Colditz
Due to its favorable location on intersecting trade routes and the river crossing, a merchant settlement was established in the 12th century below the castle, which was enthroned high on the rock. Over the years, trade and commerce developed and the town expanded as a result of commercial growth. With the stay of the Electoral Saxon court in Colditz around 1600, the castle and town became increasingly contemporary. The magnificent Renaissance-style facades have been preserved in today's town center and make the former stately splendor palpable.
Colditz Castle is often the focus of interest, but less as one of the largest Renaissance castles in Saxony than because of its use as a prison camp for Allied officers during the Second World War. Although the camp was considered escape-proof under the name "Oflag IVc", 31 escapes out of 300 attempts were successful despite the steep cliffs, barbed wire, numerous guards and floodlights.
Directly behind the castle is the zoo, which was created in the 16th century as a game reserve and was expanded over the course of around 100 years to become a hunting ground and place of entertainment and was artistically decorated. This makes it one of the oldest and, at the time, one of the most famous enclosures in Germany. Today, the mixed deciduous forest invites you to take long walks. Here you will also find the solar-heated forest pool.
The idyllic moated castle of Podelwitz is a popular resting place for hikers, cyclists and water hikers.
An exhibition of cultural artefacts from the last 200 years is on display in the Heimatstuben für Volkskunst. Other museums can be found in Zschadraß, at the castle and in Schönbach.
Be sure to take a look at Colditz and its sights before your visit with the digital city tour.
Colditz Castle is often the focus of interest, but less as one of the largest Renaissance castles in Saxony than because of its use as a prison camp for Allied officers during the Second World War. Although the camp was considered escape-proof under the name "Oflag IVc", 31 escapes out of 300 attempts were successful despite the steep cliffs, barbed wire, numerous guards and floodlights.
Directly behind the castle is the zoo, which was created in the 16th century as a game reserve and was expanded over the course of around 100 years to become a hunting ground and place of entertainment and was artistically decorated. This makes it one of the oldest and, at the time, one of the most famous enclosures in Germany. Today, the mixed deciduous forest invites you to take long walks. Here you will also find the solar-heated forest pool.
The idyllic moated castle of Podelwitz is a popular resting place for hikers, cyclists and water hikers.
An exhibition of cultural artefacts from the last 200 years is on display in the Heimatstuben für Volkskunst. Other museums can be found in Zschadraß, at the castle and in Schönbach.
Be sure to take a look at Colditz and its sights before your visit with the digital city tour.
Good to know
Directions & Parking facilities
By car: Follow the A14 and B107 to Nicolaistraße in Colditz.
By public transport: From Grimma train station, take bus no. 619 to Colditz, Sportplatz. Alternatively via Bad Lausick with bus line 613 to Colditz, Sportplatz.
By public transport: From Grimma train station, take bus no. 619 to Colditz, Sportplatz. Alternatively via Bad Lausick with bus line 613 to Colditz, Sportplatz.
Organization
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH
License (master data)
Leipzig Tourismus und Marketing GmbH
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