Plizio Visual Lab
Colditz Castle
Colditz Castle, situated on a rocky ridge above the Zwickauer Mulde river in Saxony, looks back on over a thousand years of history. Originally an 11th-century fortress, the complex was converted into a magnificent Renaissance palace for the Saxon electors in the 16th century. However, the castle achieved worldwide fame during World War II as Oflag IV-C, an officer prisoner-of-war camp. Allied officers who had already escaped from other camps were interned here because Colditz was considered escape-proof. Despite strict guarding, prisoners undertook spectacular escape attempts, such as the construction of the 'Colditz Cock', a glider built in the castle's attic. After 1945, the building served various purposes, including as a hospital and psychiatric clinic, before being extensively renovated. Today, the castle houses a museum, a youth hostel, and the Saxony State Music Academy, with exhibitions particularly highlighting the dramatic prisoner-of-war history.
- Location: Saxony, Germany
- Top sights: St. Egidien-Kirche · Hexenhaus · Tischlereimuseum
- Nearby: Rochlitz (9 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -1 | 0 | 3 | 9 | 13 | 17 | 19 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain mm | 62 | 42 | 48 | 38 | 64 | 70 | 85 | 76 | 59 | 53 | 59 | 59 |
📋 Practical info
History & landmarks
ww2
1940–1945
Geography
Facts
- The castle was used during World War II as the high-security Oflag IV-C camp.
- British prisoners secretly built the 'Colditz Cock' glider to attempt an escape.
- Elector Augustus of Saxony had the fortress rebuilt in Renaissance style starting in 1577.
- Over 300 escape attempts were made during its use as a prisoner-of-war camp.
- 31 prisoners managed a so-called 'Home Run' escape from the castle.
- The castle currently houses the Saxony State Music Academy.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Colditz Castle (10)
Landesmusikakademie Sachsen
The Saxony State Music Academy in Colditz has courses and concerts for musicians.
Zweites Torhaus
The Second Gatehouse in Colditz is a historic building at the entrance to the castle complex.
Expeditionsgebäute (ehemalige Schösserei)
The Expedition Building in Colditz, formerly the mint, is now used for events.
Baderbergbrücke
Baderbergbrücke is a single-arch bridge over the former mill race in Colditz.
Oflag IV-C🏛 museum
Oflag IV-C was a German prisoner-of-war camp for officers during World War II in Colditz.
Fluchtmuseum🏛 museum
The Escape Museum in Colditz documents the spectacular escapes from Oflag IV-C.
Waldbad Colditz
Waldbad Colditz is an outdoor forest pool with sunbathing lawns and swimming areas.
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is the castle world-famous?
Can you stay overnight in the castle?
Are there tours about the escape attempts?
How long does a castle tour take?
How to get from Leipzig to Colditz?
Colditz Castle: where is it located?
Colditz Castle: what is there to see?
Colditz Castle: when is the best time to visit?
Colditz Castle: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
