COLDITZ CASTLE
£2100.00
28/08/2025 – 06/09/2025
France, Belgium, Germany
Hartha, Grimma, River Elbe
10 Days starting Calais – If, like me, in the early 70s, you were ‘allowed’ to stay up late to watch the exploits of the castle’s POW’s on TV, then visiting this place is going to be exciting! Also now you’re a ‘grown up’ you won’t get in trouble for staying up late …
COLDITZ CASTLE
This Ride Out takes us from the charming landscapes of France and Belgium into the heart of Germany, where Colditz Castle awaits our exploration. Situated in the quaint town of Colditz, this Renaissance gem stands proudly amidst the cultural hubs of Leipzig, Dresden, and Chemnitz in the state of Saxony.
Perched majestically between the towns of Hartha and Grimma, Colditz Castle commands a striking position on a hill spur overlooking the winding river Zwickauer Mulde, a tributary of the mighty River Elbe. Its location alone is enough to capture the imagination.
But Colditz Castle isn’t just a pretty face with a view, it was once the first wildlife park in Germany. However, it is probably better known for being a World War II POW camp, (Oflag IV-C) for “incorrigible” Allied officers – you know, the ones who just couldn’t resist a good escape attempt.
Among the notable prisoners were some real characters. We’re talking about British fighter ace Douglas Bader, whose exploits were the stuff of legend; Pat Reid, the man who brought Colditz into the public eye with his gripping post-war books; and Airey Neave, the first British officer to stage a daring breakout from Colditz and later a prominent Member of Parliament.
