"Colditz Castle" Colditz by alancollins

Colditz Travel Guide: 10 reviews and 44 photos

Colditz Castle has had a long history starting in 1046 and a number of castles have stood on the site. It has also served as a prison, hospital, workhouse and mental institution. To most Germans the name of Colditz Castle is meaningless but to other counties it was known for holding allied officer prisoners of war during WW2, designated Oflag IV-C. The Germans made the mistake of using Colditz Castle to hold prisoners who had made previous escapes attempts and a castle is designed to keep people out not keep them in. A number of books have been written as well as films and television series. Despite all the security over 300 prisoners made escape attempts and 31 were successful.

The new youth hostel

The castle is set around 2 courtyards, the outer building and courtyard which is closer to the town, was used by the German guards and was known as the 'Kommandantur,' More recently the outer building was altered into a 150+ youth hostel that has provoked some controversy as origin features from its WW2 history have been lost. When the castle was in Soviet hands it was almost demolished, though this did not happen the castle was allowed to decay over the next 45 years.

Pathway to the second courtyard

The second courtyard and buildings were for the prisoners and is reached via a number of gates.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Stunning castle
Cons:Building work in progress hiding parts of the castle
In a nutshell:Made famous by books and films worldwide

Last visit to Colditz: Jun 2007
Intro Written Jul 29, 2007
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Reviews (5)

Colditz Castle Things to Do (5)

One of the main problems for the prisoners was boredom. Unlike the other ranks, officers did not have to work. Though... more travel advice

Colditz Castle Things to Do (5)

One of the most audacious escape plans was the construction of a glider. 2 men would have sat side by side in the glider... more travel advice

Colditz Castle Things to Do (5)

One escape attempt at Colditz was by 9 French officers as a long term project. It was discovered that the clock tower... more travel advice

Colditz Castle Things to Do (5)

Hidden in the roof space at Colditz Castle the prisoners had a secret radio from which they listened to what was... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (8)

MD2nd Aug 23, 2010 at 1:30 PM Report Abuse

Interesting Colditz Castle tip about that hidden secret radio, which prisoners listened to what was happening in the outside world.
BruceDunning Jul 2, 2010 at 3:28 PM Report Abuse

We have plans to visit the area around Dresden next spring and may try to get here. Your comments and pictures helped with insight.
Nemorino Feb 23, 2010 at 2:21 AM Report Abuse

Interesting tips on a place that I had never heard of before. This would be a worthwhile place for a stopover on the way from Leipzig to Dresden.
magor65 Sep 14, 2008 at 3:29 AM Report Abuse

Would the glider have flown? We'll never find out. But what a daring plan it was! Thanks for this excellent page.
angiebabe Jun 21, 2008 at 4:42 AM Report Abuse

Excellent to read your page here - loved the TV drama series as a young girl (all those dashing men in uniform!?) been wanting to visit here since arriving in Europe - will eventually!
christine.j Aug 11, 2007 at 8:07 AM Report Abuse

Very interesting to read about the attempts to escape, a bit like Check Point Charlie museum in Berlin.
evaanna Aug 5, 2007 at 5:03 AM Report Abuse

It's interesting to see and read about this famous place in your pictures and tips. Liked the pictures of the town too.
mafootje Jul 29, 2007 at 11:05 AM Report Abuse

Nice piece about the Colditz Castle, like the picture too.