Due to its favorable location at the intersection of trade routes and the river crossing, a merchant settlement was established in the 12th century below the castle complex, which was perched high on the rock. Over the years, crafts and trade developed and the town expanded as a result of commercial growth. With the stay of the Saxon court in Colditz around 1600, the castle and town increasingly took on contemporary features. The magnificent Renaissance-style facades have been preserved in today's town center and make the former stately splendor tangible.
Colditz Castle is often the focus of attention, but not so much as one of the largest Renaissance castles in Saxony, but rather because of its use as a prison camp for Allied officers during the Second World War. Although the camp, known as "Oflag IVc", was considered escape-proof, 31 of 300 escape attempts were successful, despite steep cliffs, barbed wire, numerous guard posts and searchlights.
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 equipped. This makes it one of the oldest and most famous parks in Germany at the time. Today, the mixed deciduous forest invites you to take long walks. Here you will also find the solar-heated forest pool.
The idyllic Podelwitz moated castle is a popular rest stop for hikers, cyclists and water hikers. An exhibition of cultural assets from the last 200 years is shown in the local folk art rooms. Other museums are located in Zschadraß, at the castle and in Schönbach.
Before your visit, take a look at the town of Colditz and its sights, with the digital city tour.
Colditz Castle is often the focus of attention, but not so much as one of the largest Renaissance castles in Saxony, but rather because of its use as a prison camp for Allied officers during the Second World War. Although the camp, known as "Oflag IVc", was considered escape-proof, 31 of 300 escape attempts were successful, despite steep cliffs, barbed wire, numerous guard posts and searchlights.
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 equipped. This makes it one of the oldest and most famous parks in Germany at the time. Today, the mixed deciduous forest invites you to take long walks. Here you will also find the solar-heated forest pool.
The idyllic Podelwitz moated castle is a popular rest stop for hikers, cyclists and water hikers. An exhibition of cultural assets from the last 200 years is shown in the local folk art rooms. Other museums are located in Zschadraß, at the castle and in Schönbach.
Before your visit, take a look at the town of Colditz and its sights, with the digital city tour.
Good to know
Arrival & Parking
By car: Follow the A14 and B107 to Nicolaistraße in Colditz.
By public transport: Via Grimma train station with bus line 619 to Colditz, Sportplatz. Alternatively via Bad Lausick with bus line 613 to Colditz, Sportplatz.
By public transport: Via Grimma train station with bus line 619 to Colditz, Sportplatz. Alternatively via Bad Lausick with bus line 613 to Colditz, Sportplatz.
author
Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH
Augustusplatz 9
04109 Leipzig
Organization
Leipzig Tourism and Marketing GmbH
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