Rail website  (Deutschebahn) for train and bus schedules, prices, and ticket bookings.

The last remaining Covid restrictions in Germany , in terms of vaccination and masking requirements, ended April 7, 2023.

See  current Covid rules for more information.

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Colditz Castle Tours

Our organised trips.

These days anyone can pretty much travel anywhere on their own – but what happens when you get there? How do you make the most of your visit and really get under the surface of the story? There is only one way to do this with Colditz and that is to come with us. We have developed relationships with locals for nearly 20 years and they know and trust in us and believe in what we are doing.  This has uncovered a mine of local information from first hand witnesses as well as enabling us to develop a Colditz WW2 photographic collection that is unrivalled anywhere in the world. It is true to say that we have far more than the castle authorities themselves!

Why us? We are Colditz Historians. We have spent many years not just researching primary source POW and German information but we have actively been working around the castle for nearly 20 years to explore and uncover all the castle’s WW2 secrets. We know how they lived day to day, we know their tricks to wind up the guards, we know the very routes they used on their escapes. Put simply we know how to bring Colditz to life and have decades of guiding experience with guests to facilitate this experience.

For nearly 20 years now we have been running an organised trip to Colditz at least twice a year which have been opened up to the pubic. This enables guests to really make the most of their time in Germany is the most cost efficient way.

The cost of the tour covers the guide fee and also transport/entrances/accommodation and breakfast.

We meet guests 0900 at Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof central train station and travel down to Leipzig by high speed train, then local train to a nsarby town then the final leg by pre booked tax. We stay in the town for 2 nights before returning to Berlin in the same manner.

We believe it is important to stay, eat and drink locally. Whether it is a coffee break in the morning, a spot of lunch or a lovely dinner at an old Wehrmacht Officer watering hole we know – it all helps  support the local economy – and that is important as we protect this historic asset and continue sharing the Colditz Story for generations to come.

We would be delighted if you joined us on one of our trips.

Next Tour: October 13-15th 2022 (Pat Reid 80th Anniversary Special)

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What to Know About Visiting Colditz Castle, Germany

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The small town of Colditz in western Saxony probably wouldn’t be on many traveler’s radars if it weren’t for its famous castle . While certainly an impressive example of Renaissance architecture, the main reason Colditz Castle is familiar to history buffs around the world is its infamous role as a Prisoner of War Camp during World War 2.

Contrary to most historical sites from that dark period of German history, it’s less known for the atrocities committed there and more for the ingenious escape attempts performed by the resourceful prisoners.

This post may contain affiliate links, and I might earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. For more info, click here .

History of Colditz Castle

Built in the early 16 th century as a hunting lodge for Friedrich III, then prince-elector (Ger. Kurfürst) of Saxony, it served as a temporary residence for German nobility for almost 300 years before being converted into a prison in the 19 th century .

During World War 2, Colditz gained international notoriety under the name Oflag IV-C as a German prison camp for Allied Officers. As such, it’s best known for the high amount of escape attempts made by the prisoners, some 35 of which actually succeeded , consisting of 12 French, 11 British, 7 Dutch, 1 Polish and one Belgian Prisoner.

The amusing part is that Colditz was actually a high-security prison camp deemed escape-proof. By collecting mainly prisoners who had attempted escape from other camps, the Germans inadvertently created some kind of think tank of ingenious people with creative and clever ideas of how to elude their captors. 

Some of the more adventurous attempts were recreated for the silver screen, most famously in the 1955 film “ The Colditz Story ”, directed by Guy Hamilton of James-Bond-Fame. Apart from that, tons of books, documentaries as well as a series of board and video games attest to the persisting fascination with Colditz.

Visiting Colditz Castle

The town of Colditz, which sports only around 8000 inhabitants, is located about 35km south-east of Leipzig , Saxony’s largest city, and can easily be visited during a day trip from there. The impressive castle building dominates the skyline of the town and after climbing up to the ramparts, you’ll be rewarded with great views of the surrounding landscape.

During your visit to the castle, you can check out the Escape Museum , detailing the various escape attempts, and take a guided tour of the other parts of the building.

Colditz Escape Museum

The small, but fascinating “Fluchtmuseum” (Escape Museum) details most of the ingenious escape plans hatched by the imprisoned officers and features several documents, photographs as well as various objects used in the attempts.

These include tons of pieces of contraband smuggled into the prison , as well as quite a few objects that the officers tried to smuggle themselves out in. There’s even a secret radio station which the prisoners used to make calls to the Allies and managed to hide behind a fake wall.

A surprising part of the history is that only one of the would-be-escapees was killed by the captors (presumably accidentally), while the majority were penalized with solitary confinement and some actually recreated their attempts for German photographers afterwards, leading to some interesting pictures which are arguably the star exhibit of the museum.

This also means that a visit here leaves you less rattled by the horrors of war, but instead manages to make you smile frequently for the ingenuity and sheer audacity of the imprisoned officers. The entrance fee to the museum is 4€ and the opening times differ depending on the season – you can check the current ones here .

Colditz Castle Tour

Other areas of the castle can only be visited during a worth-wile guided tour in German and English, which takes place at 10.30AM and 3PM from April to October, while you have to pre-book the tour from November to March. During the tour, you can see the life-sized reconstruction of a small gliding plane the prisoners managed to construct undetected.

Naturally, it was meant as a means to escape, but they were never able to try out, as the war ended before it could be completed. Just as impressive are sections of an intricate tunnel dug by a group of French officers leading through the wine cellar and even the bell tower of the castle chapel.

It’s worth taking the tour just to get an impression of the scope of that project alone.

Practicalities

How to get to colditz castle from leipzig.

Colditz can be reached from Leipzig Main Station by first taking the train to the small town of Grimma (about 30 mins. / 7€) and continuing on by bus number 619 (about 30 mins. / 3.50€), which goes hourly during the week and every two hours on Saturday and Sunday. From the bus stop “Colditz, Sportplatz”, it’s a 10-minute walk up to the castle through the pretty centre of town.

Where to stay in Colditz

Visiting Colditz can easily be done as a day trip from nearby Leipzig, but if you prefer to stay the night, there are several options. Part of the castle nowadays is actually used as a Youth Hostel with the fitting slogan “Feeling Good Instead of Planning Your Escape”. You can check other options in the map below:

Where to eat in Colditz

There are a couple of restaurants serving hearty local fare. We can recommend “ Schloßwächter ” directly outside the southern gatehouse of the castle. There are more options around the town’s small main square.

Other destinations in the vicinity

The ultimate one-day itinerary for Leipzig, Germany’s cultural Boomtown

Visiting the impressive Monument to the Battle of Nations in Leipzig

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Visit Colditz Castle and Stalag Luft III with Guy Walters

Immerse yourself in Second World War history on this fascinating trip with historian, TV presenter, and journalist Guy Walters.

On this exclusive expert-led tour you'll be visiting locations steeped in wartime history.

Stalag Luft III was a Luftwaffe-run prisoner-of-war camp which held Allied air force personnel. It was made famous by the Great Escape, which was brought to life on screen in the 1963 film starring Steve McQueen. Guy will be telling the true story of the Great Escape, and will show you around the camp as well as the routes taken by many of the escapers.

You will also spend a day at Colditz Castle, the imposing Renaissance stronghold which was converted into a high security prison during WWII. The story of Colditz is a stirring example of the plight and pluck of the officers who were famed for their heroic break-out.

It's hard to think of two more iconic locations associated with Second World War heroism and inventiveness - and Guy will bring to life the incredible stories of the men who were held in these bleak camps.

"I am REALLY looking forward to returning to Colditz and Stalag Luft III. It's hard to think of two more iconic locations associated with Second World War heroism and plucky inventiveness, and during the course of the tour I shall really be bringing the stories of the prisoners-of-war to life. As well as talking about the escapes and all the exciting bits, I think it's important that we remind ourselves just how tough life was for these poor men, who were trapped behind castle walls and barbed wire for many years. I cannot wait to see you there, and I promise we shall have a great time, not only immersing ourselves in the history, but also in fine food and drink - and great company!" -Guy Walters

As well as talking about the exciting escape plots, this tour will also provide an opportunity to reflect on just how tough life was for the prisoners, who were trapped behind castle walls and barbed wire for many years.

This trip will also take you to Dresden and its Museum of Military History where you can deepen your knowledge of the defining conflict of the 20th century.

Meet our special guest

Guy Walters is an historian, TV presenter, and journalist, who has written around a dozen books that have been published all over the world. These include The Real Great Escape - a definitive account of the legendary breakout - and the novel The Colditz Legacy.

Reasons to book

Meet Guy Walters

Explore Colditz Castle

Visit Dresden

Your expert guide.

Guy Walters is a British historian, TV presenter, and journalist. He is the author and editor of nine books on the Second World War, both fiction and non-fiction.

Price includes

• Return flights from London**

Stay for four nights in two stylish and comfortable four-star hotels

• Enjoy four breakfasts, two packed lunches and two evening meals
• Coach transportation between locations with professional driver
• Guy Walters will accompany you on the tour
• The services of an expert tour manager
• Price includes £150pp* saving

Additional information Flights Departing 7 Oct 2024 Departing London Heathrow 07.25 arriving Berlin 10.15 Returning 11 Oct 2024 Departing Berlin 19.45 arriving London Heathrow 20.40 Including 23kg hold luggage. Alternative flights are available, please call for details. Supplements may apply. Single supplement £175 Accommodation Palac Wiechlice, Żagań Holiday Inn, Dresden *This information is indicative and subject to change*

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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £175pp. Deposit 30%. Not suitable for people with mobility issues. Price includes £150pp saving, which is capacity controlled. ** £250pp can be deducted if passengers make their own flight arrangements. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded). Full cancellation terms available at https://tstours.co.uk/assets/tandc.pdf

Departing From: Heathrow Apt/London

* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a room, subject to availability. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement £175pp. Deposit 30%. Not suitable for people with mobility issues. Price includes £150pp saving, which is capacity controlled. ** £200pp can be deducted if passengers make their own flight arrangements. Local charges such as tourist tax may apply. In the case of unforeseen circumstances, expert(s) may be substituted, and any expert-led events may be subject to change. Expert(s) will not join you for your full trip duration unless otherwise stated. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Limited (ATOL bonded). Full cancellation terms available at https://tstours.co.uk/assets/tandc.pdf

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Deposit (payable today) £00.00

Today you will meet your tour group at Heathrow Terminal 5, and travel to Berlin Brandenburg Airport.

Here you will be picked up in your executive coach and travel to Żagań, Poland. The journey takes around two hours and you will stop for lunch on the way. Once in Żagań you'll have a guided tour of the fascinating Stalag Luft III museum before arriving at the four star Pałac Wiechlice and checking into your ensuite room.

This evening Guy will give a talk on The Great Escape in advance of your tour tomorrow, after which you'll enjoy dinner at the hotel.

After breakfast, you'll depart from the hotel by coach for a ten minute drive to reach Stalag Luft III for your guided tour. You will also visit Żagań railway station - where many of the Great Escapers boarded trains to take them around the Third Reich. A packed lunch is included today.

After recharging with lunch you will take a tour of the area surrounding Stalag Luft III, including the impressive Great Escape Memorial in Żagań.

This evening you will return to the hotel.

After breakfast you'll check out of the hotel and follow the routes many of the Great Escapers took when they were on the run. This part of the trip will take around three hours. By lunch, we will arrive in Görlitz where you'll visit the Gestapo HQ where many of the recaptured escapers were interrogated. Enjoy lunch at your own leisure in Görlitz (lunch not included).

After lunch it's on to Dresden, where you'll check in to your hotel, Holiday Inn Dresden.

After breakfast you'll drive to Colditz, where you shall enjoy an in-depth tour of the iconic castle and the surrounding areas. A packed lunch is provided today, after which you can look round the fascinating museum of Colditz and East German memorabilia.

Next you will return to your hotel and in the evening, enjoy a dinner (soft drink or wine included) with a talk from Guy Walters.

Today you'll visit the Museum of Military History and the Frauenkirche, a beautiful Lutheran church which was reconstructed in 1992 after being destroyed in the firebombing of Dresden. You will have some free time to explore, enjoy lunch (not included), shopping and sightseeing.

Next, you'll travel an hour and 30 minutes to Berlin to catch your flight home.

Accommodation

Chateau Wiechlice, Szprotawa

Surrounded by beautiful grounds and a large vineyard, Wiechlice offers en-suite rooms with classic design interiors, wooden furniture, free Wi-Fi and flat screen TVs. The hotel provides a spa and wellness centre, with a swimming pool and sauna which are free for guests to use. The hotel is also home to a library, wine cellar, archery and golf driving range. Guests can enjoy dinner in the hotel restaurant and relax in the bar in the evenings.

Holiday Inn, Dresden

Holiday Inn Dresden - Am Zwinger, is located a short walk from Dresden Zwinger, the Royal Palace (Residenzschloss) and the famous Frauenkirche.

You'll enjoy relaxing rooms that offer a flat screen TV, air conditioning, a minibar and free wifi. The hotel features a concierge, room service, a small gym for your workout and an on-site restaurant, providing a pleasant respite from your busy day.

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The Colditz Castle Experience

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The Colditz story remains without doubt one of the most remarkable and popular chapters in the history of World War 2.

Lieut A M S Neave dressed as German “Unteroffizier”, photo was taken in 1941

Colditz Castle was the most notorious PoW camps of the time. Though the Wehrmacht declared it as escape-proof, the allied inmates proved them wrong and gained worldwide fame for their ingenious attempts at escaping. There were more than 300 escape attempts and over 30 successful ones.

The most famous of these was by Captain Patrick Reid, who broke out in 1942 and subsequently wrote about his adventures and exploits of fellow British prisoners of war. His book “The Colditz Story” became a best seller and inspired a film and later the TV series.

“The First Quick Escape Attempt”

• Flight from London Stansted to Berlin- Schönefeld (other airports are available, see important notes below)
• Rail travel from airport to nearest railway station to Colditz (approx. 10km away)
• 2 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation in the Colditz Castle Youth Hostel (room with private bathroom)
• Extended tour of Colditz Castle  (approx. 2 hours)

Price per person sharing a double room

From £379.00, “the second quick escape attempt”.

• Flight from London Stansted to Berlin Schönefeld (other airports are available, see important notes below)
• Car hire (economy size) for duration of stay
• 2 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation staying in 4-star hotel approx. 10 km from Colditz
• Extended tour of Colditz Castle (approx. 2 hours)

from 399.00

We recommend extending your stay to explore Berlin!

“The First Successful Escape”

• Flights from London Stansted to Leipzig (flights do not operate daily)
• 2 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation staying in a 5-star hotel* in Leipzig
• Taxi transfers for day trip to Colditz Castle

from £459.00

*4-star hotel available We recommend extending to a 4 night stay to discover Leipzig!

“Escape with Friends”

• Flights from your chosen UK airport to Berlin (see important notes below)
• Car hire (medium size) for duration of stay
• 2 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation in a hotel near Colditz
• 1 night’s bed & breakfast accommodation in a hotel in Berlin

Based on sharing a double/twin room / 4 persons travelling together

“The Group Escape” – Tailor-made to suit groups of 15 persons and above

The packages given on this page can be adapted for groups – bi-lingual escorts/local guides/military history expert provided; full day guided tours of Colditz Castle available on request; coach transfers; lunches/evening meals; extra excursions to places of military historical interest; accommodation from budget to luxury in or outside of Colditz – groups may wish to experience staying in the Colditz Castle Youth Hostel itself – the choice is yours.

IMPORTANT NOTES

All the above packages are flexible and can be mixed and matched if feasible. The sample packages are not subject to a minimum number of participants and not linked to any particular dates; they are designed for the independent traveller and can be arranged for any number of persons. Upgraded rooms are available at the hotels.

Packages which use flights to Berlin can be adapted for different UK airports; direct flights to Berlin currently include the following UK airports: London Heathrow, Luton, Gatwick and Stansted; Birmingham, East Midlands, Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds –Bradford, Newcastle, Doncaster-Sheffield, Belfast, Edinburgh and Glasgow. The only current direct flight route to Leipzig is from London Stansted. The flight costs given in the packages above only include hand luggage.

Extended guided tours of Colditz Castle are not available on Sundays and Mondays and only by prior arrangement from November to March. Full day guided tours of Colditz Castle are available on selected dates throughout the year and only by prior arrangement. Please enquire.

E-MAIL US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Colditz Castle – Emblem of Grim European (History & Travel Tips)

Colditz Castle is one of the most stunning 16th-century German architectural landmarks . Although the full history of the castle dates back to the 11 th century, it became famous for its Renaissance architecture and the astounding history associated with the castle.

Colditz stands tall in the heart of Saxony , right on the banks of the Zwickauer Mulde. This white-gabled castle is an essential destination for lovers of history, especially for those who have a keen interest in the 20th-century World Wars, as the castle served as a holding center for prisoners of war. Today, the castle hosts a museum detailing the unique local history, a boys’ hostel, and a church–the main tourist attractions. 

If you want to know more about the castle, you are at the best place to explore its historical foundations and related facts. Let’s dive deep into what makes Colditz Castle such a unique historical destination to visit.

Table of Contents

• 1.0.1 Where is Colditz Castle Located?
• 1.0.2 When was Colditz Castle Built? Who Build It?
• 1.0.3 When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?
• 1.0.4 What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?
• 2.1 Original Colditz Castle 
• 2.2 Reconstruction of Colditz Castle
• 2.3 Neoclassical Renovation of Colditz Castle 
• 3 Current Times
• 4 Interesting Colditz Castle Facts
• 5.1 How to get to Colditz Castle?
• 5.2 Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips
• 5.3 Things To Do In Colditz Castle 
• 5.4.1 Up to Date Information
• 5.4.2 Some words of advice and tips: 
• 5.4.3 Quick Video Tour of The Main Colditz Castle Areas

.ugb-cc08ac3 .ugb-blockquote__quote{fill:#000000 !important;width:42px !important;height:42px !important}.ugb-cc08ac3 .ugb-blockquote__text{color:#d21e1e} Colditz Castle got unparalleled international fame when it became a prisoner of war camp during World War II and was known as site Oflag IV-C. This high-security prison was deemed inescapable. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is colditz castle located.

Colditz Castle is situated in the town of Colditz , in the Leipzig region of the German state of Saxony.

When was Colditz Castle Built? Who Build It?

The original Colditz Castle dates back to the reign of Henry IV of England. He promoted the building of a castle in Colditz by the Margrave (a Holy Roman Empire military title) Wiprecht of Groitzsch in 1083.

When is The Best Time to Visit the Castle?

The best time to visit Colditz Castle is from April to October. During this time, you do not have to pre-book the tour which makes it easier for many visitors to enjoy a visit to the castle.

What Other Monuments are Located Nearby?

There are also some beautiful landmarks that you need to see when you visit Colditz Castle. These sites include Schloss Rochlitz, Burg Mildenstein, and the town of Leisnig. All these are located near the castle, so you should take some time to make your trip to Colditz a memorable journey.

FOR HISTORY | BEAUTIFUL IMAGES | INTERESTING FACTS | TRAVEL TIPS

Early History

Original colditz castle .

In 1046, the Holy Roman Empire’s Henry III allowed the burgher of Colditz to build the first settlement in the area. Henry IV urged the local Markgraf,  Wiprecht of Groitzsch to build a castle in Colditz, an idea that was accepted in 1083. Thimo I was named “Lord of Colditz” by Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in 1158; Thimo furthered the castle efforts, starting major construction. The market city around the castle was well-established by about 1200. 

In the Middle Ages , the stunning Colditz Castle served as a watchtower for the German Emperors and the centre of Pleibenland. In the early fifteenth century, Thimo VIII sold Colditz Castle to the Wettin family for 15,000 silver marks, after which it served as a Saxon residence for a long time. Due to Saxony’s territorial politics, Colditz was became part of Meiben lands. It was later burned to almost ashes by the Hussites in 1430. Prince Ernst renovated and rebuilt the castle around 1464.

Reconstruction of Colditz Castle

Colditz once against caught fire again in 1504: the church, castle, city hall, and a significant part of the town was destroyed. After two years, the castle reconstruction started, and new buildings were built in the castle’s courtyard to restore its aesthetics. During the reign of Augustus of Saxony , the castle underwent significant changes in its structure and was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. This restoration was supervised by two architects, Peter Kummer and Hans Irmisch.

The newly renovated castle was an epitome of fashion and architectural beauty, divided into a royal house, cellar, and a separate banquet hall. Shortly after 1584, the castle became a managerial center for Colditz’s hunting lodge and office. During the reign of Augustus the Strong , the castle underwent a significant expansion with an addition of 700 rooms and a second courtyard.

Neoclassical Renovation of Colditz Castle 

The 19th-century church of Colditz was reconstructed in Neoclassical styling, but its condition soon deteriorated. The Elector of Saxony, Frederick Augustus III, began utilizing the castle as a workhouse to feed the needy and sick.In 1829, the Castle became a hospital for Waldheim’s “incurable crazy” people. This mental asylum operated until 1924.

During WWI , the Castle became a house for prisoners of war. The castle continued to serve as a prison house for coming year. In 1933, Nazis turned the castle into a prison for communists, Jews, and bisexuals. Allied prisoners didn’t arrive there until 1939. In early 1945, the castle came under the hold of US troops.

The Soviets’ occupation of Colditz began in May 1945. After the Yalta Conference, Colditz fell under the authority of East Germany. Soviets then made Colditz Castle a prison for native burghers and non-communists. Later, it served various purposes including a nursing home, hospital, and psychiatric clinic.

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Current times.

The castle underwent another round of restoration during 2006 and 2007, paid for by the state of Saxony. Much effort was put into restoring the castle to how it likely would have looked prior to World War II. Colditz Castle today is a recently renovated mirror of the Neoclassical time period. The present-day castle includes an escape museum and guided tours for visitors, which shows hidden tunnels and escape routes built by prisoners during the early 20th century. 

The castle is not as crowded as other castles and does not have many visitors worldwide. However, the castle is still a significant landmark due to its undying history.

Interesting Colditz Castle Facts

• Colditz Castle got unparalleled international fame when it became a prisoner of war camp during World War II and was known as site Oflag IV-C. This high-security prison was deemed inescapable. 
• French Lieutenant Alain Le Ray made the first successful escape attempt on April 11, 1941. He hid in a soccer park during a soccer game and fled to reach Switzerland. 
• The most ambitious attempt to escape from prison was by two British prisoners, Bill Goldfinch and Jack Best. They made the renowned Colditz Cock glider to escape the prison. The fate of the glider is unknown to history.  
• A total of 32 men escaped from the prison despite the label of inescisble. However, the total number of escape attempts are considered to be 174. 
• On the night of March 24–25, 1944, the Great Escape was orchestrated by Royal Air Force Squadron Leader Roger Bushell. However, only three fortunate men were able to make their way to the escape: two Norwegians and a Dutchman.

Visiting Colditz Castle – Tips and Tricks

Colditz Castle may have a grim recent history, but the architecture and grandeur of centuries past are captured within these castle walls as well. Here are tips, tricks, and information to help you plan your visit to Colditz Castle.

How to get to Colditz Castle?

You can get to Colditz Castle from the central station of Leipzig by taking the train first to Grimma and then a bus to Colditz. From the bus stop, it’s a 10-minute walk to Colditz Castle.

Ticket Prices, Visiting Hours & Travel Tips

Information was checked & updated on November 5, 2023.

Colditz Castle is temporarily closed from November 1st, 2023 to April 16th, 2024 as they make renovations to the castle but the  youth hostel remains open. The castle will officially open on April 17, 2024,  every Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 5 pm and on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays from 10 am to 6 pm.

The entrance ticket price might be available once the castle is ready to open. No information on their website as of the moment.

Anyone under the age of 5, any companion for a disabled visitor, tour managers, coach drivers, one chaperone for every 10 pupils, and members of the press are given free access. In every circumstance, valid identification must be shown.

The castle is quite famous for its history, especially since it served as a prison for the world wars; therefore, it is well worth paying attention to your guided tours to learn more about the significance of the castle.

Things To Do In Colditz Castle 

Don’t miss these exceptional spots while visiting the castle:

• The escape museum has all you need to know about the inmates who escaped … and those who attempted to join them. It also includes images and several vital documents, in addition to the captives’ most ingenious escape schemes created while in captivity.
• Pay a visit to the underground radio station that the prisoners hid to maintain communication with their comrades. They were able to keep their cover by hiding behind a fabricated wall. 
• Take a look at the homemade glider the war inmates constructed to break out of jail. You also can climb up the glider, so seize the opportunity while you are at it.
• Find the complex and covert tunnel that was constructed by French officers to escape from the prison.

How Long Will It Take to Tour Around?

It will take around 2 hours to visit Colditz Castle on a guided tour.

Up to Date Information

For up to date ticket prices and visiting hours visit the official website: https://www.schloss-colditz.de/en/guest-service/

Some words of advice and tips: 

• The castle today is not famous for something good or fantastic. Instead, it has a history of serving as a mental asylum or torturous prison stint. So, expect to hear heart-wrenching stories while you are here.
• Plan ahead and take a guided tour if possible. You can email the staff in advance to request a special tour at a very affordable charge if you are unable to make the official tour days or times.
• Getting here by automobile is the best option if you want to explore Colditz on your own. You can do it in a day from Berlin, Leipzig, or Dresden–you can rent automobiles from their airports or city centres with ease.
• If you don’t want to waste time looking for parking, coming on the train is the best option. 
• There is a wheelchair-accessible entrance at Colditz Castle so anyone can visit.
• However: be mindful of the castle’s history if you are touring Colditz with children, it might be too dark for some.

Quick Video Tour of The Main Colditz Castle Areas

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Return to Colditz: Castle reopens as monument to ‘civil’ Nazi prison

Augmented reality and interactive exhibits will give visitors new insight into the former pow camp, where the rules of war were respected even as inmates mounted scores of daring escape attempts.

I n postwar Britain, former inmates portrayed Colditz Castle as a place of excitement and derring-do, where plucky British officers defied their jailers with ingenuity and resilience.

One escapee, Pat Reid, wrote several books portraying the camp as a place in which there was “never a dull moment”. His account Escape from Colditz was adapted into a gung-ho 1955 film starring John Mills.

In reality, most Colditz prisoners were cold, hungry and extremely bored. But compared with the fate of those held in the concentration camps run by the SS, they were also comparatively safe.

The castle this week reopened after a six-month renovation with a new tour guide: an interactive tablet device offering augmented reality, 3D animations and the opportunity to build an imaginary escape

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The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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Fascination Lost Place: Experience Colditz Castle anew

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Escape from Colditz Castle Embark on an emotive journey through time with an interactive tablet!

Prisoner of war camp, insane asylum, hospital: Colditz Castle near Leipzig has a moving history. It was once a magnificent hunting lodge, later a symbol of the desire for freedom. The unrenovated state of many rooms gives it a unique lost-place feel. The castle walls harbor centuries of secrets. From April 17, 2024, they will be brought back to life with the »HistoPad« tablet guide.

Colditz Castle. We bring history to life.

Immerse yourself in the era of the Third Reich, when Colditz Castle served as the Oflag IV C prisoner of war camp. The Wehrmacht held many high-ranking Allied officers prisoner at the time. Despite creative escape attempts, only a few prisoners succeeded in making a homerun. Legendary escape attempts by POWs such as Pat Reid, the author of »The Colditz Story«, still exert a special fascination today. Join in: Test at an interactive experience station whether you would have succeeded in escaping with the famous Colditz glider and set off on a treasure hunt with your tablet.

Take a look at the once stately Renaissance chambers of Frederick the Wise and listen to eyewitness accounts that bring the chapter of Colditz as a hospital back to life. Discover the castle interactively and experience adventurous stories – goosebumps guaranteed!

On a treasure hunt with the HistoPad

From April 17, 2024, Colditz Castle can be experienced in a new way: with the HistoPad, an interactive tablet guide, the lost place comes to life and provides previously unseen insights.

A treasure hunt complements the innovative experience and invites families to explore as well: Whoever finds the seven hidden items that were essential for an escape secures a digital Colditz escape map as a reward. the Western Allies.

Important information at a glance:

• Eight immersive rooms provide unforgettable insights into the castle's history and explain extraordinary exhibits.
• Ten immersive escape stories document the sometimes legendary and creative escape attempts of the Allied officers. 
• Learn more about the development of the castle and the escape attempts of the officers thanks to augmented reality, 3D staging and high-resolution images.
• Take a historic selfie to remember your visit.
• Navigate your way through the halls and rooms using the interactive map.
• Available in 6 languages: German, English, French, Czech, Polish, Dutch.
• Also suitable for people with reduced mobility, visual impairments and hearing loss.

Are you a tour operator?

If you are planning a group trip to Schloesserland Sachsen and are interested in the new exhibition at Colditz Castle, simply subscribe to our newsletter. We will contact you as soon as we accept booking requests for groups. You will also receive further details about the new experience with the HistoPad, information about your visit and stay on site and guided tours.

Planning your visit  

What is the admission price for the exhibition.

Full rate: €10.00

Reduced rate: €8.00

Group rate for groups of 15 people or more: €8.00

Opening Hours

April 17 - November 3, 2024

• Tuesday – Sunday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm 

Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday from 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

• closed on Mondays, except on public holidays

Starting 2025: Early April – end of October

How much time should I plan for a visit?

Guests should plan about 1.5 – 2 h for the tour with HistoPad.

Is the exhibition suitable for children? If so, from what age?

No, not designed for children. Only suitable for children aged 10+.

Is there (free) parking for cars?

Yes, free car and coach parking is available on Fuerstenweg as well as above the castle at Tiergarten.

Accessibility

• Suitable for people with visual or hearing impairments.
• Unfortunately not suitable for wheelchairs due to the nature of the historical building.

Is there overnight accommodation and/or catering on site?

Tips for overnight stays:  

Colditz Youth Hostel  www.schloss-colditz.de/jugendherberge-colditz  Gasthaus „Schlosswächter“ www.gasthaus-colditz.de  Pension am Albertberg www.pension-albertberg.de 

Catering:  

Gasthaus „Schlosswächter“ inn ar caste entrance  www.gasthaus-colditz.de  Waldhaus Colditz Hotel & Gasthof www.waldhaus-colditz.de  Waldschlösschen www.maxi-waldschlösschen.de  

Exhibition content 

What can i experience at the exhibition.

From April 16, 2024, visitors can experience Colditz Castle like never before and go on an interactive discovery tour with the HistoPad. The interactive tablet guide takes visitors on a journey back in time to the Renaissance period and the Second World War, when Colditz Castle served as an important prisoner-of-war camp for high-ranking officers of the Western Allies.

In the new exhibition, for the first time in the history of Colditz Castle, visitors can also enter and discover the stately and institutional rooms. And for the first time, these fascinating lost places tell their exciting stories – expect goosebumps.

The history of Colditz Castle as a "state institution for the incurably mentally ill" (1829-1924) and as a hospital (1946-1996) is also told.

What is the HistoPad and what can I discover with it at Colditz Castle?

The HistoPad is an interactive tablet guide. Thanks to augmented reality, 3D animations and high-resolution images, the lost place of Colditz Castle and its history come to life. Guests embark on an immersive journey through time and learn more about exciting exhibits, room furnishings, the role of Colditz as a center of political power during the Renaissance and the escape attempts of officers during World War II. With the HistoPad, visitors can move freely through the castle, zoom in on high-resolution photos and discover fascinating details that are barely visible to the naked eye.

In which languages is the HistoPad available?

The HistoPad will be available in six languages: German, English, French, Czech, Polish, and Dutch.

Will there be a treasure hunt or similar, like at the other sites – Moritzburg Castle and Albrechtsburg Castle?

Just like at Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle or Moritzburg Castle, visitors to Colditz Castle will embark on an exciting treasure hunt to find hidden treasures and earn a digital Colditz escape map as a reward.

You will also have the opportunity to take a historical selfie with the HistoPad as a souvenir of your visit and have it emailed to you.

What is the admission price for groups for guided tours?

Admission price for groups of 15 people or more is €8.00.

With the "Extended Tour", the tour and exhibition cost €28.00 p.p. with a minimum group size of 12 people.

Are there group tours and if so, in which languages are they available?

We have the "Extended Tour" for groups. This is available in English. The tour takes around 2 hours with a tour guide to the OFLAG IV C memorial sites inside and outside the castle. Afterwards, the HistoPad can be used to take an individual tour of the museum.

Where and how can I reserve/book for my group?

Please register for our Colditz Castle digital mailing: www.schloss-colditz.de/en/b2b-mailing . We will contact you as soon as we accept booking requests for the new exhibition at Colditz Castle. If you have further questions, please contact [email protected].

Is there (free) parking for coaches?

How does the histopad work.

• Scan the time portals in the historic castle halls.
• The HistoPad will detect where you are and take you on a journey through time.
• Move freely through the rooms and watch the castle’s history come to life through augmented reality.
• The 3D reconstructions and models will teach you more about the exciting exhibits, murals and architecture.
• Zoom in on high-resolution photos and discover fascinating details that can hardly be seen with the naked eye.

Experience the Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle with the HistoPad Travel through time in Germany's oldest castle

You can also find HistoPad , the interactive tablet guide, at Meissen Albrechtsburg Castle! With augmented reality and 3D animations, embark on a discovery tour and experience Germany's oldest castle in a very special way.  

Explore Moritzburg Castle with the HistoPad Travel back in time with Augustus the Strong

At Moritzburg Castle, the fairy-tale castle from "Three Wishes for Cinderella," you'll meet Augustus the Strong. Find out more about what the king's private chambers looked like, what dresses the ladies wore at court or how a banquet was held.